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Just watched tonight’s TiVo’d Bob Woodward interview on 60 Minutes. I didn’t think I could be more dumbstruck by anything the Bush team does, but I am.

Stammering on anyway …
I expected the Woodward revelations to be mildly critical, but they struck me as more devastating than any others so far. Here’s the CBS News episode article, Woodward Shares War Secrets.

Having given the order [to invade Iraq], the president walked alone around the circle behind the White House. Months later, he told Woodward: “As I walked around the circle, I prayed that our troops be safe, be protected by the Almighty. Going into this period, I was praying for strength to do the Lord’s will. I’m surely not going to justify war based upon God. Understand that. Nevertheless, in my case, I pray that I be as good a messenger of his will as possible. And then, of course, I pray for forgiveness.” …

“The president still believes with some conviction, that this was absolutely the right thing, that he has the duty to free people, to liberate people. And this was his moment,” says Woodward.

But who gave President Bush the duty to free people around the world? “That’s a really good question. The Constitution doesn’t say that’s part of the commander in chief’s duties,” says Woodward. “That’s his stated purpose. It is far-reaching, and ambitious, and I think will cause many people to tremble. …”

How does the president think history will judge him for going to war in Iraq? …

“And he said, ‘History,’ and then he took his hands out of his pocket and kind of shrugged and extended his hands as if this is a way off. And then he said, ‘History, we don’t know. We’ll all be dead.’”

Aaargh. I see this stance as either shockingly immature or else b*tshit crazy. Messianic delusions do happen, but usually not to persons old enough and equipped enough to destroy the world. I note that real messiahs indeed liberate people but never, as Jesus demonstrates, at the point of a sword. Or the barrel of a gun. Or the invasion of a country. Or the launching of a do-it-yourself Armageddon.

Extensive discussion at Daily Kos, Woodward on 60 Minutes: Following the Money. And no doubt elsewhere.