The Note

W A S H I N G T O N May 22—, 2003 -- It's nice to see that even in the anti-elitist Bush Administration, a nice boy from St. Albans can achieve success.

2003 Note Archives, updated weekly.

Click here for The ABCNEWS Political Unit's exclusive major futures calendar and today's daybook.

E-mail us: Tips, Compliments, Complaints and Questions.

Who we are ... And What We're About.

NEWS SUMMARY

On the heels of Mike Allen's clean-kill scoop in the Washington Post LINK, the president plans to announce today that ultra-talented Josh Bolten will move from his essential spot as deputy chief of staff to the even-more-essential job running the Office of Management and Budget.

Now, in most administrations, the personnel IS the policy.

The discipline and organizational principles of Bush-Cheney, however, mean that the top dogs set the agenda, and the loyal foot soldiers down below simply carry out the orders.

The Clinton people hate it when we write this, but the administration of 43 simply has more loyal deputies who focus pretty much exclusively on carrying out the president's agenda (and not on getting their names in the paper) than any in recent memory.

Even most Note readers have never heard of Josh Bolten, and (we are guessing, but guessing with confidence) that less than 25% of the Gang of 500 could pick him out of a lineup.

And yet he has wielded enormous influence in the Bush campaign, and in the White House, and on Capitol Hill. If you took the ratio of influence to lack of public credit, Bolten would probably be the all-time leader (and, yes, Capricia, we tallied up your score to make certain).

(Here's the Bolten bio and a picture, for those of you who think you might have once sat one table away from him at the Oval Room: LINK.

The president added two events to his schedule for this morning: a quick trip to the Hill for a Big Casino (albeit itty-bitty) victory lap, and a White House appearance to lay hands on Bolten.

With the announced departures of Whitman and Fleischer; with more executive branch departures expected in what we hereby christen the "Fleischer Window" (between war and re-elect); and with more Bush-Cheney '04 personnel announcements coming any minute now — watch who stays and who goes, and where those who stay end up.

The Washington Post 's Mike Allen somehow couldn't get on the front-page with his (admittedly hedged) news that Bolten is expected to be named budget director, replacing the departing Mitch Daniels.

Allen describes both the man and the "major shift in style":

"Bolten, a silver-haired former Goldman Sachs executive, is soft-spoken and intensely private. His appointment as director of the Office of Management and Budget will bring a major shift in style to the job and appears to be an effort to improve White House relations with lawmakers, many of whom were rankled by the blunt, aggressive style of Daniels."

Allen anticipates the upcoming challenges Bolten will face from the projected deficits and spending cuts, and those the White House will face in replacing him as one of Andy Card's two deputies.

Allen includes a bunch of facts about Bolten (who impressed the White House with "quiet competence" on a number of wide-ranging assignments) such as his age (48); his education (St. Albans, Princeton, Stanford Law--and editor of the law review); his resume (legislative affairs director for 41, campaign policy director for 43, international trade counsel to the Senate Finance Committee, working at the law firm O'Melveny & Myers); his father (a CIA officer); his niece (she draws); his friends (Bo Derek); his favored transportation (a Harley-Davidson); and his stress relief (bowling).

Allen also Notes:

"Bush rearranged his schedule so he could appear with Bolten today before heading to his ranch in Crawford, Tex., for a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, officials said. Bush aides, always cautious, said the decision would not be final until Bush announced it."

As for the other big personnel move, with major electoral implications:

The Washington Post team Eric Pianin and Guy Gugliotta address Christie Whitman's resignation, presenting a relieved Whitman and a "largely unfinished [environmental] agenda."LINKPianin and Gugliotta also suggest the EPA was never a good fit for Cabinet post-seeking Whitman, Note the pre-re-elect Fleischer-like timing, and float some replacement names (John Engler, for one).

And they were also on hand to observe Whitman's curious spin:

"Meeting with a small group of reporters in her office yesterday, a visibly relaxed and buoyant Whitman insisted that she had 'always been on the same page' with Bush and 'never felt humiliated,' even after the president in 2001 contradicted her public statements by disavowing a global warming treaty that the United States had already signed, and reneged on a campaign pledge to cut carbon dioxide emissions."

In addition, they offer a host of details and quotes, some of which might offer a small bit of comfort, others of which might prompt Whitman to reconsider feelings of humiliation.

The Boston Globe 's Robert Schlesinger writes "[t]he confirmation hearings for Whitman's replacement will become the focus of a broad debate over the administration's environmental policies, activists on each side of the issue predicted." LINK

The USA Today reports that "Bush hasn't chosen a successor, aides say. Speculation centers on former Michigan governor John Engler, Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, Florida Environmental Protection Secretary David Struhs and James Connaughton, chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality." LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Gerstenzang hints that more senior officials may follow: "With the Bush administration increasingly focusing on the president's reelection campaign, senior members are assessing whether to remain on board during the year-and-a-half campaign period." LINK

Roll Call 's Mark Weston wisely looks at how the nomination process for Ms. Whitman's replacement will play into the 2004 Invisible Primary and perhaps even have some ramifications for 2008:

"Leaders in the environmental community, in particular, will be watching closely to see what role the four Democratic Senators seeking their party's presidential nomination play in the confirmation process. The quartet, Sens. John Edwards (N.C.), Bob Graham (Fla.), John Kerry (Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (Conn.), are eager to burnish their environmental credentials, and all hope to draw the green vote in the 2004 primaries. Graham and Lieberman sit on the Environment and Public Works Committee — the panel charged with vetting the eventual nominee — giving them the first crack at questioning Bush's pick. Edwards and Kerry are expected to be equally vocal about Bush's environmental record during the nomination proceedings."

