Link to video (wouldn't upload for some reason?): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tlAERYqPS0&feature=related
I chose this question on appointing Supreme Court Justices based on their beliefs on certain issues (in this case, abortion) because of the heavy influence this issue will have on the presidential election this year. John McCain would like to see the Roe v. Wade ruling overturned, while Barack Obama would like to see the ruling stay in effect. John McCain answers the question first, responding that he would never, and has never, (:18 sec) impose a litmus test on a justice nominee. He believes that justices should be appointed based on their qualifications, not based on their ideology (what someone believes in). He employs logos in his response by stating facts such as "I voted for justice Bryor," and "I would consider anyone in their qualifications..." stating that he would vote for a justice based on facts and results from prior judgements, not outside opinions on subjects that are debatable. McCain points out that a fair way to decide who to vote for would be to see how closely the judge in question has abided by the Constitution. Obama later agrees with McCain's stand on litmus tests. Obama also says that "The most important thing in any judge is their capacity to provide fairness and justice to the American people." This provides us with clear guidlines on what voters are looking for in a justice. McCain employs pathos in his response by saying the United States Senate was about to "blow up" about the way of going about nominating a judge. Obama uses pathos when he says that "Abortion is a very difficult issue, and it is a moral issue." Although he doesn't emphasize how difficult of an issue this is, the majority of voting Americans understand this issue entails two heavily debated sides that are being fought over time and time again. Obama also tells a story about a woman who had been getting paid less that a man to do the exactly the same job. The court said she took to long to bring up this suit and rejected her suit. Obama says that he tried to overturn the decision while McCain chose not too. Lastly, McCain and Obama both use ethos when they sparr at each other about their past voting records and appointments in the Senate. McCain points out that Obama chose not to join a committee on deciding the best way to appoint a justice. Obama later brings to our attention that in the equal pay for equal work case (the previously mentioned story) McCain chose to vote to confirm the ruling that did not give here equal pay, while Obama voted to overturn the ruling. I think the audience for this debate is paying especially close attention to this issue, as it involves the candidates position on abortion. It has been the most scrutinized issue on the debate trail in recent months, and will carry over into the election term, so many Americans want as much information on the topic as they can get before November.
