Reply #10: What motive would he have for nominating a moderate?

[liberal democrat]

If Cheney left during the 1st term, he would have probably given it to McCain to appeal to moderates during the next election. (I doubt McCain would have accepted anyway.) The christian right would not be happy with someone like McCain especially after his moderate, pro-choice nominee to Justice department. If he appointed McCain, the right may not turn out during the midterms as Bush would appear to be moving to the center.