Ask Miers about Evolution

Marvin Olasky, who did so much to inspire Bush’s interest in faith-based social work, is circulating an interesting quote about Miers. It’s from her long-time friend and supporter, super-conservative Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht. He says that he knows that she’s an “originalist” when it comes to the Bible—and that’s how she’ll read the constitution too.

“Originalist” sounds like it might mean “literalist.” Does Harriet Miers believe that the Grand Canyon was formed by Noah’s Flood and that Eve was fashioned from Adam’s rib? Someone should pursue this line of questioning with her. She may not be as ready for it as she will be for questions that go more directly to Roe. If the questions are skillfully framed—the Grand Canyon one is perfect—she’ll find it more difficult to refuse to answer because some case on the issue might come before her. There’s a potential here for an Inherit the Wind moment. Harriet’s ready to step in for Frederic March as William Jennings Bryan. How about Ted Kennedy doing a Spencer Tracy as Clarence Darrow?