[Cicero]

Typically, AP names its own two candidates for the job, and deliberately fails to mention Scalia or Thomas. Either of them would be a great Chief Justice. Thomas knows less law than he might for the job, but he is philosophically sound. Earl Warren had no legal background when Eisenhower appointed him.

Whoever leads the court will have plenty of brilliant young legal minds to advise him, and need only be firm in applying the direction. If the Republicans win the Senate, then Bush should start moving on this ASAP. Rehnquist won't get any younger, and even with a Republican majority in the Senate it will be a huge battle.

[j271]

Politically, nominating Thomas could split the black liberal monolith and put an end to their decades-long support for the Democrats.

If Bush played the race card with the Thomas nomination, could the liberals fight it? What would Jesse and Al do?

Their best defense would likely be to drag out the same old NAACP/NOW/Anita Hill smear campaign they tried the first time.

[MeekOneGOP]

If the Republicans win the Senate, then Bush should start moving on this ASAP. Rehnquist won't get any younger, and even with a Republican majority in the Senate it will be a huge battle.

ASAP is right.

And it's a battle well worth fighting. With Senate control in the hands of the GOP,
tiny tommy da$$hole can go sit in the corner and whine, but that's about it.

Scalia is a great choice, imho......