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Justice David Souter - Talking Points
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Justice David Souter - Talking Points
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Folder Title:
Justice David Souter - Talking Points
Original OA/ID Number:
03161
ID Position:
Subject File Document ID:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
Stack:
18
15
3
3G
DZ comments
4th
I
is a strick
Delete
constructionist.
Judicial restraint
Kingst. St.
Merchant Tive
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date:
TO:
FROM:
KRISTEN GEAR
Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant
for Communications
122 OEOB, EXt. 2930
The attached is for:
Per our conversation
Per your request
Information
Review & Comment
Direct Response
Appropriate Action
Draft Reply
Signature
File
Other
Please Return by
Comments:
Supreme Cont Nominee
David Souter
fair competence & equitable
4
exchence
judicial restraint
Orr & Reno = Malcolm Mchean's firm
Mayl starked Appeals court so has nob done
any writing yet.
best cand he knew
a no test citmus
unqued dist. inction & are complishment
outstanding
jurist thoughtful
cong. not reduce to partisan batile
\
finalist When Kennedy was selected
not new on the scene didnt appear
out of nowhere
Schmidt
John
THE NATION'S NEWSPAPER
USA
DATE: 7-27-90
PAGE:
8-A
TODAY
3
Hearings
The steps to
The Senate Judiciary
Committee-with eight
confirmation
Democrats and six
Republicans-holds
Here's what David Souter will go through
public hearings, inter-
to be confirmed as a member of the
viewing the nominee,
Supreme Court:
critics and supporters.
1
Nomination
President Bush submitted his nomi-
nation to the Senate on Wednesday.
YES
4
Vote
Under the Constitution, the Senate
NO
The committee votes on a rec-
has the power to
ommendation and sends the
approve or reject
nomination to the full Senate.
judicial
nominees.
Probes
To be confirmed, the nominee
2
needs a majority of those voting.
The FBI, the American Bar
Association and Senate Judiciary
Committee staff conduct
5
Outcome
m
separate probes.
FBI investigates for any criminal
If a new justice is not
???
background; reviews financial re-
confirmed by the open-
cords; interviews Souter's friends,
ing of the court session
family, associates; issues sealed re-
Oct. 1, the court will oper-
port to committee and White House.
ate with eight justices,
ABA reviews Souter's legal writings
creating possible 4-4
and rulings to determine nominee's
votes. In the case of a
credentials; interviews lawyers and
tie vote, a lower court's
judges; issues report declaring
decision is upheld.
nominee "well qualified,"
"qualified," or "not qualified."
By Keith Carter, USA TODAY
Judiciary Committee staff, using
ABA, FBI reports, independent inter-
views and document searches,
assembles witness lists and areas
of questioning for hearings.
14
The career of
David Souter
Sept. 17,1939 - Born in
Melrose, Massachusetts.
1957-61 - Harvard College
1961-63 - Rhodes scholar,
Magdalen College. Oxford
1963-86 - Harvard Law School
1966-68 - Employed by Orr and
Reno, a prestigious Concord
law firm.
1968-71 - New Hampshire
Assistant State Attorney
General
1971-76 - Deputy Attorney
:
General
1976-78 - Attorney General
May 5, 1977 - Made an
unusual appearance in District
Court, urging stiffer sentences
for those found guilty of
occupying the Seabrook
nuclear power plant site.
1978-83 - Associate Justice,
Superior Court of New
Hampshire.
1983-1990 - associate Justice,
New Hampshire Supreme
Court.
Oct. 28, 1987 - Reported on
President Reagan's short list
of four or five potential
nominees to the US Supreme
Court.
April 30, 1990 - Appointed to
1st Circuit Court of Appeals.
July 23,1990 - Nominated to
US Supreme Court.
WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION POINTS
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION OF JUDGE DAVID SOUTER
"Judge Souter, I believe with all my heart, will prove a
most worthy member of the court. His tenure as an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire, as
Attorney General of that state, and more recently, as a federal
appeals judge, unquestionably demonstrates his ability, his
integrity, and his dedication to public service. And he has a
keen appreciation of the proper judicial role rooted in
fundamental belief in separation of powers and the democratic
principles underlying our great system of government."
--- President Bush nominating Judge Souter as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 24,
1990
*
In nominating Judge Souter to the Supreme Court, the
President selected a jurist of extraordinary ability
with impeccable qualifications.
