I have a theory about this whole thing. Usually Bush does rope a dope when dealing with liberal democrats. It might be possible that conservatives are falling for rope a dope here. (By rope a dope I mean the idea that Bush has benefited from low expectations i.e., when he debated Gore everyone said Gore would cream him but Bush held his own and appeared to win the debate). By constantly criticizing Miers the bar has been so lowered that if Miers gets up there at the senate confirmations and just does an OK job that will so exceed expectations that she will get good reviews even from some conservatives that were critical before. Just a thought!
Still doesn't justify making a move that has emboldened the left so much.