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The same is generally true of Bush's most important political relationship, with Karl Rove, and his most important personal one, with his father. Only with greater insight into these connections are we likely to be able to answer some of the other pressing historical questions: To what extent was Bush himself really the driver of his central decisions? How engaged or disengaged was he? Why, after governing as a successful moderate in Texas, did he adopt such an ideological and polarizing style as president? Why did he politicize the fight against terrorism? Why did he choose to permit the torture of American detainees? Why did he wait so long to revise a failing strategy in Iraq?

It seems unlikely that the memoirs in the works from Rove and Rumsfeld will challenge Bush's repeated assertions that he was not only in charge but also in control. As for the president himself, we're unlikely to get much: Bush has a poor memory and is too unreflective to have kept the kind of diary that would elucidate matters. In time, however, other accounts are sure to emerge. Congressional investigations will shed new light. Declassified documents and e-mails may paint a clearer picture.

Once the country is rid of Bush, perhaps we can start developing a more nuanced understanding of how his presidency went astray. His was no ordinary failure, and he leaves not just an unholy mess but also some genuine mysteries.

Weisberg is editor in chief of the Slate Group and the author of “The Bush Tragedy.” A version of this column also appears on Slate.com.

© 2009

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Member Comments

  • Posted By: MichaelX @ 05/01/2009 10:46:07 AM

    Well, yes. The driving factor in US policies, has always been the filthy jew. In all history, the jew has corrupted, manipulated, and strove to control that which has never been theirs. If you think this is harsh, what about all the other "races" that are emerging as "world leaders" in our doings. The United States of America does not need any part of the world to dictate to us. Yet, O-boy-ama is allowing just that. Kick this scum out!

  • Posted By: acdc9 @ 02/08/2009 5:21:09 AM

    Dear

    I've worked in Samsung Electronics, Semiconductor Industry as digital logic design engineer.

    Since Dec. 2004, I've doubted eavesdropping my privacy, I've heard Killer sound in my ears.

    I stop working as electronic engineer.

    I began recording movie, so I see the sound is real man voice.

    The Global Crime Group has skill, hacking every internet site include Government Network,Bank

    Network system so delete my desription about them.

    I send movie files, check the files.

    mentioned Samsung Electronics, Lee Myeong Pak, Kim Dae Jung, Yun Jong Yong, Intel, Microsoft(?)

    Jae-Young Jae-Wan my sons' names, my father, my mother in Korean.

    I guess they can find my location using my handphone and eavesdropping my phone.

    I have more files in my anycall handphone but I can't download the files, problem of

    connection SAMSUNG CDMA Technologies...

    I don't grasp these everythings, and connection metioned names, company in movies.



    more detail reference www.cyworld.com/acdc9 movie diary board in Korean.



    Good luck!

  • Posted By: kookabug @ 02/05/2009 8:13:04 AM

    Bush is a pig. he may not of had the balls to order the WTC bombing but he could have stopped it ,4000 thousand people were blown t dust. He is responsible for this thing. Marvin Bush was the head of security for the Towers and the airport that the highjackers flew out of.the 911 thing was a complete mess, just the idea that he is void of responsibity,is a criminal thot.
    this pathetic administration from LBJ on down is an enigma of vast violent behaviors....except Carter.
    ps .have any of you head about the Daschle report. Bush /Cheny called Toms' office "Lay off the 911 investigation "
    Daschles' office recieves the Antrax letters in the Mail(US) and they blame the whole thing on the Chemist.
    Why are we debating Bush responsibility, it is not a point of view it should be a criminal investigation.AIPAC-NO!

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