"Democrats were careful Wednesday not to utter the word filibuster — a tactic they have successfully employed this year to block two of Bush's judicial nominees — but made it clear it is an option."

Graham and Lieberman were both careful not to say they would block Bush's choice to head the EPA, but Noted in separate interviews they will vigorously question the nominee.

There's very little public Invisible Primary activity today.

Note to subscribers: We'll be Googling elsewhere on Monday, so after tomorrow's Note, look for our next edition Tuesday.

Webby Awards:

There are only two days left to Vote The Note in the Webby Awards People's Voice competition, and there is a new wrinkle.

According to the Webby website, "To maintain an element of surprise the instant results feature is now turned off," meaning we have no idea where we stand, and we won't through the end of the voting tomorrow.

But as of late yesterday, The Note remained behind 28% to 26%.

So, again, we ask, please consider giving us your support, and getting two (or three) people to vote for us today.

Remember: this campaign isn't about The Note — it's about you, your children, and your grandchildren, and about what kind of America we all will live in in the future.

Vote here: LINK

And here are some instructions about how to vote for those of you who aren't so web-inclined. LINK

PS: Where are the Wily brothers when you need them?

Big Casino budget politics:

After a day of confusion, America's leading news organizations all cast the Big Casino action of the last 24 hours pretty much the same way:

1. A "win-is-a-win-is-a-win" win for the president.

2. Vice President Cheney had to bash some heads together to make this happen.

3. Senator Voinovich played a starring role.

4. Congressman Thomas did some room-storming (again).

5. The deal isn't quite done, but it will be.

6. This package darn well better stimulate the economy.

7. No one, not even the president, got everything he/she wanted, but that's what compromise, even with one-party control, is all about.

Typical journalistic specimens: LINK and LINK

The Washington Post 's Jonathan Weisman covers the tentative $350 billion tax cut plan, writing "[t]he deal marks a significant retreat for Bush, who has insisted on the elimination of all taxes on dividends paid out of fully taxed corporate earnings. Last month, he dismissed a $350 billion tax cut as a 'little bitty' measure, and said 'at least $550 billion' in cuts were essential to rev up the economy and create the 1 million jobs he has often set as a goal." LINK

The Boston Globe 's Susan Milligan quotes the president, speaking at last night's megamillion fundraiser:

"'See, we understand this, the money we talk about in Washington, D.C., is not the government's money. The money we talk about in Washington, D.C., is the people's money,' Bush told supporters at a fund-raiser last night after the pending deal was announced." LINK

"Congressional leaders were working out their differences, he said, adding, 'I'm confident they'll be able to do so and get a package to my desk that I can sign into law."'

Bob Novak practically gushes (ok: he DOES gush) over POTUS' taking the House noggin in one hand, and the Senate noggin in the other, and bashing them together to get the deal done. LINK

Novak's tick-tock of the negotiated budget understanding is a must-read, concluding above all that President Bush wields enormous bargaining power, even as Congressional leaders chafe under White House control and try to resist.

"House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas were in no mood for compromise as they prepared for Monday's 5:30 p.m. meeting with Bush. Furthermore, they were backed by House Speaker Dennis Hastert."

The Wall Street Journal ed board feels pretty much the same as most White House officials do about Chairman Thomas, but the Journal has the courage to write it up as its lead editorial.

ABC 2004: Bush-Cheney re-elect:

The Washington Post 's Mike Allen watched last night's kick-off of President Bush's monumental fundraising campaign at the Washington Convention Center, as the CREEP aims for speed and a leadership image, as well as an unprecedented war chest. LINK

Allen kicks off his own piece with these invigorating paragraphs:

"President Bush embarked last night on a packed schedule of fundraising events designed to showcase him as commander in chief even as he builds a record-breaking financial advantage over his future Democratic opponent."

"Bush's goal is to collect about twice as much as he did for his last race. Campaign sources said his fundraising strategy is built for speed so he can finish most of the events and return to full-time governing just as the Democratic nominating contest is peaking."

Allen maps out the upcoming series of $2,000-per-ticket big city events, Notes Dick Cheney's own planned fundraising blitz, and cites the White House intention to "to build [Bush's] treasury by making frank use of the White House's unique advantages," with the much discussed Rove luncheons and Bush photo-ops going for tens of thousands, to an apparently eager audience.

