I think Democrats would love nothing more than to thwart a Bush nomination. It will rally the leftist troops and help raise money for future battles. The best way to thwart a Bush nomination is for Democrats to vote for Judge Roberts. Suppose the final tally in the Senate as a whole is 77-23. This (the reasoning goes) will embolden President Bush to choose a conservative successor to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. But then, like panthers in the dark, Democrats will pounce. If even a handful of Republicans join them, they can defeat a nominee without having to resort to a filibuster. So here’s my prediction. Judge Roberts will be confirmed by a vote of 77-23. All 55 Republicans and 22 of the Democrats—almost half of them—will vote for him.