I don't disagree with you, but in this case, Bush should be pressuring the GOP "leaders" to take up that defense. He doesn't even do this. Case in point: For five years now, Charles Schumer has been the Dems' point person to oppose any and every judicial nominee that Bush puts forward. Everyone knows who to go to when they want a negative comment about Bush's judicial nominees -- they go to Schumer. But who among the Sen. Republicans is the go-to guy to support and promote his nominations? A few make some favorable comments when approached by the media (I'm thinking Cornyn here), but who, really, is THE point person in the Senate to support Bush's nominees? There isn't one, that I can see.
Then there's the ultimate trump card - Cheney resigns and Rice is nominated for Vice President.
John McCain?
Arlen Specter?
Jim Jeffords?
I'm not at all sure there has to be a point person as long as there are enough others to speak up. I also wish the Party would be m,ore vocal in their support but if you look back on his appointments, after all was said ans done he has not done badly and as far as the SC is concerned he is doing very well. He still has 3 years left and much can happen.