Biden Reaffirms "Successor Supreme Court Justice to Be Black Woman"... Expresses Gratitude for Breyer's Retirement

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden on the 27th (local time) reaffirmed his intention to nominate a Black woman as the successor to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who officially announced his retirement, by the end of February. He emphasized, "It's already late to do this," and "She will be the first Black woman to serve as a federal Supreme Court justice."

According to the Washington Post (WP) and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), President Biden met with the press at the White House along with Justice Breyer and said, "On behalf of the nation, I express gratitude for (Justice Breyer's) dedication, who has tirelessly worked to ensure that the law works for the people."

He traced his connection with Justice Breyer back to the mid-1970s and introduced himself as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee during Breyer's 1994 Supreme Court confirmation hearing. He also said, "Did you ever think I would be president when you retired?" expressing pride that he has been with him from the beginning to the end of his Supreme Court duties.

Justice Breyer, who was nominated by former President Bill Clinton in 1994 and has held the Supreme Court seat for 28 years, officially announced his retirement on this day. He described the U.S. as a "complex country" with diverse populations, religions, and perspectives, saying, "People's opinions differ, but America is based on human rights and democracy."

At 83 years old this year, he is known as a representative progressive figure who has led related rulings by writing opinions supporting abortion rights and access to healthcare services. Currently, the federal Supreme Court is divided 6 to 3 between conservatives and progressives. He acknowledged, "I know it has been a great honor to serve as a justice," and confirmed that he will retire in late June or early July, assuming his successor completes Senate confirmation.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to local media, potential successors to Justice Breyer include Ketanji Brown Jackson, whom President Biden nominated to the federal appeals court in March last year, and Leondra Kruger, a justice of the California Supreme Court.

WP reported that "President Biden reaffirmed that he will fulfill the pledge he made during the 2020 presidential campaign," and noted that this could be an opportunity to rally Black voters, a traditional support base of the Democratic Party. Recently, President Biden's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since his inauguration.

The nomination of a Supreme Court justice is the president's authority. However, since Senate confirmation is required, strong opposition from the Republican Party makes setbacks inevitable. Due to this, local media reported that President Biden wants to complete the confirmation before the November midterm elections.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.