Graham To Sotomayor: Your Statements "Bug The Hell Out Of Me" (VIDEO)

Questioning Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the second time, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told the Supreme Court nominee that in the past, she has "said some things that just bug the hell out of me."

But the South Carolina Republican left the impression that he would end up supporting Sotomayor's nomination, declaring, at one point, that she had proven that she could separate her history as an activist and a judge.

"Here's what I will say about you," Graham said. "I don't know how you're going to come out on [a second amendment case]. Because I think fundamentally, Judge, you're able, after all these years of being a judge, to embrace a right that you may not want for yourself, to allow others to do things that are not comfortable to you but for the group, they're necessary. That is my hope for you. That's what makes you to me more acceptable as a judge and not an activist because an activist would be a judge who would be chomping at the bit to use this wonderful opportunity to change America through the Supreme Court by taking their view of life and imposing it on the rest of us. I think and believe, based on what I know about you so far, that you're broad-minded enough to understand that America is bigger than the Bronx, it is bigger than South Carolina."

The questioning from Graham contained the type of lecturer's tone that Sotomayor's defenders found so objectionable when the two squared off on Tuesday. Like then, the senator peppered Obama's choice for the court with a series of questions focusing on her past work for the Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund, her definition of identity politics and her infamous "wise Latina" remark. On the latter point, Graham ended his portion of the question and answer session with a dramatic flare.

"As Sen. [Diane] Feinstein said, you have come a long way. You have worked very hard you have earned the respect of Ken Starr... and you have said some things that just bug the hell out of me," Graham declared. Switching to some of her more controversial statements, he asked: "To those who may be bothered by that, what do you say?"

"I regret that I have offended some people," Sotomayor responded. "I believe that my life demonstrates that that was not my intent to leave the impression that some have taken from my words."

The court nominee was about to elaborate on her point, only to be abruptly interrupted.

"You know what Judge," Graham declared. "I agree with you, good luck."

And with that, the South Carolinian had ended his time allotment.

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Comments

[everychildsnana]

Did this guy say he thought it did not take a justice of another race,gender or ethnicity to protect everyone's rights and a bit later add that there should be minority & women justices on the bench ?Why should they be on the bench? Didn't he say essentially that white male justices do the job for us all?

[Smirk]

And Senator Graham's fey demeanor bothers me. Oh well. Some how, we'll all just have to cope. /s

[mymic1]

in a perfect world, immediately after she is confirmed there should be a white house press conference where she gets to make a statement and it should go like this...

In a nation that has been many times described as a melting pot, finally the flavors are starting to blend into the entire stew. hopefully my appointment is just the begining of the inclusion of many new ingredients to what was a bland mixture without much flavor.

I do regret that some saw my nomination as a threat to their long held belief in their own superiority which has since the last election been revealed as nothing more than sheer fantasy but maybe if any good is to come of this moment in time it will be that America is really begining to reflect what it will look like in future generations and the adjustment period is now begining..­.

Like I said, in a perfect world...

[viriatus]

Lindsey Graham bugs me. Why doesn't he go back to the plantation?

[tom90069]

on ricci she followed precedent. the respect of ken starr? that should not be a positive
lindsay you bug the hell outta us
you offend us more then any wise latina comment.

[BluesDogLefty]

Man, her responses were really logical, thoughtful, and well explained.

Problem: they don't make good sound bites.

That is what bugs him.

[ranchero42]

What "things" bug you, Miss Lindsey? Did they edit out the best part of your message to the Ignorant Mofo Club?

[GoBarbara]

You don't talk to a judge like that.