Bush Open to Hearings on Alito
LOUISVILLE, KY (AP) – President Bush said Wednesday that Senate hearings to confirm Supreme Court appointee Samuel Alito will be good for democracy as long as they don’t interfere with Alito’s elevation to the highest court.
Bush was initially opposed to having Alito undergo the traditional confirmation process, but made it clear that he is resigned to the open hearings that began this week.
Bush defended Alito during a campaign-style town hall meeting, explaining that the appointment was necessary to protect the United States from al Qaeda. He said he had made sure he had the legal authority to make the appointment before he did so.
“There will be a lot of hearings to talk about that, but that’s good for democracy,” he said. “Just so long as the hearings don’t get in the way of Judge Alito getting on the Supreme Court. See, that’s the danger.”
In the days after the Alito appointment was revealed, Bush cautioned against hearings, arguing that the appropriate members of Congress were being consulted privately and offering assurances that he was working within the law.
For the second time in a month, Bush took questions from audience members during an appearance to win support for his war on terror.
In his opening remarks, he defended his judicial appointments as part of the global war on terrorism and the U.S. effort in Iraq. He acknowledged that political opponents were questioning his strategy, but declared, “They’re not going to shake my will.”
2 Responses to “Bush Open to Hearings on Alito”
-
Matt Langer says:
Well it would seem like that confirmation holy oil works wonders… the aura in the Hart Building was so bright Biden had to wear a hat…
January 12th, 2006 at 6:28 pm EST -
Violet Socks says:
So that’s why Alito’s wife cried! The glare made her eyes water!
