Does it really matter what Sonia Sotomayor thinks about abortion?

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  Posted by Dubs Thu Jul 16, 2009 3:50pm PDT

  Aslong as they uphold the tenets of our Constitution...I could care less. The constitutional right to privacy is guaranteed by Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment remains law of the land..this is what RvW falls under. Should secularism be imposed within the walls of one's church? I think not, just as well one's religious fundamentalism shouldn't be imposed on my rights or a woman's choice.

  "I can't answer that question in the abstract. I would have to look at what the state's law was on that issue. Is the state regulation an undue burden? I can't look at it as an abstract. I'm sure that situation might well arise before the court," she responded.

  Great response by Sotomayor.

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  Posted by WilliamM Fri Jul 17, 2009 1:06am PDT

  I don't know...these confirmation hearings have become all but useless since Bork. The nominees are so circumspect and noncommittal that you learn nothing about them. It's just an opportunity for the Senators on the committee to trot out THEIR views and wishes, and to bloviate generally.

  I did note one point: Repeated observations by Republicans that the ruling party's nominees have a right to see a vote. Too bad that Democrats did not feel that way for the last 8 years, instead feeling the need to block and obstruct and threaten to filibuster nominees...

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  Posted by B. J. Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:32am PDT

  I haven't been impressed with her. But, I do think that it is a fair answer to the question. So, often the focus on these hot button questions become similar to playground arguments - "Whose side are you on, Jimmy? Mine or his?"

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  Posted by Katie B Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:00am PDT

  Personally I don't care as long as she upholds the constitution... my opinion on abortion is not going to change the fact that it is what it is... and neither would hers... My biggest concern is not what her personal opinion (or judicial opinion for that matter) is on societal issues as what she believes the constitution to be (ie a living document or not) and how she will uphold the constitution... that is my only concern, everything else just is and there isn't much anyone can do to change it.

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  Posted by Jackie Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:05am PDT

  Would your opinion of the Supreme Court nominee change if she openly declared herself pro-choice or anti-abortion?

  No because her stances on other issues show that she thinks her opinions, not the law are what she allows to rule in her decisions. Of course it's not important how she feels in this situation, nor should it be for others who are interpreting law. For me the real issue is is she unbiaesd? When she states, "I can't answer that question in the abstract. I would have to look at what the state's law was on that issue. Is the state regulation an undue burden? The word's UNDUE BURDEN show she is not unbiased on this issue. Is it her decision to decide a law is an undue burden? Obviously she thinks so, therefore she is really saying, I will interpret the law according to my opinions. Unfortunately, she feels this is ok, not just on this issue but on many other issues which have been put before her in these hearings. She is a woman who makes decisions on her opinions. This is not someone who I would relish making decisions on any issue.

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  Posted by springtime Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:41am PDT

  Chief Justice John Roberts answered that question almost the same way, slightly different verbiage. Look where he is today.

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  Posted by dig it Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:43am PDT

  This is the first time that I have ever checked out the Shine website. I am so disappointed by this article. To the author of this...we don't care about your stance on abortion. I don't care that you are a mother, a woman, or a voter. If anything, if you have actually given birth to a child and felt it moving inside you, you should be able to figure out that is an actual life in there. Act like a real reporter and give us actual useful information.

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  Posted by Rowdygirl Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:52am PDT

  The hearings are a huge waste of time and resources. She's being confirmed NO MATTER WHAT. He chose her and that's the end of it. The Democrats are in charge, so it doesn't matter what she says or doesn't say. I understand they're following polcy, but it's all for nothing.

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  Posted by Clarissa Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:02am PDT

  I don't think it does matter what her personal views are. Even many Republicans have admitted that in her vast experience she has overall, displayed impartiality in her rulings.

  Springtime is exactly right. Roberts answered, or not answered, the questions in almost the same way. Alito and Ginsburg also cited that it would be inappropriate to comment on cases that may come before them while on the SCOTUS. This has basically been the way it's done since the Bork hearings.

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  Posted by Clarissa Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:26am PDT

  Hi CML

  Where in that statement does he give his personal views on abortion?

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