"'There was this bottleneck of people who wanted to help,' a Bush strategist said. 'It's almost a contest to see how quick you can send it in. We have all these people who want to be first.'"

Indeed, Allen writes the strategy is swift fundraising without sacrificing the dignity of the office, then back to work:

"Bush's aides want him to continue to rise above the uproar of the Democratic contest and said the rapid-fire fundraisers will allow him to maintain his public-image advantage as president instead of politician. 'This is going to be quick,' a senior Republican official said. 'He'll be able to focus on his presidency while these guys are scrambling for money and clanging away at him. It's part of showing leadership.'"

Allen writes of added insult to injury, as the administration plans to attack Democrats for the expected heavy contributions from trial lawyers and the entertainment industry, even as it predicts the Democratic nominee will be cash-strapped and nomination-battered by March.

"Officials in both parties said they plan to make an issue of how the other side is raising money. Republican officials said they plan to attack the Democratic candidates as beholden to liberal interest groups and a few industries."

"'The fact that there's such heavy focus on trial lawyers, on labor and on the entertainment industry is not signs of a healthy party,' said a Republican involved in Bush's campaign."

Kerry spokesman Chris Lehane has this retaliatory remark at the ready: "'We're going to point out that his policies disproportionately benefit energy companies, HMOs, tobacco companies and the wealthy executives who are his chief contributors … He's doing more to stimulate his campaign than he is to stimulate the economy.'"

On top of all this, Allen concludes with FEC info that the Republican national, senatorial, and congressional committees are also outpacing their Democratic counterparts at a brisk clip (that is, about four to one, all told).

The Milford Daily News' Jeff Gould reports, "Local Republicans were surprised but pleased yesterday to learn Vice President Dick Cheney is coming to [Hopkinton, Mass.] next month for a private fund-raiser as President Bush's re-election team gears up for the 2004 election." LINK

The Note couldn't help but feel a little penned-in at the gala Wednesday.

We were escorted from the new and very, very big Washington Convention Center's entrance to a small spot behind a velvet rope in the back of the hall, and then directly escorted out after the president spoke. The Note jumped up with our reporting cohorts when a somewhat candid Senator Trent Lott walked over and confirmed The Note's feelings by noting the reportorial perimeter.

Perhaps feeling sympathetic to the reporting packs' confines, Senator Lott went on to talk about the GOP's fundraising prowess and how the mega-million evening demonstrated the not necessarily negative effects of campaign finance reform.

Lott declared to reporters, "I'm for radical campaign reform." He said that the problem with campaigns is not the fundraising, but instead "the problem with campaigns is campaigns" because they go on for too long.

Lott Noted that the evening was a chance for a lot of people to share an evening with the president, who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

Note Note: If you have an optional black-tie affair and no one on the dais, including the president, wears black-tie, is it still really a black-tie affair?

The Washington Post 's Mark Leibovich checked in on the fundraiser last night, and came away with some juicy details and, possibly, a tee-shirt. LINK

First off, the loose-lipped Senator Lott, seated at table number 742 (compared with his seat last year at, gulp, table 1) broke up the monotony of the "presidential love-in."

"[B]efore the dinner, he moseyed up to a small gaggle of reporters, one of whom asked if he would help campaign for the president's reelection. Sure, he'd help, Lott said. 'He didn't help me when I needed it,' he added bitterly. 'But this isn't about me.'"

No, it was about Bush, who, despite security concerns, was "introduced at 7:21 p.m., his black and gray tie slightly crooked. He received a standing ovation that lasted 50 seconds. He finished at 7:45, exited to his right and was, in all likelihood, back at the White House in time to catch plenty of the Yankees and Red Sox on ESPN." (Note Note: very clever, Mark.)

Leibovich also describes the purple-lit Ballroom D; the a cappella rendition of the national anthem by the Oak Ridge Boys; the gracious, on-message presidential remarks; the menu of "spring grilled vegetable tureen, filet mignon, roast garlic and sour cream mashed potatoes, asparagus spears, bread and dessert (array of mini cakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries)" (Mmmmm … The Note loves mini cakes); and the open wallets of the well-heeled attendees.

Of course, delightful details notwithstanding, the bottom line reads thusly: "The GOP's congressional campaign committees took in $22 million for the evening, largely on the strength of Bush's (brief) presence."

The New York Times ' Dick Stevenson chatted up Lott as well, and catches what seems to be an elbow swung at the Senator's close friend John McCain. LINK

The Chicago Tribune's Jeff Zeleny reports that the president "dusted off his fundraising skills to help guarantee that if he wins a second term in the White House, control of Congress will remain squarely in Republican hands." LINK

Zeleny succinctly sets the scene: "Only days after forming his presidential re-election committee and less than a month after declaring an end to the war in Iraq, the first glimpse of Bush's transition from commander in chief to campaigner in chief transpired amid a stirring invocation of "Amazing Grace" by the Oak Ridge Boys and a dinner of filet mignon."

