Would Joe Biden Really Appoint Barack Obama to the Supreme Court?
It's a common misconception that Joe Biden might appoint his predecessor and former President Barack Obama to the Supreme Court. In reality, the likelihood of such an appointment is extremely low, and the democratic process will shape this decision.
President Biden's Supreme Court Appointment
President Biden has already made his first high-profile Supreme Court nomination. According to recent reports, he has chosen Ketanji Brown Jackson, who has a wealth of experience in the federal system as a judge. This decision reflects Biden's strategy to bolster the court's diversity and ensure a balanced bench.
Why Obama Isn't in the Running
There are several reasons why former President Barack Obama is not considered as a candidate for the Supreme Court under Biden's administration. First and foremost, Supreme Court appointments typically involve current federal judges who have demonstrated their abilities in professional capacities that align with the requirements of the court.
Barack Obama, as a civil rights attorney, was indeed an accomplished figure in the legal community, but his last active practice was over two decades ago. This gap in current judicial experience makes him a less likely candidate for a Supreme Court appointment.
Furthermore, the political dynamics at play may discourage such an appointment. Many Republican senators would see the reappointment of Obama as a significant political liability, given his enduring influence and fundraising prowess. This influence would diminish significantly if Obama were to serve on the Supreme Court, as the strict limitations of judicial restraint and the need for compromise would reduce his ability to shape decisions.
Strategic Considerations for Obama as a Supreme Court Justice
Even if Obama were to be considered for the Supreme Court, the strategic and political considerations would make the reappointment unlikely. Considering Obama's political legacy, he might fare better in a more prominent position such as Chief Justice. However, this would be contingent upon the current composition of the court and the willingness of Republican senators to support such a move.
The left-leaning perspective suggests that absent a vacancy due to the Chief Justice's resignation or death, Obama is unlikely to even make the shortlist for consideration. Additionally, with Republican control of the Senate, Biden would need significant support from Republican senators, which is improbable given Obama's past political activities and influence.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Given the current political landscape and the appointive process, the likelihood of Joe Biden appointing Barack Obama to the Supreme Court is very small. The decision would be subject to rigorous scrutiny and political maneuvering, and alternative nominees with the necessary current judicial experience and political support would prevail.
While appointing a former President to the Supreme Court has precedents, it is extremely rare, and the current context makes such an appointment highly improbable. Joe Biden and the Senate are more likely to focus on selecting qualified current judges who can contribute to a balanced and capable Supreme Court bench.