The secret life of a Supreme Court short-lister.

Over time, America grew used to thinking of Justice David Souter as an only child turned unmarried man who liked history books and hiking alone in the mountains. People stopped speculating about his singleton status, and he was left alone as America's last respectable bachelor. Now the talk of his successor has opened a whole new round of status speculation. The list of potential replacements is overpopulated by women who are single, childless, or divorced. So America asks-or worries without overtly asking-what is this suspicious creature called the bachelorette, and what is she really up to?

The speculation is partly fueled by the president. Obama has said he wanted a justice with "heart and empathy" who will think about "how our laws affect the daily realities of people's lives." This meant he would look beyond the candidates' résumés and into the detailed personal backgrounds of their lives and choices. But it also meant the rest of us would be invited to do that, too.

This morning, Josh Gerstein of Politico reported that two of the top candidates for the SCOTUS seat, Stanford Law School's Pamela Karlan and Kathleen Sullivan, are gay. (Disclosure: Sullivan was a teacher of Dahlia's at Stanford, and Karlan is an acquaintance.) Karlan confirmed this report in an e-mail to Gerstein, writing, "It's no secret at all that I'm counted among the LGBT crowd." (Actually, if it wasn't a secret, it was at least a fact the mainstream media had thus far declined to report.) Sullivan declined to respond to an e-mail from Gerstein seeking comment for the Politico article.*

You'd think this would have cleared the air for the first free and unfettered discussion of an openly gay justice. But it merely opened the door for more doubletalk. On hearing the news about Karlan, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council said he doubts President Obama will nominate a gay person to the Supreme Court, because of the possibility of a political battle: "That would enter a whole new element of the debate that I don't think he's ready for," Perkins said. He then added that his group would not discuss sexual preference, only judicial views.

Really? Wasn't Karlan's sexual preference precisely what he'd just discussed? Karlan's judicial views, after all, haven't changed since yesterday.

Rumors abound that other women on the list are lesbians, though those rumors are rarely backed by any actual reporting or proof. None of this is surprising. Think of all the single, childless women in positions of prominence who have been "rumored to be gay." Janet Reno, Harriet Miers, and Condoleezza Rice, for starters. The very much married Hillary Clinton is practically the only one who can proudly, casually say that she marches in Gay Pride parades, although rumors that she was a lesbian have dogged her, too, for decades.

Sometimes the code for gay gets sloppy and transparent. The Christian Coalition described Elena Kagan, former dean of Harvard Law School and U.S. solicitor general, as "extremely dangerous to America." Although she has taken pains to welcome conservatives onto campus, Kagan is targeted by the right for being "gay friendly" because she took sides in a Supreme Court case in which several law schools objected to the military's policy on gay servicemen and servicewomen.

Tags: David Souter, Elena Kagan, Kathleen Sullivan, Pamela Karlan, Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court

Dahlia Lithwick and Hanna Rosin

Comments

Ray Ban Sunglasses Sale

By: Ray Ban Sunglas... | Fri, 05/18/2012 - 02:23

MILAN, May 7 (Reuters) - Italy's Luxottica, the world's largest premium eyewear maker, said sales in the first quarter rose 14.9 percent from a year ago, buoyed by dazzling sales in emerging markets such as Brazil, India and East Asia.

The Milan-based company, which makes Ray Ban Sunglasses Sale, said net sales reached 1.79 billion euros ($2.35 billion) in the quarter, beating a mean I/B/E/S estimate of 1.77 billion euros based on the forecasts of 18 analysts.

"The results achieved in the first quarter of the year are an excellent foundation for the rest of 2012," Chief Executive Andrea Guerra said in a statement on Monday.

Many of the markets in which Luxottica operates are in good shape, despite the difficult environment in the Mediterranean Europe area.

Illustrating the group's strong pricing power, Guerra said in a conference call with analysts that Luxottica had managed to raise prices on its Cheap Ray Ban Sunglasses, even in crisis-hit Southern Europe.

Earlier this year, Guerra told Reuters that he expected profits to grow twice as fast as sales this year, which in turn were expected to rise by a high single-digit percentage.

