I got this from today's Parade magazine:

Conservative commentators and Washington insiders are worried about chaos in the White House communications shop. Media folks of all stripes have long been frustrated by the Bush press team, which often flubs the basics- like misplacing written requests and not returning phone calls. But in this election year, even some conservatives who publicly support the President privately call his press operation "terrible" and fear that it could cost him in November. They say it lacks a coherant strategy, and does a poor job of communicating a message. Liberals have their own criticisms, especially that the Bush Press Team is too combative. Right now few critics will risk the White House's wrath, but that may change as the election heats up.

I would also add that I am sure the Press Reporters don't like much at all the fact that this is the most secretive administration since Nixon, and that Shrub gives very, very few Press conferences, like 1 every 2 years or something like that. wink

For chapter and verse on WH secrecy under El Presidente, check out John Dean's new book "Worse Than Watergate". (Yes, THAT John Dean.) He should know.

This should be titled "White House Press Office mistakes could cost Bush". But, that's okay, blame the media...the right wing nuts will, anyway since they can't accept blame for anything else.

This election's going to be the weirdest one to figure out. Just when Kerry should be soaring, he's tanking. Just when Bush should be tanking he's soaring, and vice versa.

A poll released today shows Bush one point behind Kerry in, of all places, California! And in New Jersey, Bush is running closer than anyone ever thought.

I'll stick to my argument I made in 2003, that being that the economy will NOT be a significant factor in this election. Neither Bush nor Kerry will win/lose on the economy. Foreign policy/Iraq/War on Terror will ultimately be the sole factor in this election. Call me crazy, I don't care, but I'm betting this all the way to November 2; and this doesn't mean Bush will win if this is the case. I am not presently predicting anything either way in that regard.

Come on, MIB, I'm sure you have faced tougher decisions on the "judicial bench" make a decision and stick with it...or you will be in contempt!