ATL Reader Poll: The Paris Hilton of the Federal Bench
Today is the first day for judicial clerkship interviews under the official Law Clerk Hiring Plan (which some judges follow, and some judges don't). We're going to celebrate the occasion with a judge-related poll.
Here at Above the Law, we love ourselves some Paris Hilton. She's beautiful, blonde, and rich. She's fabulous and glamorous. She's a gifted model, actress, singer, dancer, and businesswoman. (And yes, she's good at that, too.)
Here are some quotes from a recent New York Sun article about Paris that capture some of our feelings about her:
Says Camille Paglia: "She feels the Zeitgeist. She has that dancer's feel for the camera, for the observing eye, and she produces fantastic still pictures." Ashley Barrett, global PR director for Coty Prestige, has added, "She is very clever about giving the press what they want — provocative fashion, an ever-increasing list of projects, scandal. She gives great paparazzi."
Some people deride Paris Hilton as being "famous for nothing" or "famous for being famous." We disagree; but if this were true, it would only make Paris more fantastic. It would make the purest incarnation of fame possible: fame undiluted by the distracting presence of accomplishment.
And, as everyone knows, we also love ourselves some federal judges. So here's today's poll:
Who is the Paris Hilton of the federal judiciary?
Here are the contenders and what they share in common with Paris:
Judge Maryanne Trump Barry (Third Circuit): 'cause she's a filthy rich heiress (daughter of the late real estate magnate Fred Trump, and big sister of The Donald).Judge Alex Kozinski (Ninth Circuit): 'cause he's a genius at self-promotion.
Judge Richard Posner (Seventh Circuit): 'cause he's a multitalented public intellectual.
Judge Shira Scheindlin (Southern District of new York): 'cause she's a Gotham-based
biatchdifficult woman.Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw (Ninth Circuit): 'cause she's a blonde diva -- and HOTT!!!
HAPPY VOTING!!!
Update: Paris Hilton: When the Polls Will Close
Paris Hilton: She's With the Brand [New York Sun]
Comments
Paris Hilton is kind of vapid, not as smart as she thinks she is, and has tried to parlay her well-publicized fall from grace into more fame. You, sir, are the Paris Hilton of the blogosphere.
I can't think of any federal judges who fit that description very well. Maybe one of the state judges you write up so frequently.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 21, 2006 03:26 PM
"[T]he Paris Hilton of the blogosphere": Wow, thanks! That's the nicest compliment someone has paid us in a long time.
I'm afraid we're not worthy of that honor, though. It really belongs to Jessica Cutler, of Washingtonienne fame.
But if you modify the statement to "the Paris Hilton of the LEGAL blogosphere," or "the Paris Hilton of the blawgosphere," NOW we're talking.
Print up the T-shirts!
Posted by: David Lat | September 21, 2006 03:34 PM
Anonymous: Paris Hilton also attracts the fascinated, rapt attention of thousands upon thousands of humorless bores who just looooooove to hate her and can't seem to get enough of her; or indeed, tear themselves away from following in minute detail her every move to get on with their dreary little prosaic lives they find so morally superior.
Just like you and David Lat.
So like, yeah, he's Paris Hilton. Whatever.
Posted by: Schopenhauerian | September 21, 2006 07:44 PM
Frank M. Hull at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals easily qualifies as the Paris Hilton of the judiciary. Frank is/was good looking and is still as dumb as a dead tree. FRCP, Judicial Oath and Constitution mean nothing to Frank. She was appointed by Clinton, I have to wonder just what "qualifications" she had for the appointment. I think she used the gavel instead of a cigar.
Posted by: Joe Norman | September 20, 2007 01:01 PM
Frank M. Hull at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals easily qualifies as the Paris Hilton of the judiciary. Frank is/was good looking and is still as dumb as a dead tree. FRCP, Judicial Oath and Constitution mean nothing to Frank. She was appointed by Clinton, I have to wonder just what "qualifications" she had for the appointment. I think she used the gavel instead of a cigar.
Posted by: Joe Norman | September 20, 2007 01:03 PM