A way out for *...Convince O'Connor to stay

[cally]

The RW crazies are pushing for an appointment with a paper trail supporting their positions. The public does not support these positions on corporate power, torture, and privacy rights. * appointed two SC justices without a paper trail to obscure their record and keep their fundie views from the public. With Miers, the RW base did not accept that so * has to appoint someone acceptable to his base. With a weakened Presidency and a Republican party concerned about 2006, a extremist appointment may hurt the Republicans. The way out for the Repubs is to convince O'Connor to stay in the SC. I don't know if she feels enough loyalty to the Republicans to agree to stay.

[sasquatch]

1. I think that's what most likely will happen

[MADem]

2. Her husband is VERY ILL; that is why she is leaving

She cannot be convinced, she knows he is near the end of the line, and she wants some time with him.

About the only way she might stay is if he passed, and she welcomed the opportunity to busy herself with work to distract herself from her loss.

[tritsofme]

3. I think your assessment is wrong. Midterm elections are won by the base

turning out.

Without the fundie base turning out in large numbers the GOP has no chance in 2006, that is what has been their success, especially in off year elections.

He desperately needs to throw out a red meat, ass-hole, make Scalia look like a moderate, nominee to save his base from jumping ship.

He needs the fight over the nuclear option to distract the country from Plamegate and the imminent indictments.

Miers withdrawing, and the new nominee is all part of the plan to distract.

[cally]

5. Yes, but Repubs also need moderates

I estimate that 30 percent of the voters support the RW fundies. The Repubs can't win with only those. * needs them but also the fiscal conservatives and socially moderate voters. A divide is opening up on the Republican side and hurting future election prospects. * may appoint a whacko though because he doesn't seem to care about anyone but himself.

[tritsofme]

6. The moderates are already gone

From the way his approval rating looks now.

But they can be won back by a good campaign season because they are wishy-washy and don't have long memories.

Bush can absolutely not afford anymore of his base jumping ship, they have long memories and will sit on their hands to prove a point. I'm sure their focus groups told them this, and that was more of a reason than any why Miers withdrew.

[Lexingtonian]

4. that's almost exactly what Arlen Specter told Bush publicly

right after Roberts got voted in. In paraphrase: Mr. Pres, don't put us all through a second nomination and confirmation fight this soon, put it off until next spring.

Bush, being a genius and in all kinds of trouble, needed to put something on the table for his side, though. A week later Harriet Miers gets a Monday at 8 AM announcement, which was more or less a 'Who cares what you think, old man' to Specter.

[TahitiNut]

7. No way, Jose.

The fundie Reichbots have been lusting for the power to implant another 30-year (in)justice on the Court for over 15 years! Poppy Bush couldn't/wouldn't ram one through. The wrting is on the wall - they won't get a better chance for years. While the Reich's stranglehold on Congress is likely to continue, it'll be with a thinner majority. Their time is now! After the 2006 election will be too late. They want another Scalia or Thomas or Rehnquist. Nothing less will do. They won't accept anyone even an inch to the left - let alone two inches like O'Conner. Roberts merely extended the status quo. O'Connor's replacement MUST be further to the right. In sinking Miers, they're going to be even more adamant.

[BrotherBuzz]

8. Barbara Boxer just said the same thing on a radio interview...

She also says O'Connor will do it...