Friday, July 20, 2007

Bush Drives Them Batty   [Kate O'Beirne]

When he asked me about a meeting with the president last week, I told Eugene Robinson, "It will drive his critics nuts, but he was confident, relaxed and good-humored."  I was right.  In his column this morning, Gene concludes that he might need "cognitive therapy" to deal with President Bush's demeanor.  Gene quotes a number of us who recounted how the president appeared ("incongruously" is his word).  We also reported on the substance of his remarks.  There was no hint that he "believes God has chosen him to bring freedom to the world," he doesn't "refuse to acknowledge setbacks in his crusade," and it's not true that he "doesn't care what 'the polls'" say.  Rich and I reported that last fall he considered himself part of the 66 percent who were dissatisfied with progress in war.  He did say that it was important that military members and their families understand that he is not making decisions about the war based on the polls.  The overall impression I got from the meeting is that President fully appreciates what he is up against both here at home and in Iraq, but remains resolute and confident.  Is that "downright scary"?  I don't think so, but maybe you had to be there.

07/20 03:27 PMShare