Boy Prince my ass!

If there is anyone out there (other than members of the NYT editorial board or the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism) who still takes Maureen Dowd seriously, I would urge you to read Bob Woodward's "Bush at War". I'm only halfway through it, but what comes through loud and clear is that George W. Bush is not a puppet being manipulated by Dick Cheney. Not even close. He appears to be a very thoughtful, committed executive and a true leader. (More on this later.)

Bob Woodward, as you all know, is a sterling plated member of the Beltway establishment. Assistant Managing Editor of WaPo, bestselling author, proud owner of Richard M. Nixon's pelt stuffed and mounted for display in his den, wife who writes for that hotbed of modern conservatism the New Yorker. Now I don't know how Mr. Woodward voted in the last few general elections. But it is clear that he is not a partisan Republican. (I think even that asshole Paul Begala would agree with me on that one.)

At any rate, what I am taking away from Woodward's description of how the Executive Branch responded to the events of 9/11 is that GWB did an excellent job under very difficult circumstances. Like most great corporate executives, Bush is not the smartest guy in the room. (On the contrary, when the boss is the smartest guy in the room, you generally have a very big problem. First, he or she must be insecure, because they refuse to hire or retain people who are smarter than they are, and secondly, there is usually little genuine debate or dissent. Finally, since all organizations model their behavior on that of their leadership, all of the subordinate layers of management only hire people who are less bright than they are. Pretty soon you have a Westinghouse situation on your hands.) However, Bush is able to lead and motivate bright and experienced people. He is continually setting the priorities, establishing targets and expectations, then stepping back to allow his people to do the work needed to get where he wants to go.

It is a talent, a very rare skill. It requires a complicated blend of confidence, affability, and the capacity to inspire trust and confidence, that few possess. But don't take my word for it. Read the book. (And heck, while you are at it, read Woodward's "Agenda: Inside the Clinton White House" for a contrasting story of the first 18 months of a presidency. Read 'em both and tell me who you'd rather have living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue right now. I dare you.)