MELISSA BLOCK, Host: From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Melissa Block.</s>MICHELE NORRIS, Host: And I'm Michele Norris.</s>P: Justice John Paul Stevens. President Obama acknowledged the news today, speaking in the White House Rose Garden.</s>BARACK OBAMA: When President Ford was faced with a Supreme Court vacancy shortly after the nation was still recovering from the Watergate scandal, he wanted a nominee who was brilliant, non-ideological, pragmatic and committed, above all, to justice, integrity and the rule of the law. He found that nominee in John Paul Stevens.</s>MICHELE NORRIS, Host: NPR's Ari Shapiro begins our coverage from the White House.</s>ARI SHAPIRO: Shortly after Air Force One touched down, the president stepped in front of the microphone.</s>BARACK OBAMA: Justice Stevens has courageously served his country from the moment he enlisted the day before Pearl Harbor to his long and distinguished tenure on the Supreme Court. During that tenure, he has stood as an impartial guardian of the law. He's worn the judicial robe with honor and humility.</s>ARI SHAPIRO: President Obama said today he will move quickly to nominate someone who shares the qualities he admires in Justice Stevens.</s>BARACK OBAMA: An independent mind, a record of excellence and integrity, a fierce dedication to the rule of law and a keen understanding of how the law affects the daily lives of the American people. It will also be someone who, like Justice Stevens, knows that in a democracy, powerful interests must not be allowed to drown out the voices of ordinary citizens.</s>ARI SHAPIRO: Ari Shapiro, NPR News, the White House.
Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens announced his retirement Friday, giving President Obama a second chance to nominate a judge to the court.