Harriet Miers, We Hardly Knew Ye
The moment I heard about Harriet Miers, I thought I'd use the above title for my blogpost. James Ridgeway beat me to it.
I feel sorry for Harriet Miers. Progress for America and the Committee for Justice swarmed us with millions of dollars worth of TV, radio and Internet ads in a campaign touting John Roberts as a "brilliant" choice by President Bush - asking the Congress to give the man a chance. Because Harriet Miers wasn't ideologically obvious, the Republican party allowed their fear of the radical right to abandon President Bush's choice.
This action, in essence, is just another name for what the Democrats would do in their only way to strongly protest - by way of filibuster.
The hypocrisy is astounding.
Look at the Committee for Justice and their statement: CFJ to Red-state Democrats: You will be held responsible for attacks on the President's nominee
I don't think so.
Progress for America has been more careful:
"Progress for America has long said that it would defend the President's Supreme Court nominees against unfair attacks we did that for both John Roberts and Harriet Miers. Ms. Miers has a long and distinguished record of service to her country and the field of law. Unfortunately, Harriet Miers recognizes that many Senators will not be satisfied until they gain access to internal White House documents protected by attorney client privilege. Her withdrawal demonstrates her deep commitment to the fundamental constitutional principle of separation of powers. Looking forward, PFA is anxious to engage in a debate that will result in the confirmation of a highly qualified, conservative justice."