Presidential Elections and the Supreme Court

Just think if Al Gore had one in 2000 or John Kerry in 2004 -- think Alito and Roberts -- might not be on the Supreme Court. It was an issue raised in 2004, but got lost in the war hysteria.

The same questions will be at issue in 2008 -- with at least John Paul Stevens at 87 nearing that point of retirement. David Souter might also be on the verge of retiring, as is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. That is three of the 4 reliably moderate/liberal justices. For a run down of the possibilities check out this column by Tom Goldstein at Scotusblog. It's always important to remember that Supreme Court Justices are part of the equation. And only 2 have been appointed by a Democratic President in the last 40 years! Yes, the last Democratic President to appoint Supreme Court Justices prior to Bill Clinton was LBJ!!!

Thanks to Melissa Rogers for the heads up!