PositiveThe Washington PostA [...] rosy view and idealism permeate [Breyer\'s] latest book, even as Breyer addresses the declining legitimacy of the Supreme Court in the public eye. He seeks to provide a historical backdrop to current public discussions about reforming the court. Like Breyer’s opinions and general life outlook, The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics reflects a balancing of interests and reverence for history. He declines to face up to the deepening gulf between blocs of justices, seen most recently in orders involving asylum policy, coronavirus measures and abortion rights. But Breyer does temper his optimism with some pragmatism ... The tone of Breyer’s book reflects his bridge-building nature.
Carl Hulse
PositiveThe Washington PostThe book is an absorbing, if dispiriting, look at the maneuverings of inside players like McConnell and Donald McGahn, Trump’s first White House counsel, and outside advocates like Leonard Leo of the Federalist Society, who appears to have steered judicial selection as much as anyone at the White House ... Inevitably, [Hulse] covers previously reported ground, but Confirmation Biasis an important guide at this crucial time for the stature of America’s judiciary ... Hulse admires Sen. Susan Collins, a moderate who was decisive in Kavanaugh’s confirmation, calling her \'meticulous\' and \'not one to be intimidated.\' His observations regarding whether the Maine Republican’s vote was ever in doubt and her interactions with the Trump team are minimal.
