Pragmatic Politicians

The nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court has once again shown that politicians, including this White House, are generally pragmatists when it comes to the means by which they attempt to reach their goals. Ms. Miers is being marketed to Christians as an opponent of Roe v. Wade (I hope that she is) while at the same time others supportive of abortion are told that what she believes or her personal position does not necessarily provide proof on how she would render judgment in an abortion case. This is at odds with the obvious implication to Christians--that Ms. Miers' beliefs are an indicator of how she will decide a case. What does this mean? Well, the obvious--that a person had better listen to all the pronouncements that a politician makes upon a subject in attempting to discern what that person's position is on a matter. A good rule of thumb is that if a person is willing to say something to a group that he knows those listening will disagree with him on, then you have found that person's true position. If the person is unwilling to make the statement in front of certain audiences, then it is not among that person's deepest principles or beliefs.

Additionally, a politician is generally willing to state his core goals in front of any audience. For instance, George W. Bush is willing to state his policies regarding the War on Terror in unambiguous terms at any time. This indicates that this is a primary focus for him personally and his beliefs are deeply held. If President Bush soft pedaled his presentation for certain audiences or circumstances, then it would show that his position is either subject to change, or that certain of his statements on the matter are a means to a different end. The fact that this administration provides contrary arguments regarding the abortion issue with Ms. Miers is a strategic decision to get her confirmed to the court. Which indicates to me that in the Administration's eyes the abortion issue is not the primary reason why Harriet Miers should be on the court. Which is why when I watch her confirmation hearings, I am going to be looking for exactly why the administration wants her on the bench.