"The Senate is surely under no obligation to confirm any particular nominee," the Chief Justice said.

But the senators' duty to advise and consent goes beyond their vote on any particular nominee.

The Senate has every right to consider the balance and direction of the Court, not just the qualifications of this particular nominee.

The Senate is not, of course, obliged to confirm any particular nominee.

Its impact will be felt well beyond this particular nominee.

"The Senate is surely under no obligation to confirm any particular nominee, but after the necessary time for inquiry, it should vote him up or vote him down," the Chief Justice said.

Cornyn of Texas, said: "I think that the staff are all very well versed in the process and in this particular nominee, but so are the senators.

Just as the president is not required to explain why he selected a particular nominee, neither is the Senate obligated to give reasons for rejecting a nominee.

Should we have been less lenient with regard to any particular nominee?

"I don't have a particular nominee in mind," he replied.