Reid speaks out on ‘Meet the Press’

Benjamin Grove

Monday, Dec. 6, 2004 | 9:26 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Incoming Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid has asked President Bush to "consult" with Democrats before announcing Supreme Court justice nominees.

Historically, that kind of cooperation has helped to "smooth the path to confirmation," Reid wrote in a Dec. 3 letter to Bush.

In the letter, Reid aimed to quell speculation about bitter fights ahead in the Senate over judicial nominees.

"The beginning of a new Congress presents an opportunity to renew comity and respect between our parties and between the branches of government," Reid said in the letter.

Reid appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press" in his first appearance on a Sunday morning talk show since he was elected Democratic leader in the Senate last month. The Sunday news interview shows are closely monitored in Washington and are a commonly used forum for congressional leaders.

"We don't need a knock-down, drag-out fight on who should be approved on the Supreme Court," Reid told interviewer Tim Russert.

A White House spokesman was unavailable for comment today. Reid today had not received a response from Bush.

In the interview Reid said he intended to take a moderate path in his approach. But he foreshadowed possible clashes with the White House.

Russert said, "You're a former boxer. If you're punched, you'll punch back?"

Smiling, Reid answered, "Sure will."

Reid said he wanted to work with Republicans, but added that "they can't jam things down our throats."

Reid said he would oppose any effort to make Clarence Thomas the court's chief justice.

"I think that he has been an embarrassment to the Supreme Court," Reid said. "I think that his opinions are poorly written. I just don't think that he's done a good job as a Supreme Court justice."

Reid reiterated that he opposes a Bush proposal to privatize some Social Security money.

"They are trying to destroy Social Security by giving this money to the fat cats on Wall Street, and I think it's wrong," Reid said. "They've been trying to destroy Social Security for a long time and now they think they have an opening to do it."

Reid also said he believes amending the Constitution to ban same-sex marriage is unnecessary. Reid believes the issue is best left to states, which do not have to recognize gay marriages approved by other states.

"I think that we have to be very, very careful about how we tamper with the Constitution," Reid said.

Russert asked Reid if that stance would upset his Mormon church leaders.

"You'll have to ask them," Reid said.

Asked if he thought the landmark Supreme Court decision allowing abortion was wrong, Reid said he clearly opposes abortion and stressed that he intends to push for programs aimed at reducing unwanted pregnancies. Russert asked Reid what would happen if the court overturned Roe v. Wade.

"It would be pretty difficult for everybody, so I think that's why the Supreme Court has wrestled with it," Reid said.