Watch the videos below and answer the questions that follow.

Former U.S. Senator Bob Kerry (D-NB) and former New York Times Supreme Court reporter Linda Greenhouse discuss what types of Justices Barack Obama and John McCain would each appoint to the Supreme Court.

McCain, Obama, and the Supreme Court FORA TV October 29, 2008

What impact do you think the presidency of Barack Obama will have on the Supreme Court? Why? What important issues would you like to see addressed in the federal courts during President Obama’s first term?

Political action committees, issue advocates, and their causes are greatly impacted by the decisions handed down by the federal court system. One group, The People for the American Way, has produced a number of ads over the years that highlight the groups’ concerns about Supreme Court appointees.

Robert Bork TV ad The People for the American Way 1987

The End of Choice? The People for the American Way 2008

What concerns about Supreme Court appointments were expressed in the above videos? What agenda does The People for the American Way promote in these two videos? Do you feel these videos were effective in communicating this agenda? Why or why not?

The Colbert Report, hosted by Stephen Colbert, is a parody of personality-driven political opinion shows such as those found on the cable news networks, wherein Colbert hosts the show in character as a right-wing pundit.

In the following video, Stephen Colbert discusses the proposal raised by Arlen Specter to televise Supreme Court sessions.

The Word - Must-Not-See TV The Colbert Report Comedy Central First aired October 4, 2006

While this is a satirical discussion of the decision, the above video introduces important issues related to the right to privacy and the efficacy of “closed-door” Supreme Court deliberations. Do you feel that Supreme Court sessions should be televised for public viewing? Would this infringe the right to privacy of the Justices? Why or why not? Frame your answer in terms of the discussion of the federal courts in your textbook.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is a satirical news program hosted by Jon Stewart. The show draws its comedy from recent news stories, satirizing political figures, media organizations, and frequently the show itself and its cast members.

Judgment Day The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Comedy Central First aired July 20, 2005

The above video, although a humorous treatment of the appointment of John Roberts to the Supreme Court, reflects a larger concern about the appropriate amount of diversity in the Supreme Court. In your opinion, how important is the role of diversity in the Supreme Court? Do you feel that the current Supreme Court members are diverse enough, in terms of race and gender, to issue rulings that reflect the growing diversity of the United States’ population? Why or why not?