us she's modest, she's approachable, she's extremely intelligent. just the kind of qualifications you'd look for in a nominee. but first kagan has to get through that confirmation hearing process. she says she finds fall with that exact process saying it doesn't really help the public learn something significant about a nominee. her friends are hoping the process shows she is the right person for the job. >> solicitor general and my friend, elena kagan. >> reporter: the announcement not entirely unexpected. elena kagan had been on the short list for some time. but it still came as somewhat of a shock to her friends, like kevin and josh. >> sort of had to lis an few times to make sure i heard it right. >> it was very sur vereal stand next to the president. >> reporter: do you remember what your thoughts were when you heard that the president had chosen her? >> holy [ bleep ] -- oh, sorry.