He was the first to offer that getting terrorism to a 'nuisance' level was ok. . .maybe he did not like all the 'Kerry-bashing'.
I have a theory about this.
It could be that GW is just about fed up with these guys who are entrenched in the State Dept. and the CIA. I read an article last week that was pretty much calling attention to this. (should have bookmarked it but thought we were done with the Benedict Arnolds)It seems there are a heck of a lot of people who are senior officials in the State Dept and the CIA that do not get replaced as administrations change and Bush is about sick of their politics. Especially seeing as he has paid the price for their Intel which was prior to the invasion of Iraq inadequate to say the least. (you will also notice he doesn’t pass the buck but rather takes responsibility himself) Bush strikes me as the kind of man as if he sticks his neck out for facts that you have furnished him and they end up being less than factual he is not going to give you a pass. He’s going to chew your butt. Apparently, the lifers in the CIA and the State Dept. think they are above this. The Intel on WMD’s was to say the least not quite accurate. I believe he is cutting some of these people off at the knees for their apparent screw-ups and they are resenting this. Mostly because I suppose they do not have to answer to anybody and have the attitude of "How Dare You Question My Abilities!"
I think this explains a great deal. Richard Clarke comes to mind right off the bat. Just a thought though. I could be wrong.......It is still just a theory.
Don't forget, Scowcroft was the a-hole Bush 41 sent to China and proceeded to give champaign toasts to the butchers of Bejing.