This new People for the American Way report about how Bush judicial nominees confirmed to the federal bench are allegedly “threatening the right of ordinary Americans” is a real hoot. Set aside the usual distortions and exaggerations. My favorite is the report’s condemnation of “Bush nominee Judge Barrington Parker” for his vote in the Padilla case. Yes, the very same Judge Parker who was originally nominated to the Second Circuit by President Clinton, and renominated by President Bush only as a sign of goodwill to Senate Democrats in May 2001. Indeed, when Parker was first nominated, PFAW head Ralph Neas readily acknowledged his moderate credentials.

UPDATE — OOPS! My bad. I read that portion of the PFAW report too quickly. PFAW notes Parker voted in accordance with PFAW’s opinion in the Padilla case, and that another Bush appointee voted the other way.