BUSH CHUTZPAH WATCH

In his 86,000th "exit interview," this one with John Gizzi of Human Events, Bush says we shouldn't blame him for huge deficits during the pre-economic collapse part of his term because -- get this -- he was spending too much money keeping the troops safe and healthy.

No, really, I'm not kidding:

Gizzi: Every time I go to a Republican meeting, just like the RNC meetings, so many people in recent years said they agree with you on tax cuts, but we've lost the spending and smaller government issue. Do you wish you had vetoed more and earlier?

Bush: Actually, I would take exception with their analysis of the spending issue -- for these reasons, John.

First, when we got kids in harm's way wearing the uniform of the United States military, I will spend what it takes to make sure they're well equipped, their families are well supported, and that this volunteer army thrives. And our record has been very strong about supporting families and vets. See, I think we have a special obligation to provide for our military, and we did. And it cost money, because we're fighting a war against terror on two fronts at the same time.

Secondly, a lot of our kids came home wounded. And I, no question about it, made sure that the health care was as good as possible and that the remedy for their wounds was as good as possible.

There are no words.