[Four Democratic votes for Roberts would be] a pleasant surprise, ... they can be tougher on the next nominee.

I believe the next nomination is going to be a great deal more contentious than the Roberts nomination. I say that because, bubbling just below the surface was a lot of frustration in the hearing that we just concluded.

You don't have the votes in the House of Representatives to overcome a presidential veto.

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Sen. Kennedy just propounded a very, very long question. Now let him (Roberts) answer the question.

I think my independence was a big help to getting Judges Roberts and Alito confirmed, and I think that's recognized.

Well, I believe that when you are confirming a United States Supreme Court Justice, that it really isn't Democratic or Republican; it's American.