If we are lowering the bar for consent from two thirds to a simple majority are we also lowering the bar to convict in an impeachment from two/thirds to a simple majority.
This could work if it were as easy to get rid of bush's judges as it were to appoint them.
The constitution is very clear in this respect though.
Article 1, Section 3, Clause 6 states: The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
Article 2, Section 2 Clause 2 is much less clear when it comes to the numbers needed for consent. It states concerning the president: He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
While the constitution isn't specific as to the number needed for consent, it appears that a two thirds majority was intended for consent as this would set the standard to the same level as that for conviction.
I believe that most people can understand it in this way as well. To keep the impeachment and conviction of judges above politics the constitution sets the standard at two thirds of the Senate for conviction. To keep the appointment of judges above politics we should also maintain the same two thirds standard for the Senate to provide its consent.
If the republicans push forward for a simple majority to appoint judges, we should also push for a simple majority to remove those same judges.