The Presidency: What Makes Dad Clench His Jaw

It's his son's war, so why do pundits keep calling it unfinished family business?

Do the Bushes talk about Iraq when they walk along the paths covered with wood chips that wind through the trees of Camp David? Or when they drift away from shore in the little fishing boat they use at Kennebunkport? Or in the early morning at Walker's Point when George W. wanders into his parents' bedroom with a cup of coffee?

In the first place, George H.W. Bush does not voluntarily tell his son George W. Bush what he should do on Iraq or anything else more profound than a dockside suggestion like "Try this new lure to hook the stripers."...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!