Note the quotation marks around 'advice and consent'. The Constitution is silent as to the exact protocol for 'advice and consent'. This was noted by no less an authority than Sen. Robert Byrd. Why doesn't the Republican majority simply send a letter signed by 51 senators to George Bush approving his appointee? Of course, it has never been done this way, but neither have filibusters been used the way the Democratic Party have been using them to block voting on judicial appointees. Just a thought.....
The Senate could do it in executive session if they dared That is how SCOTUS deliberates on cases.