[Ol' Sparky]

1) We don't even know Roberts holds the same views as Rehnquist, one of the three originalists on the court. So, already playing Russian roulette with one nominee. 2) It is almost certain now, we're going to get either another stealth candidate that is a maybe or, worse, a "moderate" like Alberto Gonzales, yet again for politically expediency.

So, how is this political masterstroke helping conservatives or changing the direction of the court?

[Congressman Billybob]

Obviously, you have not read thousands of pages of Judge Roberts' legal opinions, as I have. He is the same "originalist" as his friend and mentor, the late Chief Justice.

I agree with you that Alberto Gonzales would be a poor choice. But I reject on the facts your assumption that Roberts is "a moderate like Alberto Gonzales."

It is self-evident that the appointment of Roberts will do nothing to "change the direction of the court." He is like the man he is replacing. The replacement of O'Connor by a conservative will amount to a half-a-Justice improvement, since half the time she defended the Constitution and half she sabotaged it. Not until we get to the replacement of Stevens or Ginsburg (both likely in Bush's term) will the direction change significantly.

Congressman Billybob

Latest column: "The Constitution is Finished: Not the US One, the Atlanta One"

[ASA Vet]

We don't even know Roberts holds the same views as Rehnquist

I'd like to know where Roberts stands on 2A issues. I've seen nothing about that anywhere.