Sorry for the short diary, I'll update soon.
He's looking for someone who respects Constitutional values and will meet with both parties (of course) and wants to be able to swear in the new Justice by October. And he's gone. LOL. That was quick.
Justice Souter has officially called the President and told him he's leaving the bench, which gave them the green light to discuss what President Obama is looking for in a nominee. President Obama laid out what he's looking for, someone who understands and respects Constitutional Values as well as someone who understands and respects how his or her decisions will affect Americans all over.
He spoke for about three minutes, and didn't take any questions, so Gibbs took over again. For some reason the press thought Gibbs would have more to say even though he was getting the news at the same time they were. SMH.
Here's Souter's Letter to the Pres:
May 1, 2009
Dear Mr. President:
When the Supreme Court rises for the summer recess this year, I intend to retire from active service as a Justice, under provisions of 28 US.C section 371 (b) (1), having attained the age and met the service requirements of subsection (c) of that section. I mean to continue to render substantial judicial service as an Associate Justice.
Yours respectfully
s/ David Souter
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
h/t Vita Brevis
UPDATE Here's another video if you want to see the whole interruption:
h/t Kitty
UPDATE here's a rough transcript of what he said from the Huffington Post:
As for the type of person he would appoint, Obama offered the following details (rush transcript):
"I will seek someone who understands that justice isn't about some abstract legal theory or a footnote in a casebook. It is also about how our laws affect ... peoples' lives, whether they can make a living and care for their families, whether they feel safe in their homes and welcomed in their own nation. I view that quality of empathy, of understanding and identifying with peoples' hopes and struggles, as an essential ingredient for arriving at 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 the constitutional values on which this nation was founded and who brings a thoughtful understanding of how to apply them in our time."
Here's another video:
Here's a slideshow (it's not long since it was only a three minute appearance) for the video impaired:
UPDATE The full transcript from the White House's Facebook Page (I just became a fan today, I didn't even know it existed. LOL) Emphasis is mine.
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.