Maybe it’s because I grew up in a pre-Rudy NYC, but I always expect the worst. When it comes to the war, I went from expecting the worst to being cautiously optimistic at certain turns–i.e. the Iraq elections. But I remember talking to Rich re the Iraq election days before and he was very optimistic. And, actually, just last Thursday night, at our fundraiser at the Buckley crib, I know I cringed a little when Rich made some remarks similar to that post he just put up. This is the Middle East, dude. The impression Bush will make will be a strong nudge, but I wasn’t so sure about indelible marks. But a hangover or two later and a Cedar Revolution on the streets of Beruit, and I’m putting my money where Lowry has his.