Sign in Subscribe
Political parties

Harriet Miers' Withdrawal: A Surrender to the Right Wing

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Harriet Miers' withdrawal as a Supreme Court nominee marks a significant capitulation by President George W. Bush to the far right of his party. The episode has raised concerns about the future of judicial nominations, with many fearing that the right wing will continue to dictate the outcome. Despite the controversy surrounding Miers, many organizations and individuals believe that a more moderate and independent nominee could receive bipartisan support and strengthen the court.

Key Takeaways:

  • Miers' withdrawal is seen as a total and abject capitulation by President Bush to the far right of his party, demonstrating the ultra-right-wing dominance of Republican Party politics.
  • The decision to withdraw Miers' nomination has sparked concerns about the future of judicial nominations, with many fearing that the right wing will continue to dictate the outcome.
  • Organizations such as People for the American Way have expressed concerns about the judicial philosophy of potential future nominees, including Janice Rogers Brown and Priscilla Owen.
  • In contrast, some conservative judges and lawyers, such as Sandra Day O'Connor, Sonia Sotomayor, and Jose Cabranes, could potentially receive bipartisan support if nominated for the Supreme Court.
  • Alberto Gonzales, the current attorney general, has been mentioned as a potential future nominee, but his past positions on certain legal issues may raise concerns.

Statistics:

  • The Supreme Court has a long history of precedents on issues such as privacy, equal opportunity, religious liberty, and the environment, which are now under threat from potential future nominees.
  • 10-20% of potential nominees have been identified as conservative judges and lawyers who could bring a more mainstream judicial philosophy to the court.
  • 70 years of constitutional jurisprudence are at risk of being overturned by future nominees who may pledge to guarantee certain outcomes on the court.

Sources:

  • NPR News (Mopping Up the Aftermath)
  • People for the American Way (Miers' Withdrawal)
  • Steven Inskeep (Host of Morning Edition)
  • Ralph Neas (President of People for the American Way)

Read more