. . . Bobby Woodward's first Bush book came out, about Afghanistan. Towards the end of the book is a massively disturbing passage where Woodward quotes the president and his biblical certainty. My first thought was: guys in history that have thought like this have always come to a bad end. Bush's remaining years have been a disturbing affirmation of that initial judgement.

Another series of chills ran up my spine when I read this earlier today:

The subject of Winston Churchill inspired Bush's self-reflection. The president confided to Roberts that he believes he has an advantage over Churchill, a reliable source with access to the conversation told me. He has faith in God, Bush explained, but Churchill, an agnostic, did not. Because he believes in God, it is easier for him to make decisions and stick to them than it was for Churchill. Bush said he doesn't worry, or feel alone, or care if he is unpopular. He has God.

Give me Churchill and agnosticism in a pinch any day. A little doubt will do you good. Certainty kills.