The Political Minefield Set With The Sotomayor Nomination

[WeDidIt]

It's amazing how many convoluted minefields exist for those who oppose Obama and the new Democratic agenda with this nomination.

First, any attempt to slime her will be met with a further alienation of the GOP from the fastest growing sector of the electorate. Not a wise idea for a minority party that needs an infusion of new voters to succeed.

Second, the middle will see any vicious battle over the nomination as further evidence of a radical rightwing party out of control. Again, this is not something you want if you are a minority party that needs an infusion of new voters in order to succeed.

And finally, after the nomination goes through, the radical Catholic Bishops who might threaten to excommunicate Sotomayor if she decides abortion cases not to their liking would be alienating the most important sector of their membership in the United States. Not a smart move for a religion that already is suffering from PR debacles over the past couple of decades. And if they cannot excommunicate Sotomayor for a court decision that has a direct impact on the abortion issue, how can they make good on threats to excommunicate politicians over the issue?

Masterful stroke, President Obama. Brilliantly played.