I figured somebody would remark on that comment of Pres. Bush, years back, about Putin. Congratulations.
At THAT POINT in time it was not inappropriate for the Pres to try to show some confidence/hope in the newest Russian leader. There wasn't evidence to believe Putin was going to turn out to be nothing more than a pinko-commie es-KGB thug and every reason to publically inspire him to be a real leader for Russia.
It's certainly not Bush's fault that Putin hasn't risen to the challenge that destiny provided for him.