Remarks to Reporters on
the Supreme Court Nomination of Robert H. Bork
The President. Well, thank you all for
coming down this morning. As you know, the Senate Judiciary Committee will act
on my nomination of Judge Bork to the Supreme Court. His opponents have made
this a political contest by using tactics and distortions that I think are
deplorable. And I could say more in that same tone, but time is of the essence.
Robert
Bork is, without question, one of the most qualified candidates for the Supreme
Court that we've ever had, and I am going to continue to do everything I can to
get him confirmed. Our work is cut out for us, and we have a lot to do before
the floor vote. We simply have to work together on this.
And
that's a pause, and the meeting will start in a short time.
Q.
Mr. President, are you saying you are not going to withdraw this nomination
until there's a vote on the Senate floor?
The President. I am saying I am not
going to withdraw this nomination.
Q.
Under any circumstances?
The President. No.
Q.
Sir, you say it's political, but a number of Republicans have also come out
against Mr. Bork, including a member of the Republican leadership, Senator
Chafee.
The President. Well, Chris [Chris
Wallace, NBC News], I'm not going to take any more questions. We've got a
meeting to get to, and I have a hunch that subject will be discussed in this
meeting. [Laughter]
Note: The President
spoke at