It was a plot to generate action and entertainment by stirring up the chattering classes of political watchers. And probing "why" just stirs the pot again. Whatever the reason, I'm sure the President advanced her seriously, intending her to be seated on the Supreme Court.
I think it's inaccurate to describe the President as moderate. Strategic, pragmatic and intuitive (in advancing a conservative agenda) all go further in describing him in general and the Miers nomination in particular.
Well, your point is perfect if one attaches the label "advancing a conservative agenda" to the Miers nomination.
Strategy, pragmatism and intuition are all tools. If the core philosophy is to return education to the states, and get the feds out of public education, strategy, pragmatism and intuition would play in moving (or not) toward that objective.
I agree wholeheartedly, President Bush has outstanding strategy, pragmatism and intuition. But (IMO), his ultimate object is moderate in nature. He is not averse to big government programs, for example, in the areas of public education and personal health care. Sure, he isn't advocating the likes of fully managed care; but he advocated the Medicare drug program. My point isn't to argue the merits of the program, my point is merely that I perceive President Bush as a moderate, especially regarding domestic programs.
I only took issue with judicial nominees. I don't think he's been a moderate and I don't think Miers can be used to tag him as such. But that's just my opinion :)