Betsy's Page - Carol Platt Liebau thinks that there are several advantages to having a nominee like Judge Roberts who is an old Washington hand and won't be new to the city.
His extensive Washington experience may help immunize Roberts to the blandishments of the Beltway establishment. Unlike Justices O'Connor, Kennedy or Souter, Roberts won't be embarking on a new life in a strange city, a place with unique rules, rhythms and customs. And because of his extensive experience with the Supreme Court as a litigator and as principal deputy solicitor general, he won't be desperate for guidance from any of the other justices, a circumstance in which conservative novices can be excessively influenced by a liberal justice willing to serve as a mentor. Nor will Roberts be in need of a new social network, a factor that can insidiously influence newcomers feted by the liberals in the elite press and among the city's prominent social doyennes.
A while ago, in discussing the possibility that Emilio Garza, I said this,
What I like is that he doesn't socialize. Good. The less of a chance to be influenced by the Washington elite if he were to be put on the Court. When I heard both Andrea Mitchell and Judy Woodruff reminiscing about their familiarity with Sandra Day O'Connor from social situations, I thought, "I want a justice who doesn't go to parties with Andrea Mitchell and Judy Woodruff."
Well, I guess the next best thing will be someone who is immune to social blandishments from the Washington social circle. Judge Roberts seems like a pleasant, sociable fellow who will be an amiable guest at the Washington parties, but maybe he won't be swayed by having dinner with Andrea and Judy."
betsyspage.blogspot.com |