Luxottica's sales were helped by last year's acquisitions of Brazil's Tecnol and Multiopticas International, which lifted revenue by about 40 million euros, the group said.

Overall, New Ray Ban Sunglasses sales in Brazil and India climbed some 40 percent, it said. In the United States, where Luxottica owns the Sunglass Hut retail chain, sales were up 8.5 percent.

The strong results - which Luxottica dubbed the best first-quarter in its history - contrasted with those of its smaller local rival Safilo, which reported a 4 percent decline in net sales earlier this month.

Luxottica was partly to blame for its competitor's woes, as Safilo lost its contract to make Armani-branded eyewear to Guerra's group last November.

Margins rose to 19.3 percent in the first three months of the year, compared to an 18.2 percent core earnings margin in the first quarter of 2011.

Luxottica's results came on the day Italian luxury trade body Altagamma said it expected the global luxury goods market to reach a record 200 billion euros this year, a 6-7 percent rise from last year, but slower than the 10 percent posted in 2011.

"Apart from Spain,Italy and Japan, the luxury goods market is growing significantly everywhere in the world," Armando Branchini, the head of Altagamma told reporters at an event in Milan on Monday.

Shares in Luxottica have risen by about a third since the beginning of the year, outperforming a 13 percent rise in the wider European household goods sector year-to-date.

Shoes Online Store

By: zhenhua | Tue, 04/03/2012 - 00:05

Coach Factory has created

By: chen2020 | Mon, 03/26/2012 - 04:24

Coach Factory has created some of the most trendy purses of all time and they're known for reshaping their Coach Outlet old classics in fabulous ways day after day. The Coach Outlet Online to be named handbags by Coach Factory Outlet were shown on the runway for Spring 2012 in a value of colors shapes and mosaic options. Nowaday Coach Factory Outlet has switched up its purses checks by adding colors to the mix. Made in Coach Outlet Online shiny patent leather and fabric that take harmony color beautifully Coach Outlet Canada can put the glamour back in motherhood with all gardening necessities! Coach Factory Outlet Online has stolen many females' hearts around the world. The quality of Coach Factory Online and reputation of Coach Outlet Store Online has spilled over into another watershed of the remarkable Coach Handbags design giants. Still looking for what's the fashion in this new month? Just keep your paces with Coach Factory Canada you will find what In-Style means. There are Kinds of Coach Factory such as the delight and practical Coach shoes the luxury and trendy Coach Handbags. You will be confident if you take it to the mass Coach Factory Outlet Online. We believe that every woman deserves the right to look and feel elegant and we fulfill this belief by bringing you Coach Factory Outlet Online with the high-top handbag at a price that is worth money. As a result of Coach Outlet fine supplies and trendy designs Coach Handbags are commonly somewhat high priced. Now you can make for your luxe dream via a discount price. Our Coach Factory Online can easily find lots of ladies dressed in the latest outfit carrying the Coach Handbags.

juicy couture tracksuits is

By: mingtian123 | Tue, 03/20/2012 - 03:25

juicy couture tracksuits is the most outstanding goods and reaches maximum sales volume at juicy couture outlet with its marvelous charms in classic styles and great comfort for leisure. For customer’s favor, juicy couture sale undergoes a promotion activity with high quality and cheap price. You can take your favorite Juicy Couture home now!

puma sneaker shop

By: zhenhua | Tue, 03/13/2012 - 04:00

It's a good news.Welcome to www.pumasneakershop.com.Puma shoes appear to get several many years forward from the ordinary walking footwear when it arrives towards specialized design.They are superior durable footwear which might be employed for several distinctive applications.And they are offered in several distinctive styles.Whenever you put on them.There are so many style of Men's Puma Shoes and Women's Puma Shoes.Such as Puma Baylee Future II | Puma Drift Cat | Puma Ferrari Shoes | Puma Fluxion | Puma Future Cat LO Engine | Puma Future Cat Low | Puma Lazy Insect | Puma Speed Cat | Puma Speed Cat Big | Puma Baylee Future Cat II | Puma Future Cat LO Engine | Puma Future Cat Low | Puma Speed Cat Suede SX.I think you can discover the puma shoes you like most excellent here.And if posible, you can advise it for your relatives and friends.Good luck.

