I try to understand how Bush could seem like a strong parent when the facts- the dodging of military service, the neglect of intelligence about 9/11, the failure to find Bin Laden, the pally relationship with the Saudis, the prosecution of a war unrelated to terrorism- all point the other way. It puzzles and frustrates me.

These things are a matter of public record. How do people manage to avoid coming into contact with them?