Will it be Helena Kagan? by Barbora Misakova

The question who will replace 90-year-old John Paul Stevens at the end of the Supreme Court’s 2009-2010 term has been occupying many political minds for few months. President Barack Obama has picked for the court two women – first Hispanic Justice Sonia Sotomayor was picked last year. On Monday Obama nominated another one – Elena Kagan. Kagan is now the Solicitor General of the United States and she is the first woman holding this office. If she is confirmed by the Senate, she will be the first non-judge to reach the summit of US Justice in four decades. Obama expressed his positive outlook on Kagan when he said she “embodies excellence, independence! , integrity and passion for the law.” But Republicans don’t share the same opinion and they are pointing at her lack of judicial pedigree. As they warned she may misinterpret laws for political reasons. Ron Klain, Joe Biden’s chief of staff holds with Obama and he described Kagan as “pragmatic and progressive”. But Republicans, especially Republican Senator John Cornyn are not giving it up. As he said: “She is surprising choice from a president who has emphasized the importance of understanding ‘how the world works and how ordinary people live’”. By these words he just tried to point at her lack of judicial experience (as all Republicans do), which is a necessary credential for a Supreme Court Justice. Another Republican – Jon Kyl warned it wouldn’t be so easy for Kagan to get confirmation ride as Supreme Court Justice because “a temporary political appointment is far different than a lifetime appointme! nt to the Supreme Court.” Well, well, decision-making wo! n’ t be easy!

related story (sgx17252): http://www.france24.com/en/20100510-solicitor-general-kagan-...

by Barbora Misakova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

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