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Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's words could be used against her. While addressing a group of peers at a 2001 ceremony commemorating the 40th anniversary of the first judicial appointment of a Latino to a federal court, Sotomayor spoke about her experiences as a latino judge. "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." Those remarks, which were captured on video and now appear on YouTube, have critics labeling her as a racist and some have even suggested she withdraw her nomination.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs sparred with reporters during Wednesday's briefing about the context of Judge Sotomayor's remarks. "I feel confident that if you look at the context and then listen to the words, you, your listeners, and everyone that you talk to will have a greater and fuller appreciation for exactly what she said." But reporters pushed back demanding Gibbs explain what he thought Sotomayor meant in her remarks and "why there is no racial component" to them. Gibbs said the nominee had lived a different life than than others that would lead Sotomayor to different conclusions.

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