Republicans and Obama's Court Nominees

Say what you will about Karl Rove but the guy is a genious. He has a weekly column in the Wall Street Journal and this week he offered sage advice for Republican's who will consider Obama's pick for a Supreme Court vacancy.

Here are a few observant zingers:

In the coming debate, Republicans should explain their view of the judiciary's proper role and why Mr. Obama's desire that a nominee have "empathy" and "understanding" (fine qualities) is an amorphous basis on which to pick a justice. Should the "empathy standard" apply to the unborn? How about gun owners? What about religious conservatives who believe the court has removed religious influences from American life?

Senate Republicans may not be able to stop Mr. Obama's nominee, but they can explain to the public the party's reasons for opposing judges who think of themselves as legislators with life tenure.

This confirmation battle will remind people that elections have consequences, few of which are as important or lasting as a Supreme Court nomination.

Read the entire article here.