So What's Going to Happen

K-Jo at the Corner:

"This presidency will be reinvigorated with a solid replacement nominee (a Luttig? an Alitto?)."

Let's see Bush's cabinet is crumbling beneath his feet, he is getting hammered on the Iraq War, and his nomination of Miers was a political disaster. Now by acknowledging his error, which for Bush is a sign of weakness, he can somehow salvage his presidency (or at least raise his numbers in the opinion polls)? I am sure that he will throw some dark red meat to his base and nominate some firebreathing conservative. Reid definitely sets the foundation for a vigorous opposition to Bush's next nomination in his reaction.

Reactions:

People for American Way:

"Harriet Miers' withdrawal...demonstrates that ultraconservatives are so determined to swing the Supreme Court sharply to the right that they pounded their own president's nominee into submission."

Hugh Hewitt:

"I think Ms. Miers has been unfairly treated by many who have for years urged fair treatment of judicial nominees. She deserves great thanks for her significant service to the country. She and the president deserved much better from his allies.

Schumer

"Harriet Miers is a fine and capable person, but this was clearly the wrong position for her. Her gracious withdrawal saves Harriet Miers and the nation from a difficult and agonizing process and decision. There is now one clear path for the President, to choose a knowledgeable and mainstream successor in the mold of Sandra Day O'Connor. These are very difficult times for the country and the nation cries out for unity. Mr. President, this is a time for leadership, please help bring America together with a choice that unites, not divides us."

Reid:

"I had recommended that the President consider nominating Ms. Miers because I was impressed with her record of achievement as the managing partner of a major Texas law firm and the first woman president of the Texas Bar Association. In those roles she was a strong supporter of law firm diversity policies and a leader in promoting legal services for the poor. But these credentials are not good enough for the right wing: they want a nominee with a proven record of supporting their skewed goals."

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