The operator said: "The president of the United States is calling." Then, a vibrant Texas voice broke in: "Hey, Artie, how goes it?" This confirmed the caller was indeed George W. Bush, whom I had never met but whose predilection for nicknames - no one in 87 years has ever called me "Artie" - is well known. "I am holding conversations about the Iraq war," the president continued. "And I would like to know what you think I should be doing."

"I would seize an appropriate moment to declare victory - and cut and run, Mr President," I said.