“How does Woodward do it? …Hard work and long-time connections are only part of the story. It’s clear that doors were opened to Woodward as he did his research. Sidney Blumenthal, a former senior adviser to President Clinton, argues that, flattered by Woodward’s last book, “Bush at War,” which portrayed the president in a positive light, Bush gave Woodward enormous access and encouraged others to do so.

“Woodward has never had such access as to the Bush White House. Period,” says Mr. Blumenthal. “They believed this was going to be extremely positive. They were expecting an almost official book which would depict Bush as a strong leader at war. and they wanted to get it ‘just right.’ ” — Christian Science Monitor In other words, he played Bush for the fool he is?