Before Robert Alt could write anything on the demise of the Estrada nomination, I bet he had to calm himself down. He has, yet I would not have him play false to his nature. Do read the whole thing, but note a few lines (there are more specifics on Teddy Kennedy):

"Democrats will inevitably respond that they opposed Estrada because they believed that he was conservative. But they had less reason to believe he was conservative than [now confirmed Judge] Roberts. This demonstrates what is at the heart of the issue: They opposed him more vehemently because he was perceived to be a conservative Hispanic, and as such is thought to be a viable Supreme Court nominee. As much as they may say that they just love Hispanics (some of their very best friends are Hispanic!), they can’t avoid the fact that it is because he is conservative and Hispanic that they oppose him..."