Chief Justice Scalia?

[Beet]

The nomination of Scalia would ignite a firestorm of debate in this country

"firestorm" a.k.a. "compromise". We've learned what Democrats say and what Democrats mean.

[Beet]

A Scalia elevation to Chief Justice has several advantages:

1.  It does not change the ideological balance of the SCOTUS.

2.  The position of CJ is not a powerful one, but more a first among equals position.  You will not be strengthening a convervative court by having a conservative JC.

3.  It gives the Democrats a chance to look non-partisan.  They can say, "Look, we didn't filibuster this conservative Scalia; we're not really against all conservatives, just the extremes one like [insert name of Bush nominee]."

Deciding not to filibuster would be a PR advantage for the Democrats.

The question is, will Bush nominate him.

You give the Democrats way too much credit, J.J.