[looscnnn]

"1. what do you think Bush could have done to get Estrada confirmed?"

How about selling him to the people, like the tax cut package. Go around the country and call out the Dems to vote on him or explain to the people, especially the hispanics, why they won't. Do this from the first sign of problems with the Dems.

"2. assuming your strategy worked, how do you think it would have played in the media, ie would the trouble have been worth it for an appeals court nominee?"

Who cares how the media will spin it, if he did it right it would look like/show the Dems as being racist, etc. Would it be worth the trouble, sure. It would set a tone with the Dems that the nominees will be vigorously defended and that it is in the best interest of the nation to get the positions filled ASAP.

[votelife]

I wish Bush had done what you said. I wrote/called Bush on Estrada often. Fact is, for whatever reason, Bush didn't do that. More than likely, Bush will get reelected. I think I can speak for the majority of this site hoping he'll get more conservative next term. btw, I do see Estrada getting reappointed in a 2nd Bush term, if not at the end of this term.