Hearings on Judge John Roberts’ nomination to the Supreme Court are scheduled to begin Tuesday.

Good sense might dictate that Washington’s attention would be better focused elsewhere, namely on helping the Mississippi Delta region recover from Hurricane Katrina.

But if the show must go on, it should at least be conducted in a serious and thoughtful manner. No serious opponent of Roberts’ nomination would doubt his intellect or personality. He has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and competent lawyer and jurist.

A strong resume, however, and being able to make friends across the political spectrum shouldn’t be enough to skate into a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.

The senators involved in the hearings have an obligation to delve into Roberts’ ideas, his history and his world view. They should question his views on broad issues of public concern, including abortion, the power of the federal government and personal rights. And they should treat him with the respect he deserves as the president’s nominee to the highest court in the land.

Roberts also has an obligation. He should provide direct and honest answers. He should not use lawyerly dodges to avoid stating his beliefs about controversial issues. And he should recognize that the Senate has the duty to seek answers – to advise and consent – before his nomination can move forward.

We wouldn’t expect senators to ask Roberts to answer questions pertaining to a specific pending case before the Supreme Court. But both Roberts’ supporters and opponents have a right to know just what he believes. Perhaps the biggest issue is abortion, and it would be absurd to suggest any political player of Roberts’ stature hasn’t thought about the question and hasn’t decided what he believes.

After a thorough examination, individual senators can decide whether to support his nomination, and the entire country can judge for itself – after hearing his answers – if he’s the best person for the job. That is, if anyone’s attention can be drawn away from the disaster in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.