Today, I am pleased to nominate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to join the Supreme Court.
Judge Jackson grew up in Miami, Florida. Her parents grew up during segregation, but they never gave up hope that their children would enjoy the true promise of America. Her parents both graduated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and became public school teachers.
Judge Jackson herself grew up to be a star student. It was after a high school debate tournament held at Harvard University that she believed she could one day be a student there. There are those who told her she should not set her sights too high, but she refused to accept the limits others set for her.
After attending Harvard for undergrad, she went on to Harvard Law School, where she was a top student and editor of the prestigious law review, and then selected for a highly competitive clerkship on the Supreme Court. The Justice who thought she was worthy of this high honor was none other than Justice Stephen Breyer, whose seat I am nominating her to fill.
Now, years later, she steps up to fill Justice Breyer's place in the Court with a uniquely accomplished and wide-ranging background. She has had a breadth of legal experiences, both in public service as a federal public defender representing defendants who did not have the means to pay for a lawyer and also at a private law practice.
Judge Jackson has already been confirmed by the United States Senate three times with bipartisan support -- first as Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, next as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and most recently as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, considered the second most powerful court behind the Supreme Court itself.
Judge Jackson cares about making sure democracy works for the American people. She listens, looks people in the eye, and she strives to ensure that everyone understands why she made a decision -- what the law is and what it means to them.
Judge Jackson brings with her extraordinary qualifications and deep intellect, and she deserves to be confirmed as the next justice of the Supreme Court. But we’re going to need your full support behind her.
Will you show your support for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court today? It’d mean so much to Kamala and me.
I believe it's time that we have a Court that reflects the full talents and greatness of our nation. With a nominee who would inspire all young people to believe one day they can serve their country at the highest level. Judge Jackson is that nominee.
Kamala and I recognize that this is going to be a huge undertaking, and we’re counting on DNC supporters like you to show your support for Judge Jackson.
Thank you for standing with us every step of the way. It means so much to me.
Joe
Joseph R. Biden Jr.
President of the United States
