David Brooks on Sotomayor

David Brooks, Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times (generally a more conservative thinker), gives some of articulate thoughts on Sotomayor, and the U.S. Supreme Court in general in his piece titled "The Empathy Issue."

The crucial question in evaluating a potential Supreme Court justice, therefore, is not whether she relies on empathy or emotion, but how she does so. First, can she process multiple streams of emotion? Reason is weak and emotions are strong, but emotions can be balanced off each other. Sonia Sotomayor will be a good justice if she can empathize with the many types of people and actions involved in a case, but a bad justice if she can only empathize with one type, one ethnic group or one social class.

And a little more food for thought: Another piece of early speculation has focused on how often Sotomayor has been reversed by the Supreme Court. Several news organizations have noted that her reversal record is no worse than the justice she is set to replace, or other justices currently on the court.

David Brooks: The Age of Obama

New York Times Op-Ed columnist David Brooks spoke Tuesday at Orchestra Hall as the distinguished speaker for the St. Thomas Opus College of Business. Brooks spoke to a packed house on "The Age of Obama."

Brooks, well known for his writing on politics and modern American culture from a more conservative perspective, capitalized on humor, "insider"-type information, and sheer intellectual willpower to give a captivating talk. Although almost every paragraph of his speech could provide fodder for discussion, limits are necessary...for this one post, anyway.

One fascinating topic was Brooks thoughts on Obama's self-confidence. Brooks called that trait the "dominant theme" of Obama's campaign and presidency. Brooks talked about remarks where Obama conveys that he really believes he is the best person at all aspects of leading the country at this time, and feels totally confident. A sign of this is how Obama surrounds himself with the greatest intellectual brainpower he can find, but still feels he can control the conversation, and the result.

Another trait that Brooks discussed was Obama's "incredible niceness." At this great "traffic jam of brains" that Obama has created, Brooks said that Obama does not tolerate unkindness, and exudes humanity.

The other traits Brooks elaborated on were Obama's tremendous perceptiveness, his incredible knowledge and intellect, and his tremendous self-control. The fact that Brooks finds these to be the traits of a remarkable leader is also encouragement to women--none of these traits are qualities that women are generally disassociated with as leaders. It is encouraging that the notion of who is a strong leader is no longer tied to forcefulness, but instead to confidence and perceptiveness.

Lastly, I should note Brooks tie to Minnesota women: his wife of 25 years is from Minnesota. I should also note his coping strategy when dealing with Minnesota women: "capitulation."