[sevry]

he called Justice Thomas "an embarrassment."

People seem to think Scalia is on death's door, or something. I'd rather see Scalia. On the other hand, I don't see anything "embarrassing" in the opinions or dissent of Thomas. I think REID embarrassed himself. But I think he knows that, now. More the better.

[Poodlebrain]

Reid's comments take into account the relative ages of Scalia and Thomas, and he wants to avoid a Thomas nomination. Scalia being in his 60's is acceptable since he would have about 10-12 years before age would likely get him thinking about retirement. Thomas being considerably younger could preside for closer to 25 years before the same circumstances would likely arise, and that is a long time to have such influence. So Reid is simply trying to let the President know that the Senate Democrats would give Scalia a pass, but they will fight against Thomas being nominated for Chief Justice hoping the President will go for the sure thing.