Steele: Obama would appoint Doctor Phil to SCOTUS

Michael Steele took another shot at President Obama’s desire for an “empathetic” justice today, joking that Obama might nominate Doctor Phil.

Speaking before the National Rifle Assocation, Steele said Obama’s criterion would lead to knee-jerk decisions.

“Supreme Court justices hold lifetime appointments,” Steele said. “That is why it is imperative that President Obama take his time and search for a nominee with the wisdom and grounding to interpret the laws of our great nation–not one who will have a knee jerk desire to ’empathize’ with the concerns of Americans. Sounds like instead of another Judge Roberts, the President is looking to put Doctor Phil on the Court.”

Here’s what Steele said a week ago about empathy as a desirable quality for judges:

I don’t need some judge sitting up there feeling bad for my opponent because of their life circumstances or their condition. And short changing me and my opportunity to get fair treatment under the law. Crazy nonsense empathetic. I’ll give you empathy. Empathize right on your behind. Craziness.