"Warren"
From the Washington Post today
While generally well received, Miers has had a few awkward moments, including one during her Wednesday session with Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (Vt.), ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.Oh holy cow. Burger also wrote the opinion authorizing mandatory school busing. Can we just can this woman already?
In an initial chat with Miers, according to several people with knowledge of the exchange, Leahy asked her to name her favorite Supreme Court justices. Miers responded with "Warren" -- which led Leahy to ask her whether she meant former Chief Justice Earl Warren, a liberal icon, or former Chief Justice Warren Burger, a conservative who voted for Roe v. Wade . Miers said she meant Warren Burger, the sources said. (emphasis added).
posted by Harsh Pencil | 10/07/2005 10:20:00 AM
Apparently, the Post took Miers out of context. Here is what she really said...
"Miers was asked about Justices she admired. She responded that she admired different Justices for different reasons, including Warren — interrupted by Senator Leahy — Burger for his administrative skills."
I don't know much about Burger's administrative skills, but she is clearly not stating what the Post was stating.
Remember how badly Robert's comments were misquoted? This is to be expected.
There is still something seriously wrong with a nominee replying "Warren Burger" for any reason (administratve skills, pompousness, whatever) in reply to the question of which justices she admired.
What are you kidding? Miers is trying to get confirmed, which means she should express no favoritism for anyone. She is just being smart, especially knowing that there are no secrets among political enemies. The Burger line sounds like a pre-planned response to an obvious question. If I were in her position I would have said John Marshall, but I suppose saying you like John Marshall would have been too cliche.
Right now, Miers needs to be much more concerned about winning Republicans than Democrats. I agree with Harsh.
Were she to show no favoritism, she could have declined to answer, as any answer would show an opinion of some sort.
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