O'Connor Resigns-- Le Merde Has Hit Le Fan

There is no doubt that O'Connor's retirement will produce a much more bitter battle than Chief Justice Rehnquist's would. (He may still retire this summer, we do not know). O'Connor was a key swing vote in dozens of cases over the past two decades, in areas ranging from affirmative action to federalism to religion to abortion. Both liberals and conservatives understand that the occupant of her seat will have enormous influence over the direction of constitutional law in the near future-- until further appointments are made-- and possibly for many years to come.

This crucial event makes me worry about how terribly polarized and bitter our national politics has become. How well or badly will people behave in the upcoming confirmation fight? Right now I fear the worst, and hope for the best.