WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says he doesn't feel "weighed down" by a need to pick the next Supreme Court justice based on demographics, arguing that intellectual firepower and empathy with ordinary people are more important.

"You have to have not only the intellect to be able to effectively apply the law to cases before you," Obama said Saturday.

"But you have to be able to stand in somebody else's shoes and see through their eyes and get a sense of how the law might work or not work in practical day-to-day living."

In the wide-ranging interview, Obama also said it's safe to say he will announce his choice soon to replace retiring Justice David Souter and that he doesn't feel pressured by the time it takes to complete the confirmation process. He did say, though, he wants the new justice confirmed with time left to prepare for the high court's fall term.

Obama, a former law professor, said he has followed the court quite closely; admires retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, although he hasn't agreed with all her rulings; and believes that Justice Antonin Scalia, the court's leading conservative and a prolific author of opinions, "is a terrific writer."