Actually most conservatives love to whine and attack their own. Bush does have a record of nominating conservative judges. That is something we do know.
And as far as souter is concerned, Bush the elder did not know souter, he relied on the recommendation of his chief of staff. W did study the mistakes of his father's administration. I seriously doubt that he will make the same mistakes. Especially since he's know this person for over 10 years.
How many of his nominees got trashed, vilified, spat upon and insulted without W lifting a finger? To my mind, it struck me for years that the nominations were just that: nominations, intended to throw a sop.
How many of these nominees got on the bench because of the reprehensible actions of 7 of the Gang of 14, those who gave up the ill-named nuclear option? And why did W do nothing regarding the nuclear option?
From a man who has given very little evidence of being a conservative (and I wish someone would try to make the case), it appears that the lack of effort arose from a lack of belief, as long as the political effect had been achieved.