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Obama Video Clips > 2009-05-01 - Pres Obama on Souter Retirement
The President made an appearance at today's press briefing to discuss Justice
David Souter's retirement:
THE PRESIDENT: I just got off the telephone with Justice Souter. And so I
would like to say a few words about his decision to retire from the Supreme
Court.
Throughout his two decades on the Supreme Court, Justice Souter has shown what
it means to be a fair-minded and independent judge. He came to the bench with
no particular ideology. He never sought to promote a political agenda. And he
consistently defied labels and rejected absolutes, focusing instead on just one
task -- reaching a just result in the case that was before him.
He approached judging as he approaches life, with a feverish work ethic and a
good sense of humor, with integrity, equanimity and compassion -- the hallmark
of not just being a good judge, but of being a good person.
I am incredibly grateful for his dedicated service. I told him as much when we
spoke. I spoke on behalf of the American people thanking him for his service.
And I wish him safe travels on his journey home to his beloved New Hampshire and
on the road ahead.
Now, the process of selecting someone to replace Justice Souter is among my most
serious responsibilities as President. So I will seek somebody with a sharp and
independent mind and a record of excellence and integrity.
I will seek someone who understands that justice isn't
about some abstract legal theory or footnote in a case book. It is also about
how our laws affect the daily realities of people's lives -- whether they can
make a living and care for their families; whether they feel safe in their homes
and welcome in their own nation.
I view that quality of empathy, of understanding and identifying with
people's hopes and struggles as an essential ingredient for arriving as just
decisions and outcomes. I will seek somebody who is dedicated to the rule of
law, who honors our constitutional traditions, who respects the integrity of the
judicial process and the appropriate limits of the judicial role.
I will seek somebody who shares my respect for constitutional values on which
this nation was founded, and who brings a thoughtful understanding of how to
apply them in our time.
As I make this decision, I intend to consult with members of both parties across
the political spectrum. And it is my hope that we can swear in our new Supreme
Court Justice in time for him or her to be seated by the first Monday in October
when the Court's new term begins.