Insider Tips for a Smooth Confirmation Process by Former Reagan Chief of Staff

By GottaLaff

Future Supreme Court Judge Sotomayor, are you paying attention? A former Reaganite is giving out free pointers:

Former Reagan Chief of Staff Ken Duberstein -- who also guided Justices William Kennedy, David Souter, and Clarence Thomas through their Senate confirmation process -- shares 10 secrets for a smooth trip to the High Court.

• Personal stories are compelling every time.
• Begin your senatorial courtesy calls almost immediately.
• Practice, practice, practice.
• Be prepared for the kitchen sink at the hearings.
• The Constitution stops at the foot of Capitol Hill.
• Tell the truth, always.
• Senators welcome mea culpas in your oral testimony.
• Pause for seven seconds before you answer any question.
• Have an answer for the one question you didn't want to be asked -- because you will undoubtedly be asked that question.
• Senators usually depart when the cameras are turned off, but remember: The microphone will still be on.

He adds a bonus: "You have the best lobbyist in the world at your disposal... the president of the United States, and a popular one at that. Use the president's influence judiciously -- but use it."

She already has the hang of most of these tips. I have a feeling she'll sail through the Q & A with relatively few glitches.

The Rushpublics, on the other hand, may want to use that 7 second rule before they open their yaps. Come to think of it, they may want to take a good hard look at most of the above suggestions.