All presidents yearn for a Supreme Court legacy, and many tell fibs about the nominees they choose. Of course the Supreme Court nomination and confirmation process is political; how could it be otherwise? Making an existing Supreme Court vacancy a highly visible part of an electoral strategy stamps the court as an electoral prize, pure and simple. Going into last November’s election, Republican voters were taking a dim view of the Supreme Court. Would a Supreme Court decision to uphold the president come across to the public as reasoned judgment, or a rubber stamp?

Source: New York Times April 13, 2017 07:18 UTC