Strategic Retreat

Retreat Now, But Attack Soon?

On the premise that past is prologue, Howard Fineman writes in Newsweek: "The last time things looked this bleak politically for George W. Bush was in early 2000, the night he was blindsided by Sen. John McCain in the New Hampshire primary.

"At that moment, Bush came this close to blowing the Republican nomination. But instead of falling apart (as I had seen many another candidacy do in New Hampshire under similar circumstances), Bush and his team found their focus, unified their message and beat McCain later that spring by stealing his themes and savaging him personally--especially among Christian conservatives who form the base of the party."

Deborah Orin writes in the New York Post that some Republicans want the White House to fight back against the indictments.

" 'If anyone is indicted basically because of a battle between the CIA and the White House, we have to be ready to defend them and not just run and hide,' said House Homeland Security Committee chairman Rep. Pete King (R-L.I.)."

Meanwhile, at the Courthouse

Pete Yost writes for the Associated Press this morning on word from Fitzgerald spokesman Randall Samborn that there will be no public announcements before tomorrow, the day the grand jury's term expires.

Carol D. Leonnig and Jim VandeHei write in The Washington Post: "The prosecutor in the CIA leak investigation presented a summary of his case to a federal grand jury yesterday and is expected to announce a final decision on charges in the two-year-long probe tomorrow, according to people familiar with the case.

"Even as Special Counsel Patrick J. Fitzgerald wrapped up his case, the legal team of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove has been engaged in a furious effort to convince the prosecutor that Rove did not commit perjury during the course of the investigation, according to people close to the aide. The sources, who indicated that the effort intensified in recent weeks, said Rove still did not know last night whether he would be indicted."

Fitzgerald "met with Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan in Hogan's private chambers for about 45 minutes. Hogan confirmed the two had met yesterday, but declined to discuss the substance of their conversation.

"One legal source said the two have met regularly to discuss practical matters about the case, which now include intense media interest and how to avoid improper leaks about secret grand jury matters."

And who are the grand jurors? "Like the jury's forewoman, the majority are African American women who appear to be middle-age or older. The jury includes at least two black men, two older white women and three white men. One trim, agile retiree with white hair often entered the grand jury room with his bicycle helmet in hand."

David Johnston and Richard W. Stevenson write in the New York Times: "The grand jury deliberations and the special prosecutor's meeting with the judge ratcheted up fears among officials that Mr. Fitzgerald might have obtained an indictment from the grand jury, and was requesting that it be sealed. He could also seek an extension of the grand jury's term, which expires on Friday."

Richard B. Schmitt writes in the Los Angeles Times: "Some lawyers close to the case speculated that Fitzgerald already may have secured at least one indictment, but was keeping it under seal until he was ready to announce the results of his 22-month investigation. . . .