President Trump announced Monday that he will nominate D.C. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. Known as an originalist and defender of religious freedom, Judge Cavanaugh will, if confirmed, replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kavanaugh served under former independent counsel Kenneth Starr and co-authored the report that led to President Clinton’s impeachment. He represented George W. Bush in the Florida recount following the 2000 presidential election and later became a White House lawyer. Although he dissented from an opinion upholding the right of a detained immigrant minor to obtain an abortion, Kavanaugh has drawn criticism from some conservatives who say he has not committed to overturning Roe v. Wade. We’ll discuss Judge Kavanaugh’s record and how he could affect the Court’s jurisprudence.
Guests:
Emily Bazelon, staff writer, New York Times Magazine; co-host, Slate’s Political Gabfest podcast
Douglas Kmiec, chair and professor of constitutional law, Pepperdine University; former US Ambassador to Malta
Bernadette Meyler, professor of law, Stanford University