In a move that surprised friend and foe alike, President Bush today nominated White House counsel Harriet Miers. Over the course of this day, the pundits have been all over the map on this move. The general consensus at the close of the day today seems to be that Bush, well aware of his less than stellar current poll numbers and the continuing quagmire in Iraq, had neither the stomach or the political wherewithal for the fight that would ensue had he nominated a verifiable known conservative.
Generally speaking, the comments from the left have appeared as barely contained glee. Harry Reid was positively gushing over the choice, much to the collective groans and sighs of the right. Reactions from the right have ranged from profound disappointment to anger at the President.
Here's my take... President Bush certainly knows what is at stake here. He is by all accounts deeply committed to what he feels is right. He doesn't run from a fight or take the easy way out because it is politically expedient. He's never come close to a "read my lips" kind of cave in. It would be totally out of character for him to trade his presidential birthright for a bowl of porridge, so to speak.
While Harriet Miers is an unknown quantity to us, she certainly is not for George Bush. He knows her well from decades of working together. She was appointed because she is the perfect stealth nominee, acceptable to those who would be potential filibuster leaders but one who Bush knows will be exactly the kind of Supreme Court justice that he is looking to replace Sandra Day O'Conner. Note that I said "replace" not "Fill her shoes." O'Conner's shoes are those of a "swing" vote. If Miers ends up in that role, I will turn in my pundit card.
At least one commentator today suggested Miers is the most unqualified nominee since LBJ nominated his personal attorney for the Court. That is ludicrous. Harriet Miers is no Abe Fortas. Frankly, I see more of a Thomas or Scalia in our future here.
Ah, W, there they go misunderestimating you again!
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