I agree that she wrote an opinion piece. Of course, so did you, and everyone else here. That's the problem! Bush could have picked someone with facts behind them. Then, we could all discuss facts. But he picked a nobody (in the public record sense). She is not one of the top 100 legal minds in this country, by anyone's standards, and that would seem to be a logical place to start when you are filling a job that only 8 other people in the country do.
I think that, what you wrote, is precisely what the rub is: President Bush already told everyone he'd be spending some of his political capital. (post election, 2004).
A big HURRAH was heard.
So, now he's spending some political capital he's earned (and is rightfully his, the nominee choice, to make), and suddenly.. there's this wailful voice moaning up into the ether... "We didn't think you'd use THAT!!". "Don't we get to pick?" Where dya' get off picking a "nobody" and "asking us to trust you?"
I think Bush Team is activating the big base, and for them to speak up more often, and to stand their ground. If FR is any indication, and it is.. I think Team Bush **really** appreciated the SUPPORT THE TROOPS RALLYS, THE COUNTER-SHEEHAN PROTESTs.
I'm getting the very strong impression given the noise levels within conservative, Christian and Republican circles - that he indeed does know exactly what he is doing with this pick, Harriet Miers.
Frankly, since early 1990s, I don't know when I've ever heard, read, or witnessed the Silent Majority being so VOCAL, and CONTRARY, and so "free" with their thoughts and speech, across the board.
Wow. lol. Big Wow.