A bunch of people (political conservatives) are disappointed and frustrated at the fact that Bush tagged Harriet Meirs for SCOTUS because we don’t have any hard proof that she’s an originalist/constructionist. She’s not a judge, so she doesn’t have much of a history in interpreting the Constitution. I don’t blame everyone for getting upset. After all, the conservative movement has been gearing up for this for years upon years and they were really ready to duke this one out and slam it in the face of the liberals.
I’m going to be optimistic about it, though. I know we won’t have an old-fashioned political brawl with filibuster attempts and all, but I’m betting that Bush is just being sneaky. Meirs will get confirmed with out too much trouble and after a little while, some big cases are going to come up and the SCOTUS is going to turn everything up on it’s heels. Whether it’s Roe v. Wade or any other hot topics, I bet Roberts and Meirs are going to really shake things up and the liberals are going to get really mad. I think that will be more fun to watch than having them flail their arms around now.
I guess my point in all of this is: don’t misunderestimate Harriet Meirs. This is classic Bush strategery.
Two things.
First, Bush is always smarter than people give him credit for. Today he accidentally said, “electricionist.” Oops. But things are always happening in his head, even if his words fail him. I am not a Bushie (I had high hopes of GWB slashing spending on all fronts) and I recognize this.
Second, what’s-her-name’s lack of official Constitutional experience is refreshing. SC opinions should be written in lay langauge. I love the SC and studying it. It amazes me. I love how the nine justices argue and come out with a majority and dissenting opinion. A quote-unquote outsider would do us all good.