Hillary Clinton For Supreme Court? People Are Talking

by Glynnis MacNicol | 7:56 am, April 12th, 2010

» 9 comments

Her name has definitely been coming up. I’m not sure how likely it is that President Obama would tap current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to fill the Supreme Court spot being vacated by Justice Stevens when he retires, or whether Clinton would be at all interested in taking it — she has said that after her current role ends she plans to retire. But, wow, it would be a fascinating pick, and one I imagine would have a much easier time getting Senate confirmation than…well, just about anyone else. Also, not that there’s really much likelihood of this, but should Clinton be harboring even the smallest ambition to run again in 2012 an appointment like this would take care of that, also. Moreover, it seems she’s a name on a couple of people’s list.

Says Ezra Klein:

I’m also of the opinion — though lots of others on Twitter aren’t — that the Senate is likely to be friendlier when confirming one of its own. But the real question, of course, is who? I’ve always been partial to the idea of seeing Hillary Clinton appointed to the Supreme Court. She’s got a law degree, of course. She’s practiced law, practiced politics and practiced statecraft. She’s been present in both the executive and the legislative branch. She’s done an enormous amount of retail politics, which I think is useful. She’s smart and hardworking and has proven herself adaptable to a wide range of institutions. The counterargument I got on Twitter is that she’s controversial, but I’m not sure I really believe that anymore. She’s well-known, and many Republicans in the Senate like her personally.

And now this from Joe Scarborough on why Clinton should be considered for the Court:

“I think Hillary proved herself to be pretty darned mainstream when she was running against Barack Obama – they kept painting her as being TOO conservative.”

I’m not sure a Supreme Court confirmation hearing can ever be considered must-see TV, but a Clinton nomination might make it so.

Exra Klein, Ezra Klein, Hillary Clinton, joe scarborough, Justice Stevens, SCOTUS

Averreauxii

She’s 10 yrs too old plus I don’t think she would be interested for a USSC stint. She would be a FINE candidate though. I personally think she should switch with Joe Biden for the next elections. Biden becomes secretary of state and it becomes a Obama/Clinton ticket. That would be interesting!

I would prefer Jennifer Granholm for the USSC.
Toshiba2

Yeah she’s too old, but would be a great pick!
dhg

Some Dems would love to put her in a position of being tied to the court for LIFE,can’t run for President if you’re on SCOTUS.

Which is why she;d probably never accept the nomination.
MarkStr82Hell

I am going to assume Avereauxii and Toshiba2 are 15 years old or just idiots. Too old at 62 to be on the Supreme Court? I will say it’s one way to assure her from running in 2012
Rachel Sklar

This was big buzz shortly before she dropped out of the primary – how Obama could reward (and neutralize!) his rival, first raised I believe by FOM (Friend of Mediaite) Jim Miller: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/20/AR2008052001571.html

Hillary for SCOTUS would be great TV (and Glyn I am one of those who considers SCOTUS noms must-see TV!) but…it’s a lifelong appointment. I can’t see her switching gears like that. I don’t think she’s temperamentally suited. Adrenalin is awful hard to give up…
Colby Hall

Funny – I think that Hillary would love to NOT have to travel around the world, and that staying put int he cozy confines inside the beltway may appeal to her. Or, thats the sense I got from reading Game Change I actually think that, all things being equal, hers would a relatively smoother appointment process than most nominees (how crazy is that?)
Eric

Hillary is going to be the next president after Obama serves his two terms. The Democrats would never give up an ace card like that. The Republicans don’t have anyone in the same league as Hillary.

Palin 2012
MerryMarjie

Hillary Clinton is a great choice for SCOTUS, but then, she’s also an outstanding Secretary of State, and she is my choice for President. She is an amazing woman with intelligence, knowledge and grace, and is a wonderful example for women worldwide. To think that she was so horribly vilified during the Clinton administration is outrageous. Hillary can do anything.
ex politicalmedia hack

To think that she was so horribly vilified during the Presidential primaries by the Obamas was disgusting…