Edward Lazarus on the possible effects of the 2008 election on the Supreme Court. If a Republican wins the 2008 election, the Supreme Court will likely shift greatly to the right; if a Democrat wins, expect the status quo for at least another ten years (barring any surprise deaths).

Conservative voters who are tempted to vote for a moderate Democrat, yet fear that the Supreme Court will veer left as a result, have no reason to worry. Conversely, liberal voters who are tempted to vote for a moderate Republican should know that if such a candidate wins, the Supreme Court may well veer sharply rightward.