Yes, but I think the President and his gurus are still concerned (too concerned) about the appearance of conflict (sucker moms don't like it).
The RATs and their gurus are very well aware of this "stop, he's hurting me" meme, so you can bet that if Frist schedules hearings before 2009 the Dems will pitch a fit, refuse to attend, and Katie and the whole rest of the slimy MSM crew will amplify the "tyrant Bush ramming radicals through, just like he lied us into war" theme incessantly.
Well, Bush should show his 'seasoning' by now. I say, (IMHO, of course!) get the good word out on Alito. ..quick saturation and mow the Demrats down in their tracks; even if it means a ride to through the swamp. . .and make this confirmation happen on Bush's best time-table.
And if the Dems continue to scream. . .'foul' - post confirmation . .slap them silly with their own ugly truth.
I saw someone else say we need to start proclaiming "Let poor O'Connor retire already!"