I wonder if that was the strategy? What did he gain by the extra six hours. I'm more concerned the the White House surfaced Clement to test the waters and received such a hugh backlash by the GOP base that it scared the hell out every GOP leader even thinking of running for office in 2006 and 2008.
I further believe that they ran to the White House and begged that Bush reconsider based on their political futures and possibly in return offer to fight and put up some backbone. If Bush had a strategy, I would suspect that he surfaced Clement for this very reason, to get the GOP Leadership behind him on this nomination and the only way to do that was to let them hear the roar of the lion.
We need to keep their feet to the fire. I'm worried that Roberts may find himself upfront without full GOP backing so that he sinks and then the GOP can say "well, maybe we ought to put someone in that can survive the battle".
My Promise still holds and will hold to bitter end. This GOP leadership better take the necessary steps, including the nuclear option to change the balance of SCOTUS or I will refrain from voting GOP in 2006 but 2008. I will also be a constant reminder for the base of the GOP that the GOP leadership failed after they were given the majority and after having won 7 of 9 of the last Presidencies.
I think that watching the GOP base crumble today with the notion that it could be Clement sent the right message. The right is not bluffing or playing politics. Pro-Life first, whomever will offer it.
As said by another freeper today: "I'm not Pro-Life because I'm Republican, I'm Republican because I'm Pro-life".
Very interesting theory. I think you might be right.