[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Okay, let's say Bush didn't make the promise. Who the HECK is this guy we've worked so hard to elected, then? What brand of "conservative" wouldn't nominate another Scalia or Thomas?

[Cboldt]

Okay, let's say Bush didn't make the promise.

Yep. That is the alternative. I suppose he didn't promise strict constuctionsists either, since that's what conservatives are looking for and Scalia and THomas happen to be benchmarks to disambiguate "strict constructionist."

[newzjunkey]

Yes, who is this man? This "compassionate conservative" or "proudly so" conservative: He cut taxes but spends like crazy. Swears "we've got to enforce our border" (Said to Roger Hedgecock on KOGO 600AM in San Diego during the 2000 campaign, the clip has been repeated often including last week on RH's show) and continues de facto open border policies. He can't seem to locate a veto pen... Now we're being told he was using weasel words in a Clinton-esque way to get voters to believe he mean Scalia and Thomas were his models for selecting a SCOTUS justice when he really only mean he liked them or admired them!?! He did say "strict constructionist" in 2004.

I'm on the hunt for hard evidence that he (or even the campaign) did say he would appoint justices like Scalia or Thomas on the stump or in a primary debate. I have a clear memory of him using those words.