prada bags sale

By: seatime | Wed, 02/29/2012 - 14:03

Prada's origins lay in a Milan boutique selling prada bags sale, prada bags cheap, and accessories, but it was not until 1978 that the prada bags uk underwent radical change with the takeover of the family firm by Miucci Prada ) and her husband Patrizio Bertelli. The institution of new (1950- management methods, a keen sense of design, and the implementation of an effective marketing policy helped to create a fresh, fashion-conscious identity. In 1985 the prada bags online introduced prada tote bag and prada top handle bag which were originally sought after by the fashion-conscious as antistatus. However, they soon carried Prada's embossed silver triangle brand identity. The company's first ready-to-wear collection was launched in 1989 and was admired for its clean lines and ‘elegant minimalism’. Subsequent designs have been characterized by fabric innovations and computer-enhanced patterns. In 1992 Prada launched its cheaper Miu Miu line, aiming to capture a more youthful market sector. The company's success in this project was underlined by the inclusion of Drew Barrymore in many prada top handle tote bag in the mid-1990s.

醫美中心診所,割雙眼皮,保濕,高雄醫美,台北醫美,台中醫美

By: wts30286 | Wed, 02/29/2012 - 02:44

dr dre headphones

By: aske | Sun, 02/26/2012 - 23:11

Buy Dr Dre Beats Sale to add your Category . Have a try!!! How about coming and have a look at Beats By Dr Dre ? Everybody like this world famous brand headphones because of finest quality. The rare Beats By Dr Dre Limited Edition can add your appeal when you match one pair with your fad attair. These Beats By Dr Dre Pro are come from Plush ear cushions covered with ultra-soft breathable materials keep you cool. Let’s know more details about our finest quality Dr Dre Beats. You just need to click to our website to own Beats By Dr Dre Solo HD .These Beats By Dr Dre Studio can be cuffed down at the button or worn un-cuffed to your own favorite style.Our company sells various kinds of brand name Dr Dre Beats Pro. Move your finger to scan our good fame website. Please tell us if some of our superior Beats By Dr Dre Tour Black have the opportunity to attract you!!Take your time to have a look at our online store selling Diddy Beats By Dr Dre .Purchase our Dr Dre Beats Studio is a wise choice.Always Free shipping and Cheap price and Best service. I have bought these Justin Bieber Justbeats last year from this online shop .Almost the same as the picture.I like running on Beats By Dr Dre Sale .Also,very fashion,I think .All my friends speak highly of these headphones.