Judge Souter is a man of unquestioned distinction and
accomplishment. He is an outstanding judge, fair,
equitable, and thoughtful.
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest rating of "well
qualified" before he was nominated for a judgeship on
the court of appeals. He was unanimously confirmed for
that position by the Senate in April, 1990.
*
Judge Souter is a believer in judicial restraint
K.
tough trial court judge with a great legal mind who
will interpret the Constitution not legislate from the
bench.
*
The President did not use any litmus test nor did any
single issue dominate his decision to choose. There
should be no litmus test in the process of
confirmation.
*
Judge David Souter was chosen because of his fidelity
to the Constitution and the rule of law. These
qualities, coupled with a nominee's education and
experience, determine whether a nominee will be a
good Justice of the Supreme Court.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs at 202-456-2483.
He has is an experienced prosecutor
md was a tough total count judge
or the ANna Hampshire Supervior Cant
WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION POINTS
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION OF JUDGE DAVID SOUTER
"Judge Souter, I believe with all my heart, will prove a
most worthy member of the court. His tenure as an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire, as
Attorney General of that state, and more recently, as a federal
appeals judge, unquestionably demonstrates his ability, his
integrity, and his dedication to public service. And he has a
keen appreciation of the proper judicial role rooted in
fundamental belief in separation of powers and the democratic
principles underlying our great system of government."
--- President Bush nominating Judge Souter as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 24,
1990
*
In nominating Judge Souter to the Supreme Court, the
President selected a jurist of extraordinary ability
with impeccable qualifications.
*
Judge Souter is a man of unquestioned distinction and
accomplishment. He is an outstanding judge, fair,
equitable, and thoughtful.
*
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest rating of "well
qualified" before he was nominated for a judgeship on
the court of appeals. He was unanimously confirmed for
that position by the Senate in April, 1990.
*
Judge Souter is a believer in judicial restraint, a
tough trial court judge with a great legal mind who
will interpret the Constitution not legislate from the
bench.
*
The President did not use any litmus test nor did any
single issue dominate his decision to choose. There
should be no litmus test in the process of
confirmation.
*
Judge David Souter was chosen because of his fidelity
to the Constitution and the rule of law. These
qualities, coupled with a nominee's education and
experience, determine whether a nominee will be a
good Justice of the Supreme Court.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs at 202-456-2483.
WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION POINTS
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION OF JUDGE DAVID SOUTER
"Judge Souter, I believe with all my heart, will prove a
most worthy member of the court. His tenure as an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire, as
Attorney General of that state, and more recently, as a federal
appeals judge, unquestionably demonstrates his ability, his
integrity, and his dedication to public service. And he has a
keen appreciation of the proper judicial role rooted in
fundamental belief in separation of powers and the democratic
principles underlying our great system of government."
President Bush nominating Judge Souter as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 24,
1990
*
In nominating Judge Souter to the Supreme Court, the
President selected extraordinary competence and
excellence.
*
Judge Souter is a man of unquestioned distinction and
accomplishment. He is an outstanding jurist, fair,
equitable, and thoughtful.
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest rating of "very
qualified" when he was being considered for a judgeship
on the court of appeals.
As the President mentioned Judge Souter is a strict
constructionist, He interpret the Constitution and
doe. not legislate from the bench.
David Souter is a tough trial court judge with a great
legal mind.
The President did not use any litmus test 7 no single
issue - in choosing Judge Souter because is not
appropriate in the selection process of a Supreme Court
Justice.
*
Judge David Souter was chosen because he is true to the
life and spirit of the Constitution, a guide that
Congress should also use during the confirmation
process.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs at 202-456-2483.
JUDGE DAVID H. SOUTER
President Bush today announced his intention to nominate
Judge David Hacker Souter of New Hampshire to succeed retiring
Justice William J. Brennan, Jr., on the United States Supreme
Court.
Judge Souter is currently a judge on the United States Court
of Appeals for the First Circuit. He was appointed to that court
by President Bush on April 30, 1990. Judge Souter is a 1966
graduate of the Harvard Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar at
Oxford University, England, and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of
Harvard College.
Judge Souter was born in Melrose, Massachusetts in
September, 1939. He has had a distinguished career in the New
Hampshire Bar, having served for two years as Attorney General of
New Hampshire (1976-78) ; five years as Associate Justice of the
New Hampshire Superior Court (1978-83) ; and seven years as
Associate Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
The American Bar Association gave Judge Souter a rating of
"well qualified" at the time of his appointment to the First
Circuit.
from NHI
* DAVID SOUTER
(worked for Rudman]
Former AHny General for N.H.
