Real Clear Politics noticed an odd news dispatch buried last Friday. Edward Kennedy, the moral voice of the Democrats, has "ruled out" Clarence Thomas as a possible Chief Justice.

This sounds a lot like a threat of a filibuster. If the Democrats want to prevent the first black nominee for Chief Justice from taking office, let that be their choice. Justice Thomas has an extensive track record. Let them take their shots at it in detail, and let the American public pay attention, as they surely will. A Thomas nomination could be the historic turning point for black support for the Democrats.

Thomas Lifson  6 20 05