I recall reading newspaper articles during the buildup to the '91 Gulf war, which I believe used the term "caffeine deficit" to describe how Bush I and the key members of his staff were pushing themselves against their limits to stay awake and focused on the crisis. (Sorry, I don't have nexis so I can't dig up the references.)
Contrast this with what we know about Bush II's habits under "normal" conditions. I recall one account that Bush insisted on getting one hour of exercise a day - at least he did as governor of Texas, if I remember correctly. And then two months ago he missed Janet's boob because he was in bed by 10:00 - although we were actually at war by then, as the President himself frequently points out.
I'd be curious to know to what extent recent developments in Iraq have influenced his work habits. It's hard to imagine him pulling an all nighter with Powell, Rumsfeld, Cheney, et al - or, if he did, what Bush himself could contribute to such a meeting. Most likely he'd just get in the way. His presence would presumably make it impossible to acknowledge frankly the depth of the shit we're now in, and which among the terrible options now available to us we'll end up choosing.
It seems inevitable to me that, the shit having hit the fan in such spectacular fashion, it's going to emphasize the paradox that's been inherent in Bush's message for the past 2.5 years: We're locked in a mortal struggle between Good and Evil, but winning that struggle won't require us to raise any additional revenue- in fact we don't even need what we've already got. The most valuable contribution you can make is to go shopping in malls and take airplane rides. I may be a war time president, but first and foremost I love baseball. Wouldn't miss that ceremonial first pitch for the world. Seriously.