The AP's Sharon Theimer writes, "There were no six-figure corporate donors on the program at congressional Republicans' gala, but even in the new world of smaller checks President Bush helped the GOP raise $22 million for its fight to maintain control of Congress." LINK

"The $2,500-a-ticket event for the National Republican Congressional Committee and its Senate counterpart Wednesday night brought in the most of any GOP or Democratic fund-raiser since new campaign finance restrictions took effect in November."

David Lightman was on hand to chronicle President Bush's trip to Connecticut to address this year's graduates from the Coast Guard Academy. LINK

The Googling monkeys were hacking around and found on the web an early draft of an e-mail that RNC Chairman Racicot seems to be working on to send to MOCs and RNC members around the country, offering his critique of recent Democratic presidential candidate attacks on the president's homeland and national security record.

We look forward to the official version.

The Wall Street Journal 's John Harwood writes up the paper's latest poll, and finds things pretty much as we all do: the president and his party are popular, and have a huge advantage on national security issues, but the president's tax cutting agenda doesn't test all that well.

ABC 2004: The Invisible Primary:

The San Francisco Chronicle's Carla Marinucci writes, "Democratic presidential candidates will crowd the state in the coming days for California-style fund raising and campaigning — such as former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean's stop at a former historic San Francisco topless bar and Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich's road trip in a Greyhound bus powered entirely by recycled vegetable oil." LINK

Marinucci Notes: "The rush of Democratic presidential candidates to California is driven in part by an earlier-than-usual primary schedule next year that has ratcheted up the pressure for cash and reshaped candidates' itineraries."

David Yepsen wonders whether '04 will be like '84 for Democrats (complete with Askew = Lieberman, Cranston = Dean, Hart = Edwards , Glenn = Kerry, Mondale = Gephardt , and other comparisons). LINK

John DiStaso writes up that Massachusetts poll showing Bush beating Kerry, this weekend's busy New Hampshire campaigning schedule, an Edwards mailing to superdelegates, and oh so much more. LINK

Don't be a chump: read every word of John's column.

The so-called "other John" (that would be the Wall Street Journal 's Harwood) writes up the Dow Jones/GE poll:

"Among Democrats, Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman's familiarity from his stint as Al Gore's 2000 running mate continues to place him at the top of the field. He draws 21% support from Democrats, compared with 17% for Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts and 16% for Mr. Gephardt."

"That essentially matches the three men's standing in December, suggesting that intensive early campaign efforts have yet to make much impression beyond party insiders and activists in pivotal early states such as Iowa and New Hampshire. Senator John Edwards of North Carolina drew 5%, while Senator Bob Graham of Florida and former Senator Carol Moseley-Braun of Illinois drew 4%. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who attracted considerable media attention for his opposition to the war in Iraq, remains stuck at 3%."

"Each of the three leading Democrats lags behind Mr. Bush in potential 2004 matchups by margins exceeding 20 percentage points. When pitted against a generic presidential challenger, Mr. Bush's lead is a less impressive 47% to 32%."

Al Gore's smiling photo with Jacqueline Astudillo makes Page 9 of the New York Post (which is, in this case, better than Page 6).

LIEBERMAN

Senator Lieberman must have been lively yesterday when presenting his cure-centric health plan, as reporters have him making like a bunny as he "jumped" into the health care fray.

The Washington Post 's Ed Walsh writes that Senator Lieberman "jumped yesterday into the health care debate being waged by Democratic presidential contenders with a proposal that focused on developing cures for chronic diseases rather than extending health care coverage to the estimated 41 million Americans who lack such insurance." LINK

Walsh explains Lieberman's theory of focusing on cures as well as coverage with his "American Center for Cures" as, in part, an effort to differentiate himself from the Democratic pack:

"Lieberman spoke on the same day that one of his rivals, Senator John Edwards (N.C.), was in Iowa to announce a plan to boost economic development in rural areas. Edwards called for a five-year effort to help small-town entrepreneurs gain access to investment capital and a program to bring high-speed Internet access to the countryside."

"Lieberman's decision to enter the health care debate with a focus on curing diseases rather than expanding insurance coverage was a deliberate attempt to distinguish himself. He has chided the other Democrats for advocating 'big spending' solutions to national problems, and he said that his health insurance proposal 'will not be a big government, big spending program.'"

In case we didn't get it, Jano Cabrera clarifies : "'What we're doing is absolutely highlighting how we're different … Everybody is going to talk about [insurance] coverage and cost. But we think there is an element that is missing, and that's cures.'"

"Cabrera said Lieberman would unveil his health insurance plan this summer."

Lieberman also took the opportunity to direct some harsh words at President Bush, in regards to Administration health policy: "'The Bush administration's policy is not compassionate conservatism; it's not compassionate, and it's not right.'"

The Boston Globe 's Susan Milligan has Senator Joe Lieberman "jumping into the campaign debate on health care" with his $150 billion proposal to fight diseases such as cancer and AIDS. LINK

Speaking at George Washington University, Lieberman presented his idea for an "'American Center for Cures' that would work with academics and private companies to coordinate and speed up research on chronic diseases, he said affect 100 million Americans. The organization would not replace the National Institutes of Health, but would tap market forces to encourage businesses to develop cures, Lieberman said."