Barbour Jacket is a

By: admintime | Sat, 02/18/2012 - 01:51

Barbour Jacket is a world-famous top brand. It has the high quality and the high-tech design. If you wear Barbour Quilted Jacket , you will feel warm in extreme cold weather. Barbour Jackets Women not only make the wearer feel comfortable, but also to ensure the wearer feel more warm in the cold and harsh winter. Welcome to our Barbour Uk online store, we offer various Barbour Jackets Sale , like Barbour Jackets Boys , Girls Barbour Jackets , Mens Barbour Jackets , Womens Barbour Jackets ， Barbour Quilted Jackets ， Barbour International Jacket . Barbour Jackets For Men are a product of men’s style outfits which don’t just stick to fashion, nor even guide it. Barbour Coat merely is fashion. Whether you choose out Barbour International Quilt Jacket for remarkable warmth, Barbour Polarquilt Jacket for exceptional defense toward the rain, or Kids Barbour Jackets for defense using the cold the brand Barbour International will practically undoubtedly be just one you will arrive to rely upon and love. Because Ladies Barbour Jackets aren’t like pretty quite a few other men’s style items. Our Barbour Outlet online store gives you the newest products of Cheap Barbour Jackets . Right here you may obtain an enormous amount of many Barbour Quilted Jacket Ladies at acceptable price. Our Baby Barbour Jackets acquired well identified with potential customers throughout the whole world for it really of top quality and reasonable price. Within our Barbour Sale , Barbour Factory Shop now has these kinds of Barbour Ladies Jackets , Childrens Barbour Jackets , Barbour Coats For Men , Womens Barbour Jacket and an enormous amount of Womens Barbour Quilted Jacket series. You may get every certainly one of many materials of Barbour Coats Women within our Barbour Online website. Obtain out more materials about us at http://www.barbour-quiltedjacket.biz /.Founded in 1894 by John Barbour, J. Barbour & Sons Company has a long history in producing durable Barbour Jackets . As a top brand, Womens Barbour Quilted Jacket has won Queens Award for their excellent quality. Many customers all over the world also praised this durable Quilted Barbour Jacket . Barbour Online Sale high quality Barbour Jackets For Women , Barbour Girls Jackets with reasonable price for you. From here, you will find variety of Barbour Quilted Jacket Mens , Barbour Jacket Women and Kids Barbour Sale. Welcome to Barbour Jackets UK online store,buy product here will enjoy no sale tax and free shipping!

Prada Handbags is an italian fashion house established in Milan, Italy in 1913.Prada Bags increased its popularity during America's Cup races in 2001 and consolidated its leadership position in the fashion market.Prada UK is known for using simple colors,clean lines,and luxurious materials like soft leathers and python in the construction of their shoes.Prada Online emphasize elegance and delicacy in the designs.Prada Shoes typically have minimal ornamentation.

Then,in our Prada Handbags Sale shop,we sale various kinds of Cheap Prada Bags.The details are as follows.If you are looking for high-quality but low price Prada Handbag,our store is your good choice.Prada Bags UK online boutique offers true original Prada Tote at discounted prices.And Prada Leather Bags are between probably the most favorite in the planet.Then Prada Canvas Bags are famous for design unique,handmade fine and bright colors. And our Prada Bags for Men always provide the quality you want at an affordable price.Our store also offers a huge catalogue of original Prada Wallets at discounted prices.What’s more,Prada Belts is a brand which is known worldwide. If you were looking for Prada Shoes,you have come to the right place,we provide Prada Men Shoes and Prada Women Shoes in detail.And of cause,Prada Sunglasses are also featured products in our store.

There is no doubt that our store is your best place to buy Replica Prada.If you want to be a fashion forward person and be outstanding among the crowed,welcome to our Cheap Prada Shoes shop,then your dream will come true.Prada Sale with Free Shipping in our Prada Bag online store now！

Barbour Jacket thrives on the unique values of the British countryside. Quality, durability and fitness for purpose have been the guiding principles for more than 100 years. Barbour Coats

a wide selection of Barbour International Jacket in varying styles and colors are now available at Excel Clothing including Barbour Liddesdale Jacket and the classic Ladies Barbour Jackets.Fashion aficionados will know the quality of all Barbour Uk and of these their range of Barbour Sale Ladies Barbour Jacketsare probably their best known item of clothing. Barbour Jackets Women A lot of women bikers have obtained this unique leather Barbour Clothing Barbour Outlet and also have commented that it's a comfortable and incredibly Ladies Barbour Quilted Jackets to put on in extreme climate conditions while riding their motorbikes.

The most Cheap Barbour Jackets sale recent craze with females is Ladies Barbour Jackets Barbour Jackets.Celebrities also are seduced by Barbour Jackets Men, which really help these phones publicize their style quotient. Barbour Jackets For Women These functions range from the proven fact that this Barbour Wax Jackets is made of soft, smooth premium lightweight leather, Cheap Barbour Jacket includes a vertical braid around the front from the Childrens Barbour Jackets and also on the rear of Barbour Polarquilt Jacket,it’s black finish hardware, Barbour Quilted Jacket features a durable yak zipper, includes a full lining, includes a studded belt round the waist and it has zippered sleeves.