Federal Appeals Cowt
in Borton
Plu
betta
- Narvard degree Kapper
- Phadesocholar
- patricul restral
- demonati
Fundamental beleif inthe
Sparations powers
no litmus heab
no legal issue
Searched for
-interepret - constit. From back
execuence
not Leqid
bught
scholarly hon pol.
" excluence"
- strick construe -
right age
Document No.
to Kinsto
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
UL 25 P2: P 33
7/24/90
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
TALKING POINTS ON JUDGE SOUTER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
KRISTOL
FITZWATER
Wins n
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office by 4:00
TODAY, Tuesda, July 24. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
number comment PA
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION POINTS
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION OF JUDGE DAVID SOUTER
"Judge Souter, I believe with all my heart, will prove a
most worthy member of the court. His tenure as an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire, as
Attorney General of that state, and more recently, as a federal
appeals judge, unquestionably demonstrates his ability, his
integrity, and his dedication to public service. And he has a
keen appreciation of the proper judicial role rooted in
fundamental belief in separation of powers and the democratic
principles underlying our great system of government. "
President Bush nominating Judge Souter as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 24,
1990
*
In nominating Judge Souter to the Supreme Court, the
President selected extraordinary competence and
excellence.
*
Judge Souter is a man of unquestioned distinction and
accomplishment. He is an outstanding jurist, fair,
equitable, and thoughtful.
*
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest rating of "very
qualified" when he was being considered for a judgeship
on the court of appeals.
*
Judge Souter is a strict constructionist a tough trial
court judge with a great legal mind and will interpret
the Constitution not legislate from the bench.
*
The President did not use any litmus test - no single
issue - in choosing Judge Souter because it is not
appropriate in the selection process of a Supreme Court
Justice.
*
Judge David Souter was chosen because he is true to the
life and spirit of the Constitution, a guide that
Congress should also use during the confirmation
process.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs at 202-456-2483.
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 7-24-90 ; 2:32PM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
2024566218;# 1
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
7/24/90
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
TALKING POINTS ON JUDGE SOUTER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
CTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
KRISTOL
FITZWATER
Winson
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office by 4:00
TODAY, Tuesda, July 24. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
IE
Pls see Comments
9:29 7/24
Names W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 7-24-90 ; 2:33PM ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
20245662186# 2
WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION POINTS
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION OF JUDGE DAVID SOUTER
"Judge Souter, I believe with all my heart, will prove a
most worthy member of the court. His tenure as an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire, as
Attorney General of that state, and more recently, as a federal
appeals judge, unquestionably demonstrates his ability, his
integrity, and his dedication to public service. And he has a
keen appreciation of the proper judicial role rooted in
fundamental belief in separation of powers and the democratic
principles underlying our great system of government."
President Bush nominating Judge Souter as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 24,
1990
a jurist of ability
*
In nominating Judge Souter to the Supreme Court, the
President selected extraordinary competence and
with
excellence
a supmb bachground for the court:
Informations. impecable
Judge Souter is a man of unquestioned distinction judge and private
he has been
accomplishment. He is an outstanding jurist, fair,
practibioner,
equitable, and thoughtful.
has,
8
prosenter,
a
well ?
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest rating of "very
qualified" when he was being considered for a judgeship
on the court of appeals.
been
*
Judge Souter 16 a strict constructionist a tough trial
court judge- with * great) legal mind and will interpret
the Constitution, not legislate from the bench.
and an appeals court judge. As his record
*
The President did not use any litmus test - no single demonstrate
issue - in choosing Judge Souter because it is not
he has
appropriate in the selection process of a Supreme Court
a
Justice.
*
Judge David Souter was chosen because he is true to the
life and spirit of the Constitution, a guide that
Congress should also use during the confirmation
process.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs at 202-456-2483.
He was unanimously confirmed
by the Senate carlier this year to
L, 4. member of the First Circuit Count
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
0 L24 P12: 29
7/24/90
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
TALKING POINTS ON JUDGE SOUTER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
Taday
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS longer, hore substance
DEMAREST
KRISTOL
FITZWATER
Winson
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office by 4:00
TODAY, Tuesda, July 24. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION POINTS
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION OF JUDGE DAVID SOUTER
"Judge Souter, I believe with all my heart, will prove a
most worthy member of the court. His tenure as an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire, as
Attorney General of that state, and more recently, as a federal
appeals judge, unquestionably demonstrates his ability, his
integrity, and his dedication to public service. And he has a
keen appreciation of the proper judicial role rooted in
fundamental belief in separation of powers and the democratic
principles underlying our great system of government."
