I couldn't agree more on Podhoretz. He can't write. He can't think. He's just a hack. His opinions are worthless.
I'm not sure about Miers but the fact that Podhoretz opposes her makes me think she may be a good choice.
First, I have been reading and appreciating Podhoretz' writings for more than a decade. On most subjects and issues, his analyses are precise, effective, and get to the heart of the matter.
That said, I think he is wrong on this particular issue, and for a specific reason. Every trip I make to New York persuades me more that those who live and work in the rarefied atmosphere of that City have a tendency to a specific bias. Unless they fight hard to avoid it, they have the feeling that there is no civilized life in the United States once you get west of the Hudson River, until you get west of San Francisco Bay.
On the subject of Harriet Miers, I draw on my experiences with a lifelong friend who has recently semi-retired from the position as Managing Partner in one of the nation's largest law firms. Consider what it means to hold such a position.
The partners in a large law firm all consist of intellects, egos, and suits. Fortunately, most also have other attributes such as skill, dedication, ethics and such. But those are all variables. Only the intellects, egos and suits are mandatory.
Being the Managing Partner over such a group is therefore one of the most challenging positions that any lawyer can ever face. Only those with great skills are even considered for such a position, much less are given such a position and do it so well that they get that assignment twice. (Read Miers resume for this.)
As a student of the Court and its Justices, there are many who have served on that Court who do not measure up to Miers. Will she be among the greatest ever, like Story, Frankfurter, etc.? That is an open question, and the answer is probably not. Is she qualified to be an Associate Justice, compared to the history of the Court? Yes. IMHO.
Congressman Billybob