Good for President Bush

He's doing what he needs to do for his Supreme Court nominee -- stay above the fray and emphasize his opposition to those on the left and the right who would use the vacancy for their own purposes, ie, to fundraise and to advance an agenda other than trying to place someone of good character -- and who will adjudicate, not legislate -- on the Court.

Of course, the groups on the right are necessary to counterbalance the left-wing smear outfits that are waiting to assassinate the character of whoever Bush nominates (with the possible exception of Gonzales). But President Bush's apparent impartiality between the left and right-wing groups is the responsible counterpart to the (false) promises of Teddy Kennedy and others to examine a nomination carefully and respectfully.

A lot of the PR battle -- and the ground upon which the nomination will be fought -- is being established now. It's reassuring to see that the President apparently realizes this.