Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
UC Berkeley law professor Goodwin Liu faces tough GOP questions from Senate Judiciary Committee
Listen
UC Berkeley law professor Goodwin Liu faces tough GOP questions from Senate Judiciary Committee
UC Berkeley law professor Goodwin Liu faced tough questions today on Capitol Hill. Liu has been nominated for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee questioned Liu’s agenda, experience, and judicial temperament.
Texas Senator John Cornyn pointed out that despite Professor Liu's many academic achievements, he's never tried a case in a court of law. "I guess the question I have is – is this the right job for you?"
Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona pointed to one paragraph of an article written by Liu and described the language as “vicious” and “racially charged.” Kyl said, "this calls into question your judicial temperament."
Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn admitted he disagreed with more than just one paragraph. "I must tell you," he said, "based on what I’ve read I’m highly concerned. I think you and I have a completely different philosophy when we look at the U.S. Constitution."
Democrats on the Committee took turns throwing softball questions to Liu. Dianne Feinstein from California praised the nominee’s “amazing cool.”
Liu’s 4-week-old baby boy was not as serene. During questioning by Senator Kyl, the child started crying and had to be removed from the hearing room.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
