What Happened with Harriet?
By Thomas D. Herzfeld
I don't understand what went on with Harriet Meiers' attempt at the opening on the Supreme Court. For the most part, it seems to defy common sense, be based on false assumptions, and shows some interesting lapses in judgment. The latter is typical of Administration, but a Supreme Court justice should have that, if nothing else.
This is rather frightening - Ms. Meiers is a savvy corporate lawyer. Was her judgment in this matter so clouded that she could not predict how her confirmation process would play out? Or was she blinded by ambition? Or did she just mindlessly acquiesce to her boss' request? Any of these is frightening in themselves, especially for a potential Supreme Court justice. Maybe there are other reasons, but none come to mind.
The President ran true to form, picking a long-term member of his personal inner circle. Had he been successful in getting her past the Judiciary Committee, past the Senate and past his own right wing, he would have shot himself in the foot - she would have had to recuse herself from any matters involving his interests. None of his advisors, who should have known better, appear to have advised him against the nomination. I can only think of a few reasons for this:
The only way I can understand what has happened is to conclude that the Administration is isolated from its most vocal supporters, is too insular to reach beyond one person's immediate circle, and so indifferent to the needs of justice that it attempts to make appointments based on belief rather than qualification.
And so it continues. Add these to the list.
I don't understand what went on with Harriet Meiers' attempt at the opening on the Supreme Court. For the most part, it seems to defy common sense, be based on false assumptions, and shows some interesting lapses in judgment. The latter is typical of Administration, but a Supreme Court justice should have that, if nothing else.
This is rather frightening - Ms. Meiers is a savvy corporate lawyer. Was her judgment in this matter so clouded that she could not predict how her confirmation process would play out? Or was she blinded by ambition? Or did she just mindlessly acquiesce to her boss' request? Any of these is frightening in themselves, especially for a potential Supreme Court justice. Maybe there are other reasons, but none come to mind.
The President ran true to form, picking a long-term member of his personal inner circle. Had he been successful in getting her past the Judiciary Committee, past the Senate and past his own right wing, he would have shot himself in the foot - she would have had to recuse herself from any matters involving his interests. None of his advisors, who should have known better, appear to have advised him against the nomination. I can only think of a few reasons for this:
- They miscalculated what would happen with the nomination process
- They miscalculated the views of the Religious Right
- They thought that she was sufficiently doctrinaire and unimaginative to a "safe" candidate
- They considered her a decoy for the actual candidate
- They allowed the President to use his own judgment in this relatively minor matter
- Karl Rove was otherwise engaged
The only way I can understand what has happened is to conclude that the Administration is isolated from its most vocal supporters, is too insular to reach beyond one person's immediate circle, and so indifferent to the needs of justice that it attempts to make appointments based on belief rather than qualification.
And so it continues. Add these to the list.
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