Let's face it: The Dems strategy on the Miers nomination was to let it implode. It should have been to demonstrate that there was bi-partisan hostility to the Bush White House's cronyism.
Because of the Dems' inaction on Miers, the conservatives now own Bush's failure.
While the Miers withdrawal is certainly a defeat for the beleagured White House and demonstrative of conservatives hypocrisy on the advice and consent process, it should not be a victory for conservatives. The Dems should have led the defeat of the Miers nomination, not stood by the sidelines.
Although the failure to act will give credence to Democrats' assertion that they have the right to oppose and even filibuster an unfit nominee, it also puts the ball in the conservatives' court for the current selection process.
In this current political climate, silence is rarely, if ever, a compelling strategy.
(cross posted at The Next Left)