I think this was his signal to Murkowski and Collins to get on board.
Trump obviously lined up all his confirmation support beforehand. This pick was a concession to the Bush wing of the GOP. A win since Kav is right of Kennedy, and a tactical punt to ensure victory in Nov.
Sadly, the drama never got off the ground. Can others sense the lack of opposition energy - basically, no one can even really manufacture any fake outrage.
The long summer is upon us. Oh, what are we to do for entertainment?