Plus, he has seen the polling data, and it reveals that the majority were not in favor of his "deal" or of democrat obstructionism. He has deduced it is time to jump to the head of the parade (even if the parade is not going in the direction he wants). He suffers delusions of being President, not realizing that far too many think he is either a pitiful opportunist (at best) or mad (at worst).
So lets use it to our advanatge. let his poll numbers go up, give him the energy he needs to help carry Bushes nominations through, then we can get back to business. All contingent however on Bush nominating real Conservatives. Gonzales for Stevens, fine but not as one of the first two.