(CNN) The process of picking a Supreme Court justice is notoriously secretive. Late-night meetings, myths of White House "shortlists" and trial balloons of potential nominees coming from who-knows-where.

It's the perfect parlor game, and needless to say, Washington loves it.

And one name coming up in green rooms and bars might be the combination of the best "what if" discussion and biggest political bombshell: Elizabeth Warren.

To liberals, Warren, the Massachusetts senator, former Harvard law professor and consumer protection advocate might be the perfect nominee -- a combination of progressive politics and values whose pick would do nothing but provoke Senate Republicans who already don't want to hold a hearing, let alone vote, on anyone President Barack Obama chooses.

Warren's nomination would spark nothing less than a political firestorm. It would wake up the Democratic base, which is already watching the senator for any hint of whom she will back in the presidential race: Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. In essence, it could put Warren on the presidential ticket in absentia.

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