27 Oct 2005 Miers: Withdrawal With Honor

Not so quotable:

I hate to see a woman go down this way. I really, really do.

-Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-CA

But you like it when men do, Dianne?

There is no shame in Harriet Miers’s dignified withdrawal. The fit wasn’t right, but that is no reflection on the lady. Many, many people who are in a position to know have said she is a very intelligent person of high moral character and great kindness. She simply trained for a different aspect of law — one in which, by all accounts with which I am familar, she excelled.

In my judgment, Ms. Miers erred in accepting the nomination, but it probably is her habit to accept all the assignments the President gives her and tackle them with zeal. Because she reportedly did not know she was even under consideration for a Court appointment, she scarcely had any time to consider the matter when it first was presented to her. As such, it is more than understandable that her habit of a lifetime — to serve the client to the best of her ability — determined her response.

If there is blame in this episode, the bulk of it goes to those Supreme Court justices, past and present, who have seen themselves as lawmakers, thereby making it impossible for citizens who prefer to be governed by the elected branches to take any chances whatsoever with Court nominees, even those of demonstrably high character and great intelligence.

Godspeed, Ms. Miers. We wish you success and happiness. You have our respect.