The Miers Do-Over
Harriet Miers, facing strong opposition, has withdrawn her nomination to the Supreme Court.
Conservatives are trying to spin this as a heroic victory for Conservatives. Liberals are trying to spin this as a tragic victory for Conservatives. I’m more inclined to call this a victory for the country, and for the integrity of the office for which Ms. Miers was being considered.
A few days ago, Scott McClellan said “[The President is] confident that [Miers] will be confirmed because as senators come to know her like the president knows her, we’re confident that they will recognize she will make an outstanding Supreme Court justice.” One problem: Bush has known her for over 20 years. Not only can’t the Senate wait 20 years to get to know Miers, they can’t even be certain that Miers will still be alive in 20 years, as she is 60 already. The Senate has to go by qualifications. Miers didn’t have them, at least not in the amounts needed to be considered for the Supreme Court. What she did have going for her was that she was a woman, and that Bush knew her. Neither of these reasons means a thing to me, nor should they to the Senate, and nor should they to the American people.
Once again: John Roberts was a brilliant nomination, and had overwhelming bi-partisan support. More like that, please, Mr. President.
