Stand Up Guy: In Today Show Interview, W Quick on Feet on Katrina, Less So on Miers

Today Show/Newsbusters ^ | Mark Finkelstein

[Puddleglum]

I've always thought of John Marshall as the man who over-extended the court's reach and made it too powerful. I need to refresh my own memory as to why I feel this way.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I did enjoy Bush saying "You're quoting a lot of Democrats today, aren't you Matt?"

That was a good one, wasn't it, as well as the sarcasm in W's voice when he referred to the 'prominent Democrat' Matt had cited who was demanding W produce his plan to rebuild New Orleans.

[GarySpFc]

John Marshall was a Federalist.

[safisoft]

Much as it pains me to say so, I was disappointed in Laura's performance, which drew almost exclusively on feminist themes in defending the Miers appointment.

Hmm. Maybe this explains the nomination? Could be that Laura has more political influence with the President than Karl Rove?

I love Laura, but I did not elect her, nor did I think I was getting a "two-fer" by electing Bush.

If this is what is going on, then my advice to her would be to back her moderate/liberal self out of the Oval Office. Her husband will suffer for her meddling.

[jackieaxe]

>>Matt sought to pour gasoline on the feminist fire, suggesting there might be "sexism" in the criticism of Miers. Concurred Laura: "that's possible. I think that's possible."<<

What bull. The conservatives (I consider myself one) have throw out the names of Janice Rogers Brown and Edith Jones as better picks than Harriet Miers. Matt or the dumbass who writes his cue cards had no business asking that question.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Agreed. There are any number of women nominees who would have been cheered by conservatives. And who has been condemned as the worst kind of Republican appointment? David Souter, who, at least nominally, is a man.

[SoFloFreeper]

The thrust of conservative criticism of Miers is directed...to her lack of a record of knowledge or concern regarding the great constitutional issues of the day.

Look, just because one doesn't have a record doesn't mean they aren't qualified. David Souter had a record, and so did Anthony Kennedy...ones that looked "conservative" on their face. Bush I and Reagan both picked these "conservative" jurists, and both have become a JOKE.

I submit this demand for a "record" is not as important as some think.

Was a "record" on writing about the constitutional issues of the day a regular requirement for SCOTUS justices in the past?? Or is this demand for a "record" a modern-day insistence on the part of conservatives and liberals alike?

The President is authorized by the Constitution to appoint these judges, and the Senate advises and consents--nothing (as far as I know) in the historical record or the Constitution says anything about REQUIRING the nominee to have a record on writing about the Constitution.

Look, I'm not saying it is BAD to have a record--but it isn't necessarily an indicator of future behavior. Souter and Kennedy prove that in spades.

[JFC]

If that's all it took for your respect to take a "major hit" you couldn't have had much to begin with.


I was thinking the same thing. Laura Bush is nothing but class. Why would she not stand up for her husband and his pick. She knows Miers like W does. Yet, the naysayers are so ticked with the President it takes nothing for them to sway with the wind.

[DCPatriot]

I did enjoy Bush saying "You're quoting a lot of Democrats today, aren't you Matt?"

Also, enjoyed it when President Bush said "...depends on who's asking the questions".

Bravo, Mr. President!

[rabidralph]

So, you're the one making all these topsy-turvy poll numbers for the president and the economy? Do you speculate on oil prices, too?

[soloNYer]

I don't think Matt and the liberal press gang understands that a conservative can disapprove of the Miers pick and yet still back Bush and republicans. Through their prism, the MSM sees this as an opportunity for Dems to regain power, and conveniently forget their view that we're in lockstep with the party. Yes, since they're a little upset they're all voting for Hillary! Maybe they'll start watching "Commander In Chief!"

[evets]

That boy ain't right.

[Miss Marple]

Considering Ann Coulter has called her a "legal secretary" and "the cleaning lady,", Michelle Malkin has made a big deal about her bringing doughnuts to Sunday school, David Frum has argued that she is too accomodating and conciliatory, and various posters here have knocked her because she wears eyeliner, has never married, and is a "follower", I think Laura had a pretty good point. Besides, all she said was it was possible, not probable.

In addition, I made a special effort to watch the interview, and I think you were seeing body language that wasn't there. I thought the President seemed just as confident with the Mier questions, and restrained his natural inclination to say that the pundits are a bunch of kibitzers who don't know who they are talking about. I would have been far less kind.

I am waiting for the hearings. Either she is a lightweight or she will do a good job.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I must applaud you on an excellent post. You cited chapter and verse to substantiate the notion that sexism is possibly in play.

Also, ever since I've begun doing the NewsBusters posts, I've been videotaping Today. So I was able to go back and watch the interview again, and frankly there probably is something to your comment about body language. However, as a matter of substance, I would say W's handling of Katrina surpassed his responses on Miers. But again, that possibly also reflects my disappointment at her nomination.

In any case, as you suggest, the hearings should be fascinating, as Miers is sure to be subjected to a pop quiz on constitutional law. If you take Specter's remark about Miers needing a "crash course," and her sherpa Sen. Coats saying that top intellectual credentials shouldn't be necessary for the job, I think it's fair to imagine she could be in for a bumpy ride.

[beyond the sea]

well, J. Reno certainly broke the "mirrorred ceiling".

.............. sounds funny...... but.... I'm so confused.

;-)

????

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Disturbing image floating around of Reno in room with mirrored ceiling!

Reminds me of the old joke about those honeymoon hotels with a government label on the ceiling mirrors: "WARNING: objects are smaller than they appear in the mirror!" ;-)

[beyond the sea]

ROFL!

[Sweetjustusnow]

Did you happen to catch Matt Lauer refer to President Bush as Mr. Clinton, just as he led into the Meirs segment?

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I missed that! I know he did refer to the nominee as "Justice Miers," then observe that perhaps he was getting a bit ahead of himself!

[maryz]

I've always thought of John Marshall as the man who over-extended the court's reach and made it too powerful. I need to refresh my own memory as to why I feel this way

I was thinking that on another thread; luckily, someone saved me the trouble. See this post.