Expert: Pilati - 3/4/2007

Question
Hi,

What are the chances of President Bush appointing a third justice to the Supreme Court before the end of his term in office? Also, given that at least half the justices will likely retire within the next five to ten years, how do you think this issue will affect the next election cycle?

Thanks,

Peter


Answer
I don't know.  It will not affect the cycle at all, because the possibility of appointing a justice is always factored in.
Since you rated me a 5 on knowledge, please tell me how a response could receive a 10 based on a question of probabilities.  If I had guessed a 100% chance that Bush would appoint another justice, would you have given me a higher rating?  Since the appointment of justices is discussed during every presidential campaign, how much of a difference do you think your premise would make?  If there were a rating category on the quality of the decision to answer a question, I would surely deserve a low rating on this one.