Politics matters. I understand the criticisms on the right on the Miers nomination, but it's gone way over the top. A lot of people on the right (whose opionions I respect [like those at NRO]) have gone way over the top on this one. If Bush can get someone on the Court who is (and this I'm assuming, but I certainly believe that BUSH believes it) a strict constructionist and well qualified, and get all of this potentially without a political fight, then bully for him! And best-qualified,schmest-qualified- was Bush or any other Presidential candidate the "best" qualified in the country for the job? Are these Senators the best-qualified people for THEIR jobs? This is politics. I know you want the best person you can find for Supreme Court (or any position in government), but they have to go through a political ringer first.
Everybody wants the big "national debate" over the issues. They want Bork. Well, Bork got defeated and things are much more contentious now in the senate than they were in the 80's. Democratic senators know their political lives depend on voting 'no' on anyone who gives any indication at all they will overturn Rowe. And a bunch of Republican Senators will immediately jump ship as well. That's the way it is. Bush has maybe one more year for big domestic issues. He doesn't have that many big fights left to make. A lot of people on the political right want him to throw himself on a grenade when he doesn't have to.
My first reaction to Miers was something akin to 'UGGH' as well, but get over it!
"Everybody wants the big "national debate" over the issues. They want Bork. Well, Bork got defeated and things are much more contentious now in the senate than they were in the 80's...That's the way it is."
Then why should millions of people support this party? What's the point, if their support is predicated on re-shaping the judiciary?
There is none, and fools like you believe these people will stick around.
Enjoy your new DEMOCRATic century.