Before President Obama nominated Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court, the overwhelming weight of conventional wisdom held that a big battle was certain to erupt. The Republican base had to be fed, so this narrative went, especially a scant six months before Election Day.

But Obama was clearly not looking for a fight that might have derailed legislative priorities such as financial reform. In choosing Kagan, the president effectively anesthetized many of the hard-chargers on the right, because she hasn't written or said much to illuminate her views on hot-button issues. Sure, GOP lawmakers have raised questions about Kagan's lack of experience on the bench, and some even argue that she is hostile toward the military. But they don't have much on which to base an all-out attack.

The muted conservative response is in marked contrast to the unease among some liberal activists toward Kagan. Obama, they say, made a "safe choice" that was more appropriate for a Senate with a 52-seat Democratic majority rather than the 59-seat advantage (counting independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont) that the party holds. These disappointed liberals say that Obama, once again, has turned his back on them.

"I am not surprised that the president didn't pick someone who has a very clear and unambiguous record of support for women's rights and constitutional liberties," said Kate Michelman, the former longtime president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. "The president hasn't used every opportunity that he could to demonstrate his commitment to reproductive rights.

Subscribers can read the full story in this week's National Journal.