Bush Blinks

First, let's do away with the idea that Meiers' nomination was withdrawn because they couldn't release documentation without giving away too much information about inner White House workings. That's the convenient excuse. It was withdrawn because her confirmation hearing risked showing a fractured and divided Republican party.

I was never sure that she had all the necessary qualifications, but the fact that the religious right really didn't like her seemed a good start. I think that the withdrawal is a dangerous sign. It indicates that the ultra-conservative funadmentalists not only have a firm grip on the White House, but most of the Republican party too.

Bush doesn't seem to be a president who likes to be forced to do anything so it will be interesting to see how he reacts. That said, however, he's never faced this much opposition from his base before (his base is much more concerned about overturning Roe vs Wade than drastic overspending or rash wars). He blinked once by withdrawing Meiers. Let's see if he blinks again.