Ken Starr on right-wing attacks on Kagan: ‘I don’t think it serves the country well.’

[Are_grits_groceries]

Today on MSNBC, former Whitewater prosecutor Ken Starr countered Republicans who are suggesting Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is not qualified because she has never served as a judge. “It’s certainly not necessary,” Starr said, adding that she “has been an outstanding teacher, a wonderful academic, a very successful dean… was a great community builder.” Host Monica Novotny then asked about attacks on Kagan from “conservative politicians” and “conservatives in the media.” “That’s politics,” Starr said, calling them “ugly.” He later said the right-wing strategy isn’t good for the Court or for the country:

MONICA NOVOTNY: Let me ask you this sir, no one is expecting Republicans to filibuster the nomination but as we’ve heard they are vowing to vigorously challenge her and as you’ve said, “that’s politics.” But is that the right strategy?

STARR: Well it may be good politics but I don’t think it’s good for the Court. We have been through a generation of very divisive politics which I think is not serving the Court well and therefore I don’t think it serves the country well. But far be it from me to question the tactics of folks who are elected by their constituents to carry a particular voice. I just wish for the sake of the country that there are less rancor and acrimony. Elections have consequences. President Obama has chosen someone who is very qualified.
Video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch
http://thinkprogress.org/

I have to lie down. This is the second time I have agreed with Starr. The first was when he whacked Liz Cheney for going after lawyers who worked for the DOJ who defended alleged terrorists. He specifically targets right wing tactics.

I may not agree with her positions, but the arguments that people are using such as no judicial experience are specious. Whatever disagreements there are should be much less inflammatory.

[Lerkfish]

1. well, even though I have not formed a solid opinion on Kagan

I am concerned about the type of people that are defending her.

It gives me pause.

[Are_grits_groceries]

3. I thought about that too.

Starr liking her is odd. However, he does specifically call out the right wing. Maybe it's more brazillion level chess.

[KharmaTrain]

9. Also Shows The Rift In The GOOP

Starr is an "establishment" rushpublican...definitely not a tea partier. He sees what comes around goes around...and not happy with the teabagging of his party.

Remember that Starr still in his deep dark dreams would love to be on the SCOTUS and his resume isn't much different than Ms. Kagan's. If he shoots her down, his words may come back to haunt him down the road.

[QC]

11. There are few things more damning than Kenneth Starr's praise. n/t

[liberal N proud]

2. Now he thinks of the country?

From the man who prosecuted a sitting President over a Blow Job.

:rofl:

[SpiralHawk]

4. "On the other hand, blowing $80 million in taxpayer money..."

"...to FAIL to discover whether someone somewhere was having some adult noncriminal fun (nudge, nudge, wink, wink), is more morally deranged than than, say, having wide-stance republicon family values diaper sex with a bondage-club luggage handler in a public bathroom stall. Smirk."

- Kenny Boy Starr (R - Pharisee)

[Johonny]

16. why is he not in jail

he spent how many millions on that investigation! Hello waste, fraud and abuse line...

[AndyA]

5. Gee thanks for that, Starr. Many feel you didn't serve the country well during the Clinton years.

What a waste of money you were.

I too am concerned about the people who seem to be defending Kagan. What the hell do they know that we should know?

The SCOTUS doesn't need another moderate.

[tanyev]

6. "We have been through a generation of very divisive politics"

Have we, Ken? Have we? You wouldn't have had anything to do with that, would you????

[Bluenorthwest]

7. Being approved by one of the most self serving and

overly politicized lawyers in the country is not the sort of endorsement I look for. Ken Starr on rancor and what is good for the country? Not the voice I look to for wisdom in those areas.

[marmar]

8. Yet another right-wing asshole seeking absolution for past indiscretions?

Fuck off, Starrman.

[zbdent]

10. second time you've agreed with Starr ...

is he ill? Is he trying to make his peace with God?

[FSogol]

12. Starr is the expert on "not serving his country well."

:shrug:

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

13. Mr Starr, if I'm ever nominated for anything ...

... please don't stand in my corner.

Messrs Rove and Cheney, ditto.

:hi:

edit to add: Prez Obama, don't even think about it. I won't pass the vetting process. I have inhaled, and will again.

[CanonRay]

14. When this this shithead grow a conscience?

[spanone]

15. fuck you starr