Link, story by Ariane de Vogue:
The two judges who have been considered the top finalists to be President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court — Neil Gorsuch and Thomas Hardiman — are being brought to Washington ahead of tonight’s White House announcement, sources tell CNN.
The move comes as there were increasing indications that Gorsuch will be Trump’s choice, sources briefed on the White House deliberations tell CNN.
One source said that Gorsuch was told it was likely him. Those close to the process warn that until it is announced, Trump could change his mind.
Earlier
Here are a few Twitter chatter highlights:
Bill Kristol: “I actually think Trump will name Gorsuch, and look forward to @tribelaw putting partisanship aside and testifying for him.”
Laurence Tribe: “Gorsuch is as smart as he is conservative, and he writes elegantly. Hardiman is a friend of Trump’s sister. Whom do YOU think T will name?”
Eric Lesh: “So according to @NPR reporting, Trump SCOTUS shortlister, Judge Hardiman, personally thinks climate change is a hoax http://www.npr.org/2017/01/30/512501512/trump-expected-to-announce-supreme-court-nominee-this-week …”
Orin Kerr: “If Trump wants to lock in support from his GOP base, I think he’ll get that with Gorsuch. Not so much with Hardiman.”
Ann Coulter: “If @realDonaldTrump’s S. Ct nominee is Hardiman, Trump’s immig. policies won’t stand a chance. Hardiman is the Jeb! Bush of judges.”
Rogue POTUS Staff: “#UnholyTrinity back Gorsuch for SCOTUS. Had POTUS convinced. But POTUS swaying back to Hardiman for spite, despite look of more nepotism.”
Peter Hasson: “Source tells me re: SCOTUS: Trump liked Hardiman’s personality/blue-collar background but concerns over Hardiman’s immigration stance.”
Melissa Stanzione: “tidbit: Been talking 2 a lot of former clerks for #SCOTUSnominees Gorsuch, Sykes, Pryor, Kethledge & Hardiman 1/ Not one peep from Hardiman clerks??? Any former clerks who want to chat? What could it mean??? 2/ Correction: haven’t been talking to Hardiman clerks because haven’t gotten responses!”
Ed Whelan: “I knew that this would be a boring presidency.”
Jeff Zeleny [CNN]: “Two @scotus finalists – Gorsuch and Hardiman – being brought to Washington ahead of announcement, @CNN learns. Many signs point to Gorsuch.”
Deirdre Walsh [CNN]: “SCOTUS news:Gorsuch told he’s likely pick but Trump bringing Hardiman to DC too via @Arianedevogue & @PamelaBrownCNN”
Daniella Diaz [CNN]: “There is increasing indications that Neil Gorsuch will be Trump’s choice for SCOTUS. ”
Aaron Martin: “Fed Judge Mike Fisher on possible #SCOTUS nom of coworker Hardiman: “A great choice…would be nice to have someone from Pgh on SC.” #WPXI”
SCOTUSDaily: “Word has it, Gorsuch is our guy. #SCOTUSnominee”
Kevin Daley: “I’m hearing that personnel are in place in Washington to guide GORSUCH through the confirmation process.”
Peter Hasson [DailyCaller]: “Sources close to Trump: pick is supposed to be Gorsuch and was settled days ago..But still outside chance Trump calls audible (Hardiman)”