MSNBC "The Ed Show" - Transcript

Interview

MSNBC "The Ed Show" - Transcript

MSNBC "The Ed Show" Interview With Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

Interviewer: Ed Schultz

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JUDGE SONIA SOTOMAYOR: (From videotape.) I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences. Today is one of those experiences.

MR. SCHULTZ: Welcome back to "The Ed Show." That was Judge Sonia Sotomayor accepting the president's nomination to the Supreme Court.

So what unique qualifies and experience will she bring to the bench? Joining me now from the Judiciary Committee is Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, a member, as I said, of the Judiciary Committee.

Senator, why do we need a woman on the Supreme Court? I mean, what rulings have been out there in the past that have dealt with gender that makes this such an important pick, in your opinion?

SEN. KLOBUCHAR: Well, Ed, first of all, you just have this unique person. She is someone that just -- she doesn't just know the law and the Constitution. She also knows America. In her own words, she comes from modest and challenging circumstances. Her mom -- you know, her dad dies; her mom saving money to buy her Encyclopedia Britannicas. I could relate to this. That was a big deal in our family, those Encyclopedia Britannicas, when I was growing up.

And then she goes on to be a tough prosecutor, called fearless by her boss, and a judge. I think it was George Bush, the first George Bush, that appointed her judge. So she is someone of unique experience and a background that I think America wants to see -- someone who doesn't just see the law as some dusty book in your grandma's basement, but someone who sees the law in how it affects people in their everyday lives. And that's why I think she's such a unique nominee. I look forward to talking with her and asking her questions and making a decision, but I'm very impressed by her background.

MR. SCHULTZ: Senator, there have been Republicans in the past who voted for her to get on the appeals court. Do you anticipate a lot of Republicans supporting her, or is this going to be a dog fight? I mean, is this really going to be a real battle? Listen to some of the things that Karl Rove has said. He says that she's not very smart and there's been some questions about her intellect.

SEN. KLOBUCHAR: You know, Ed, I've got to step in here. I couldn't believe that. She was valedictorian of her high school class. She was one of the top people in her college at Princeton. I mean, come on. You can't make up those things. And so that is just outrageous to say those kinds of things.

But I hope that does not reflect how the Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and in the Senate will react here. I'm hoping this is going to be a civil hearing. This is the president's first nominee. This is a woman of great experience, someone of great dignity, that deserves dignity from this country and from the Judiciary Committee.

So I think it is too early to tell. And you're going to see mud sling. You're going to hear bad words from outside groups. But that doesn't mean that that is how the hearing will be conducted.

MR. MATTHEWS: And Senator, you on the Judiciary Committee, what do you want to know about this judge? What would be a red flag for you?

SEN. KLOBUCHAR: Well, I would like to see a judge -- first of all, as a former prosecutor, I'm very interested in her prosecutorial background. She's made some tough calls, actually, in favor of law enforcement, understanding that law enforcement, when they're trying to in good faith enforce the laws, that you've got to give them some latitude to do that. So I'd like to ask her about that.

I also would like to see her respect for the law and precedent. That's important for me. You're not going to agree with every decision a judge makes, but everyone's going to find decisions they don't like. I mean, hey, she brought back baseball to America. She stepped in and stopped that strike. I think that's something America will want to hear about. So there's a lot of good things; and also questions of executive power, other things we want to know about.

MR. SCHULTZ: Executive power; that's going to be a big one.

Senator Klobuchar, I appreciate your time tonight on the program. Thanks so much.

SEN. KLOBUCHAR: Well, I'm out here in the muddy, muddy hills of North Dakota and Minnesota. We miss you. This is your old stomping grounds here, Ed. So I'm thinking of you.

MR. SCHULTZ: Well, I know you're fighting for those flood folks up there for sure. Thanks so much, Senator; appreciate it.

SEN. KLOBUCHAR: We are. Okay, thank you.

END.

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