Bob Novak: Bush the arch-pansy whines about the end of his presidency and how the right-wingers are responsible.

Vulnerable Miers might not survive

President Bush's agents have convinced conservative Republican senators heartsick over his nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court that they must support her to save his presidency. But that does not guarantee her confirmation. Ahead are hearings of unspeakable ugliness that can be prevented only if Democratic senators exercise unaccustomed restraint.

Don't hold your breath hoping that last sentence turns out to be true.

Just one more tidbit:

Bush was not prepared for the negative reaction from the GOP base when he nominated White House Counsel Miers. Former Republican National Chairman Ed Gillespie, leading the confirmation campaign, over two weeks convinced skeptics that Miers is conservative enough. Whatever her qualifications, after hearing from Gillespie, dubious GOP senators decided they could not deny his chosen court nominee to a president on the ropes. Bush has solidified Republican support not because he is strong but because he looks weak.

It seems Bush took that "he doesn't have to run for re-election anymore" crap seriously. In our benighted age politicians must campaign continuously until they leave office for the last time.