How the Justice Confirmation Game is Played

The process of replacing David Souter has begun in earnest, so get ready for “Washington at its best (or worst, depending on your perspective),” writes Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post. All three branches of government, and a boatload of special interests and egos, will brawl it out over the highest possible political stakes. So what differentiates a well-executed rollout (think John Roberts) from a disaster (remember Harriet Miers)? Glad you asked:

• Obama must consult the Senate, especially the Judiciary Committee, first. He’s already talked to Orrin Hatch and Arlen Specter.
• The nominee should assume everything he’s ever written could come out, and plan accordingly.
• Interest groups must be accounted for. People for the American Way, Judicial Confirmation Network, and NARAL among others will be heard from.
• Set a date for the hearing ASAP, so critics have less time to pile on.

(More Barack Obama stories.)