Let The Spin Begin

I'm sure Bob Woodward's book, Plan of Attack will be blogged to death so I'm not going to get into any kind of detailed analysis. Instead I'll offer a summary based on the fact that I've read some of Woodward's other books, Bush at War and The Commanders, and I've also read the three excerpts that are currently available from The Washington Post,
Excerpt #1: Behind Diplomatic Moves, Military Plan Was Launched
Excerpt #2: With CIA Push, Movement to War Accelerated
Excerpt #3: Cheney Was Unwavering in Desire to Go to War
Excerpt #4: Blair: Steady in Support
Excerpt #5: US Aimed for Hussein

So far, the excerpts offer much less controversy than is being trumpeted by the press and by John Kerry. ..

In previous books, Woodward has been a fairly balanced reporter. He might have a left-leaning bias and sometimes he blows things out of proportion for dramatic effect, but by and large I think he accurately reports the substance of what he's learned. I'm sure some will try to insist that he's an apologist for either Kerry or Bush, but he isn't.

Bush is portrayed as a strong leader who pursued a peaceful resolution to the Iraq War as long as he could realistically do so. The level of deliberation and active discussion reported in the Bush Cabinet is what you would expect, actually what you would want, from senior decision-makers. As each excerpt is released, the press, including the Washington Post, will publicize potentially controversial passages. Keep in mind, the Washington Post is trying to sell as many copies of this book as they can.

However, when all is said and done it appears there is much more smoke than fire. People who read the book should come away with a positive impression of George W. Bush. There will always be those who see a conspiracy under every bush (no pun intended), but most reasonable people will see a positive portrayal of the president. It's interesting to note that both the Kerry and Bush campaigns are urging people to read the book.

It looks interesting and I imagine I'll be reading it too. In the meantime, though, be prepared for a lot of bluster and sensational headlines that don't amount to much of anything. The political consultants will be spinning for all they're worth. A presidential campaign isn't known as the "silly season" for nothing.

If you're looking for yet more information on the book, you can check out the transcript from the live online interview available, here.