IN HIS OWN WAY - AT 7:50 A.M. ET:  We are preparing for major fits of indigestion in the mainstream media as former President George W. Bush struck out at his successor, if only obliquely:

ERIE, Pa.| Former President George W. Bush fired a salvo at President Obama on Wednesday, asserting his administration's interrogation policies were within the law, declaring the private sector not government will fix the economy and rejecting the nationalization of health care.

"I know it's going to be the private sector that leads this country out of the current economic times we're in," the former president said to applause from members of a local business group. "You can spend your money better than the government can spend your money."

Mr. Bush did not exactly do a Cheney, but he edged closer.  If he does start defending himself publicly, the Obama administration will have deserved it.  I don't recall any administration that has been so harsh on its predecessor, blaming the Bush government for almost everything, including the weather.

During a question-and-answer session, Mr. Bush recounted tough decisions he made in office. Still steely, the former president said he left Washington with the same moral resolve. "When I look in the mirror, I say, 'He did not sell his soul for short-term politics.'"

COMMENT:  We believe here that Mr. Bush's stock will rise in coming years, although we agree that there were flaws in the execution of his policies, and certainly in explaining them.  Like Harry Truman's, Mr. Bush's White House featured some strong resolve, some excellent decisions, and terrible communications.  The current White House features skilful communications and...well, there must be something else.

June 18, 2009