Obama Outlines Qualities of His Next Supreme Court Justice Nomination

President Barack Obama revealed the qualities he is looking for in the Supreme Court justice by posting about it on the SCOTUSblog website. 

The next justice will "have an independent mind, rigorous intellect, impeccable credentials, and a record of excellence and integrity," Obama wrote. The person must be "eminently qualified" for the position, but "would not sit on the court with the purpose of trying to change the law," he continued. 

The vacancy, which opened on Feb. 13 when Justice Antonin Scalia died unexpectedly at the age of 79, has been a contentious topic. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would block a hearing on Capitol Hill should Obama decide to nominate someone during this presidential election. 

Democrats, on the other hand, said the Constitution gives the president the right to nominate someone at any moment because of a vacancy.

Contact Us