What a surprise. So much for all that "unify the country" and conciliatory tone crap we keep hearing.

I'm not sure whether this is the best Robert Novak quote of all time, or just one of the greats. You decide:

President Bush just went too far in picking a friend who was loyal but also incompetent...

Right. That's sorted, then. Always nice to see Novak set the bar high.

Anyhow, the real message of Novak's column comes with the (presumably) short list that Bush is considering to replace--if that's possible--the late, unlamented Alberto Gonzales:

Bolten's short list is a pleasant surprise. It includes former solicitor general Ted Olson, an accomplished lawyer and resolute Conservative. According to administration sources, the list also includes two well-regarded former deputy attorneys general: George Terwilliger, a veteran Washington lawyer, and Laurence Silberman, a senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Ah, memories.

Ted Olsen, who, as a Federalist Society elf, masterminded the Arkansas Project in the VRWC's coup against Clinton. Maybe this time Leahy can look into that during the confirmation hearings.

George Terwilliger, who led the Bush legal team during the Republican theft of election 2000 in Florida. Maybe Leahy can look into that during the confirmation hearings.

Larry Silberman, the Cheney protege and October Surprise fixer who reversed Ollie North's felony conviction during Iran-Contra.

The real question--which Novak doesn't ask, of course--is which choice is best suited to deep-six Bush's crimes.

NOTE Emptywheel has a typically excellent run-down of the prospects.