Clinton Supports Kagan as “Fair, Unfailingly Meticulous” SCOTUS Nominee

Sari Weintraub — June 21, 2010 – 4:09 pm | Domestic Policy Comments (1) Add a comment

In a phone interview, former President Bill Clinton conveyed his support for Supreme Court nominee Solicitor General Elena Kagan, who served as a legal advisor during his administration. In the interview, Clinton recalls his first discussion with Kagan in the Oval Office, during which Kagan encouraged him to veto a bill due to its legal implications. She made her recommendation despite the fact that all of Clinton’s economic advisors opposed her findings. Clinton ended up vetoing the bill on her advice, calling Kagan’s actions “impressive.” He also called Kagan a “strong choice” for the Supreme Court and added:

“She was unfailingly meticulous in trying to determine what the law actually is and what the facts actually were. She never let whatever feelings she had get in the way of doing that.  I think she can be fair.”

Describing her political leanings, Clinton said:

“I think she is really sort of a common-sense progressive.  I think she has good liberal values, but she is also immensely practical, and I think she will be fair to both parties.”

Kagan’s confirmation hearings begin on June 28.        

 

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