Clinton Advises Obama On SCOTUS Pick: Late 40s Non-Jurist With Progressive Stripes

[NJmaverick]

Former President Bill Clinton has some advice for President Obama on the Supreme Court -- find someone young who fills a void on the high court in experience or demographics. Oh and by the way, he says he and Hillary Clinton don't want the job.

It's a lesson Obama can learn from Clinton, who named Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the court when she was 60. Clinton told ABC's Jake Tapper yesterday that it would not be "a good idea" for him to follow in William Howard Taft's footsteps and take a seat on the court because he's too old.

"I'm already 63-years-old, I hope I live to be 90," Clinton said on "This Week."

"But it's not predictable. I'd like to see him put someone in there, late 40s, early 50s, on the court and someone with a lot of energy for the job." Clinton said his wife would be "great" at the court but said she'd advise Obama "to appoint someone 10, 15 years younger.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/04/clinton-advises-obama-on-scotus-pick-late-40s-non-jurist-with-progressive-stripes-video.php?ref=fpa

[Captain Hilts]

1. He said that he and Hillary are too old, and he's right. The R's are going younger so should we. nt

[monmouth]

2. I like the Liu fellow, skip the prelims and put him on SCOTUS...n/t

[Jennicut]

3. He is only 39. He may be too young.

Do people really get nominated at that age? On the other hand, he would be really good as a justice.

[disndat]

6. a stellar resume..nt.

[Thrill]

4. Hopefully Obama doesn't go with Kagan

.

[disndat]

5. Maybe Clinton may have been thinking

of Goodwin Liu who fits Clinton's description perfectly. After watching the Goodwin Liu Senate hearing on C-span last week, the Dems must have the perfect candidate - according to Clinton's description, young, progressive, non-jurist, and energetic. Obama had the heavy hitters, Senators Leahy, Feinstein, a Klobuchar, and Specter in Senate hearing line-up.

[Captain Hilts]

8. I was thinking the same thing. nt

[jefferson_dem]

7. Sitting atop my personal "short list" is...

Deval Patrick.

[FrenchieCat]

9. Good advice!

[ProgressOnTheMove]

10. Yep, let's have as much longevity on the court as is resonably possibly works for me. Great advice.

[Arkana]

11. When are we going to see a name?

It feels like forever since Stevens announced his retirement.

[NJmaverick]

12. I am hopeful that the delay is the result of a thorough vetting process

making sure the right has nothing to use against them or at least the Administration will be prepared to counter the attacks.