[Cboldt]

... why not have picked someone obviously like a Scalia....as he promised during his campaign...to get strict Constitutionalists on the bench?

Each possible nominee comes with unique issues, the calculus is quite complicated. Miers may in fact be a strict Constitutionalist; but her confirmation hearings are going to be more about her qualifications that about Constitutional principles.

I think neither GWB nor the Senate want to fight on a matter of principle. Other than the principle of "Go along to get along."

[nicmarlo]

And, sadly, I think you are probably right, Cboldt.