The Zeitgeist Checklist

SADR BUT WISER

Last week: 4 Weeks on list: 10

1 Iraq. Many in the capital wonder about Sir Winston Rumsfeld's state of mind after he says those who disagree with him on Iraq are trying to appease fascists. The unfailingly upbeat Gen. George W. Casey Jr. issues a new statement of optimism, quickly disqualified by a gloomy Pentagon report to Congress. Iraq's parliament, emulating our own, wraps up a month-long recess.

BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE

Last week:-- Weeks on list: 1*

2 Democrats. GOP eyes open as wide as Nancy Pelosi's when Stuart Rothenberg predicts that Democrats will gain control of the House in November. Rothenberg and Charlie Cook, the Burger King and McDonald's of political forecasting, have now both switched to Democrat-takeover predictions. Senate still remains Republican in every scenario but Democratic campaign chairman Chuck Schumer's.

WHAT IF BRIT HUME MODERATES?

Last week: 2 Weeks on list: 2

3 Iran. Trying to divert attention from his country's refusal to meet U.N. nuclear demands, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad challenges Bush to a televised debate. The administration, worried the Iranian might sigh like Al Gore, declines the challenge, opting instead for sanctions.

THUD

Last week:-- Weeks on list: 1*

4 Scandal. Valerie Plame leak scandal fizzles out. Newsweek confirms that columnist Bob Novak's first source to unmask the CIA operative was the State Department's Richard Armitage, who was just gossiping. Scandal seekers must look west for sustenance: Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs is caught in Nevada in a Cadillac with three wigs, 15 cellphones and one of his many wives.