Political Experience: What Matters, and Why?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Kevin

My problem with Obama has nothing to do with the man and everything to do with his politics. I do, for what it's worth, think he's far and away the more genuine of the two candidates in that he probably believes what his writers are putting in his speeches. The new McCain is far and away, IMHO, more of the "empty-suit" between the two candidates.

I see (and respect) your point, but I can't agree with it. If judgment and character matter to me, I'm not voting for an "empty suit," which to me indicates choosing political expediency over character and the courage of one's convictions.

The empty suit doesn't scare me as much as the liberal wing of the court having a solid majority though.

Originally Posted by KSigkid

Not to get too off topic, but I think it is more likely that Stevens, Ginsburg and Souter leave than Scalia (especially if Obama wins the election - I've read that Ginsburg would leave during the next Democratic term, and that Souter is eyeing retirement). The wild card would be Kennedy, but I could see him as being someone who would stay on the Court until they had to wheel him out.

I think you're right. I don't see Roberts, Thomas or Alito -- all age 60 or younger -- going anywhere anytime soon. Meanwhile, Stevens is 88 and Ginsburg, whose health has not been good, is 75. Scalia and Kennedy are both 72, but provided his health holds out (and I know of nothing at this point to suggest it won't), I don't see Scalia retiring anytime soon, and probably not Kennedy either. Breyer (70) I don't know.

I think it's likely to be at least 2 or 3 more presidential terms before there is any real chance of the balance of the court shifting.