From what I am able to read and hear briefly about John Roberts it appears this could be a good solid choice. I think what is in his favor is his 39 cases he has presented to the USSC. This has provided him a solid, respected reputation across the political spectrum which should serve him well. I liken this to Andrew Young coming out in support of Condi Rice.

He apparently picked up the view that courts should be strict, constitutional interpretors, as opposed to legislating from the bench as when a judge mandates legislatures to write laws, from his time working for Justice Friendly and Rehnquist. Also good.

The right people are against him. The country cannot go wrong when Kennedy, Durbin and Schumer are challenging the nominee – sure fire good choice. What will be telling is how moderate dems react. Apparently Lieberman stated he was in the ballpark as a nominee that could be confirmed. Pryor was not willling to make any claims or negative hints. John Breuax, while out of the senate, had a lot of positive things to say.

Word of warning to the fever swamps of the leftward fringes: If you may a big stink for no real good reason it will only hurt the image of the left. Durbin left a very bad taste in the country’s mouth with his Nazi comments about our military. The fact he is out there representing your cause is enough to move the majority of the middle towards Bush and Roberts.

Recall that Durbin was able to get poll numbers that where 20-80 splits on GITMO – against him. It was the only time I had seen a poll with the liberal fringes completely isolated from the rest of the country. It could easily happen again.

I need to do a lot more homework for my post for the Carnival of the Chillin’. And I wish Bush had nominated Janice Rogers Brown (though she is now on the second most powerful court in the land, so I am not complaining at all). But I am cool with this so far.

More later. But Viking Pundit has some good, unique links.