If all nine justices achieved that standard, it would not matter whether a "liberal" or "conservative" president, a "Democrat" or a "Republican" made the choice. Nor would it matter whatever personal inclinations nominees might have. But unfortunately, too many justices do not measure up to that standard. Too many feel they, not Congress, should legislate, that they, not the president, should execute the law. Constitutionally, all justices should rule only according to the law, and never seek to "reform" society according to their views.

As a female and Hispanic judge, she is considered by President [Barack Obama] to be highly qualified. Conservative observers of her career reportedly consider her to be a "judicial activist." Ideally, justices should not be "activists," but only impartial legal arbiters.