It seems that many of the lib Dems and Bush-bots are the only ones strongly in favor of Miers, at this point.
I think the debate over this nomination has been very interesting. There are lots of issues to wrestle with. I for one have been drawn in several different directions, as have the conservative and liberal establishments, it appears.
There is just no way to make the argument that she was the best pick and many reasons to believe that she is not only a poor choice, but intentionally so (for example, her age implies to me that she's just meant to be a "place-holder"). If Dems are smart they will smell the opportunity.
Thanks for the charts...you did a great job.
Here's my problem with the Conservative Media being the most outspoken against her.
Conservative media are useful, but they are entertainers in one sense, same with journalists, they all make their money by being "bombastic." They are paid commentators and they have been wrong about Bush before. If I recall neither Coulter nor Malkin liked Roberts either, but when I heard him testify before the Senate Judicial Committee, I knew immediately why the President had chosen him.
I even remember Rush apologizing for misjudging Bush on something, but can't quite remember what that was.
I'm sticking with Bush and Cheney, plus the other "religious right" figures that seem to all support Ms. Miers. I'm still waiting how the Dems are going to play this one when the fact gets out that she's an evangelical.
If she is confirmed and is in fact the conservative we expected the president to appoint, years from now the same people who are trashing the President will be singing his and her praises.
I have never known President Bush to go for short term gains at the expense of long term gains. He has not done so now.
Simply Excellent! I think you have charted it very well. Since I am a celebrity, please add Rodney King down next to Mark Levin.
Probably the three biggest chunks of the Bush coalition are the Christian/Pro-Life Right (think abortion and Shiavo), the Secular/Social Conservative Right (think borders and guns), and the Secular/Fiscal Conservative Right (think business and taxes). Obviously, the categories aren't perfect and there is much overlap, but I think they may be representative.
I think what is happening here with Miers is that Bush threw a bone (and not just any bone, but the biggest, juiciest one, the "swing vote") to the Christian/Pro-Life Right. The more secular elements of the coalition are now acting out a jealous rage. I think they assumed the "swing vote" was rightfully theirs.