Insiders see hint of Miers pullout [Washington Times]

Washington Times ^

[governsleastgovernsbest]

The Washington Times www.washingtontimes.com By Ralph Z. Hallow and Charles Hurt THE WASHINGTON TIMES Published October 22, 2005 The White House has begun making contingency plans for the withdrawal of Harriet Miers as President Bush's choice to fill a seat on the Supreme Court, conservative sources said yesterday. "White House senior staff are starting to ask outside people, saying, 'We're not discussing pulling out her nomination, but if we were to, do you have any advice as to how we should do it?' " a conservative Republican with ties to the White House told The Washington Times.

[Bahbah]

But the conservative political consultant said that he had received such a query from Sara Taylor, director of the Office of White House Political Affairs. Miss Taylor denied making any such calls. A second Republican, who is the leader of a conservative interest group and has ties to the White House, confirmed that calls are being made.

What we can tell is that the political gamesters are out in force. Nominations have been withdrawn and nominees have withdrawn themselves in the past and I don't remember the house burning down.

[Dane]

Well gee a named source is denying it and an unnamed source is confirming it.

I will go with the named source, thank you very much.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

With respect, it's not a matter of a named source denying it.

The article names Sara Taylor, director of the Office of White House Political Affairs, as one of the people making the calls. Yes, she denies it, but given the very sensitive nature of such an operation, if it is in fact going on, it's altogether predictable that she would.

Of course I don't know whether the story is accurate or not. But surely, with the firestorm of criticism of the Miers appointment from some of the most respected conservative voices, you wouldn't be surprised if the WH is considering a Plan B, would you?

[Ninian Dryhope]

"you wouldn't be surprised if the WH is considering a Plan B, would you?"

No, but I would be surprised if they went to a conservative political consultant to develop it for them.

[traderrob6]

I wouldn't

[Jim Noble]

We're all over here, with 301 posts on the same article.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Perhaps. But as you know, the Washington Times is the conservative paper in DC, and the reporter on the story reportedly has a solid reputation.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Thanks. I was wondering why there weren't more comments here! I did an FR search for "pullout" before posting.

[stocksthatgoup]

Could we have a recess appointment? Say Janet Rogers Brown? Appointment like this have been done in the past.

[sgtbono2002]

I bet all those knives sticking out of George Bush's back hurt like hell.

[The Anti-Democrat]

GWB's pain right now is from tripping over both of his left feet and not being able to steady himself with his hamfists. He did this while shooting himself in the foot at the same time he was blowing a great big raspberry to the conservative base. Of course, Harriet was there the whole time gushing that he was just, like so totally COOL!

[Cedric]

Metaphor overload.

[sgtbono2002]

Thanks for your Post George needed that extra knife.

[McGavin999]

So, you're saying I'm not part of the conservative base? I wasn't insulted at all, and I was willing to wait for the hearings before making a decision.

I voted for George W. Bush, and I donated more money than I could afford to get him elected, and I worked my heart out for him. I have watched "the base" act like a bunch of three year olds and people I used to respect throw temper tantrums like Deaniacs. I still haven't heard a word out of Miers mouth, but I have lost faith in the judgement of "the base".

[happydogx2]

My thoughts are that Miers isn't going anywhere.

Hearings scheduled to start before Thanksgiving.

If Bush, whether right or wrong on the selection, capitulates now he can write off the next three years of having a meaningful Presidency.

[McGavin999]

I agree. She should get a hearing and then we can make up our minds one way or the other.

I hope these rumors aren't true and if they are, I hope Dubya finds out who is responsible and terminates their services. Anyone working in the WH who stabs this man in the back needs to be on unemployment.

[uncbob]

He did this while shooting himself in the foot at the same time he was blowing a great big raspberry to the conservative base.

That's cause he was out of touch with his base since the first day he took the oath

CFR--Education Bill--Illegal Immigration --Saying he would sign the Assault Weapon Ban --Medicare Drugs

[uncbob]

I bet all those knives sticking out of George Bush's back hurt like hell.

Sorry but you have it backwards

It is the conservative voters whose backs have the problem

They sure as hell didn't vote for Bush for -Education Bill--CFR--Illegal Immigration--Medicare Drug Bill--$$$$ to Africa etc etc

[AndyJackson]

I wasn't insulted at all, and I was willing to wait for the hearings before making a decision

Well I was and I wasn't. The problem with the Senate process is that if Bush really wants he can get his nominee through. It will cost, of course, but he can do it. Who pays? Well, you and I. For instance, do you think Harry Reid's support came for free because he thought Ms. Miers was such a stunningly good candidate. Common! Harry was bought. Don't you want to know the price? I do.