The Christian Coalition has definitely decreased in influence. But Robertson, as an individual, continues to inspire a lot of loyalty among far-right activists. There's no question that Robertson has significant influence.

It tremendously raises the stakes. Now he'll be in a position (as chief justice) to influence the direction of the court for the next 30 years.

If I had to pick three overall areas: civil rights, access to justice and, I think, privacy.

The whole idea of the internal memoranda is to try to get a more unvarnished view of what Roberts said.

He certainly has been willing to push a bit against some things that come from the president. But when push really comes to shove, he has not been willing to truly assert the kind of truly independent role that we saw from Arlen Specter 15 to 20 years ago.

It is hard to think, as I sit here, of examples of decisions that appear to be Gonzales making decisions on his own, as opposed to his status of defender of the administration and the White House. His role doesn't seem that much different than his role serving as White House counsel, only now he has a much larger staff.