According to Robert Gibbs, President Obama has just interviewed Diane Wood at the WH today, making the total amount of nominees that the President has personally interviewed at the WH, four.
Obama interviews Judge Wood
Another potential Supreme Court nominee – Judge Diane P. Wood of the federal appeals court in Chicago – was interviewed Tuesday at the White House by President Obama and Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
The interview brings to four the number of potential candidates Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden have interviewed in person. The others are Judge Sidney Thomas of the federal appeals court in Montana, Judge Merrick Garland of the federal appeals court in Washington D.C. and Elena Kagan, the solicitor general.
The White House would not comment on the interview, but a person familiar with the conversation confirmed that it took place. Judge Wood, who still teaches law as a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago, canceled her classes on Tuesday without explanation.
President Obama's choices are highlighted above include Elena Kagan (who's not as moderate as it appears:Kagan's reserved passion). Judge Merrick Garland (who Obama will save for another decision) and Judge Sidney Thomas.
Personally, I think Obama's torn between Wood and Kagan. He wants a woman, but he wants someone who's confirmable and some of those abortion decisions are tough (though he may have help defending them from someone like Richard Posner, her conservative colleague on the 7th circuit). Judge Thomas is also seen as a progressive on his circuit but without the abortion cases.
I'm thinking there will be no nomination announcement until next week. Biden is out of town until Monday and it is likely Obama will wait until then. As I said above, it's VERY likely he's going to pick a woman. Whether it's Kagan or Wood remains to be seen.