A Dispositional Conservative

The United States now has her 17th Chief Justice. Republican appointees to the high court have a way of moving to the left--but, as court watcher Christopher Levenick points out in the Standard, Roberts gives cause for hope:

"Conservatives nevertheless have good reason to expect Roberts to be the justice that President Bush promised them. They may reassure themselves with the knowledge that Roberts was formed in the crucible of the Reagan revolution, and that he evinces the dispositional conservatism of a traditional Catholic. By any reasonable account, Roberts appears more reliable than O'Connor, the justice he was originally intended to replace--and likely as dependable as William Rehnquist, the justice he will in fact replace."

The piece is well-worth reading because it gives a glimpse at how Roberts might function at Chief Justice--a startlingly brilliant Roberts memo shows that he has insights into how the Court has operated.

But what about the hearings? There was hot air but no blood on the floor. One conservative group felt that the vote to confirm shows that "advice and consent" is still alive and well. I disagree.

The 22 senators who voted against this highly qualified candidate--all Democrats--were transparent. They acted out of personal ambition or a desire to pander to the fringe element of the Democratic party. If there is a difference between these two motives.

So much for Hillary Clinton's move to the center--either she was tossing one to the more extreme elements of her party or this is the real Hillary. Take your pick.

Powerline is right that these "no" votes in what should have been a cut and dried "yes" change the rules of engagement in future confirmation battles. Still, I'm glad Roberts was confirmed without a deborkle.


Related Posts by Category



Tidak ada komentar:

Favorites