President Barack Obama is narrowing his list of possible Supreme Court nominees. Reports say that the US president is setting his sight on a small group of judges in the court of appeals whose bipartisan credentials will increase the pressure on Republicans who promised to bar whomever the president nominates.
According to the New York Times, Obama's potential candidates include Judge Paul Watford of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, Merrick Garland of US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and Judge Sri Srinivasan, chief judge of the same court. Although a less likely option, sources said that Ketanji Brown Jackson, a DC district court jury is also under consideration.
White House said that the reported list is not final, but seems to be in line both with Obama's political and personal aims. Based on the president's past two nominations, Obama appears to favor those candidates who have traditional resumes like, prestigious ranks in government, experienced at major law firms, Supreme Court clerkships. Meanwhile, there are some groups who suggested that the president should look beyond the "judicial monastery."
NPR reported that Obama has begun interviewing potential candidates for the top court vacancy. Obama is moving forward with the nomination process, despite the Republicans' vow of blocking any of his nominees. The GOP wanted the next president to make such nomination.
Confidentiality is a top priority as the US president delves into the records and backgrounds of the potential candidates, says CNN. There is not much information regarding who really is on the so-called short list, or whether one even exists. The only visual clue to Obama's nomination process is his thick black binder, spotted under his arm as he heads home to his residence.
The selection of candidates also displays Obama's grappling with whether to add gender or racial diversity to the nation's highest court.
