Scalito clocks in some
pretty anemic numbers.
Almost equal thirds of all adults believe that Judge Alito should be confirmed (34%), should not be confirmed (31%) or say they aren't sure (34%), according to the poll. A majority of Republicans (65% vs. 9%) favor his confirmation, the polls shows, while a plurality of Democrats (48% vs. 14%) oppose it, and Independents are split (34% for confirmation; 38% against).
Not good considering that the battle hasn't been engaged yet. And most of those who have made up their mind -- Republicans -- already support him. As Democrats turn against Scalito (and they will as his record is revealed), his overall numbers will plummet. Same for independents.
But the news for Alito in this poll is even worse:
However, nearly 70% of those surveyed in the online poll of 1,961 adults would oppose Judge Alito's confirmation if they thought he would vote to make abortion illegal. That percentage rises among Democrats (86%) and Independents (74%), compared with 22% of Republicans.
And by the way, remember how Bush said he doesn't care what McCain says, or what the anti-torture language of the recent defense bill says? That he'll interpret the law differently? That's a Scalito innovation. Will Republicans in the Senate go along with a judge who seeks to undermine the legislative branch, and hence their own power?