Shoe Throwing Journalist wanted to miss Bush

If you look closely, the journalist waits until the President looks at him before throwing the shoe. Just the moment before, Bush was looking away and was vulnerable to getting injured.
It's clear, the man didn't want to hurt Bush but instead wanted the publicity that he ultimately did get. I'm surprised more people haven't picked up on this. I think that this fact should reduce the severity of any charges the man faces for the attack.