Harriet Miers

Just a thought but what if the loyal to Bush Harriet Miers decides to withdraw her name from consideration? In a way doesn't this help out Bush? Follow me on this.

One of Bush's biggest considerations (besides the person's basic competence) was the race/gender of the nominee. He had women's groups pressuring him to replace Sandra Day O'Connor with another woman (including indirect completely inappropriate "advice" from Ruth Bader Ginsburg). He had Hispanic groups clamoring for the first ever Hispanic nominee. He also has Asian groups pointing out that there has never been an Asian nominee either.

If Miers withdraws - Bush gets to appoint either a Hispanic or Asian male without getting any backlash (or at least much reduced backlash) from women's groups. He can say, "Hey - I did nominate a woman!"

He also gets to say to the Senate Republicans, "OK - I'll nominate a true conservative but this battle is yours to fight. Are you up for it?" He then can nominate someone with Roberts type credentials and leave it to the Senate majority to insure confirmation. He can also say to the Senate Democrats, "Don't blame me - this guy wasn't my first choice."

Sure - it will look like he bungled things right now but in history it will look like a brilliant tactical move.