Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

How Obama Can Ensure Victory for His Justice

Vet Souter's successor like heck, and talk to all the right people

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 4, 2009 1:04 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – If Barack Obama wants to avoid a drawn out battle over his Supreme Court nominee, Mark Halperin has some advice:

  • Vet the nominee exhaustively, and if anything comes up, make sure it comes out early and favorably.
  • Be ready to play up “whatever Horatio Alger elements” of the nominee’s life story you can find.
  • Line up Republicans willing to say nice things about him/her.

  • Consult with Pat Leahy “again and again and again, until your mouth, brain, and ears hurt.”
  • Set up a rapid-response center to field questions and attacks.
  • Bring the “liberal echo chamber” onboard, allowing interest groups and talking heads to combat the Sean Hannitys of the world.
  • Most of all, Obama should trust his instincts. “He’s good with history, personality, and legacy,” Halperin writes.
Click the link below for more.

President Barack Obama smiles as he makes a surprise appearance during the daily press briefing to speak about the upcoming retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter, May 1, 2009.
President Barack Obama smiles as he makes a surprise appearance during the daily press briefing to speak about the upcoming retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter, May 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama makes a surprise appearance during the daily press briefing to speak about the upcoming retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter at the White House, May 1, 2009.
President Barack Obama makes a surprise appearance during the daily press briefing to speak about the upcoming retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter at the White House, May 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
In this April 7, 2005 file photo, David Souter talks with friends in Concord, NH, while he visited his native New Hampshire on break from the court.
In this April 7, 2005 file photo, David Souter talks with friends in Concord, NH, while he visited his native New Hampshire on break from the court.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
AnnieChrist
May 4, 2009 6:58 AM CDT
If halperin's ego is so oversized that he thinks someone as politically savvy as Obama needs his advice, he could at least strive for some originality or insight. "vet the candidate," "say nice things about the candidate," "expect sean hannity to say bad things." I halfway expected halperin to add "buy low, sell high" to these pearls of wisdom, but I guess he had met his 500 word quota for the week and saw no need to go on. What a waste of ink and trees!

Leahy to Obama: Don't pick a judge
New York Daily News

Confirmation hearings will reflect reversal
New York Times

 
Barack Obama • public relations • US Supreme Court • Mark Halperin • vetting • David Souter

More Newser Stories

How the Justice Confirmation Game is Played

Top Court Candidates Differ Widely on Exec Power

'Baseball Savior' Sotomayor on Justice Shortlist

Supreme Wish List: Pragmatist, Easy to Confirm, 'Home Run'

Oh, No! A Single Woman May Replace Souter
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne