The more momentum we have, the easier it will be to confirm more and more openly conservative judges. Right now, we run the risk of shooting ourselves in the foot over what "might" happen, without looking forward to what WILL happen. Foolish.
I really hate to quote a dem in this matter but, we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Hold steady and we'll be pleasantly surprised.
The President could have gone nuclear on his first appointment. BUT, honestly I think he also took in to consideration the lives of the nominees and their families and just couldn't bring himself to set someone up for the kind of personal destruction it would bring. He couldn't send someone out to be cannon fodder. It's easy to forget that these are real people being attacked in the most personal ways.
Just a guess, but I think he really wanted to protect his nominees to the best of his ability. The adoption files are a case in point. They weren't looking for info on the adoption, they were looking for dirt in the background file on the Roberts.
Let's say you're W..you reasonably expect that you will have THREE SC appts to make in your second term..You also know that the Dems, and the far left-fringe groups will vehemently oppose ANYONE you send up...so you send up the guy who "appears" the least conservative.knowing that once the Dems jump on him..then anything they will say against your next two nominees can be dismissed...as the Dems opposing everything..it's smart politics..and Roberts will prove to be a superb judge...he's the next CJ..