Milligan compares and contrasts this proposal with those of Lieberman's Democratic rivals:

"Lieberman did not address how to cover the 41 million uninsured, or how to rein in overall health care costs. Three of Lieberman's rivals — Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts, former Vermont governor Howard Dean, and Representative Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri — recently released detailed plans to extend health insurance to nearly all Americans, paying for it by rolling back at least part of the 2001 tax cut. Lieberman intends to provide details on his health care plan in three subsequent speeches, his campaign said."

… There's more clarification from Jano: "The cost would be shared by the federal government and companies, which would be required to return a portion of royalties from drugs developed with the center's help, said Lieberman spokesman Jano Cabrera."

… As well as derision from Democrats (as Erik Smith jumped to protect his boss' turf):

"But Democrats and Republicans derided Lieberman's plan as inadequate, duplicative, and expensive."

"Lieberman's plan for finding cures for chronic ailments would cost $150 billion, without providing universal health care coverage, said Gephardt spokesman Erik Smith."

… And Republicans alike: "Jim Dyke, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, said the center would add to government bureaucracy and increase the deficit. 'If it walks like a government program, and it sounds like a government program, it's a big government program,' Dyke said."

Praise … from a Dartmouth Doc. LINK

Does this remind anyone else of The West Wing episode where President Bartlet wants to include a promise to cure cancer in 10 years in the State of the Union address? LINK

David Lightman explores Senator Lieberman's fundraising tactics including his targeting of donors in his opponents' backyards. LINK

"It's Joe Lieberman's version of guerrilla warfare."

"The Connecticut Democrat ventured into John Kerry country Monday night for a fund-raiser for his presidential campaign. Last week, his wife, Hadassah, stumped in Texas to raise money. And two weeks ago, the senator wooed donors in Miami, two days after home state Senator Bob Graham announced his candidacy for president a few miles away."

"Smart politics or a waste of time? After all, no one expects Lieberman to win the Massachusetts primary. And Graham is way ahead in Florida."

Liz Halloran of the Hartford Courant looks back at Christine Todd Whitman's 28 month run as the head of the EPA.LINK

Senator Lieberman seized the opportunity to criticize the administration's environmental record.

"'Gov. Whitman leaves a legacy of lost opportunities and lost ground, which is due primarily to the environmentally hostile, special interest-driven administration that employed and often frustrated her,' Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, D-Conn., said in a prepared statement."

"Lieberman, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, said Whitman was expected to work across party lines to 'clean our air and water,' but 'that agenda ran up against a Bush administration bent on rolling back important environmental protections.'"

EDWARDS

"The Democratic nominee will have to carry at least some rural or border Southern states in hopes of beating the popular GOP president," Notes the Associated Press's Mike Glover.

"'It's mathematically possible to win without those states, but it just doesn't happen,' said Jennifer Palmieri, a spokeswoman for Democratic candidate John Edwards" LINK

[Note Note: Glover demonstrates that it IS mathematically possible to write a story about Democrats in the rural vote without using the word "Mudcat."]

"So on Wednesday, there was Edwards in Nevada, Iowa, proposing a $1 billion plan to boost small-town businesses, create rural development zones and push affordable high-speed Internet access in the countryside."

"The North Carolina senator, a trial lawyer worth millions, also argued that he is the ideal messenger among the Democratic candidates to discuss the concerns of rural voters. Edwards was born in South Carolina and grew up in the small town of Robbins, N.C., population of about 1,200."

"'I'm from there,' Edwards said. 'I understand their problems. I feel a natural connection.'"

Ron Brownstein's article on Senator Edwards' rural development initiative has this:

"Edwards also tried to defuse what could be a significant political problem for him in Iowa. Alone among the senators in the race, Edwards last year voted against legislation that would ban big meat packers from owning hog or cattle farms. Such corporate ownership is common in North Carolina. But the issue is an emotional one in Iowa, where many farmers and environmentalists say huge corporate hog farms stifle competition and despoil the environment." LINK

"On Wednesday, Edwards said he would deal with the issue through tougher enforcement of environmental and antitrust laws, rather than an ownership ban."

"But Neil Harl, an agricultural economist at Iowa State University, said tougher antitrust enforcement would probably have only a limited effect on the problems that critics attribute to the corporate farms."

"'I've urged we use antitrust as far as it can go,' Harl said. "But I just don't think it goes far enough.'"

Meat-packing frames the Des Moines Register 's write-up, too. LINK

The Raleigh News & Observer's John Wagner looks at Senator Edwards firmly planting his flag on rural issues. LINK

"Senator John Edwards, saying small communities such as the one in which he grew up are "under siege," on Wednesday proposed billions of dollars in new federal tax credits and investments in education, health care and technology to bolster rural America."

