[Cicero]

By doing so, he has created a real incentive for judges who aspire to be nominated to higher courts to avoid creating clear conservative records for themselves.

No kidding. What this appointment says is, "NEVER issue a conservative judgment, because it will forever outlaw you from being promoted to a higher court."

So, does this mean that if conservative judges hope to be promoted on the merits of their decisions, they will have to issue nothing but liberal decisions? Apparently.

[TSchmereL]

By nominating a stealth conservative to avoid having the debate, Bush has basically said to outspoken conservatives . . . if you want to be nominated to a high court position, you better cool it.

Bush did not do this intentionally, of course. But it is the implied message: To all conservatives who publicize and debate their views in public, we give you our moral support. But when the rewards are handed out, you will be passed over for others who kept their opinions secret.

[NeoCaveman]

No kidding. What this appointment says is, "NEVER issue a conservative judgment, because it will forever outlaw you from being promoted to a higher court."

And don't even get a subscription to National Review in your own name. Either buy it on the street or put the subscription in your siblings name.