Tomorrow's NYT features a story by Jo Becker and Adam Liptak examining the question of Judge Sotomayor's temperament. The article reinforces some of the critical claims that have been made — such as her questioning style at oral argument — but generally presents a favorable picture of her performance on the bench.

To supporters, Judge Sotomayor's vigorous questioning of the Bush administration's position in the case of the Canadian, Maher Arar, showcases some of her strengths. She is known as a formidably intelligent judge with a prodigious memory who meticulously prepares for oral arguments and is not shy about grilling the lawyers who appear before her to ensure that she fully understands their arguments.

But to detractors, Judge Sotomayor's sharp-tongued and occasionally combative manner — some lawyers have described her as "difficult" and "nasty" — raises questions about her judicial temperament and willingness to listen. Her demeanor on the bench is an issue that conservatives opposed to her nomination see as a potential vulnerability — and one that Mr. Obama carefully considered before selecting her.

Another tidbit in the article is that Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe apparently "served as an advisor" to the nomination process

UPDATE: Ted Frank adds some thoughts here.