Just on grounds of being evasive, he will probably get a core of Democrats who will vote against him. But his nomination is not imperiled by any means.

The paradox is that the Republicans could reform their party before the Democrats do.

Boehner should not start putting pictures on the wall and hanging drapes. This could be a very temporary job if the Republicans lose in November.

Usually, a candidate has to nail down the base and move to the centre after the nomination, ... She has the flexibility because she has so much affection from the base.

The groups want certain questions asked of Roberts to lay a predicate for future nominees. Unless there's a revelation we can't fathom, this will be the meat of the hearings.

It's almost like Bush is running for reelection with peace and prosperity.