I kid you not. Jerry Falwell.
The New York Times revealed Wednesday that White House officials have sought out advice on a Supreme Court nominee from Rev. Jerry Falwell, one of the most divisive far-right figures in America today.
"Anti-gay extremists are trying to gain a stranglehold on government," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Americans want their leaders to come together, not engage in divisive political fights over the next Supreme Court Justice."
Following the September 11 attacks on the United States, Falwell laid blame on gays and lesbians — along with feminists, civil rights advocates and others — for causing the tragedy. "I point the finger in their face and say ‘you helped this happen,’" he said.
The news of Falwell’s consultation with the White House comes a day after Jay Sekulow, leader of Pat Robertson’s American Center for Law and Justice urged President Bush to reject calls for consensus and nominate a hard-line conservative. ACLJ founder Robertson joined Falwell in his hateful comments after September 11.
Even though Falwell says that’s not the way it happened, and that he won’t recommend anyone for the Supreme Court. And that may be the case, but if so it’s most likely because he doesn’t think hehas to recommend anyone.
Falwell said [Karl Rove's associate, Tim] Goeglein asked if Falwell had anything he would like to communicate to the president.
“I suppose you mean about the Supreme Court nominee," Falwell remembered telling Goeglein.
Falwell said he told Goeglein he would have no recommendations. “I’m willing to trust the president," Falwell said. “He’s always done what he says he’ll do."
Falwell said Bush will likely nominate a new justice with a judicial philosophy similar to sitting justices Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia.
Wanna know what kind of nominee we’re gonna get from the Bush White House? Look where they’re going for advise (and consent?). I’m sure Bush and Co. got a great chuckle out of those Democratic Senators going so far as to suggest potential nominees recently. Like they’re gonna get much of a say.
It’s most likely already a done deal, ladies and gents. As I said when O’Connor announced her retirement, we are so fucked.
