He is genial, warm, welcoming, not quick to take umbrage or disagree. He will be very effective by wit, intelligence and the ability to build coalitions for particular points of view.

Unless the line-up changes, I think O'Connor will not be hearing it -- Roberts will -- and some unknown draft choice to be named later. That's going to make a difference. This one depends on the composition of the court almost entirely. I hate saying that. I spend my life teaching there is law here.

I expect intense pressure on the president from the loyal opposition to nominate as moderate a voice as he can find for the O'Connor replacement.

Suddenly, a blockage that had existed for at least 50 years was removed. What the Reagan administration was able to do was recover the original understanding of the religion clauses. Neutrality toward religion does not mean secularity. It means evenhandedness.

We should look for a court with a lowered profile, a court that tries to resolve cases but one that does not discover new constitutional rights.

It is a Reagan personnel officer's dream come true. It is a graduation. These individuals have been in study and preparation for these roles all their professional lives.