The problem with Bush, his weakness that makes him a less than ideal war President, is that he lacks the ruthlessness necessary for the job. The Duke of Alba (d. 1582) said, out of bitter personal experience, “Kings use men like oranges. They squeeze out the juice and throw away the rind.” So must Presidents, it comes with the job. The great Presidents all had that streak of ruthlessness in them. Bush doesn’t have it. That is why he kept Tenet around three years after 9/11 and why he did not change commanders and strategies in Iraq until so late. It makes him a more amiable person, but a less effective war leader.

Now another problem has arisen. This adminstration is exhausted. It has been worn down by seven years of blind partisan attacks and the strain of fighting a real war at the same time. This is why we see the Conventional Wisdom of the foreign policy elites running the show now, except in Iraq and Afghanistan (and we may well see them there soon too). The Bush Administration no longer has the energy to think anew or fight for anything except clinging grimly to the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns until they are won or Dubya goes back to Crawford, when they will be someone else’s problem. Meanwhile the State Department and CIA have taken the lead on all other matters, and their poisonous CW, especially that of stabbing our friends and helping our enemies, is now on display.

Bush will not be remembered as a great President, but he will be remembered as one who fought the good fight, and who had the courage to do far-sighted things when they were necessary. And he probably will be remembered as a much more ethical President than his predecessor, and quite possibly than his successor, a refreshing interlude of good character between two cynical opportunists.

Putin is popular for a reason; he has brought stability, economic growth, and a semblance of pride to the country. And he did step down to PM, rather than trying to pass legislation making him President for life like Hugo Chavez.

Eventually his party will lose an election. That will be the acid test.

PP has reverted to KGB mentality, if he ever actually moved away from it in the first place.

Which is doubtful.

I recall him at Crawford saying “The more I get to know President Putin” he said, “the more I get to see his heart and soul …the more I know we can work together in a positive way”

I hope W has become less confident in his ability to see into hearts and souls.

In last weeks’ Gallup Poll, GWB garners 37% approval while Congress comes in at 22%.