Obama Picks Sotomayor

President Obama chose federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to become the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice, praising her as "an inspiring woman" with both the intellect and compassion to interpret the Constitution wisely.

Christy Hardin Smith describes her amazing background:

She grew up in the projects in the Bronx, lost her father at the age of nine, and was raised along with her brother (who is now a doctor) by her single mother. That's some life experience to bring to the table.

She began school having much more Spanish than English, but managed to graduate in top levels of her classes all the way through. And went on to become the editor of a law journal at Yale.

She has worked both in a district attorney's office as a trial lawyer in New York as well as in private practice before her seat on the 2nd circuit, so she has trial chops to bring to the table as well.

She was appointed to the bench originally by George H.W. Bush and is considered, even by conservatives who have been before her, as a moderate judge who is particularly well-versed in the law and well-prepared. That makes for good pushback on GOP antics, it's just a pity we have to think politics and not legal temperament.

To the surprise of no one, rightwingers immediately declared war on her nomination.