Measured Praise for Harriet Miers

While most conservatives, including those on this site, are wringing their hands over President Bush's appointment of Harriet Miers to replace retiring Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court of the United States, Indiana governor and former director of the federal Office of Management and Budget Mitch Daniels approves of the choice, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Or does he? The Star story quotes Daniels as saying, "She's very good at drawing out arguments on both sides of the question," and calling her a "decent, thoughtful, caring and balanced person." He said he got to know her well during his time in the White House and that her intellect is at least as good as those of the senators who will be questioning her during her nomination. The Star quotes Daniels as saying, "She is so hard working," and, "For all of her gifts, she is a very modest person."

Those are all very nice things, and superb qualifications to run the Red Cross. What is missing here, interestingly, is any mention of her opinions and central beliefs.