Former Bush Strategist Splits With President (1/2)

Matthew Dowd took his complaints to the New York Times.

In a story that appears on the front page of Sunday's edition, he describes the president as isolated, and details a loss of faith in George Bush and his policies.

Dowd is considered one of the chief strategists behind the president's 2004 re-election victory over Democrat John Kerry. But he told the Times he now thinks the Massachusetts senator was right in calling for a withdrawal from Iraq.

The White House response to his comment was relatively low key. During an appearance on the CBS television program Face the Nation, Dan Barlett, one of the president's top advisors, described Dowd as an old friend. Bartlett said Dowd is on - what he called - "a long personal journey" and is seeking answers at a trying time in his life when his soldier-son is headed to war.

Bartlett said in a way, Dowd is personifying the national debate about Iraq.

"and it brings out emotions in people from both sides of the aisle, even those who work closely for the president."