to let the administration intimidate them into not opposing this war.

[The only likely contender for ‘08 who has so far made it clear that the war in Iraq is damaging U.S. national security and has actually proposed an exit strategy is Wisconsin senator Russ Feingold.] It’s time for senators and members of Congress, especially those from my own party, to be less timid while this administration neglects urgent national security priorities in favor of staying a flawed policy course in Iraq, ... Let’s see if we can remove the troops after we succeed with a series of steps by the end of December 2006.

improperly short- circuit this trial.

This is a confirmation proceeding, not a coronation.

If by dignified they mean that tough questions are out of bounds, I must strongly disagree,

It is not undignified to ask the nominee questions he would rather not answer, should he prefer to remain inscrutable, or worse yet, all things to all people.