"It's a line he uses often, and it applies to the Bush administration's goals for Iraq's political future as well. On both counts, however, Bush's meaning is imprecise."
White House counselor Dan Bartlett was on CNN talking to Miles O'Brien this morning.
O'Brien asked: "I'd like to hear from you here right now how democratic, how free does Iraq need [to be] to justify the tremendous costs -- the bloodshed and just the financial cost as well -- for taxpayers? It does come with a great toll."
Bartlett: "Absolutely. And it's a very necessary toll that we do finish the job in Iraq. It's critical to our national security. The document that's being produced there is one that will reflect the wants and desires of eight-and-a-half million Iraqis who voted in January. The Iraqi people themselves, Miles, will be the ultimate determination as to whether it lives up to their standards. . . .
"Is it going to be a perfect document? Absolutely not, Miles. Our own constitution wasn't perfect when we passed it. We are continuing making amendments to our own constitution. It's a dynamic process, Miles. But it's a critical process that is recognizing the hopes and aspirations of the Iraqi people, and that's something the American people can be proud of."
Camp Casey Watch
Jamie Stengle writes for the Associated Press: "U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee visited the anti-war inspired 'Camp Casey' near President Bush's ranch on Monday, lending support and words of encouragement to several families whose loved ones died in Iraq. . . .
"Across from 'Camp Casey,' about eight people were gathered at 'Camp George' in support of the president. Parrish Stevens, of Indiana, said people need to know all of the positive things that are happening in Iraq because of the troops -- such as hospitals opening and children attending school. Stevens is on break as a contractor in Iraq."
Cheney and DeLay
Jo Becker and Brian Faler write in The Washington Post: "The Bush administration is standing by embattled House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) and is making its support known in the most convincing way possible -- with cold cash. Vice President Cheney will appear on the congressman's behalf at a Sept. 16 luncheon in Houston, according to a letter DeLay sent supporters announcing the event. Two tickets, a photo with Cheney, nice seats and something called a 'VVIP' reception are going for $12,600. 'Sponsors' can get in for $8,400, but won't get priority seating. 'Friends' can get one seat and entry to a 'VIP' reception -- one V only -- for $2,100."
Halliburton Watch
Griff Witte writes in The Washington Post: "A former worker for a Halliburton Co. subsidiary faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of as much as $1.25 million after pleading guilty late last week to taking kickbacks in Iraq in a scheme that defrauded the U.S. government, court records show.
"It marks the second case this year of a Halliburton worker facing criminal charges in connection with the company's work in Iraq. . . .
"Halliburton is the Pentagon's largest contractor in Iraq. Its work has come under scrutiny in part because Vice President Cheney was the firm's chief executive between 1995 and 2000. Halliburton and the Pentagon deny the firm receives favorable treatment."
Mountain Biker or Not?
As a mountain biker, President Bush isn't all that, writes a blogging mountain-biking zealot.
