OBAMA SUPREME COURT STRATEGY – AT 11:01 A.M. ET:   The Politico reports that the White House is choosing a pragmatic, rather than an ideological, approach to selecting a nominee to replace Justice Stevens: 

THE BIG IDEA – “Obama doesn't want SCOTUS fight,” Glenn Thrush: “Liberal leaders see the resignation of Justice John Paul Stevens as a once-in-a-term opportunity for Obama to nominate an unabashed liberal to balance an increasingly conservative high court – while energizing the demoralized Democratic base just in time for the midterms. But few if any of the eight to 10 potential nominees being mulled by the White House are progressive firebrands, and White House officials aren’t keen to pick a major new fight after the year-long health care battle, according to people close to the process. ‘The bottom line,’ said an administration official, ‘is that we want to walk in there with someone who is confirmable.’ Obama exuded moderation during his brief announcement in the Rose Garden Friday, avoiding the empathy criterion he famously espoused prior to picking Justice Sonia Sotomayor. …

COMMENT:  As noted here yesterday, the Stevens departure leaves the Court with zero Protestants.  In an age when diversity is touted, that has to enter into the president's calculations.  At the same time, there is pressure to appoint another woman, in anticipation of Justice Ginsberg's possible resignation this year or next.  So a Protestant, female moderate liberal might be the ideal choice.

April 10, 2010