This might seem like a strange thing to bring up now that Harriet Miers’ nomination has been withdrawn. In fact, it would be an odd subject even if her nomination were still operative. But I’m not the one who first brought it up, and when I ran across something interesting while hunting for art for my last posting, it seemed to call for a mildly interesting footnote on the whole affair.
A lot of people (tacky people, mostly) said unkind things about Ms. Miers’ personal appearance — something that, it should go without saying, should have no bearing on her suitability for a seat on the court. Even one of our own letter writers (none of whom can be described as tacky, of course) remarked upon her makeup in a way that was not complimentary.
But that was nothing compared to the nasty, catty stuff out there in the Blogosphere. Such was to be expected, of course, from the incorrigible Wonkette, who said Ms. Miers reminded her of "an LPGA contestant," and then conducted a "poll" on the subject of her readers, who said she reminded them of, among others, Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne.
Plenty of others joined in, as you can see by the links from this posting.
But allow me to have the last word. I discovered this morning that Harriet Miers was a babe. At 
least, she was once upon a time (in 1963, when she was in high school, to be exact). Beauty may fade as bitter experience does its worst upon us, but at least this former Supreme Court nominee can say (if she ever wants to) that she was once better looking than any of those making fun of her.
Not that it matters, of course. I just thought it was interesting.
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Brad… better go check with your
optician. In the immortal words
of Austin Powers, “That’s a man, baby!”
Please don’t bother looking for pinup
shots of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Those out there that make fun of the appearance of others don’t even deserve a response.
I guess the internet makes it easy to make fun of other people. I wonder how much fun would be made of apperances if everyone had to post their own picture every time they made a post on message boards.
Why do people care what someone looks like if they can do the job or it is obvious they can’t do the job? What does appearance have to do with any of it?
We all have different tastes when it comes to appearance.
It all reminds me of 2nd graders making fun of each other.
I think it was unfair for some folks to pick on Ms. Miers about her looks and the picture reveals she took a pretty good picture as a student. I don’t know if I would call her a “Babe” but her picture looked better then than it does now. Brad and I are exceptions to the older and uglier rule because we look better when we look in the mirror now than ever before.
Here is the serious skinny on why Ms. Miers ditched the nomination.
Last evening on the PBS Newshour, Mr. Lehrer interviewed Senators Specter and Leahy. Both Senators said that Ms. Miers’s nomination by President Bush to the Supreme Court was problematic because of the separation of powers doctrine. Senator Leahy mentioned specifically that if Ms. Miers was confirmed to the Court she most probably would have to hear appeals on many controversial issues in which she was involved with as White House counsel like the whether or not the Executive Branch/President had the power to order the type of torture treatment administered to prisoners held at Gitmo and Abu-Ghraib.
The White House contrived a fear-mongering sales campaign in the run-up to the Iraq War, lying about Iraq’s imminent nuclear capability and their culpability in the 9/11 attacks. Cases involving the prosecution of White House officials in the Wilson/Plame leak case could finally come before the Supreme Court With public opinion favoring a new Congress that could bring impeachment charges against Bush and/or Cheney, Bush might have preferred a loyal friend like Ms. Miers on the Supreme Court, but she could become a witness and even an accomplice in White House wrongdoing.
Here is Ms. Mier’s statement: .
“As you know, members of the Senate have indicated their intention to seek documents about my service in the White House in order to judge whether to support me. I have been informed repeatedly that in lieu of records, I would be expected to testify about my service in the White House to demonstrate my experience and judicial philosophy. While I believe that my lengthy career provides sufficient evidence for consideration of my nomination, I am convinced the efforts to obtain Executive Branch materials and information will continue.
As I stated in my acceptance remarks in the Oval Office, the strength and independence of our three branches of government are critical to the continued success of this great Nation. Repeatedly in the course of the process of confirmation for nominees for other positions, I have steadfastly maintained that the independence of the executive Branch be preserved and its confidential documents and information not be released to further a confirmation process. I feel compelled to adhere to this position, especially related to my own nomination. Protection of the prerogatives of the Executive Branch ”
Here are Presidnet Bush’s remarks on Mier’s withdrawal:
“I understand and share her concern, however, about the current state of the Supreme Court confirmation process. It is clear that Senators would not be satisfied until they gained access to internal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White House disclosures that would undermine a President’s ability to receive candid counsel. Harriet Miers’ decision demonstrates her deep respect for this essential aspect of the Constitutional separation of powers and confirms my deep respect and admiration for her.”
Tom T.
Actually, I think Austin Powers said, “It’s a MAN, man!” Or at least he did the second time the “It’s a man” gag was used in the original movie (the first instance set up the real gag, which was the second). He MIGHT have said “baby” the first time, since he was addressing Mrs. Kensington.
Assuming I’m right on this — a large assumption, to be sure — isn’t it scary that I would know something like that?
There is a lot to be said for the discreet application of make-up, particularly eye liner. As women age, they must learn to be less heavy handed with the eye liner brush or pencil. Mrs. Miers obviously has never been instructed in this delicate matter.
How age-ist of you, Mr. Warthen. 😉
I think Ms. Miers is attractive enough now, but I agree w/Dee – she’d look better if she lightened up on the eyeliner.
http://ultraworld.mydd.com/story/2005/10/15/143857/45
The more direct approach was when Crocodile Dundee, standing beside a female looking type in a NY transvestite bar, reached up under his/her skirt, and said, Sorry, just checking…….. Classic