[WillRain]

There's something to be said for that, though, as I understand it, Bush went on record long ago as disavowing that tactic.

I'm thinking that Bush ought to addressthe nation on TV and lay out his case, with specific, truthful (even if it's embarrasing) discussion of past precedent and the current situation, then introduce each of the nominees and their qualifications and their previous approvals if any to the American people.
The problem now is that the mushy middle who never pays attention sees only names in newsprint, if Bush puts Janice Rogers Brown and Priscilla Owens and yes, even Miguel Estrada as cases in point before the American people it's going to be much harder for Teddy to get away with calling then "neanderthals"

[RatSlayer]

WillRain said:

"...as I understand it, Bush went on record long ago as disavowing that tactic.

I'm thinking that Bush ought to address the nation on TV..."

Your correct. It's all part of the "new tone" (barf). IMO he's being so non-confrontational that he won't even do what you suggest. And unfortunately, it's turned him into doormat, which a minority of Rat senators can walk all over without any consequences.