Hindsight is always clearer than when we're in the thick of things. GWB has played rope-a-dope on the RATS time and again.
With Harriet Miers I think he played rope-a-dope on conservatives, to make them think he really wanted her on the bench. What he was judging was the conservatives dedication to a truly qualified Justice. I think he was looking for the outcome he got.
To see another (unrelated) rope-a-dope strategy he's used click here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1558342/posts?page=12#12
I agree. The Harriet Miers ploy will bring several more seats in the House. The President is making the MSM the Dims enemy.