ON THE SUNDAY CHAT SHOWS

There's plenty to talk about this weekend, especially with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's health crisis and the effect his loss from the political scene will have on not only the Middle East peace process but his nation's relationship with the United States. Also, confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Alito begin Monday, so Senate Judiciary Committee members will be all over the TV dial giving their take on what may happen.

ABC / This Week with George Stephanopoulos: U.S. Senators/Judiciary Committee Members Edward M. (Ted) Kennedy (D - MA) and Sam Brownback (R - KS) discuss the Alito hearings, the Abramoff lobbying scandal, and Sharon's health crisis and it's effect on the Middle East peace process. Also, conservative columnist George Will interviews General Motors Chairman/CEO Rick Wagoner on the auto giant's future and it's announcement this week to freeze pensions effective in 2008. Will also joins fellow roundtable participants Cokie Roberts of ABC News, Newsweek International editor Fareed Zakaria, and David Brooks of the New York Times and The Weekly Standard.

CBS / Face The Nation with Bob Schieffer: U.S. Senators/Judiciary Committee members Arlen Specter (R - PA / Committee Chairman) and Patrick Leahy (D - VT / Ranking Member), and Jan Crawford Greenburg of the Chicago Tribune will discuss the Alito hearings, Abramoff scandal, and wiretapping.

CNN / Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer: Wolf will be live from Jerusalem covering the story of Ariel Sharon's health crisis, and how his departure from the political scene will affect the Middle East peace process and relations with the United States. No guests have been announced as of Friday night.

FOX / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace: U.S. Senators/Judiciary Committee members Lindsey Graham (R - SC) and Dianne Feinstein (D - CA) will discuss the Alito hearings. Congresswoman Jane Harman (D - CA) will discuss her opposition to the President's defense of a domestic survelliance programme as a vital tool on the war on terror. And roundtable members Charles Krauthammer, syndicated columnist Mara Liasson, NPR's Juan Williams, and Bill Kristol of the Weekly Standard.

NBC / Meet the Press with Tim Russert: U.S. Senators/Judiciary Committee members John Cornyn (R - TX) and Chuck Schumer (D - NY) will discuss the Alito confirmation hearings. The New York Times' James Risen will plug his new book State of War, and a debate on abortion and feminism between Kate Michelman and the National Review's Kate O' Berine.