“ I will appoint judges who have outstanding qualifications and are of exemplary character. My judicial nominees will exhibit a genuine appreciation for the text, structure, and history of our Constitution, will interpret the Constitution and the laws as they are written, and will possess a demonstrated record of adherence to these core principles. ”

“ President Obama has had the proud distinction of appointing two incredibly talented jurists to the Supreme Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor – the first Latina to serve on the Court – and Justice Elena Kagan. Early in his Presidency, he explained what he was looking for in a nominee, and that still holds: President Obama will look for an individual with an independent mind, a record of excellence and integrity, and a fierce dedication to the rule of law. He will seek someone who understands that justice is not just about abstract legal theories or footnotes in a casebook – it’s also about how our laws affect the daily realities of people's lives – whether they can make a living and care for their families, whether they feel safe in their homes and welcome in their own nation. ”