CAN WH SPEECHWRITERS SAVE MIERS? [Rich Lowry]
This week it has become increasingly clear that the WH has all but abandoned the outside game on the Miers nomination. If you have little in the way of good arguments, why bother trying to make them? But apparently the administration is considering a speech. From the WashPost:
The Bush administration, concerned that vocal critics are wounding Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers while she quietly prepares for her Senate hearing 12 days from now, is considering ways to fight back -- possibly by having her make a speech -- sources familiar with the discussions said yesterday.
I'm sorry, but I don't think having Miers read nice words almost certainly written by others is going to convince anyone one way or another.
Here's another hint of how unenthusiastic GOP senators are about this nomination:
The depth of her challenge was reflected in interviews yesterday as GOP senators emerged from their weekly luncheon at the Capitol. Sen. Jon Kyl (Ariz.), a Judiciary Committee member who strongly endorsed Roberts, was asked if Miers should withdraw. "I'm not going to comment on that," he said.
Finally, here's Lindsay Graham saying something we've picked up from other folks close to the WH:
Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) said Miers's supporters should argue more forcefully that conservatives' attacks on her "are not about the nominee but are about the president," at a time when he needs his friends' support.
I don't think so. Sure, there is a backdrop of discontent with Bush generally here, but if Bush had nominated a well-qualified, well-established judicial conservative, all the same conservatives now criticizing Miers would be on board and happily defending him or her.
Posted at 01:47 AM
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