Having just witnessed Harry Reid lavish praise on Harriet Miers, I am left to wonder why. Why have a public photo-op to endorse a nomination when there seems to be unanimious agreement that Miers is a "blank slate"? This decision by Reid represents a serious political miscalulation, basically rendering the hearings completely meaningless.
I can understand Reid wishing to meet with Miers, that seems like reasonable protocol, as well as an opportunity to get a better feel for her positions. What seems unnecessary, and frankly foolish, is too hold a photo-op wherein Reid basically gives his unequivocal approval and endorsement of Miers.
Miers is a blank slate, so why not remain cautious and allow the process to unfold without prejudice. Reid's gushing presser with Miers will help solidify an impression of inevitability, as well as sway public sentiment on her qualifications. What is the point of the nomination hearings, if elected officals are already pre-disposed to support her nomination? How effective can committee members be when faced with an air of inevitability? I would argue that Reid has effectively rendered opposition useless and made the entire process mute.
Is Miers a relative moderate compared with other possible nominees? Maybe, that relativity is irrelevant to properly vetting this nominee with a critical eye. What Reid did today is of no value to Democrats- it doesn't elevate our stature in the eyes of Americans, it serves no political purpose other than to handicap fellow Democrats efforts to have a fair hearing. Reid may look reasonable, non-partisan, but how does that translate into any concrete gain. And, I don't want to hear the argument that Reid is looking diplomatic so as to curry political capital for looming battles.
Is this victory? Anyone who makes that claim at this early juncture is circumventing the whole discussion. Reid jumped the gun here, whether he is ultimately right or wrong is irrelevant because this presser served no value politically, other than to undercut the process. You could argue that Reid's approval with make the hard right suspicious of Miers, and possibly cause a rift, but Reid's opinion is hardly relevant to their political calculus. I look forward to reasons why Reid was smart to come out so quick in favor of Miers.
