Today's test of common sense

"I would hope that a wise white man with the richness of his experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a female or black or Hispanic who hasn’t lived that life"

If a candidate for office were to utter these words he would be immediately disqualified. He could not be elected dog catcher, forget a nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States. He would be branded as the racist asshole he undoubtedly is. Wouldn't we worry about his ability to serve Justice blindly? Wouldn't you be concerned he would make judgements based not on the law, but instead on his prejudices and bias?

"I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,” - Judge Sonia Sotomayor

What is the difference?

update:

To Senators of both political parties,

This is not about whether you gain or lose long-term Hispanic votes. Think of the country instead of your party for once. This is the time to be the color/gender blind lawmakers you all profess to be. It is about her Judicial record. Is someone who has had 60% of her decisions reversed in a higher court really the competent jurist we are led to believe?