Both went on to predictable careers as liberal activists on the court, voting even to declare partial-birth abortion a constitutional right. But do you hear McCain lamenting now that he voted for -- let alone failed to filibuster -- these Clinton liberals? No, the great maverick is too busy polishing the bipartisan persona that has earned him the love of the liberal media.
This brings us to America's court-driven journey leftward, which McCain & Co.'s deal would help the Democrats make a one-way trip.
In recent decades, un-elected judges have usurped the role of elected legislatures in deciding questions that go to the very core of America life. Can a doctor kill an unborn child? Is marriage only between one man and one woman, or can two men or two women marry each other? Does the First Amendment protect a "free speech" right to sell pornography, but not a right for public policy groups to speak freely through paid advertising during a federal election campaign? Can prayers be said in public schools? Can the Ten Commandments be displayed on public property? Must God be expelled from American public life?
On all of these questions, un-elected judges have been driving America to the left. By electing and re-electing President Bush, who promised to put constitutionalists on the courts, and by electing a 55-member Republican Senate majority, voters have tried to drive America back to the right.
But thanks to McCain & Co., liberal Democrats still have a grip on the steering wheel.