TPM (via Froomkin) nails it

[underpants]

Froomkin, if you don't already, is a really good read.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/linkset/2005/04/11/LI2005041100879.html?hpid=topnews

Talking Points Memo blogger Josh Marshall writes that Bush's "entire legacy as president is bound up in Iraq. Which is another way of saying that his legacy is pretty clearly an irrecoverable shambles. That is why, as the folly of the enterprise becomes more clear, he must continually puff it up into more and more melodramatic and world-historical dimensions. A century long ideological struggle and the like. For the president a one in a thousand shot at some better outcome is well worth it, no matter what the cost. Because at least that's a one in a thousand shot at not ending his presidency with the crushing verdict history now has in store. It's also worth just letting things keep on going as they are forever because . . . something better might turn up. Going double or nothing by expanding the war into Iran might be worth it too for the same reason. For him, how can it get worse?"

--Basically Bush has to keep asking for markers from the house. He has to hope for that one big great win (hitting 00) he can't stop he can't settle up because he is way way down.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. He may well get his 'War President' title in the history books... only it

will be negative for having started 3 wars and never accomplishing anything except destruction and death.