President Bush nominating Judge Souter as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 24,
1990
a jurest of
abilites
*
In nominating Judge Souter to the Supreme Court, the
President selected extraordinary competence and
excellence. winimpeccable qualifications.
*
Judge Souter is a man of unquestioned distinction and
accomplishment. He is an outstanding jurist, fair,
equitable, and thoughtful.
judge
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest rating of "very
insertA
qualified" when he was being considered for a judgeship
on the court of appeals.
believer in udicial restraint,
Judge Souter is a strict constructionist, a tough trial
court judge with a great legal mind and will interpret
the Constitution not legislate from the bench.
nor did and
The President did not use any litmus test no single
issue in choosing Judge Souter. because It is not
appropriate in the selection process of a Supreme Court
Justice. Similarly Congress shoul
*
Judge David Souter was chosen because he is true to the
life and spirit of the Constitution, a guide that
meet b
Congress should also use during the confirmation
process.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs at 202-456-2483.
Homina te his decision to choose- There should be no
litmus test in the process of conformation
90 JUL 24 P4.05
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON
July 24, 1990
NOTE TO: JIM CICCONI
CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
BILL KRISTOL Belfac
Attached are recommended changes in the "White House Discussion
Points" on the Supreme Court nomination of Judge David Souter.
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
7/24/90
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
TALKING POINTS ON JUDGE SOUTER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
KRISTOL
FITZWATER
Winson
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office by 4:00
TODAY, Tuesda, July 24. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION POINTS
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION OF JUDGE DAVID SOUTER
"Judge Souter, I believe with all my heart, will prove a
most worthy member of the court. His tenure as an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire, as
Attorney General of that state, and more recently, as a federal
appeals judge, unquestionably demonstrates his ability, his
integrity, and his dedication to public service. And he has a
keen appreciation of the proper judicial role rooted in
fundamental belief in separation of powers and the democratic
principles underlying our great system of government."
President Bush nominating Judge Souter as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 24,
1990
*
In nominating Judge Souter to the Supreme Court, the
President selected extraordinary competence and
excellence.
Judge Souter is a man of unquestioned distinction and
accomplishment. He is an outstanding jurist, fair,
equitable, and thoughtful.
*
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest rating of "very
qualified" when he was being considered for a judgeship
on the court of appeals.
who
Judge Souter is a strict constructionist, a tough trial
court judge with a great legal mind and will interpret
the Constitution not legislate from the bench.
The President did not use any litmus test - no single
issue - in choosing Judge Souter because it is not
appropriate in the selection process of a Supreme Court
Justice. Similarly, Conguss should and 32 a lether test in
The condinmation process.
This is the
*
Judge David Souter was chosen because he is true to the
life and spirit of the Constitution, & guide that
Congress should also use during the confirmation
process.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs at 202-456-2483.
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
25 AID: 59
7/24/90
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
TALKING POINTS ON JUDGE SOUTER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE See
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
KRISTOL Rie comm
FITZWATER
Winsin
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office by 4:00
TODAY, Tuesda, July 24. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Please see 2 suggestions made by the
Justice Dept. Thanks. Holly 7-25-90 Williamson
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION POINTS
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION OF JUDGE DAVID SOUTER
"Judge Souter, I believe with all my heart, will prove a
most worthy member of the court. His tenure as an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire, as
Attorney General of that state, and more recently, as a federal
appeals judge, unquestionably demonstrates his ability, his
integrity, and his dedication to public service. And he has a
keen appreciation of the proper judicial role rooted in
fundamental belief in separation of powers and the democratic
principles underlying our great system of government."
--- President Bush nominating Judge Souter as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 24,
1990
*
In nominating Judge Souter to the Supreme Court, the
President selected extraordinary competence and
excellence.
*
Judge Souter is a man of unquestioned distinction and
accomplishment. He is an outstanding jurist, fair,
equitable, and thoughtful.
well
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest rating of very
(pot
qualified" when he was being considered for a judgeship
on the court of appeals.
*
Judge Souter is a strict constructionist, a tough trial
court judge with a great legal mind and will interpret
the Constitution not legislate from the bench.
