Justice Samuel Alito Snubs Obama?

President-Elect Barack Obama strolled over to the Supreme Court yesterday to pay a visit to the Justices who will be scrutinizing his legislation and executive orders over the next four years. It was supposed to be a friendly visit, initiated by Chief Justice John Roberts, who will swear Obama into office next Tuesday.

But then one bad apple had to go and ruin it.

Wednesday's meeting was described as a relaxed, get-acquainted session. It included Roberts, seven associate justices and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

The absence of Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., who was at the court Wednesday morning for arguments in two cases, was a mystery. He has, however, voiced lingering anger over Senate Democrats, including Obama and Biden, who voted against his confirmation three years ago. When walking on Capitol Hill, Alito has said, he crosses to the far side of the street whenever he nears the Senate Office Building.

What gives, Justice Alito? Are you really still mad at Barack and Joe for trying to Bork you? After all, they both voted against Roberts, too, and he seems able to forgive and forget.

You should watch out, because Obama will almost certainly be appointing some of your colleagues in the coming years. If you don't want one of them to be John Kerry (who tried to filibuster your nomination), you'd better play nice!