In a measured, solemn address focused mostly on the biography of this “remarkable man,” the president expressed his condolences to Antonin Scalia’s family and acknowledged the Supreme Court justice’s legacy as a “larger than life presence on the bench.”
Obama also said he intends to nominate Scalia’s successor, despite early indications that the Republican-controlled Senate will attempt to wait out his presidency. In “due time,” Obama said, “I plan to fulfill my constitutional responsibilities... These are responsibilities that I take seriously, as should everyone. They’re bigger than any one person. This is about our Democracy.”