Chapter 28 Summary and Analysis

On January 30, after meeting Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi, Bush issues his standard disclaimer, but then slips and says Saddam will not be allowed to stay in power. A "lethal military" will "kick his ass." Leaders must form public opinion, not follow it. On January31, Blair visits Camp David to ask for a second U.N. revolution, for political purposes. Bush, Cheney, and Powell all oppose seven more weeks and a hard sell, holding 1441 is sufficient grounds for proceeding. As a favor to Blair, however, Bush will "go flat out" to help, to avoid the danger of going it alone.

Powell is dissatisfied with the 60-page paper Libby expects him to use as a "Chinese menu" for his speech. Powell trusts his ability to interrogate people more than his ability to interpret photos, but human resources in Iraq are scarce. Some believe...