How Nomination and Confirmation Used to Work

As the politically minded prepare for the upcoming battle over Bush's nomination to replace Justice O'Conner on the Supreme Court, Think Progress reminds readers how President Clinton approached filling vacancies on the court. Rather than prepare for battle with the Republicans, then in the minority, he consulted with them and, gasp, listened to them. The result? Two smooth confirmations.

The president says he wants a dignified confirmation for whomever he nominates. He should take a lesson from his predecessor. (Of course, that assumes the Democrat playing the role of Senator Hatch--Leahy--would be willing to work with Bush the same way Hatch worked with Clinton. That remains to be seen.)