Bush to Meet With Reid , Leahy Tomorrow On Court Opening

[JABBS]

(GG2.NET NEWS -- 7/9/05) -- President George Bush reviewed potential candidates for the Supreme Court as he flew home on Friday on Air Force One from the terrorism-interrupted summit of world leaders in Scotland.

Bush is to devote his Saturday radio address to the subject of terrorism and will make a speech on terrorism on Monday in Quantico, Va. The war on terrorism was the keystone theme of his re-election campaign and his strongest issue with voters.

Immediately upon landing, Bush flew by helicopter to downtown Washington and stopped at the British ambassador`s residence to sign a condolence book for victims of Thursday`s deadly subway and bus bombings in London.

"To those who suffered loss of life, we pray for God`s blessing," the President said, after signing the book. "For those injured, we pray for fast healing. The British people are steadfast and strong"

Monday`s speech was scheduled before the London attacks, White House press secretary Scott McClellan said. "The attacks that occurred in London give even more significance to the remarks."

On the return flight from Scotland, Bush discussed possible court nominees with White House Chief of Staff Andy Card. The President had pored over court material on his flight to Europe on Tuesday. The White House did not reveal who was on the list to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

On Tuesday, Bush is to meet at the White House with Senate leaders, Democrats as well as Republicans, to discuss the court vacancy. The group is to include Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and Sen. Patrick Leahy, the ranking Democrat on that panel.

McClellan said Bush`s staff also was making consultative calls with senators.

[Mike Nelson]

1. Reid shouldn't meet w/Bush...

...it's a waste of time.

[JABBS]

2. depends

Is Bush meeting with Reid and Leahy just to satisfy the much-ballyhooed "advise and consent" decree? Will he push forward his nominee regardless, or will he X-out certain nominees who the Democrats plan to filibuster?

I don't see this meeting necessarily as a bad thing. It beats "my way or the highway."

[More Than A Feeling]

3. I agree. It is along the lines of what has been asked for.

On the other hand, this could end up being a "They saw the same intelligence we did" meeting for when we oppose the nominee. We shall have to wait and see.

[JABBS]

4. that's what I'm afraid of.

But Reid seems better than Daschle at preventing the Dems from being patsies in the news media.

[wallwriter]

5. Nominate Karl Rove! Those would be some hearings to watch...