Why we are really in Iraq - Frank Rich's take:

Gary Kamiya talks about Frank Rich's new book in Salon.

Here's what I think: Rich talks a fine game now that it's too late, but where was he during the 2004 election, when his finely composed thoughts might have made a difference?

I'll tell you what I heard from him. Snarky comments on Imus about John Kerry. Snide remarks, week after week, about how bad the republicans were, but how uncool the democrats. Joking along with the other talking heads on MSNBC.

Rich has about as much credibility with me as does Judy Miller. He had a big freaking soapbox to stand on during the 2004 election, and he used it to be oh-so-clever instead of brave. Maureen Dowd did the same.

If the press went along for the ride, Frank Rich was right there bumping along with them. He doesn't get to play retroactive know-it-all now.