The White House does a great disservice to the nation by playing political games with Supreme Court nominations.
No justice worth his or her salt would make such weighty decisions on the basis of such skimpy evidence. But the White House indicates it is no more willing to release “privileged” papers on the current nominee than on the last, even though the Constitution gives the Senate standing equal to that of the President in appointing a justice to the Supreme Court.
As if it weren’t frustrating enough for senators and others on the Left and the Right to have so little information to go on about Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers — who gained and maintained the President’s confidence as counsel over the years by being at all times the epitome of discretion — some of the most crucial information that is being published about her one day is being contradicted the next!
To set the record straight (and I admit to having previously circulated a few reports from such respected sources as The New York Times that have since been retracted in print), here — as best as I can determine — is some of what we do in fact know about the enigmatic Ms. Miers.
Harriet Miers in General
Harriet Miers was raised a Catholic and a Democrat but as an adult became an evangelical Christian (a “meek” “servant” of Jesus) and a Republican.
Harriet Miers on Women’s Rights in General
Harriet Miers overcame sexual discrimination to become a top attorney in Dallas and the nation.
Harriet Miers on Abortion Rights
Harriet Miers has been an active member of an evangelical Christian church that is very much opposed to abortion rights.
Harriet Miers told the manager of her City Council race that she was not “pro-choice”.
Harriet Miers worked to oppose or impede the American Bar Association from endorsing abortion rights.
Harriet Miers has donated generously enough to an anti-abortion group affiliated with Rep. Henry Hyde to be deemed a “bronze patron” (contrary to an earlier report, which stated she had donated to an “abortion rights” group).
Harriet Miers on Gay Rights
Harriet Miers on Racial & Ethnic Minorities, & Police Power
Harriet Miers set aside her initial opposition and (contrary to earlier reports, as I had cited) supported a power-sharing plan on the Dallas City Council that eventually did give African Americans and Latinos more representation.
Harriet Miers on Poverty
Harriet Miers on Business & Consumers
Harriet Miers is an outspoken advocate for “tort reform”, protecting corporations from lawsuits, as by consumers.
Harriet Miers & George W. Bush
Harriet Miers was reportedly paid $19,000 to investigate the potential scandal of Bush allegedly going AWOL from the National Guard during the Vietnam War, which may or may not have involved paying off a key witness.
Harriet Miers reportedly coordinated legal strategy for the Florida recount in the 2000 Presidential Election.
Harriet Miers was called by Bush “a pit bull in size six shoes.”
Harriet Miers reportedly called George W. Bush “the most brilliant man I have ever met” and reportedly considers him a “genius”.
So how would Justice Miers rule on the issues of the day? You be the judge.
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