One more thing about the Russert interview. I noticed one moment unlike all the rest. It was a moment of revealing clarity for Bush.

Russert: Are you prepared to lose?

President Bush: No, I'm not going to lose.

Russert: If you did, what would you do?

President Bush: Well, I don't plan on losing.

It was then, when Bush said, "I'm not going to lose." Absolute, 100% unequivocal certainty. This was the Bush his admirers always talk about. It was interesting, and chilling, to me that it was only when the subject of his re-election came up that this side of his personality was exhibited with such utter rawness. I was instantly reminded of the image of him sitting calmly with his father on the eve of the 2000 election, smiling affably, the very picture of ease and assurance: even with Florida on the cusp of a re-count. Whatever else he may be, he is man who has complete confidence in the powerful forces that have never failed to deliver the greatest rewards this life can offer.