*
The President did not use any litmus test - no single
issue - in choosing Judge Souter because it is not
appropriate in the selection process of a Supreme Court
Justice.
*
Judge David Souter was chosen because he is true to the
life and spirit of the Constitution, a guide that
Congress should also use during the confirmation
(Dot)
process.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs at 202-456-2483.
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
V
L 24 P6: 04
7/24/90
4:00 TODAY
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
TALKING POINTS ON JUDGE SOUTER
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
KRISTOL
FITZWATER
Wins n
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments/recommendations directly to
Chriss Winston's office with a copy to my office by 4:00
TODAY, Tuesda, July 24. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Good but too short X
lacter substantive facts!!
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Zd
Ext. 2702
WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION POINTS
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION OF JUDGE DAVID SOUTER
"Judge Souter, I believe with all my heart, will prove a
most worthy member of the court. His tenure as an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire, as
Attorney General of that state, and more recently, as a federal
appeals judge, unquestionably demonstrates his ability, his
integrity, and his dedication to public service. And he has a
keen appreciation of the proper judicial role rooted in
fundamental belief in separation of powers and the democratic
principles underlying our great system of government. "
President Bush nominating Judge Souter as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 24,
1990
*
In nominating Judge Souter to the Supreme Court, the
President selected extraordinary competence and
excellence.
*
Judge Souter is a man of unquestioned distinction and
accomplishment. He is an outstanding jurist, fair,
equitable, and thoughtful.
*
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest rating of "very
qualified" when he was being considered for a judgeship
on the court of appeals.
*
Judge Souter is a strict constructionist, a tough trial
court judge with a great legal mind and will interpret
the Constitution not legislate from the bench.
*
The President did not use any litmus test - no single
issue - in choosing Judge Souter because it is not
appropriate in the selection process of a Supreme Court
Justice.
*
Judge David Souter was chosen because he is true to the
life and spirit of the Constitution, a guide that
Congress should also use during the confirmation
process.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs at 202-456-2483.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
34
July 24, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR JAMES W. CICCONI
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
AND DEPUTY TO THE CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM:
LEE S. LIBERMAN 111
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Talking Points on Judge David Souter
In regard to the above talking points, what has been distributed
to the staff attorneys needs some work and more favorable talking
points should be attained at the conclusion of a meeting to be
held later today. In the interim, the attached suggestions are
submitted.
Attachment
Suggested Changes in:
Talking Point #1: no change at present.
Talking Point #2: no change at present.
Talking point #3:
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest
rating of "well qualified" before he was
nominated for a judgeship on the court of
A
appeals. He was unanimously confirmed for
that position by the Senate in April, 1990.
Talking point #4:
Judge Souter is a believer in judicial
restraint, a tough trial court judge with a
great legal mind and will interpret the
Constitution not legislate from the bench.
Talking point #5:
no change at present.
Talking point #6:
Judge David Souter was chosen because of his
fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of
law. These qualities, rather than a person's
positions on particular cases, determine
whether a nominee will be a good Justice of
the Supreme Court.
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WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION POINTS
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION OF JUDGE DAVID SOUTER
"Judge Souter, I believe with all my heart, will prove a
most worthy member of the court. His tenure as an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire, as
Attorney General of that state, and more recently, as a federal
appeals judge, unquestionably demonstrates his ability, his
integrity, and his dedication to public service. And he has a
keen appreciation of the proper judicial role rooted in
fundamental belief in separation of powers and the democratic
principles underlying our great system of government."
President Bush nominating Judge Souter as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on July 24,
1990
*
In nominating Judge Souter to the Supreme Court, the
President selected extraordinary competence and
excellence.
*
Judge Souter is a man of unquestioned distinction and
accomplishment. He is an outstanding jurist, fair,
equitable, and thoughtful.
*
Judge Souter received the ABA's highest rating of "very
qualified" when he was being considered for a judgeship
on the court of appeals.
*
Judge Souter is a strict constructionist, a tough trial
court judge with a great legal mind and will interpret
the Constitution not legislate from the bench.
The President did not use any litmus test - no single
issue - in choosing Judge Souter because it is not
appropriate in the selection process of a Supreme Court
Justice.
*
Judge David Souter was chosen because he is true to the
life and spirit of the Constitution, a guide that
Congress should also use during the confirmation
process.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public
Affairs at 202-456-2483.