The initial reaction of relief notwithstanding, the White House will be making a huge mistake if they think that a Gonzales nomination will fly at this point. They should not make the fatal mistake of confusing the conservative anger with Miers, the nominee.

Correctly understood, the anger was with Bush, who went a bridge too far in his disregard for movement conservatives. Miers was merely the unfortunate victim of a blind Presidential hubris.

Mark my words, a "stealth" candidate, or a moderate nominee at this point, will enrage the conservatives in a manner catastrophic to the President's legacy. (Not that it should matter.) The blood is still in the water. Emotions continue to run high. Bush will hopefully take advantage of this.

A rock—solid conservative "strict—constructionist" with a transparent paper trail will rally the troops with resounding enthusiasm. Anything less will prove disastrous.

Andrew Sumereau    10 27 05