From the NY Times , "reflecting that strategy, Mr. Bush sent Congress a slate of conservative judicial nominees, which was taken as a provocation by Democrats who had previously rejected them. A close associate of Mr. Rove’s suggested that the strategy was first to placate conservatives, then tack to the middle to strike deals with Democrats on immigration reform or Social Security. "

This is a pretty solid strategy as both Justices Alito and Roberts enjoyed majority support from the American public and it would seem that the new round of nominees would do likewise. I plan to blog on it when I have more time but I believe Judges is Senator Schumer's achilles heel and an issue that Republicans can win on if they nominate qualified people like Roberts, who are personable and not too far to the right.

While I am skeptical that a deal can be reached on social security, it is worth a try. Furthermore, social security is currently a losing issue for Republicans so reaching a bi-partisan deal would be preferable to the status quo.