Biden formally introduces historic Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson as an 'independent mind' who 'strives to be fair'

• Biden on Friday formally introduced Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his Supreme Court nominee.
• Jackson is the first Black woman in US history tapped to serve on the Supreme Court.

President Joe Biden formally introduced Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his nominee for the Supreme Court during a ceremony at the White House on Friday, fulfilling his 2020 campaign pledge to nominate a Black female justice to the nation's highest court.

Biden praised Jackson, who stood behind him during his announcement, as a "daughter of former public school teachers, a proven consensus-builder, an accomplished lawyer" and "a distinguished jurist" who will bring an "independent mind" to the court.

Jackson makes history as the first Black woman tapped to serve on the Supreme Court. If confirmed, she would also become the third Black justice in the court's 233-year history.

"For too long, our government, our courts haven't looked like America," Biden said. "I believe it's time that we have a court that reflects the full talents and greatness of our nation with a nominee with extraordinary qualifications."

Jackson currently sits on the powerful US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, a position that Biden nominated her to a year ago.

"Her opinions are always carefully reasoned, tethered to precedent, and demonstrate respect for how the law impacts everyday people," Biden said. "It doesn't mean she puts her thumb on the scale of justice one way or the other. But she understands the broader impact of her decisions ... she cares that about making sure that our democracy works for the American people."

"She listens," Biden continued. "She strives to be fair, to get it right, to do justice — that's something all of us should remember, and it's something I've thought about throughout this process."

At the start of his speech, Biden appeared to acknowledge how the historic nomination comes amid an escalating crisis in Ukraine with Russia's recent invasion. The White House had previously set a deadline to reveal Biden's pick by the end of February, and stuck to that schedule with Friday's decision.

"Today, as we watch freedom and liberty under attack abroad, I'm here to fulfill my responsibilities under the Constitution to preserve freedom and liberty here in the United States of America," Biden said.

Jackson gave remarks following Biden, thanking the president and Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination process, while also recognizing the timing of the moment.

"I am truly humbled by the extraordinary honor of this nomination, and I am especially grateful for the care that you have taken in discharging your constitutional duty in service of our democracy with all that is going on in the world today," Jackson said of Biden.

Friday's nomination also comes during Black history month, and is exactly two years after Biden pledged on the 2020 campaign trail that if elected, he'd seek to nominate the first Black woman to the high court.

Jackson, in her remarks, credited her faith, family, and mentors for supporting and inspiring her throughout her career.

"My life has been blessed beyond measure, and I do know that one can only come this far by faith," Jackson said, adding that she was blessed to be born in the United States — "the greatest beacon of hope and democracy the world has ever known."

Jackson is poised to replace Associate Justice Stephen Breyer, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton and has served on the court for nearly 28 years. Breyer, 83, announced last month that he plans to retire at the end of the court's current term this summer.

Jackson, 51, clerked for Breyer at the Supreme Court in 1999, early in her legal career, and honored him during her speech on Friday.

"Justice Breyer, in particular, not only gave me the greatest job that any young lawyer could ever hope to have, but he also exemplified everyday, in every way, that a Supreme Court justice at the highest level of skill and integrity, while also being guided by civility, grace, pragmatism, and generosity of spirit," Jackson said. "Justice Breyer, the members of the Senate will decide if I will fill your seat, but please know, that I could never fill your shoes."

Jackson also paid homage to the first Black female federal judge in American history, Constance Baker Motley, with whom she shares a birthday.

"We were born exactly 49 years to the day apart. Today, I proudly stand on Judge Motley's shoulders, sharing not only her birthday, but also her steadfast and courageous commitment to equal justice under law," Jackson said.

Jackson has acquired broad experience in the legal field, with stints in private practice, on the US Sentencing Commission, and as a federal public defender. Before her current role, Jackson served on the DC federal district court for seven years. She is a Harvard Law graduate.

Jackson is married to cancer surgeon Patrick Jackson, and the couple has two daughters.

Democrats expect to move quickly to advance Jackson's nomination, only requiring a simple-majority vote for her confirmation. If no Republicans support Jackson, all 50 Democrats will need to be on board, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote, to get her confirmed.