Obama "Filled With Pride" Over Sotomayor

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Sonia Sotomayor

(CBS)

In a brief statement following the Senate vote to confirm Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama said he is "pleased and deeply gratified" that his nominee had become the nation's 111th Supreme Court justice.

"Like so many other aspects of this nation, I'm filled with pride in this achievement and great confidence that Judge Sotomayor will make an outstanding Supreme Court justice," he said. "This is a wonderful day for Judge Sotomayor and her family, but I also think it's a wonderful day for America."

Following his comments, President Obama told CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller he is "very happy" with the vote total for Sotomayor, who was confirmed 68 votes to 31.

The president thanked the Senate Judiciary Committee for giving Sotomayor "a thorough and civil hearing," and for doing so in a "timely manner" that will allow her to be in her seat for the court's opening in September.

He said "the Senate has affirmed that Judge Sotomayor has the intellect, the temperament, the history, the integrity, and the independence of mind to ably serve on our nation's highest court."

"This is a role that the Senate has played for more than two centuries, helping to ensure that equal justice under the law is not merely a phrase inscribed above our courthouse door, but a description of what happens every single day inside the courtroom," he continued. "It's a promise that, whether you're a mighty corporation or an ordinary American, you will receive a full and fair hearing. And in the end, the outcome of your case will be determined by nothing more or less than the strength of your argument and the dictates of the law."

Added the president: "These core American ideals -- justice, equality and opportunity -- are the very ideals that have made Judge Sotomayor's own uniquely American journey possible. They're ideals she's fought for throughout her career and the ideals the Senate has upheld today in breaking yet another barrier and moving us yet another step closer to a more perfect union."

Read more:

Senate Confirms Sotomayor to Supreme Court

Sotomayor Confirmation an "Easy One" for White House

Vote Breakdown: Nine Republicans Back Sotomayor

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
Follow on Twitter »

19 Comments Have Your Say
Email Story Send to a Friend
Share This Tell Your Friends
Tweet This Tweet This
More Share It

Add a Comment

See all 19 Comments


by stevex47 August 6, 2009 8:29 PM EDT: Now the reich wing leader limbaugh has to ex communicate those 9 repubs that voted for her.

Another Great Decision by Obama.

Despite the efforts of the party that seeks only failure.; Reply to this comment


by lovegetpeace August 6, 2009 7:03 PM EDT: Folks,

The KKK, Confederates, Southerners, Pro-Israelis and Evangelicals bases are getting smaller and smaller. The largest minorities are the Latinos which are almost 100% Catholics. Hispanics are on track to become the Majority of all races/groups before 2048 according to various statistics.

Soon or later, Republicans will have to beg mercy in Spanish to a Hispanic. I hope to be alive to see and enjoy that moment.

I feel sorry for the Republicans because they are in a no-win situation due to Tsunami Demographic changes under their noses in a Democracy.; Reply to this comment


by lovegetpeace August 6, 2009 7:02 PM EDT: Folks,

The KKK, Confederates, Southerners, Pro-Israelis and Evangelicals bases are getting smaller and smaller. The largest minorities are the Latinos which are almost 100% Catholics. Hispanics are on track to become the Majority of all races/groups before 2048 according to various statistics.

Soon or later, Republicans will have to beg merge in Spanish to a Hispanic. I hope to be alive to see and enjoy that moment.

I feel sorry for Republicans because they are in a no-win situation due to Tsunami Demographic changes under their noses.; Reply to this comment


by reveal5 August 6, 2009 6:15 PM EDT: Why is it now that all the blogs from the far right fringe seemingly vanish before any sensible person's eyes? Is it because we've now seen the "fringe" in action at townhalls? Is it because we all understand now that the fringe is full of racists and birthers? Hmmmm...Is it because now that we've seen you we understand that you are not fire breathing dragons. Is it because we now know that y'all are a bunch of geezers who ran out of Metamucil? I mean, just like The National Enquirer, we now have you in perspective. You're not everybody's cup of tea. You had us going for quite a while. 10 points for the exceptionally good fake out. The thing is, just like the "Wicked Witch of the West", you're shrinking, shrinking. By all means, keep throwing your tantrums. Y'all are still interested in yourselves. It's just that the rest of us are exiting the tent. It was a good show while it lasted. Don't forget to clear up all the cow dung, you wouldn't want to get cited for a violation. Also, don't forget to turn out the lights. Look at it this way, more time for bingo. N-35, g-31, 0-25..........; Reply to this comment


by hungry1968-16 August 6, 2009 6:12 PM EDT: by PeaceHasAPrice August 6, 2009 5:11 PM EDT
That's the problem she's not qualified.

Try another lie.

She's THE MOST qualified SC nominee in a century.

I see your lie, and trump it.; Reply to this comment


by thusspokezara August 6, 2009 5:40 PM EDT: Obama has to get tough with the Blue Dog Democrats. He needs to purge them from the Party. Or I am telling you, one of them will rise to challenge him in 2012. Right now they are the only ones that keep him from having absolute power.; Reply to this comment

by reveal5 August 6, 2009 5:34 PM EDT

Watch out now. The righties may get all revolutionary on us and start throwing bingo chips around. They'll never throw the chocolate donuts though, they love the ones with the sprinkles.

Reply to this comment


by specialty8 August 6, 2009 5:37 PM EDT: What would even be worse than that is if we just stop paying our taxes. You might have to give up watching Oprah and find a job. Think about it,working to support youself is not all fun and games.


by gunownerdan August 6, 2009 5:29 PM EDT: Those who are racist against white people would be filled with pride when one of theirs gets into a powerful government position.; Reply to this comment


by specialty8 August 6, 2009 5:21 PM EDT: Wow, Obama and Michelle are both proud now. To bad for them they have only 3 1/2 years left to keep soaking the public.; Reply to this comment

by reveal5 August 6, 2009 5:12 PM EDT

Well, the fringe right is sure riled up over this appointment. Grammas and Grampas gone wild!

Reply to this comment


by specialty8 August 6, 2009 5:16 PM EDT: You bet they are. They where the ones that built the things you enjoy now and are seeing it all just given away.