William Kristol President Quotations

Romney has to convince the American public that they need to do something they're not usually inclined to do - replace a sitting president with a challenger. And unlike in 1980 and 1992, when the public was persuaded to do just that, the incumbent president has not been weakened by a primary opponent.

He is a strong president ... but he has never really focused on the importance of good execution. I think that is true in many parts of his presidency,

Would any of his aides have the nerve to tell him that as Supreme Court jurists go, Gonzales would be mediocre - and not a solid bet to move the court in a constitutionalist direction? Would any of them have the nerve to explain to the president that a Gonzales nomination would utterly demoralize many of his supporters, who are sticking with him and his party, through troubles in Iraq and screw-ups with Hurricane Katrina, precisely because they want a few important things out of a Bush presidency - and one of these is a more conservative court?

I'll be surprised if we actually end up with hearings in two weeks. There's so little enthusiasm for this nominee anywhere, and it's hurting the president so much at this time when he's otherwise in trouble. I do think she'll withdraw.

It is very hard to avoid the conclusion that President Bush flinched from a fight on constitutional philosophy, ... Her selection will unavoidably be judged as reflecting a combination of cronyism and capitulation on the part of the president.

I'm disappointed, depressed, and demoralized. [...] It is very hard to avoid the conclusion that President Bush flinched from a fight on constitutional philosophy. Miers is undoubtedly a decent and competent person. But her selection will unavoidably be judged as reflecting a combination of cronyism and capitulation on the part of the president.