Kagan Hearings in Context

Many Americans will get their first real look at Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan this week, as the Senate Judiciary Committee begins hearings expected to result in her confirmation.

While Democrats are believed to have votes to make the Solicitor General the next Supreme Court justice, Republicans are expected to try to capitalize on the live, televised hearings to voice their thoughts on judicial activism.

The back and forth, albeit unlikely to affect the outcome of the hearings, will of course have the potential to affect public opinion about Kagan serving on the court. When Gallup asked about her in late May, 46% favored her confirmation, 32% opposed it, and 22% were yet to form an opinion. Our Jeff Jones analyzed those findings in detail, finding that initial level of support not only trails recent nominees, but would also make her "the first nominee to win confirmation with less than majority initial public backing."


In the case of Sonia Sotomayor, who went through the confirmation process last summer, Americans hardly budged in their views of her following her hearings. However, as is normally the case, slightly more were able to express an opinion after having had the chance to see and hear her answer questions.

We'll get follow-up reactions to Kagan after her hearings as well. To make sure you get the story as soon as it is published, sign up for our Supreme Court e-mail alerts or RSS feeds.