Bush Visits Allies, Fields Questions About Supreme Court Nominees

While visiting Denmark on his fourth European tour to thank American allies, President Bush answered reporters' questions by saying that he will not select a Supreme Court nominee based on the candidate's views on political issues such as abortion. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement last week, an announcement that surprised many people but came as a golden opportunity for conservatives because of O'Connor's proclivity for riding the fence on a number of key votes. The president said that as he reviews candidates to replace her, "I'll try to assess their character, their interests." Bush added that he will have no "litmus test" to disqualify candidates simply because of their opinions on hot-button topics such as abortion and gay marriage. "I'll pick people who, one, can do the job, and people who are honest, people who are bright and people who will strictly interpret the Constitution and not use the bench to legislate from," Bush said.

Bush has responded harshly to media criticism of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, a longtime friend of his, whose name has often come up in the discussion of nominees for the Supreme Court. Conservatives aren't fully convinced that Gonzales is the best choice, saying that his beliefs on abortion and affirmative action aren't quite as conservative as they'd like them to be. "I don't like it when a friend gets criticized," Bush said. "I'm loyal to my friends. And all a sudden this fella, who is a good public servant and a really fine person, is under fire," he added. "And so do I like it? No, I don't like it. At all."

During his flight to Denmark, Bush spent a few hours reviewing material on more than a half dozen potential replacements for O'Connor. He has said that he will first narrow the list of candidates and then interview several, and his goal is to have his nominee confirmed by the time the court begins its new term in October. "I will take my time," Bush said. "I will be thorough in my investigation." He has also urged senators to act "in a dignified way" as they debate the confirmation of his nominee, since the confirmation proceedings are expected to be a contentious battle.

Bush was in Denmark to thank Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen and the Danish people for sending troops to support the anti-terrorism efforts underway in Afghanistan and Iraq. In a press conference held outside Fogh Rasmussen's summer residence, Bush strongly defended his decisions on the war in Iraq, global climate changes, aid to Africa, and the imprisonment of terrorism suspects. All of these issues have resulted in much criticism and growing unpopularity in Europe over the past months. "I understand that people aren't going to agree with decisions I make," Bush said as he stood alongside Rasmussen. "But I truly believe we're laying the foundation for peace." Fogh Rasmussen echoed the president's sentiments, saying that the Danes were glad to assist the United States with both military missions. The prime minister added, "We share the belief that freedom is universal and we share the belief that in the struggle between democracy and dictatorship you cannot stay neutral."