President Barack Obama on Thursday defended his nomination of Judge Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court, saying that though Garland is both white and male, lots of his federal court picks have added diversity to the system.
"Not to brag, but I have transformed the federal courts from a diversity standpoint with a record that's been unmatched," Obama said at an appearance at the University of Chicago Law School.
Obama said his appointments have put more African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and LGBT judges on the court than ever and also named two women to the Supreme Court.
But, he added, "At no point did I say, 'You know what? I need a black lesbian from Skokie in that slot. Can you find me one?'"
Garland grew up in nearby Skokie, Ill.
Obama said it is important that the courts have quality jurists who reflect a changing society.
"Yeah, he's a white guy," Obama said of Garland. "But he's a really outstanding jurist, sorry. You know, I think that's important."
Republicans, who control the Senate, have vowed not to take up Garland's nomination in hopes a Republican president will be elected in November. The death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia in February set up an ideological fight since a more liberal justice would swing the balance of the court on several key cases.
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