 "Supreme Court nominee would be indisputably qualified: Barack Obama")
US President Barack Obama has pledged to pick an indisputably qualified nominee for the Supreme Court as he lashed out at Republicans who threatened to block him from filling the key vacancy for which three Indian-Americans could be the possible candidates.
"I'm going to present somebody who indisputably is qualified for the seat and any fair-minded person -- even somebody who disagreed with my politics -- would say would serve with honour and integrity on the court," Obama said at Sunnylands in California after hosting leaders of the 10 South East Asian nations at the US-ASEAN Summit.
The President staked out a tough position after Republicans warned he would not get a vote on his eventual nominee to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
Obama took a swipe at Republicans by saying he was amused to hear some in the party describe themselves as "strict interpreters" of the Constitution but dispute the idea that he has the right to get a hearing for a Supreme Court nominee.
"The Constitution is pretty clear about what is supposed to happen now. When there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court, the President of the US is to nominate someone. The Senate is to consider that nomination, and either they disapprove of that nominee or that nominee is elevated to the Supreme Court," Obama said.
"If we are following basic precedent, then that nominee will be presented before the committees; the vote will be taken; and ultimately, they'll be confirmed," he said.
The US President said "No" when asked if his comment should be interpreted that he is likely to choose a moderate nominee.
"I don't know where you found that. You shouldn't assume anything about the qualifications of the nominee other than they're going to be well-qualified," he said.
Several potential names are doing the rounds, which is being topped by Indian-Americans Sri Srinivasan and Kamala Harris.
Many say another Indian-American, Neal Katyal, could emerge as a dark horse in the process.
"I'm going to present somebody who indisputably is qualified for the seat and any fair-minded person -- even somebody who disagreed with my politics -- would say would serve with honour and integrity on the court," Obama said at Sunnylands in California after hosting leaders of the 10 South East Asian nations at the US-ASEAN Summit.
The President staked out a tough position after Republicans warned he would not get a vote on his eventual nominee to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
Obama took a swipe at Republicans by saying he was amused to hear some in the party describe themselves as "strict interpreters" of the Constitution but dispute the idea that he has the right to get a hearing for a Supreme Court nominee.
"The Constitution is pretty clear about what is supposed to happen now. When there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court, the President of the US is to nominate someone. The Senate is to consider that nomination, and either they disapprove of that nominee or that nominee is elevated to the Supreme Court," Obama said.
"If we are following basic precedent, then that nominee will be presented before the committees; the vote will be taken; and ultimately, they'll be confirmed," he said.
The US President said "No" when asked if his comment should be interpreted that he is likely to choose a moderate nominee.
"I don't know where you found that. You shouldn't assume anything about the qualifications of the nominee other than they're going to be well-qualified," he said.
Several potential names are doing the rounds, which is being topped by Indian-Americans Sri Srinivasan and Kamala Harris.
Many say another Indian-American, Neal Katyal, could emerge as a dark horse in the process.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%