Backing down from a fight

When Harriet Miers was nominated, the Right complained that they'd been deprived of an opportunity to have a real battle in the Senate since her confirmation hearings would not engender any deep constitutional questions.

Alito was supposed to be different. But E.J. Dionne asks why Alito, by telling everyone what they want to hear (and making stuff up as he goes along), is trying to avoid any debate at all.