Remember, Kennedy was appointed by Reagan and Souter by Bush 41. W remembers and his appointments are not likely to turn out this poorly. This is why we must be prepared to stiffen the spines of the Republican senators when USSC nominations are made.
Presidents far before Bush 41/Reagan have found that appointing justices is a very tricky business...they seem to be unpredictable.
(Actually, I think it's a question of looking at the politics rather than looking at the particular merits of the case in front of you. But that's another discussion.)