actually, my sense is that Roberts essentially is the Rehnquist replacement. the next nominee isn't going to be Luttig or Alito, it will be a woman or an Hispanic (or an Hispanic woman?).
politically, this is the smart move. go with the conservative white male now.
I agree....Roberts will become Chief Justice when the Chief retires.
EXACTLY. When the need arises to replace a staunch conservative with another staunch conservative, W plays the race/gender card.
Such strategery.