THE CHOICE – AT 9:40 P.M. ET:  The president announced his nomination of Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh to be an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. 

Judge Kavanaugh currently serves on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit, the most influential federal appeals court in the country.   The judge has often been described as the most influential appellate judge serving right now. 

He is a conservative.  It is a quality appointment.  In his acceptance speech, Judge Kavanaugh acquitted himself with dignity and intelligence.  I was happy to see that he proudly described his participation in religious life.   He is a practicing Catholic. 

None of Judge Kavanaugh's brilliance and intelligence will matter to the already hysterical Democratic opposition.  They are opposed.  They would be opposed to Solomon himself.  Chuck Schumer, whose job as leader of Senate Democrats is already in doubt because he's seen by the lunatic fringe as too moderate, was on the attack even before Mr. Trump announced the name of his selection.  Chuck pictured a dark day for America.  We are doomed.  We are going right to Hell.  This is worse than the Civil War.

The fun begins tomorrow when the judge makes his rounds.  The focus will be on two Republican female senators, Collins of Maine, and Murkowski of Alaska, who could be wobbly on confirmation if they think Kavanaugh will vote to overturn Roe v. Wade.  Attention will also focus on Rand Paul, who has some objection to Kavanaugh, but, I suspect, will come through at the end.  And then there are the Democrats who are up this year for re-election in states that voted heavily for Trump.  Can they really vote against a man like Kavanaugh and win their races?  That may be the key political question of the next four months.

Stand by for a tough confirmation.  But I am optimistic.  The White House has been preparing for the fight.  I think the Dems will overplay their hand, and many will wind up at clinics seeking treatment for self-imposed depression.

July 9, 2018