While much is being made of Supreme Court nominee John Roberts Senior's judicial skills, the matter of his parenting choices seems to have slipped under the radar of groups more focused on fighting for disclosure of his position on issues like Roe vs Wade. Though called "one of best legal minds of his generation" from winning most of the cases he argued before the Supreme Court on decisions potentially affecting our children, Roberts may have made a public gaffe affecting his own. The Judge having answered challengers that "Roe v. Wade is the settled law of the land," reinforces, with his decision to bring pre-schoolers, 5 and 4, past their bedtime, into politic's media spotlight kicking off a job interview for their dad, the laws of child rearing are as individual as common sense, telling as to where Robert's priorities lie.

While setting the children down for a nap may have been a consideration facilitating the children staying up late to share the big moment, there is the reality their next days schedules could be offset, and, as the nation saw in John Junior age 4, the children could be filled with vim, vigor and out of hand. Mom and Dad stood while Jack entertained the nation. The film crew captured Mrs. Roberts strong arming Jack down the red carpet departure out of camera view. Acknowledging parenting styles are individual., Jane Roberts did not adress her son's attention seeking antics with game playing, hugs, kisses or, better yet, gentle admonishment. Within moments of Jack John stealing his father's limelight, talking heads reaching for a story made JJ the talk of prime time broadcast as there was little else to discuss. Jane standing still, the little girl clinging behind her mom's skirt. The judge, described as the man you'd be proud to know, effortlessly delivered his memorized speech without notice to his son on what bottom line amounts to a job interview the world is watching.

But isn't that the point of being a parent. Noticing our children, first, and foremost and above all else, after all aren't they our mirrors.

Early comparisons have John Jr being compared to Camelot's late Prince. The memorable photo of John John, wearing little boy shorts and ankle socks while saluting his father's coffin passing by is not a platform upon which to make a comparison. The late Mrs Kennedy did as best as she could to raise her children out of media's glare. One wishes the Roberts would have followed the example of the First Lady and President, Princess Diana and others, and sheltered the children from the cameras, at least until they came of age, or at least waited to bring the children forth, after he is confirmed. The Roberts decision to make the night a family affair may have fast tracked their seer suckered and saddle shoed four year old on to a path he is not deserving. Media and classmates have a way of being cruel. Monikers can last a lifetime. Prince William oft referred to with his mum's nickname “Wills,” while Harry, known less graciously as the “spare to the heir,” is chased with the expectation he will make a gaffe.

One can only hope the parents will be disciplined not the child too young to know anything other than how to be a four year old boy, and that he did well. Democrats alarmed at Robert's reputation for being conservative, may warm at his appeal to the Sponge Bob set. Imagine, if the judge is confirmed, four year olds across America will hold ground when being taken to bed before 9, citing judicial precendent the night of July 19 2005, “well if John Roberts Jr could stay up late, then I can, too.” After all, who would want to argue with the decision of a Supreme Court judicial nominee.

BIO: DC Photojournalist Carrie Devorah once upon a time contributed as a comedy writer to Joan Rivers. “Then I realized that life is funnier than anything I could even dream up.” Devorah currently captures life in stills, and motion. www.carriedevorah.com