“It’s disturbing that the administration is trumpeting Miers’ faith as a talking point. But it’s far worse that they’re trying to sell her to women as an O’Connor replacement, while also trying to reassure the right by peddling her unthreatening ’50s femininity. Where John Roberts was pitched, even to doubtful Democrats, on his intellect and legal competence, the administration is selling Miers on her loyalty and reliability. One of those tough fem-bots around Bush ought to slap him, and tell him to stop hiding behind Miers’ skirts and come out and defend her legal accomplishments and her intellect. And if he can’t, Democrats and Republicans should unite and reject the latest example of friendship trumping talent in this increasingly scandal-fouled administration.” — Joan Walsh (salon editor-in-chief)