The only question is whether it was the Dems or RINOs that caused the most trepidation.
I don't think Bush has ever been afraid of a fight. But the sad fact of the matter is that, in this case, he doesn't have a fight to be afraid of. He can't pummel the RINOs in the Senate into submission, and there is absolutely nothing he can do to sway Democrats hell-bent on blocking any known conservative nomination.
Afraid of a fight? Come on, let's be fair, the man has put up how many judicial nominees that met a filibuster? And what about Bolton? He's not afraid of a fight, he's come to realize what kind of soldiers he has in the Senate. So what were his realistic choices? Take a chance and nominate someone from the gang of 14's list or nominate someone he believes will be a reliable conservative voice for the next 20 years?