[Iwo Jima]

I trust this president on many, many things. If he says that he had evidence of WMDs (just using an example), I believe him. I don't have to see the evidence.

But judicial appointments are different. There can be no trusting that he knows the judicial philosophy of a stealth candidate. How can he possibly know this? Because the candidate told him so? People say lots of things but without deeds to back up their words, who can know? Because a trusted person told him that the candidate was just like Scalia? Someone just like Scalia would have been acting in documented ways just like Scalia.

This is how we got Soutered by Bush I. We will not accept such behavior a second time.

If Bush appoints a stealth candidate, it will tear the Republican Party apart EVEN IF HE TURNS OUT TO BE RIGHT. It will take years for the proof of a new Supreme Court judge's philosophy to be apparent. But the effects of a demoralized base will show up immediately and could give us President Hillary.

[jveritas]

It won't tear the GOP apart specially when the GOP leadesrship and 90% of Republicans are O.K. with it. All what we will hear are the savage attacks from the left, as well as savage attacks from the Buchananites and third party voters who claim they are a considerable force in the conservative movement when in reality they are a very tiny bunch of delusional idiots.

[Miss Marple]

Well, I can understand your nervousness. However, W's father himself has said Souter was a mistake. I imagine the President is well aware of the dangers of a stealth candidate.

Another thing you need to consider; some of the candidates that you might prefer might not be willing to go through the meat-grinder of the confirmation process. Additionally, there may be some candidates who have personal issues which are minor but would immediately cause the democrats to trash them. I am not certain that I could withstand that process, myself.

I really wish people would not immediately go to the flash point over this. It isn't helpful to anyone.

[JohnnyZ]

If Bush appoints a stealth candidate, it will tear the Republican Party apart EVEN IF HE TURNS OUT TO BE RIGHT. It will take years for the proof of a new Supreme Court judge's philosophy to be apparent. But the effects of a demoralized base will show up immediately

Precisely.

And when there are many good candidates with clear conservative/originalist track records, choosing a stealth candidate with a big "trust me" is perverse.

[Paradox]

If Bush appoints a stealth candidate, it will tear the Republican Party apart EVEN IF HE TURNS OUT TO BE RIGHT.

I simply disagree with this asessment. Look, most of us here on FR are political WHACKJOBS, got that? We live, breathe, and sweat this stuff. The vast majority of Republicans, I'll bet, would be happy with anyone who is "conservative". That would include a long list of potential jurists who probably wouldn't make it past the "Gold Standard" of FreeRepublic.

If the nominee has decent Conservative credentials (like, say, a membership to the Federalist Society), she'll be accepted by the large, if not vast majority of Republicans.

[TitansAFC]

---"If Bush appoints a stealth candidate, it will tear the Republican Party apart EVEN IF HE TURNS OUT TO BE RIGHT. It will take years for the proof of a new Supreme Court judge's philosophy to be apparent. But the effects of a demoralized base will show up immediately and could give us President Hillary."---

You're dead right. Just look no further than Conservative groups and FR. I for one will not vote GOP in 2006 or 2008 if we don't get a judge in the mold of Thomas and Scalia, like we were promised 1000 times. They will pay more than they believe.

I'll be one of those people hoping for a Dem takeover, especially of the Senate, in 2006 if Bush betrays us.

This is too important. And yes, it is important enough for me to "cut off my nose to spite my face," if you would. If we don't get a Thomas/Scalia, then they (GOP) don't get my support.

When a 5-4 majority one days rules the American military illegal as a violation of international law, you can all look back at the memory of my post.