[Tacis]

OK, Coulter, Farah and there was some one else. But, so what? There are some issues that Roberts sees differently than you do. I certainly see some issues differently than many of you.

The point that conforts me, and I don't know this as fact, but I assume that W or his people have talked to Rehnquist about Roberts. Roberts clerked for Rehnquist so his core beliefs and talents are known to the Chief Justice. Rehnquist wants his own legacy to be nurtured and surely, he must have had a voice before the nomination.

Rehnquist, Scalia and Thomas are W's go-to guys on the court. Thomas and Cheney are reportedly close friends. There has to have been some "what do you think of..." kind of discussions about Roberts and 2 or 3 others.

Also remember, there may always be Rove's fine Italian hand in something like this. Finally, who would Coulter and Farah have selected, guaranteeing that there would never be a lurch we considered unacceptable? Bork is too old and Ken Starr probably wouldn't leave Pepperdine.

[TBP]

Finally, who would Coulter and Farah have selected, guaranteeing that there would never be a lurch we considered unacceptable?

Well, I don't speak for them, but here are three names that were on Dubya's list who would be more solid: Samuel Alito, J. Michael Luttig, J. Harvie Wilkinson. Solid records, hard to shoot at, and very originalist. But no, Bush has to got for Stealth Roberts and the Gay Case.