Not to bring a knife to a gunfight.

231

I'd imagine it will be similar to last time. The president will say: 'What do you want us to know?' 'Are there any names you'd like to suggest?' or 'Do you especially oppose anyone?' But I don't think the president is going to tip his hand.

208

I'm not sure that we really knew anything new about Michael Luttig from this case.

187

We don't tell the White House who they should consider, but our organization is close to the White House. Historically, we have been a source of strategic advice to the White House in defending it's nominees.

174

The more shrill and hysterical they get, the more they isolate themselves.

161

A problem for the liberal groups and senators who want to turn this into a spectacle. . . . When the media have other serious things to focus their attention on, they tend to spend less time and less ink on the tit-for-tat, he said/she said elements that frequently accompany a confirmation hearing.

143

I don't think that's in the president's character. Do you expect him to reject his conservative supporters? These are people the White House has built the entire administration around.

142

Once a nominee starts taking strong public positions, the cat is out of the bag.

105

I expect it to be rough. We're taking nothing for granted. I think he will be confirmed, but he will be confirmed because the Republicans have the [majority].

82