An Extremely Abridged History of the George W. Bush Presidency

I found an excellent article that Carlos Lozada has put together on Washpost. Its a collection of various excrepts about President Bush from interviews and books by Washington insiders, one of which I think is noteworthy. Here is what Richard A. Clarke wrote about what Bush was worried about the day after 9/11, in his book called "Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror".

September 12, 2001
Later, on the evening of the 12th, I left the Video Conferencing Center and there, wandering alone around the Situation Room, was the President. He looked like he wanted something to do. He grabbed a few of us and closed the door to the conference room. "Look," he told us, "I know you have a lot to do and all . . . but I want you, as soon as you can, to go back over everything, everything. See if Saddam did this. See if he's linked in any way. . ."

I was once again taken aback, incredulous, and it showed. "But, Mr. President, al Qaeda did this."

"I know, I know, but . . . see if Saddam was involved. Just look. I want to know any shred. . . "

"Absolutely, we will look . . . again." I was trying to be more respectful, more responsive. "But, you know, we have looked several times for state sponsorship of al Qaeda and not found any real linkages to Iraq. Iran plays a little, as does Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, Yemen."

"Look into Iraq, Saddam," the President said testily and left us. --