The Red Eye Confirmation

Michael Mukasey was confirmed as the next US Attorney General, replacing Alberto Gonzales. He was confirmed 53-40 in a late night vote.

What's most interesting isn't who voted, but who didn't. Profiles in courage:

Not Voting - 7
Alexander (R-TN)
Biden (D-DE)
Clinton (D-NY)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Dodd (D-CT)
McCain (R-AZ)
Obama (D-IL)

Anyone see a trend here? Biden, Clinton, Dodd, McCain, and Obama are all running for President in their respective political parties, and yet none could put their name to the vote. This, despite the fact that they had claimed that they opposed waterboarding and wanted Mukasey to come out with a concrete position on the subject.