"With the address Tuesday, given at an energy conversion center in Nevada, Iowa, Edwards became the first contender to lay out an agenda for rural areas, where Republicans have been dominant politically in recent years. "

"The Republican National Committee argued that based on Edwards' voting record and political donor base, he had become a 'slick liberal personal injury trial lawyer better suited in Hollywood and Georgetown than [the] Iowa heartland.'"

"'That's partisan nonsense,' Edwards said. 'I grew up in small-town America. Their values are my values.'"

"Mr. Edwards's advisers invested a good amount of attention in seeking the right setting for his own speech: a patch of rural Iowa, a state where, in January, the Democrats will hold their first nominating caucus. Rural voters are likely to prove pivotal in the general election," the New York Times 's Adam Nagourney Notes. LINK

"The prepared text for Mr. Edwards's speech that was e-mailed to reporters included stage directions for the senator — instructing him to 'point if you can see' windmills in the distance, as he talked about their potential to generate inexpensive power for farmers."

"Jim Dyke, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, suggested that Mr. Edwards would have a tough time presenting himself as the candidate of rural America."

"'I guess they wrote that speech at John Edwards's Georgetown mansion'" Mr. Dyke said."

The Charlotte Observer's Tim Funk has this crazy notion that Edwards' plan for rural America has something to do with winning votes in Iowa.LINK"Angling to raise his poll numbers in a key state where he's still unknown to many voters, Senator John Edwards returned to Iowa on Wednesday to propose a plan to revive the frail rural economy."

"'Our children are leaving (rural areas) in search of opportunities they can no longer find at home, (and) states like Iowa are struggling to hold their population,' said the N.C. Democrat, who hopes to finish better than expected in the Iowa caucuses next January

DEAN

The incomparable Chuck Todd (he of the National Journal empire) dons his strategist hat:

"The anti-Dean forces need to tone it down. The rhetoric from Massachusetts Senator John Kerry's campaign, in conjunction with the Democratic Leadership Council, has only boosted Dean. It's like rocket fuel for the guy. "

"Don't believe it? Then ask yourself this: Can any other candidate claim to have attracted more than 1,000 people to a rally outside of their home state? We were astounded last week to read reports LINK about Dean's appearance in Seattle, where he did just that. Sure, Seattle could be the unofficial headquarters of the "Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party." But still, that's impressive. "

"On The Trail' also heard that Dean was welcomed by a crowd of about 800 people for an appearance in San Luis Obispo, Calif., of all places. That would be the second-largest crowd for any White House candidate outside their home state. Admittedly, that's a third-hand report, but it jives with a lot of anecdotal evidence we've heard about Dean's support network."

"The meetup.com LINK phenomenon is real as far as Dean's concerned. In recent years, campaign boasts about spontaneous online support have been greatly exaggerated. For instance, in 2000, we heard that both McCain and Bill Bradley artificially boosted their Internet fund-raising totals by telling phone callers to contribute online. But with Dean, this netroots thing may be real. "

Governor Dean campaigned in Utah yesterday. LINK

William Saletan is impressed by Howard Dean's "evolving spiel." LINK

Governor Dean urges health care for all in The Forward: LINK

KERRY

The New York Post 's fan-tastic Deborah Orin writes up her fair-minded appraisal of how the Democratic presidential candidates are dealing with the terror issue. LINK

She calls Kellyanne "Fitzpatrick" (we don't know why), and she quotes Bill McInturff (because he's smart), but she saves her harshest Deborah harshness for John Kerry and his recent security criticisms:

"What's driving Kerry could be the fact that he's slid from one of the front-runners back into the Dem nine-pack over the past few months thanks to hedging on Iraq, losing the fundraising battle by a hair, a dismal first debate, lack of a clear message and boasting of his Vietnam war medals a bit too often."

Knight Ridder's Steven Thomma reports that of all the knocks against Senator Kerry, "it is the image of Massachusetts liberal that most scares Kerry's advisers, excites Republicans and pushes the candidate onto a tightrope between competing wings of his party." LINK

"'He will be Dukakisized,' said veteran Republican strategist Scott Reed."

GEPHARDT

This item should probably go in the Howard Dean section, but we'll put it here.

The New York Times front-pages a look at the way many states are gaming their testing routine in order to avoid Leave No Child Behind penalties, and look at what they say when they go all Invisible: LINK

"The 600-page law, Mr. Bush's basic education initiative, was passed with bipartisan backing four months after Sept. 11, 2001. Many prominent Democrats, however, have since withdrawn their support, including Representative Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri, who recently described it as 'a phony gimmick.'"

"'We were all suckered into it,' Mr. Gephardt said. 'It's a fraud.'"

"Four United States senators are backing a bill that would allow states to obtain waivers from the law's requirements, and legislators in Minnesota, New Hampshire and Hawaii are considering proposals for those states to opt out of it. That would put at risk millions of dollars in federal financing, but could allow the states to avoid the costs of compliance."

