Washington PostOkay, I am liking this man more and more. Not because he's a progressive, or liberal (whatever) but because he appears to be something rare these days; a true conservative. Why do I say that? Because the pretend conservatives in Congress don't know much about him.
Not since the nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court, two years ago next month, has such a pivotal position to the conservative movement been filled with someone so unfamiliar to the right-wing base. Several hours after Mukasey was officially nominated today to be the next attorney general, the conservative caucus of the Senate still didn't know much about the man. Carefully read this statement from Cornyn this afternoon and note how little outward praise there is for Mukasey, with the Texan spending most of his five sentences bashing Democrats:
"In recent months, my Democratic colleagues have loudly voiced their belief that partisan politics has no place at the Department of Justice. With today's nomination and forthcoming confirmation process of Judge Mukasey, they will have an opportunity to demonstrate that. I am examining Judge Mukasey's record and will continue to do so in the days ahead. But early indications are that he is a respected, experienced jurist who has a strong reputation for honesty and integrity. He deserves a fair and prompt hearing by the Senate."
Reid and Schumer, acting preemptively last week, issued declarations that another possible selection, former Solicitor General Theodore Olson, would not get through the confirmation process because of his partisan background. Whether Bush was ever set on Olson is unclear, but his pick of Mukasey in the face of blank stares from conservatives was a clear victory for Schumer.
"The nomination of Judge Mukasey certainly shows a new attitude in the White House," Schumer told reporters today.
And John Cornyn's relative silence on the nomination is all the proof that's needed to back up Schumer's claim.
That means he's probably ethical and competent. From what little I've read of his decisions, and what I read over a Glenn's blog, it makes me believe he is a true rule of law man.
Okay, I'm going to look out the window, there has to be an asteroid streaking towards Earth as I type. Bush picks a truly honorable and ethical man for a Cabinet position? In deference to the Democrats? It has to be the end of the world.
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