I think the whole dynamic is different. Whereas in [Barack] Obama's case, even though there was no incumbent, he was able to run against eight years of Bush-Cheney and a Republican Congress, and everyone was tired of everything. He was able to benefit from that.
William KristolHe has a competent person, I think who will be confirmed as HHS secretary, Congressman Tom Price.
William KristolRepublicans can also point to an alternate path. They can draw upon genuine experts to explain what should be done.
William KristolI'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.
William Kristol