The Minority Leader

"The unexpected resistance to Bush's nomination of John R. Bolton as U.N. ambassador from several Senate Republicans marks the latest, and potentially most intense, clash. But battles over Social Security, Bush's budget proposal and ending the filibuster for judicial nominations also are raising tensions inside the party."

Brownstein writes that the White House position is that the recent discord reflects the issues Bush is pushing, rather than diminishing presidential clout. He also writes that some conservatives are saying the White House should confront the dissenting voices more forcefully.

Behind the Bolton Battle

The Washington Post's Glenn Kessler and Robin Wright analyze the controversy over John R. Bolton's nomination as United Nations ambassador and conclude that "the first big battle of President Bush's second term also reflects long-standing tensions among Republicans over the thrust of U.S. foreign policy.

"Allegations that Bolton has been abrasive have become a metaphor for the broader problem of the United States' image abroad, with Republicans who favor a less confrontational and unilateral approach seeing an opportunity to press their point of view."

Meanwhile, Bill Sammon writes in the Washington Times: "The White House is shifting debate away from John R. Bolton, President Bush's embattled nominee to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and toward the scandal-plagued U.N. itself.

" 'We are going to make the case from here on out that this is about reform -- or more of the same -- at the U.N.,' a senior administration official told The Washington Times."

Karl Rove Watch

Judy Keen writes in USA Today that in an hour-long interview with Karl Rove, Bush's chief political strategist showed no signs of reaching out.

"Karl Rove rejected a compromise with Senate Democrats Monday on long-stalled nominations for the federal judiciary and strongly defended President Bush's choice of John Bolton to be ambassador to the United Nations," she writes.

Rove also said:

-"Despite polls showing that Bush's push for reshaping Social Security is not gaining public support, 'people understand there's a problem' . . . .