I always like to look for the psychological backdrop behind political, economic and social events, because politics, economics and society are driven by people and people are driven by their emotions, experiences, biases and belief sets, not just data and rationality.
In that context, here's a compact timeline for what I think has happened. Pardon the pop psychology, but I'm pretty sure it went something like this:
George W. Bush grows up with a dominating, successful father.
His brother Jeb is considered the smart, successful one in the family.
In his wild days, GWB is reprimanded by his dad for wasting his life.
GWB sobers up and gets a grip. But he has lingering resentment for dad.
GWB becomes president. His inner voice tells him to show up his dad.
GWB decides to take Baghdad by force, which dad wouldn't in Persian Gulf War.
Dick Cheney persuades GWB that CIA blocks the war, and plots to usurp its role.
GWB's dad was former CIA chief. Brushing off the CIA another chance to get even.
CIA chief George Tenet sees the coup against CIA. He plots to get even.
Recognizing anti-Joe Wilson obsession, he plants Valerie Plame name with Cheney.
Cheney grumbles about Plame to aide Libby. As Tenet expects, Libby tells reporters.
Tenet then refers the Plame leak to the Justice Department, seeking indictments.
Cheney and Libby are caught in Tenet's trap.
Think of Langley, Va., the CIA headquarters, as Baghdad on the Potomac.
GB tried to beat dad in Iraq and failed. Then tried to beat him at CIA and failed.
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Jon Markman, writer of TheStreet.com Value Investor, is the senior investment strategist and portfolio manager at Greenbook Investment Management, a division of Greenbook Financial Services. Separately, he is publisher of StockTactics Advisor, an independent weekly investment research service. While Markman cannot provide personalized investment advice or recommendations, he appreciates your feedback; click here to send him an email.
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