Freedom Line Blog

Below is one of the latest cartoons from two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Ramirez.

View more of Michael Ramirez’s cartoons on CFIF’s website here.

In an interview with CFIF, Carrie Severino, Chief Counsel and Policy Director of the Judicial Crisis Network, discusses what may happen next with respect to Judge Neil Gorsuch’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court and the predictable political posturing of Senate Democrats.

Listen to the interview here.

Below is one of the latest cartoons from two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Ramirez.

View more of Michael Ramirez’s cartoons on CFIF’s website here.

Today’s Senate vote to confirm Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court was unsurprising because a majority of senators had already committed their “Yea” votes.  Curious, though, was the support of Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH).  You may remember that Gregg was the man who turned down President Barack Obama’s offer to be Commerce Secretary, and then set about hammering the Obama Administration’s fiscal profligacy.

He also opted not to seek reelection after his term ends next January.  Here’s Gregg’s statement on why he voted for Kagan:

Senator Gregg stated, “The Senate’s duty to provide advice and consent on Presidential nominations to the Supreme Court is one of its most significant constitutional responsibilities.  Separate and distinct from its legislative function, the confirmation process requires the Senate to put aside politics and conduct a frank and evenhanded review of the nominee’s record, qualifications and demonstrated ability to apply the law in a fair and impartial manner.

“I have met personally with Solicitor General Elena Kagan, reviewed her record, and followed her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.  During this process, Ms. Kagan has pledged that she will exercise judicial restraint and decide each case that comes before her based on the law, with objectivity and without regard to her personal views.  She also has served the American people under two different administrations and has a strong legal academic background.   She is qualified to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Ms. Kagan and I may have different political philosophies, but I believe that the confirmation process should be based on qualifications, not ideological litmus tests or political affiliation.  I will vote for her confirmation.”

Please.  Kagan served in two Democrat administrations and published three articles in nearly two decades as an “academic.” The only qualifications Kagan has to be an Associate Justice is a Harvard law degree and an uncanny ability to land jobs for which she has no preparation.

In an interview with CFIF, Ed Whelan, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, discusses what makes for a truly great Supreme Court Justice and the nomination and confirmation process as it relates Elena Kagan.

Listen to the interview here.