Mukasey Confirmed

Judge Michael Mukasey was confirmed as the new Attorney General succeeding Alberto Gonzalez. The tally was 53-40 and the President once again out-played a senior member of the Senate--this time Chuck Schumer. Schumer made it clear early on that he would support Mukasey and in fact recommended him, then all hell broke loose when Mukasey failed to label waterboarding torture. Schumer was stuck in a precarious position when several high-ranking Democrats said they'd vote no on the confirmation. I give Schumer credit for keeping his word and eventually voting for the appointment.

The four Democratic Senators running for president couldn't find the time to vote, there are more pressing matters like stiffing waitresses with three jobs I guess.

Mukasey seems to be a good selection for Bush after the fiasco that was Gonzalez. Bush has had a spotty track record when it comes to law appointments (Harriet Miers comes to mind) with the exception of Samuel Alito and John Roberts come to mind--although they were sheperded through by qualified assistants such as Fred Thompson.