I'm over the moon
Powerline
It's John Roberts.
Keith Olbermann and Dana Milbank are not over the moon. Keith led off his interview of Milbank by suggesting this was "wag the dog" -- in other words, that President Bush pushed up the announcment to divert attention from Rove. Milbank agreed that, of course, that's what is going on.
Putting the "reality-based community" aside for a moment, it's worth looking again at this Washington Post profile of Roberts by Charles Lane and Jerry Markon that we posted yesterday.
And here's what I wrote about Judge Roberts a little while back:
Another great choice would be John Roberts of the District of Columbia Circuit. Roberts is also quite bright and strongly conservative. He lacks the long judicial track record, but that is a plus in one sense -- it may make it more difficult to claim "extraordinary circumstance" in a way that passes the straight-face test for Graham, DeWine, etc. (trust me, though; Roberts is not at all Souter-like). In addition, the Senate recently confirmed Roberts. This (a) makes it difficult credibly to claim extraordinary circumstances and (b) suggests his strength as a nominee, since he got through prior to "the deal" when the sledding was tough. Indeed, given Roberts' middle age movie star looks and considerable charm, he's not a good prospect for a "Borking," though the Democrats nonetheless will give it a shot.
And how is this for a resume:
Judge Roberts received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University in 1976, his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1979, and upon graduation became law clerk for the Hon. Henry Friendly, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 1979-1980. He then worked as law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice William Rehnquist, 1980-1981; special assistant to the attorney general, U.S. Department of Justice, 1981-1982; associate counsel to the president, White House Counsel's Office, 1982-1986; private practiced law in Washington, DC, 1986-1989, 1993-2003; and served as principal deputy solicitor general, U.S. Department of Justice, 1989-1993.
Judge Friendly is a legend, as Chief Justice Rehnquist will be. And maybe Justice Roberts too.
JOHN adds: Pop the champagne corks, conservatives. Roberts is a fantastic choice, a brilliant and bulletproof conservative. And it was fun to see Pat Leahy and Chuck Schumer on television tonight; they looked just awful. After President Bush's terrific, upbeat presentation of Roberts, and Roberts' graceful, brief talk, Leahy and Schumer sounded like they had just dropped in from another planet. They were dour, hateful, and came across as sad and pathetic minions who have been sent on a hopeless mission by their bosses at "People for the American Way."
It's a great day for conservatives and for America. Thanks to President Bush for nominating the best person for the job--or, certainly, one of the best people, along with McConnell, Luttig and one or two others--rather than taking the easy, politically correct way out.
The only thing inhibiting my own champagne consumption is that I have to go on the radio in an hour or so.
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