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Representative Gephardt "won his second union endorsement Wednesday, securing the backing of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers." LINK

GRAHAM

It's understandable if you haven't been paying attention to the Everglades restoration dispute in Florida, which pits several powerful interest groups (like the sugar industry) against environmentalists, with Democrats, Republicans, Governor Jeb Bush, President George Bush, several non-Floridian presidential candidates, and Senator Bob Graham all stuck somewhere in the middle.

Basically: the legislation, backed by Big Sugar, postpones some deadlines to clean up water in various parts of the Everglades. Many Florida Democrats and most Florida Republicans voted for it because they felt it brooked a good compromise between the goal of quality water and making sure that South Florida agriculture interests are protected.

Environmentalists thought the bill was a sop to Big Ag and Big Sugar because, in part, it would upend a federal water quality deadline.

Democrats began to have more doubts (many don't trust Governor Bush and the GOP-controlled legislature), and Bush himself began to wobble. He signed the bill yesterday while promising to call the legislature into special session to smooth over some of the tangles.

In the several weeks prior, former Gov. Howard Dean and Senator John Kerry, among others, had urged Bush to veto the bill.

The Miami Herald 's Tyler Bridges continues for us:

"U.S. Senator Bob Graham, moving Wednesday to repair his environmental image while adding some sting to his presidential message, accused the Bush brothers of "malfeasance" for backing controversial Everglades legislation and predicted that Florida would punish the president for it next year." LINK

"The scolding from the typically measured senator came days after leading environmentalists accused Graham of failing to forcefully oppose the sugar industry-backed bill even while some of his primary opponents and leading Republicans in Congress demanded a veto."

"The bill has put both Bushes in an awkward position by threatening to undermine a carefully cultivated image that they are Republicans with an unusual sensitivity to the environment, especially the Everglades."

"While the White House has endured the scorn of environmentalists for backing oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and loosening clean-water and clean-air regulations, the president has nurtured his image in Florida by blocking oil drilling off the coast and speaking often of restoring the Everglades."

"Two of [Graham's] earlier letters — one sent to the governor jointly with Senator Bill Nelson and the other sent last week to the president — criticized the legislation but stopped short of demanding a veto."

"But after leading environmentalists wondered aloud last week whether the sugar industry's $61,000 in contributions since last year to Graham's political action committee and campaign — and the senator's need to raise more money in a hurry — had muted their longtime advocate, Graham began to sharpen his message."

"Environmentalists have long viewed the Florida senator as a friend, but they also recognize that his family fortune was built in part on real-estate development in Miami-Dade County near the Everglades. Graham, a former state legislator and former two-term governor, has long been close to the sugar industry and agricultural interests, as any successful politician in Florida must be."

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Bartlett's 2003 Power List is out, and Jim Demers, Judy Reardon and Mark Mackenzie are in the top ten. LINK

Will any of them participate at next Tuesday's karaoke contest? LINK

"Official Rules for American Presidential Idol Karaoke Contest:"

"1. One song/performance per campaign, unless a runoff is needed to break a

tie. Such tiebreakers are also known as the 'Bill Bennett all-bets-are-off

Round'."

"2. Must be performed by paid staff of the NH campaign. Sorry, no ringers

flown in from the Opera House of your candidate's hometown."

"3. Must choose a song from the selections provided by the Uptown Tavern.

There are hundreds, so don't fret it."

"4. A drawing at the start of the contest will choose order of performance.

So, do you feel lucky?"

"Judges:

"Judging will be 3 or 4 people who have not endorsed a candidate for

President: (1)James Pindell, politicsnh.com — who will tally and announce

the results; (2)Beth Campbell, State Employees Association; and rest tba.

(Mark Halperin respectfully declined. )"

"Judges will score performances 1-10 Pts each, potential high score of 40,

for the following categories:"

"--Vocal Styling — good singer? Or, are we looking for earplugs."

"Showmanship — do they woo the crowd? Win us over like a candidate at the

Merrimack County Pig Roast? Or put us to sleep?"

"--Rock Star Style — do they style like a rock star? Do they wash their hair

with Breck shampoo and wear leather pants or fringe?"

"--Overall Performance — could they deliver on election day, based on this

performance?"

"Standings (named after good activist Democrats known for their singing

performance abilities)"

"First Place: Barbara Streisand "We've only just begun" Award"

"Second Place: Sheryl Crowe "Run Baby Run" Award"

"Third Place: Jon Bon Jovi Award"

"Fourth Place: Rosie O'Donnell "We're out baby and proud" Award"

"Fifth Place: Kevin Spacey "American Beauty" Award"

"Sixth Place: Al Gore "Macarena" Award"

Politics:Here's a link to President Clinton's remarks to the Westchester County Association last night, not far from his home: LINK

And the FPOTUS has a new article in the new New England Journal of Medicine about the AIDS pandemic: LINK

And tomorrow, in Little Rock, at 1pm ET, don't forget that Clinton will speak at the Topping-Out Ceremony for the William J. Clinton Presidential Center.