Mulberry Bags, Mulberry

By: admintime | Sat, 02/11/2012 - 02:51

Mulberry Bags, Mulberry Handbags , Mulberry Alexa Bag

Mulberry Bags which hold nostalgia and personality is one of the most popular bag designs for women due to the highly crafted fine leather Mulberry mini Alexa and low-key luxury of Mulberry Handbags. Mulberry Alexa Bag that is a relaxed,stylish cross between the classic Mulberry Bayswater Bag and Mulberry Briefcaseof men get more and more prides from person who pursue classic low profile.

Mulberry Shoulder Bag which can be used at any time of year comes in various colors for every taste,and Mulberry Alexa Oversized Satchel can be worn across the body perfect for an everyday, multi-purpose style. In addition, Mulberry Clutch is casual any occasion,do not have much space in it,but it compensates its flexibility and comfort,in like manner,the Mulberry Hobo Bag is a bag very practical and stylish for travel,has an adjustable strap which is very convenient.The size of Mulberry Totesis ideal and has style and used on any occasion,so does mulberry joel shoulder bag. Besides, another very pretty model of this brand is the Mulberry Antony Bagwhich is mulberry antony oak natural leatherbag with style,and the leather of Mulberry Luxurry Bag is a particularly special for mulberry somerset shoulder bag,a lot of quality,is very light and practical.

If you want to catch a glimpse of theMulberry Latest Bag,the Mulberry Online Store of our website will be the best choice for you,and we only provide you the first grade Mulberry Printed Leather Bag,that is,we offer the absolutely high quality Mulberry Bags UK.The shortest answer is doing,now the Discount Mulberry Handbags with free delivery and 40% off such as Mulberry Messenger Bag are waiting for your welcome!

http://www.mulberry-handbagsuk.net/

Having a glance away with the Gucci Handbags,you’re able to quietly tell that Gucci Hobos was designed with Cheap Gucci Handbags Uk so plentiful time and consumed achievement.And with Gucci Handbags Outlet this see you full price sufficient Discount Gucci Bags but costly assuming,spot you what Gucci Handbags Uk would be your consideration each and every penny.Gucci Handbags Wholesale This is probably essentially the most Gucci Handbags For Cheap of Gucci brand,and Gucci Backpacks Gucci Totes will let you a lot more sophisticated when holding with Gucci Hysteria Bags on your shoulder or on your hand, Gucci Bags Online and with distinct occasions. Gucci Bags 2010 are really stylish.If you walk in the street,you might see Cheap Gucci Handbags Uk lots of people Gucci Bags Gucci Boston BagsOnline with Gucci Purses and Gucci Clutch Bags,since New Gucci Bags convenient to carry.The capacity of Sale Gucci Bags is fairly significant to hold numerous Gucci Handbags On Sale issues.Most of Gucci Fabric Bags are created from leather Gucci Messager Bags and having Women Gucci Bags a removable leather strap.Some New Gucci Bags Gucci Belts is really well-liked by clients.

Mulberry Handbags are more and more fashionable all over the world for the elegant quality, unique design and low price. Mulberry Bags UK shop sale mulberry bags, Mulberry Alexa Bag , mulberry Antony bags, mulberry totes. They have not only excellent appearance but also the practical internal. Besides, Mulberry Totes Mulberry Messenger Bag are made from the valuable leather. What’s more, Mulberry Sale Mulberry Holdall can make you get a faddish item of this season. Mulberry Bags here are all free shippment and no sale tax now. Please take action quickly to buy it and become the charming highlight.

Mulberry Handbags have become more and more popular in the modern UK market. With their fashionable designs, top quality and multiple colors, Mulberry Hobo Bag Mulberry Clutch is accepted by more people all over the world. All these series of Mulberry Bayswater Bag are hot sale both in domestic and international markets. In particular, Mulberry Bags Sale series are bestseller in our store. Mulberry Shoulder Bag The details pictures shows on our website are taken by ourselves, so we guarantee Mulberry Shop provide the bag you receive will be the same as in the pictures. Low Price and Best Service!

News & Politics

An Unnatural Woman