Final answer:
The Lanahan article on Brennan and Rehnquist illustrates the controversial and politically influenced nature of Supreme Court nominations. It also discusses the importance of the Senate in scrutinizing and confirming these nominations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Lanahan article on Brennan and Rehnquist, it is illustrated that Supreme Court nominations can be controversial and highly influenced by the politics of the time. For example, nominees like Robert Bork and Harriet Miers faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, questioning their ideological leanings and qualifications. The article also highlights how presidents consider the ideological leanings of their nominees, and how the Senate plays a crucial role in scrutinizing and confirming these nominations.