On the Harriet Meirs Controversy, It Just Occurred to Me

[On the Road]

that loyalty seems to figure very prominently in her worldview. Although she has shown some independence in the past (eg, not joining the Federalist Society), she's been 100% behind her current boss. If she's confirmed, I expect her to look very favorably on any cases supported by the Bush administration through 2008.

What I'm worried about is beyond 2008. Specifically, whether loyalties will color her decisions or whether she'll have the independence to be her own person. If she forms a clique with Scalia, and obediently follows his decisions like Clarence Thomas does, Meirs could be the back-breaker on a lot of split decisions.

What occurred to me today is that the outcry from conservatives may be changing that dynamic. If you consider yourself part of a partisan group, and the group then turns and attacks you, the natural response is to start questioning your loyalty to that group. It's a powerful psychological effect. I've had it happen myself, and have seen it in others. And it's most pronounced in people who value personal relationships rather than intellectual principles.

In other words, conservatives may be estranging her at exactly the wrong time. Meirs may be approved, but with a newly-found grudge at the right wing. That might discourage her from dutifully following the right-wing line all the time. She might grow towards a more O'Connor-like role.

And if that happens, I will laugh my ass off. Just speculating out loud and trying to see a silver lining here.

[BillZBubb]

1. She's a toady. She'll be a hard right justice.

If she thought Bush was brilliant, wait until Scalia dazzles her with his perfect knowledge of all things Constitutional. Why, he can summon up the ghost of Madison at any time to find out exactly what the framer's had in mind!

She'll be competing with Clarence for Scalia's attentions.

[Benhurst]

2. She's just another Republican pretty face.

She'll do whatever Bush tells her to do.

[On the Road]

3. That's What I Was Expecting

I dreaded her cronyism more than her views on the law. Just wondering if the wholesale outrage from the right will begin to change that dynamic.

[Name removed]

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[BillZBubb]

6. Please do tell: Give us TWO important liberal Thomas votes?

Clarence Thomas is a right wing, self-loathing piece of shit. He always votes with corporations against the people. And how did he vote on Bush vs. Gore again?

Your post is another example of why our side always loses.

[Name removed]

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[Metta]

5. Arlen Spector said she needed a crash course in Con law.

I think this one is a lost cause; I surely hope so. She's just another lock step, ass kissing crony.