Posted on 10/23/2005 4:32:20 AM PDT by governsleastgovernsbest
In a just-completed interview on Fox & Friends Weekend, Supreme Court expert Kenneth Jost said it was "hard to see" how Miers could be confirmed, and suggested that it would be in the interest of the White House to withdraw her "the sooner the better."
Jost is the author of the book "The Supreme Court from A-Z." My sense from having seen him in this and other appearances is that he is no conservative, and that he doesn't seem to have any particular axe to grind.
He said that it would be tough going no matter whom W would name to replace Miers, but suggested that Maureen Mahoney is something of a "female Roberts." Apparently she also clerked for Rehnquist and has had a brilliant private practice career. Without mentioning any by name, he stated that there could also be some Court of Appeals judges who would be respected on both sides of the aisle.
Here's Jost's bio:
Kenneth Jost is a Supreme Court reporter, author of Supreme Court Yearbook since the 1992-1993 edition, and a staff writer for The Congressional Quarterly Researcher. A graduate of Harvard College and Georgetown University Law Center, Jost has been reporting on legal affairs since 1970.
It does paint a portrait of a true expert, and not of a particularly political type. I believe he was telling it like he sees it with no axe to grind.
He didn't mention that Mahoney would create another issue among conservatives because she seems to be a strong proponent of Affirmative Action?
Ah, yes... but: is he a filthy, stinking, live puppy-swallowing ELITIST? Eh? Eh -- ?!? :)
Even though he is supposedly some of expert, it is hard to tell if he is conflating his own wishes with what is most likely to happen. There is a tendency for people to say what they want to happen is what is most likely to happen, even when it isn't.
I saw the interview. He seemed neutral as to right/left- a refreshing change of pace.
No, Jost didn't mention that, but if she is on the record supporting affirmative action, I'd say that would rule her out after the Miers fiasco.
Well, he did go to Harvard. I guess we can ignore him. For that matter, on the same basis, people should ignore me!
True, and that's possible, but he really didn't seem to be a political type. The fact that he works for Congressional Quarterly, a good government type publication rather than a partisan one, is another sign.
Just my guess, and I'm no expert, but I would wager that Harriet Miers will be gone by Friday. There is simply no up side to her nomination anymore. Dubya doesn't like to admit mistakes, and is loyal to a fault, but maybe Miers will ask to be let off the hook herself. Here's hoping!
The talking head liberal professor who looks like Mr. French from the old Family Affair show(can't remember his name) is also from Gerogetown.
If a reltiviely liberal professor is agianst Ms. Miers, I see that as a good sign.
As you know, adjuncts are typically experts from the local community. They are not full-time faculty members, and much less likely to be part of the liberal cabal that runs academia.
Look, it wouldn't surprise me if the guy votes Democrat. But if you'd seen him, I believe you'd agree that he didn't have any particular political axe to grind. He is, and was there in his capacity as, an expert.
"I would wager that Harriet Miers will be gone by Friday."
You should enter my Miers Date and Time of Withdrawal Pool. Grand Prize is a jumbo-sized eraser. Seriously!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1506652/posts
Once the right gets rid of Miers the Gang of 14 can tell the Democrats that since the Right forced a candidate to withdraw it is OK for the Democrats to Fillibuster future Bush appointments.
With any luck at all the Democrats can stall and filibuster until HIllary is elected. Then she can appoint Bill Clinton as the O'Connor replacement.
And I know you would much prefer Bill To Harriet any day... wouldn't you?
Just heard on Fox news that the adminisration is planning a way to with draw her.
ping
Bush needs to nominate Janice Rogers Brown. Period.
He needs to call the Democrats' bluff on filibustering this fine candidate.
I don't think they are that stupid as to try it.
But if they are, so be it.
Let's make some more history they will come to regret.
And the Emmy goes to...
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