CBS: Obama Criticized over Decision to Skip Scalia’s Funeral

ROSE: “This morning, CBS news poll shows Americans are split over the president’s plan to nominate a successor to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Forty-seven percent in our poll says the president should choose a nomination this year. Forty-six percent say the next president should make that decision. The spokesman says President Obama will not go to a funeral Mass for the late justice. Vice President Joe Biden will attend on Saturday. Margaret Brennan is at the White House with reaction. Margaret, good morning.”
BRENNAN: “Good morning. Well, President Obama’s decision to skip the Saturday funeral of Justice Scalia is being seen by some as a snub of the conservative judge, and a missed opportunity by others. Former Obama administration official Steve Rattner tweeted ‘If we want to reduce partisanship we can start by honoring great public servants who we disagree with.’ Now, White House official say, this is just a misunderstanding. The president will indeed be paying his respects, but doing so on Friday when Scalia’s body is in repose at the Supreme Court. And there is no protocol. While, then President, George Bush delivered the eulogy at Justice Rehnquist’s funeral his predecessor Bill Clinton attended services for two judges but skipped those for two others. The White House won’t say whether it was the president’s schedule, security concerns or another factor that led him to bow out. But, Norah, it has become yet another politically charged moment ahead of that fierce battle to fill Justice Scalia’s seat.”
O’DONNELL: “Yes, indeed. Thank you, Margaret.”