ABC:

Bush conceded earlier that before the surge began last year, he was pessimistic about the way the war in Iraq was going.

“How worried were you?” Raddatz asked.

“I was worried. Look, I’m worried any time it looks like we’re going to fail in Iraq,” Bush said.

During that time in 2006, when many were saying Iraq was in a full-blown civil war, Bush kept his rhetoric upbeat, saying in speeches that We’re winning” and “We have a plan for victory.”

Raddatz asked the president about that, and the president insisted he did it to keep up troop morale.

“That’s as much to try and bolster the spirits of the people in the field as well — you can’t have the commander in chief say to a bunch of kids who are sacrificing that either it’s not worth it or you’re losing. What does that do for morale?” Bush said.

I really like having you guys around. Judging by the email, the audience is growing all over the world, and to all the people who’ve written to say nice things I really appreciate it. (And for those who I can’t get around to answering, sorry. I do read them all.)

Angela is in charge of somehow turning this thing into something a bit bigger, and since she’s the shit, I figure I better take time out to give up some gratitude to those of you who’ve been encouraging me up to now before it’s too late.

So, thanks. I love you guys man. In a hetero-Bush™ tall boy drinkin’ kinda way.