Texas Monthly has an interview with two of the strangest Republican consultants out there: Matthew Dowd, the mega-strategist behind George W. Bush’s two elections (who has since denounced Bush), and Mark McKinnon, McCain’s media strategist who has promised to quit the campaign if Obama is the Democratic nominee, because Obama is too nice to smear. How existentially tortured these two are! Why don’t we just make life simpler for Mark McKinnon, at least, and nominate Hillary. When asked if he’d feel comfortable smearing her instead of Obama, McKinnon responded, “Absolutely. I’d do it in a minute. I’d burn my house down to do it.” Hmm… maybe if he promises to go through with that WITH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT that Mitt Romney be inside the house, then… that would still not be funny enough to support Hillary Clinton right now. [Texas Monthly]

• John Roberts confirmed as chief justice by vote of 78 to 22. Bush: “The Senate has confirmed a man with an astute mind and a kind heart.” [WP, NYT, WSJ, LAT]
• Judith Miller is released from jail after she agrees to testify in leak investigation; she received a waiver of confidentiality from I. Lewis Libby. [WP, NYT]
• Senior military officials fear anarchy in Iraq if constitution is not approved as they expect. [NYT, WP]
• House Republicans elbow for leadership posts in wake of DeLay news; “there is no guarantee that his colleagues will want him back.” [NYT, WP, WP]
• DeLay proclaims innocence on media blitz; GOP fundraising expected to take a hit. [NYT, NYT, LAT]
• 71% approve of Bush’s response to Hurricane Rita, Gallup poll finds. [USAT]

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