[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Related thread:

The Senate's Intelligence

New York Sun ^ | June 9, 2008 | The Editors

[Marine_Uncle]

GWB has went many rounds thus far playing rope the dope. He probably was convinced early on in due time what he did would be seen as not only expedient but crucial to future security of the United States.
Hell he flew F102's and knows things can get tough at times. A flameout, bingo fuel, eject over the gulf and hope to be recovered or perish by the sharks.