There was room for a Democrat to break with the interest groups and to vote for Roberts. (Hillary Clinton) could have because she has credentials of thirty-years standing.
Back in the '40's, Lyndon Johnson could still steal a Senate election in South Texas with the help of the big patrons.
It's hard for the White House to regain momentum if the Congress is in disarray. It ties up the Republicans in Congress and limits their ability to execute any White House agenda.
If those people survive, others will be emboldened. If they don't, others will be intimidated.
If you're white and wealthy, Texas is a great place, however, no Texas governor Republican or Democrat is eager to raise taxes and without that you can't expand access to health care or decrease the cost of higher education.
These Supreme Court nominees are probably the most visible positions that a Democratic politician is likely to take, and probably the most visible positions they will have taken since the war vote.
Since there are no candidates, it's very quiet, and unusual voices get heard when they might have otherwise been drowned out.
