Evasive Responses in Senate Hearing Alarm Opponents of Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee John Roberts

Interview with Elliot Minceberg, vice president and legal director of People for the American Way, conducted by Scott Harris

With the end of Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings on the nomination of John Roberts to become the next chief justice of the Supreme Court, most pundits and politicians predict the smooth talking Roberts will have an easy time gaining approval from the GOP-controlled Senate. But opponents of the Roberts nomination are angry and frustrated with the federal judge's evasive and non-responsive answer to many important questions posed to him during the hearings.

National Organization for Women President Kim Gandy said, "As a lawyer, I have been listening very carefully, and what I've heard is a very clever attorney who has avoided answering many key questions by filibustering and doing the testimonial equivalent of reading the phone book." Groups urging senators to vote against Roberts' confirmation say that precedent-setting decisions on the issues of abortion, civil liberties, voting rights, consumer rights and environmental protection may well be reversed if President Bush's nominee becomes chief justice replacing the late William Rhenquist.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Elliot Minceberg, vice president and legal director with People for the American Way, a key group opposing Robert's nomination. Minceberg assesses the testimony and record of John Roberts, as well as the fight ahead to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Contact People for the American Way by calling (202) 467-4999 or visit their website at www.pfaw.org

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