Here's New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, still trying to decide how he'll cast what may be a make-or-break Judiciary Committee vote on attorney general nominee Michael Mukasey: "From this administration, we will never get somebody who agrees with us on issues like torture and wiretapping. The best thing we can hope for is someone who will depoliticize the Justice Department and put rule of law first."

If that sounds like Schumer is leaning toward confirmation, well, it does. Except then he says this: "He's the best we can get, but that doesn't necessarily ensure a yes vote. I thought John Roberts was the best we could get, but I voted no."

And if that sounds like Schumer is engaged in a bout of agonizing public deliberation about Mukasey's nomination, well, it does. Except when "an agitated Schumer" says this: "When I make a decision, I will let you know. I'm not going to have a public discussion on it."

The other key Judiciary Committee vote belongs to California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who remains more quietly undecided.