There was a jaunty, even coquettish, quality about President George W. Bush this week, as if he were harbouring a pleasurable secret. Informed by a reporter that he was supposedly "close to a decision on a Supreme Court nominee", the president responded: "Really? It's amazing how Washington works. Well, thank you for telling me where I am in the process. I appreciate that."

At 9pm on Tuesday Mr Bush finally revealed his nominee for the Supreme Court. After waiting more than five years for the chance to put his stamp on the court - a decision that could shape his legacy for decades - it was no surprise that the announcement was a choreographed event.