A few thoughts:

1. Charles Krauthammer was either influential or had an inside source. He suggested this approach to withdrawal on the 21st.

2. In a crass political way, I was getting to like her. At least I was beginning to suspect that she was not an ideologue. Of course, that brings up one of those conscience questions: Is it better for the Court to get a competent conservative or a not-so-competent person a bit closer to my perspective? It looks like I will not be tested this time.

3. The next nominee is likely to be a doozy. Really Bush has no option but to throw sirloin to the dogs of the right in the form of a new Scalia.