Bush’s detractors get a ready audience no matter who they are

IT’S manna from heaven for the Democrats. The testimony to the 9/11 commission given by former White House counter-terrorism official, Richard Clarke, is a gilt-edged opportunity to damage George W Bush.

Bush can't be attacked from the left, since most American voters are worried about terrorism. So his opponents have to get him from the right.

And they can. Clarke was a political hawk. If in doubt, drop bombs, was how he advised his political masters. So a rebuff from him hits home. Especially if you're George Bush, campaigning on your achievements as a war president.