Well, Sandra Day O'Connor had her way with the media and interest groups. Just as some activists were figuring that there wouldn't be an announcement of a Supreme Court justice this week and they could all head out for the holiday weekend, she announces her retirement. I wonder if she enjoyed doing that.

Erick at Red State is flummoxed by this news and says that his sources tell him that Rehnquist will still be retiring.

It will be a long, hot summer.

My advice to the President. You and the nominee will get hammered and vilified no matter whom you pick. If the nominee were the reincarnation of both John and Thurgood Marshall, the press would portray the nominee as another Roger B. Taney. So, Mr. President, my recommendation is that you just pick the most conservative, qualified, and youngest nominee that you can. Forget the critics since there is no one you could nominate that wouldn't excite the leftist base. They have been gearing up for this battle for four years and their fund-raising depends on raising a fuss. There is no way that they will defer to Bush's choice. So, swing for the fences, Mr. Bush. Your base is there for you.