The Decider

Michael Kinsley reviews George Bush's autobiography in this Sunday's book review. Kinsley points out that Bush had two major accomplishments during his two terms as president. He kept a lid on anti-Muslim prejudice, and he led the fight against AIDS in Africa. Despite these accomplishments, 43 bungled much and it's fascinating to get his spin on events. 

Speaking of blood, on 9/11: “My blood was boiling. We were going to find out who did this, and kick their ass.” He was in Florida at the time, you will recall, and wanted to return to Washington. The Secret Service wanted him to go to an Air Force base in Louisiana. “I told them I was not going to let terrorists scare me away. ‘I’m the president,’ I said firmly. ‘And we’re going to Washington.’ ” So Air Force One went to Louisiana. There, Bush insisted once again that “the American people needed to see their president in Washington.” So they went to Nebraska. There, “I put my foot down.” And they went to Washington.