Sludge Bucket : BUSH CONSIDERS CLARENCE THOMAS FOR CHIEF JUSTICE

[jefferson_dem]

President Bush has launched an internal review of the pros and cons of nominating Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as the chief justice if ailing William Rehnquist retires, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

A top White House source familiar with Bush's thinking explains the review of Thomas as chief justice is one of several options currently under serious consideration. But Thomas is Bush's personal favorite to take the position, the source claims.

"It would not only be historic, to nominate a minority as chief justice, symbolizing the president's strong belief in hope and optimism, but it would be a sound judicial move.... Justice Thomas simply has an extraordinary record."

One concern is the amount of political capital Bush would have to spend in congress to make the move.

A chief justice must be separately nominated by Bush and confirmed by the Senate, even if the person is already sitting on the court.

The need to replace Rehnquist could arise by year's end, Bush aides now believe.

Officially, Bush advisers call any Supreme Court vacancy talk premature.

Developing...

[Warpy]

1. yeah, because they're equivalent intelligences

However, Scalia will get the nod.

[jefferson_dem]

2. I agree. He just doesn't want to dis his token pal "CT" by not at least

pretending to consider him for the post.

However, I would love for him to stick that know-nothing lightweight up there for another round of scrutiny.

[candy331]

6. When he does, even though AA have serious problems with Thomas

know this, the Repubs will further be seen as inclusive and more AA will go to their side, Dems should take notice.

[RobertSeattle]

3. Makes sense

The most unqualified person to be President ever should therefore nominate the most unqualified person ever to be Chief Justice.

[olddem43]

4. Oh Goody! Thomas can be a black Roger Taney -

and turn back the calender a couple of hundred years. Maybe he will even put himself back into slavery.

[Bluebear]

5. Long Dong Justice!

Way to honor women, George.

[LizW]

7. This is probably true

Think about it. Bushco would love nothing more than a nasty confirmation fight over a minority nominee. They loved it with Manuel Estrada, and the Catholic Bill Pryor, and they would love it with Clarence Thomas.

They know the Dems won't sit back and let Thomas be named CJ without a fight. The also know they own the media and the media will spin it to their advantage. They can't lose. Thomas can trot out all those "lynching" metaphors against the Dems again and hurt the Dems with their base.

Remember, these people don't care what's best for the Court or the Country. What they care about is destroying the Democratic party. What they want is a nasty fight and Bush will appoint a nominee that guarantees one.

I'm NOT saying that the Dems shouldn't fight a Thomas nomination. They would absolutely have no choice. But we should constantly be repeating to the media and anyone who will listen is that Bush will intentionally choose his nominee in order to pick a fight with the Dems. The frat boy strikes again.

[Bluebear]

8. I agree probably true. And any objections will be 'racist'.