"You're right. These current Republicans in the Senate aren't visibly and energetically supporting our president."
I think they are intimidated by a combination of factors. Their leader (Frist) is weak. That hurts a team's confidence. Their "point man" in this battle, Specter, is a traitor. I would think this becomes a little more self-evident each day, as Specter dusts off the dame arguments he used when he led the fight against Bork's confirmation, decades ago (explaining how bad strict constructionism is, suggesting that Bush will appoint a "moderate", etc.)
They know if they stand by Bush on this, the media will attack them as never before. And they are politicians, they have to fear the media, to an extent. Finally, they know if they don't do the right thing, we conservative Republicans will be on them like the Furies. Not the greatest situation, in a lot of ways.
Makes NO difference. Bush had totally control over who will be nominated and all it takes is 50 votes for confirmation along with Cheney's vote. There are NO excuses this time for another Souter, O'Connor or Kennedy. Either Bush and the Republicans do what they promised or they can watch their presidency and party fall like a house of cards.
Excellent points. Specter is infuriating. He should forever live in infamy for his betrayal of conservativism during the Bork mélée.......and you're right about Bill Frist. He appears to be a true southern gentleman, but that's not a quality that cuts it with the den of thieves (and liars) in which he finds himself.
I hate to say it, but Bill Frist looks pathetic to me....and the Democrat leaderships knows it very well. I wish that we could change leaders.
Thanks for your observations.
Char (: