Harriet Miers: Friend or Foe?

It seems that our fearless leader is in a bit of pickle. President Bush has nominated White House Counsel Harriet Miers to the highest court in the land but seems to lack support from both sides of aisle.

Republicans like Judiciary Committee Chairman, Arlen Spector, have questioned her abilities. Chairman Spector commented that Miers needed a "crash course on constitutional law." Commentary like this can be expected, yet expected from the Democrats, not the Republicans. But when examining Miers, we need to ask the question: Friend or
Foe?

Harriet Miers has a mixed record at best. She has donated to Democrats like Al Gore in the past and as today's major newspapers report, she supports affirmative action for both minorities and women.

On the other hand, Miers has also supported a Constitutional Amendment banning abortion. This mix of political incoherence is a sign that this nomination process will be interesting.

But the real question for us Democrats, is if she is a friend or foe. If Miers supports the principle of stare decis, than we might get lucky. We would have a nominee who won't rule to abolish abortion and who is in favor of affirmative action. Even though Miers is a Republican, she might be our best hope and President Bush's worst mistake (Ike and Earl Warren.)

I personally don't believe that Miers is qualified enough for the Supreme Court, but given our minority in the Senate and midterms being a year a way, we have little recourse. I won't say that we should support her, but I urge fellow Democrats not to act so rashly and look at the scenario as a whole.

This is President Bush's appointment meant to appease minorities and women. Democrats should be weary of Miers, but also realize that her nomination may have prevented a real ideologue like a Robert Bork from being nominated.