David Souter retiring

[Bob]

David Souter: 'A Classic Yankee Republican' - ABC News
David Souter: 'A Classic Yankee Republican'
An Independent Thinker On and Off the Court

Souter's Legacy

Though a Republican, Souter deviated from other conservatives on many issues. His opinions on controversial topics like abortion and school prayer angered Republicans, many of whom think his nomination was one of the biggest presidential blunders in modern history.

But some who knew him say he did not come in with an agenda and did not care to push decisions in a particular direction. Instead, he came in with an open mind and looked to past cases and the existing law to come to his decision.

"I think he's not necessarily that far from the first President Bush. He's pretty far from the second President Bush," Roosevelt said. "He's a Republican from 30 years ago, and the Republican party now has moved considerably to the right. He doesn't look like a modern Republican, he's not a modern person in a lot of ways."

 

[Bob]

not a modern republican

 

[30ashopper]

not a modern republican

e.g. a liberal.

 

[LuciferSam]

e.g. a liberal.

Indeed, a classic liberal.

 

[Danny Burns]

Souter is a moderate republican. There are so few in congress today we just don't know how to recognize them.

 

[hnooe]

I hope he picks someone on the left to balance out Scalia...then I hope both Thomas and Scalia retire in the next 8 years also..I can dream can't I?
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[30ashopper]

I hope he picks someone on the left to balance out Scalia...then I hope both Thomas and Scalia retire in the next 8 years also..I can dream can't I?
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Hnooe, wouldn't you prefer justices who feel government should be agnostic rather than selective? If so, you're dreaming of the wrong outcome.

 

[Lynnie]

This is going to get interesting to say the least. Isn't Souter considered more left than what was expected at his appointment?

 

[Bob]

e.g. a liberal.

fiscally conservative, socially liberal....new england republican

 

[30ashopper]

fiscally conservative, socially liberal....new england republican

He's voted in line with his political leanings which shifted over the years. But really who cares - the point is he's an activist. Regardless which way he leans when he votes, he damages the Constitution and the Court in doing so.

I understand you're in law Bob, maybe you could enlighten us as to which type of justice you prefer and why?