ANOTHER BLESSING FOR "THE ONE" - AT 7:15 A.M. ET:  President is, reportedly, about to have his first Supreme Court pick.  From The New York Times:

WASHINGTON — Justice David H. Souter plans to retire at the end of the term in June, giving President Obama his first appointment to the Supreme Court, four people informed about the decision said Thursday night.

COMMENT:  Let the fun begin.  Souter was appointed by George H.W. Bush, and was thought to be a reliable moderate conservative.  Once he picked up the robes at the tailor, though, he headed left, and stayed there. 

So, Obama will be replacing one liberal with, presumably, another liberal.  But don't be deceived by stories that say that the switch "won't change the balance."  The Supreme Court is an incubator of ideas.  Its opinions not only have legal standing, they have intellectual influence.  If Obama goes with a practical, respected, liberal judge who understands the purpose of courts and will judge responsibly - that's the best we can hope for.  But if he appoints an academic theoretician, we could be in for a ride bumpier than the one provided by David Souter. 

Politically, Obama would best be served by a Hispanic woman.  Women are clamoring for a second female on the Court, and there has never been a Hispanic appointee.  Obama owes much to the Hispanic community, which voted heavily for him, and is growing into a major Democratic constituency.

May 1, 2009