The XX Factor: What women really think.

Specter v. Souter

The spectacle of Senator Arlen Specter surely had nothing to do with Justice David Souter's timing—if indeed reports of his retirement plans are true. But it's a pointed, and also rather poignant, contrast. The almost-80-year-old guy who's got every reason to hang it up just can't let go—and hogs the spotlight by grabbing the chance to shift the balance in the Senate. I'm with you, June and Emily, in thinking the time had perhaps come for the gentleman from Pennsylvania to go potter in the garden. Meanwhile, the justice who hasn't yet hit 70 (at 69, Souter's the average age of those now on the bench) reportedly can't wait to head for the hills—and he is giving up a historic role. Maybe the two of them should have had lunch and swapped career advice, though as Souter chomped his apple I somehow doubt he would have changed his independent mind (assuming it is now made up). That's one of the many reasons he will be missed.