[Howlin]

This was not an intellectual decision by Bush and his advisors

Proof?

[JerseyHighlander]

President Bush consulted 80 Senators prior to making this announcement.

This was a decision made on Bush's faith on her intellect balanced against his collective discussions with Senators on who could pass nomination.

Pure unadulterated power politics. Including the appeal to religiosity by the President and his consultants and media proxies.

And everything that goes along with this argument has already been posted numerous times here.