Schumer's Advice & Who's Next

Most people don't have their intelligence and professional qualifications so thoroughly trashed in public, and I feel sorry for Harriet Miers. But I couldn't help chuckling at something Chuck Schumer said --

When we do it again, the president should do it right: slowly, deliberately, carefully, with real consultation and real consensus.

Has he forgotten that Harry Reid recommended Miers to Bush for this job? It seems more than a little odd for Schumer to suggest that Bush could avoid this sort of problem if he would just consult with the Senate -- maybe what Chuck really means is he would like to be consulted.

Bush assumed he could appoint a less-than-qualified crony who appealed neither to his base of reactionaries nor to the proponents of merit on both sides of the aisle -- that was the issue, not inadequate consultation.

My main concern now is which way the president will go next -- towards the snarling dogs who need another Thomas (and his radical view of the Constitution), or towards a well-qualified conservative who would be broadly acceptable.

I am guessing that Bush will nominate someone like John Roberts, and Democrats will be faced with a tough decision. J Harvie Wilkinson III or Michael McConnell would be my picks -- neither is a woman or Latino, and there are no apparent crony connections, but I am guessing one of these men will get the nod.

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