Suskind: Bush hints at "quid pro quo" with "someone" on the USSC

[BurtWorm]

Froma salon.com interview with Eric Boehlert.

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2004/10/20/ron_suskind/print.html

What did you suspect would be the reaction to the Times article, and did the whole Social Security privatization flap surprise you?

I wasn't expecting that. I was expecting Bush's quote -- "I'm going to be real positive while I keep on John Kerry's throat" -- to create a lot of heat and light. I was surprised the privatization quote got so much play. I think it was largely because Kerry focused on it.

Did that then force the Bush campaign to deny the quote and call it fabricated and "Kitty Kelley journalism"?

Of course. At this point, with two weeks to go until the election, it is regrettable but expected that either side, frankly, will do just about anything. It's regrettable that both sides have jumped onto the little rowboat of that one word <privatize>]. But the fact is, that's what Bush said.

As well, the president said, "I'm going to have an opportunity to name somebody to the Supreme Court right after my swearing in." That certainly suggests to me a quid pro quo, that there's been at least a passing of communication, if you will, between someone on the Supreme Court and the White House that immediately after the president's swearing in he'll have his first of what he considers, as he said at the luncheon, the first of four spots that he's expected to <be able to name> in his second term.

[BurtWorm]

1. Wouldn't you love to see Bush get asked point blank

Have you or your administration been talking to members of the Supreme Court about their plans after the election?

[calmblueocean]

2. Just another way the SCLM fails America (n/t)

[amandabeech]

3. Rehnquist or O'Connor, I would suspect.

If Bush gets in, I hope that it's not Stevens. If Kerry gets in, Stevens might retire at some point during Kerry's term, but I doubt if Rehnquist or O'Connor would resign in that case.

[BurtWorm]

5. It's definitely one of those two.

I'm surprised O'Connor didn't split while the going was good, considering how hot she was to get out before the last election was decided.

[The Magistrate]

4. If This Is Attempted, Sir

Demopcrats in the Senate will have to keep the thing tied up with procedural matters and filibuster. There can be no quarter in this matter....

"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

[BurtWorm]

6. It should be illegal, shouldn't you think so, your Honor?

I should.