Contrary to popular belief, the President didn't nominate John Roberts to be Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court last night.
He was nominiating Roberts for Chief Justice.
We need to really put our thinking caps on for this one and give this man a lot of scrutiny, because I believe is being groomed not only for the Court, but to be Rehnquist's replacement. (more below...)
First, we have to assume that Rehnquist won't make it through the next three years as Chief. Considering his health, that's probably a safe assumption
So, who better than Roberts, his former clerk, to take his seat when he is gone? Who better than one who argued over 32 Supreme Court cases? Who better than, essentially, someone who is probably best described as "Rehnquist, Jr."?
On Larry King last night, Roberts was described as a "lawyer's lawyer" by former AG Dick Thornburg. From our side of the aisle, Professor Lawerence Tribe described him as extremely likeable and "brillant". All of these are necessary qualities to be Chief, it seems.
Moreover, Roberts will not have the problems being confirmed Chief that Rehnquist had, or conversely, what Scalia or Thomas would have. Namely, very few opinions to Roberts' name.
Roberts does not have many opinions to his name now as he sits on the D.C. Circuit. Let's assume Rehnquist retires after this year. How many opinions do you think Roberts will have after one year? Not a heck of a lot.
This can't be considered anything but a pretty bold stroke and cunning political move by the Bush administration. When all was said and done, they decided to nominate the next Chief Justice right under our noses. And when the time comes to replace Rehnquist, you better believe another conservative is coming down the pike to take Roberts' seat.
I don't know about you, but we can't sit back and pray this guy is the next David Souter, or even the next Anthony Kennedy.
We are looking at the next William Rehnquist, and we better take notice now before it is too late.