Rush and Molloy see 42 gridlock on W. 47th Street for a presidential library fundraiser that includes Beyonce. LINK

And let's hope R&M don't read a certain item on Page Six today. LINK or this Washingtonian on-line item. LINK

On days when it is a must-read, you, frankly, must read Judy Sarasohn's Washington Post lobbying column.

Today is such a day, with details on Karen Knutson going from the Cheney shop; Gregg Hartley going from the Blunt shop; Quinn Gillespie growing again (let's hope the new guys play golf); Deborah Willhite joining FieldWorks; and Patrick Dorton going solo. LINK

A Harvard Institute of Politics survey of undergrads nationwide (whom they somewhat over-cutely call "Campus Kids") found that:

** "36% of students consider themselves liberal and 32% consider themselves conservative. Twenty-nine percent describe themselves as moderates."

** "Two-thirds of students surveyed supported the United States going to war in Iraq."

** "When Campus Kids are asked their preference in a 2004 horserace, 34% supported President Bush and 32% supported the Democratic candidate."

"The Institute of Politics … survey of 1,201 undergraduates across the United States was conducted between April 22 to 30, 2003 and carries a margin of error of +/- 2.8% at the 95% confidence level."

It's an Associated Press legislative extravaganza!

The AP's Leigh Strope reports, "Republican leaders say they will extend federal unemployment benefits before leaving town for the holiday recess, blunting Democrats' attacks that the GOP-controlled Congress favors tax cuts for the rich over aid for jobless Americans." LINK

Though there's no Haley Barbour comment in the story, the AP's Laura Meckler writes, "The Head Start program would focus more on academics under legislation being introduced by House Republicans at President Bush's request, but it would stay in the Department of Health and Human Services." LINK

The AP's Larry Margasak writes, "House Republicans want to move drug enforcement money from state and local police officers to federal agents in states that have legalized marijuana for medical use." LINK

The AP's Alan Fram quickly checks his watch and writes, "The timing could not be much better for Democrats: The Republican-led Senate will vote this week on whether to let federal borrowing grow by an unprecedented $984 billion, even as it considers a costly tax cut that President Bush wants." LINK

Oh … the Strope ways in on jobless aid, followed by Meckler on the Head Start bri-gade …

Margasak writes a bit on money to fight drugs … and Fram has really got that tax cut bug!

A12 of the Wall Street Journal has a James Carville dot drawing that appears to have gone through an Extreme Makeover, accompanying a story on his work in Venezuela.

The lead ("It's the economia, stupid.") is apparently punishment for "Mr. Carville (not) … respond(ing) to several telephone and e-mail requests for comment."

Dear Marc Lifsher: Mr. Carville has never answered an e-mail in his life.

Meanwhile, Al Hunt (still) likes McCain-Feingold a heck of a lot better than his friend Carville does, as his tea-leaf-reading column today in the Wall Street Journal makes clear.

The New York Times ' Jennifer Steinhauer remains on the case of the marrying ex-mayor, with a brief run-down of the current plans at secure, refurbished Gracie Mansion, and a sampling of forsaken catering options from the earnest to the venomous. LINK

Some readers will surely believe that Jennifer is positively Bumillerian on this one. But we just see our Jengal at her best, born-to-Style self!

The Washington Post 's Helen Dewar reports on the effort of Senate Democrats to fight the president's plan to build new battlefield nuclear weapons by sending the low-yield ball into the House's court. LINK

What follows is an AP story on Texas Democrats LINK

The Washington Post 's Nicholas Johnston eyes the goings-on in the tech lands of Northern Virginia, what with the recent visits of Secretary Snow, Senator Edwards, and Secretary Ridge, and with more invites dangling in the future. LINK

Johnston archly observes: "All told, the list of big-name politicos who have broken bread with technology executives in Tysons Corner in the past couple of weeks isn't too shabby for an industry beset by layoffs, worthless stock options and other aftershocks of the burst financial bubble. It seems that every time someone decides to say networking is dead and buried in Virginia's technology economy, another ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton is packed to the gills by local executives carting stacks of business cards, angling for a glimpse of another big-name guest."

Bush Administration strategy/personality:

Congratulations, Cathie Martin!! LINK

Who knew you were 1/2 of "the most puissant young 'power couple' in the capital? LINK

And for those of you who know less than Safire and need help with "puissant," here you go. LINK

The Washington Post 's Mark Leibovich hangs out with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge as the former governor waits "for Something Awful to Happen." LINK

Leibovich writes of Ridge's efforts to "brand" the new department, solidify its position, and overcome its clumsy reputation, while Noting that friends and observers describe the job as "thankless."

Leibovich, always good with the food details, informs us of the "Kellogg's strawberry grain bar … ('Breakfast o' champions')," various muffins, and multiple cups of "half-caf, half-decaf" the Secretary consumes in the mornings, along with the "six-inch Cold Cut Trio sub and a bag of Doritos" he orders at a well-located Subway, his "'executive dining room.'"

Leibovich also provides a nice depiction the Ridge household, inhabited by unruffled, resourceful former librarian Michele Ridge (married 23 years), the two Ridge teens, and three yellow Labs.