SUPREME COURT Associate Justice John Paul Stevens to retire. Will President Obama please his base and try to “rahm” an extremely liberal pick through the confirmation process or back off, pick a moderate liberal, and hope the Senate Republicans will grant him “due deference”? An extreme choice is sure to provoke a battle that will last through the November elections – and likely result in even more Republican gains in Congress.

Obama’s response today to Justice Stevens announcement suggests he’ll try the former approach. Stay tuned – and stock up on popcorn