American Notes POLITICS

Washington's No. 1 foregone conclusion these days is that when U.S. Appeals Court Judge Robert Bork's nomination to the Supreme Court reaches the Senate Judiciary Committee, a battle royal will begin. Still, there is no sign anybody is postponing squabbling until the confirmation hearings. Even the question of when the hearings should start has raised a ruckus. Sept. 15, committee Democrats decided last week. Horrors, said the White House, eager to have Bork seated before the next court term in October. Implored White House Spokesman Marlin Fitzwater: "We would sure like to start the new term with a full court."

The White House was also miffed by word that Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware, the Judiciary Committee chairman and Democratic presidential hopeful, intends to lead the fight against the conservative Bork -- exploiting a chance to win favor among liberal groups in a well-publicized setting. Biden, grumbled Fitzwater, has chosen to "politicize the hearings." Shocking.