How Obama Can Ensure Victory for His Justice Vet Souter's successor like heck, and talk to all the right people By Kevin Spak Posted May 4, 2009 1:04 PM CDT Copied President Barack Obama smiles as he makes a surprise appearance during the daily press briefing to speak about the upcoming retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter, May 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) If Barack Obama wants to avoid a drawn out battle over his Supreme Court nominee, Mark Halperin has some advice: Vet the nominee exhaustively, and if anything comes up, make sure it comes out early and favorably. Be ready to play up “whatever Horatio Alger elements” of the nominee’s life story you can find. Line up Republicans willing to say nice things about him/her. Consult with Pat Leahy “again and again and again, until your mouth, brain, and ears hurt.” Set up a rapid-response center to field questions and attacks. Bring the “liberal echo chamber” onboard, allowing interest groups and talking heads to combat the Sean Hannitys of the world. Most of all, Obama should trust his instincts. “He’s good with history, personality, and legacy,” Halperin writes. Click the link below for more. Read These Next Gavin Newsom has filed a massive lawsuit against Fox News. New York Times ranks the best movies of the 21st century. A man has been deported for kicking an airport customs beagle. White House rolls with Trump's 'daddy' nickname. Report an error