It’s hard to read too much into announcement speeches, but there is a noticeable difference between the way in which Bush introduced John Roberts to the nation and the comparable speech for Harriet Miers this morning.
With Roberts, Bush seemed confident that he was nominating an experienced professional with stellar credentials.
“In public service and in private practice, he has argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court and earned a reputation as one of the best legal minds of his generation. Judge Roberts has earned the respect of people from both political parties. After he was nominated for the Court of Appeals in 2001, a bipartisan group of more than 150 lawyers sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee. They wrote:
“‘Although as individuals we reflect a wide spectrum of political party affiliation and ideology, we are united in our belief that John Roberts will be an outstanding federal court appeals judge and should be confirmed by the United States Senate.’
“The signers of this letter included a former counsel to a Republican President, a former counsel to two Democratic Presidents, and a former — and former high-ranking Justice Department officials of both parties.”
Bush can be tough to read, but he seemed a little more defensive today.
“Over the course of a distinguished legal career, Harriet has earned the respect and admiration of her fellow attorneys. She has a record of achievement in the law, as well as experience as an elected member of the Dallas City Council. She served at high levels of both state and federal government. Before state and federal courts, she has tried cases, and argued appeals that covered a broad range of matters. She’s been a leader in the American Bar Association, and has been recognized by the National Law Journal as one of the most powerful attorneys in America.
Miers has “tried cases” on “a broad range of matters”? So have several thousand other attorneys. Miers is among the “most powerful attorneys in America”? True, but that’s because Bush made her White House Counsel.
Bush concluded by saving, “I know her heart, I know her character.” Didn’t the president say essentially the same thing about Vladimir Putin? Don’t we need a little bit more than Bush’s judge-of-character skills to go on here?