The AP wire is reporting that Bush called Roberts this afternoon after lyunch with the Australian prime minister. So much for any hope of an easy confirmation process...

Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about the whole thing. I was watching Hardball a little while ago, and someone quoted Senator Biden (D, DE) as telling Ginsberg at her nomination that she shouldn't answer questions about how she would rule on specific issues. The thrust, of course, was to accuse Democrats of shifting standards, but I agree. Having judicial nominees testify before the Senate only dates back around forty years, and I think it is a bad idea.
I don't like the idea of Justice (JC!) Roberts, but I don't think this is a fight we can win. I also don't think it is a fight that we can come out of with any sort of advantage. It seems too much like preaching to the choir, and while it might shore up the base, I think it would do very little to help (and probably would hurt) efforts to win back centrist voters.

I don't think the political blood-letting is going to be worth it for either side.