Don't want to miss out on the latest in politics? Start each day with The Post Politics Hour. Join in each weekday morning at 11 a.m. as a member of The Washington Post's team of White House and Congressional reporters answers questions about the latest in buzz in Washington and The Post's coverage of political news.

Washington Post national political reporter Jim VandeHei was online Friday, July 21, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the latest in political news.

Political analysis from Post reporters and interviews with top newsmakers. Listen live on Washington Post Radio or subscribe to a podcast of the show.

The transcript follows.

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Jim VandeHei: Good morning. another day of big news in Washington -- with reports Sec. Rice will outline this afternoon a diplomatic framework for ending the latest Middle East crisis. Dems raising a lot of money and reserving a lot of airspace for ads. And another Bush official has some questions to answer...

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Richmond, Va.: With the defeat of Ralph Reed in Georgia, is the Republican "culture of corruption" beginning to take its toll?

Jim VandeHei: it took a heck of toll on Reed. You are talking about the one real stars of GOP politics over the past decade and he was beaten badly BY REPUBLICANS. It shows that individual candidates with ethical problems are in trouble, which is true in any election but more pronounced now. I would not want to be Bob Ney or William Jefferson or even Conrad Burns in Montana. Corruption makes such an easy target, people get it and hate it. My favorite corruption-related tale of the week: Ney, who republicans describe as delusional right now, has been telling party leaders that DOJ has a rule against indicting members with 90 days of an election. That would be great for him -- if it were true. A DOJ source assured us no such rule exists.

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Washington, D.C.: What do you make of the poll that shows Lamont leading in the primary against Lieberman but Lieberman winning in a relative landslide as an independent over LaMont and the Republican opponent? It seems like no one really has any cause to celebrate over it.

Jim VandeHei: Lamont and liberal bloggers have reason to celebrate. Here is why. There is no doubt Lamont has momentum -- he went from 15 down to about 4 up. No matter how you crunch the numbers, that is a bummer for Lieberman. The same poll show liberals split on whether Lieberman deserves another term while Republicans overwhelming say, yes, he does. This could help Lieberman win as an independent candidate if he loses dem primary. But remember: if Lieberman loses, the dynamics change dramatically. He will be a defeated Democrat seeking the money and base to beat not only a well-funded liberal backed by the dem establishment, but also a Republican. Lieberman's easiest path is to win the primary.

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Charlotte, N.C.: Is there still a war going on in Iraq? Just wondering. I haven't seen much coverage of the situation there lately.

Jim VandeHei: Yes. There is no doubt has been an inside-the-paper story with the war in the Middle East dominating coverage. Death tolls are higher than ever in Iraq, so it is important for the public and the media to stay focused. Post.com has plenty of coverage of developments in Iraq so please tune in.

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Hamilton, N.Y.: Hey Jim, speaking of corruption...do you think they'll be any fallout from this whole "black-market powdered milk" scandal? Isn't it just too wierd not to be explored in depth?

Jim VandeHei: I doubt it. Might be too complex to be used as an effective political weapon. But I will have the web goddess post the entire series on misuse and outright abuse of ag programs. This is a fascinating series that is well worth your time to read and think through.

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washingtonpost.com: Post Investigative Series: Harvesting Cash

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Boca Raton, Fla.: Michael Abramowitz's analysis in today's WP seems to imply that President Bush's strategy to bring the peace to the ME is to let the Israelis pound on any and all and then for us to continue to provide full support to Israel. Is this the strategy that Dr. Rice will be talking about this afternoon?

Jim VandeHei: I do not know what Dr. rice will propose. but mike's piece was a dead-on view of the Bush's take on the Middle East and how it differs from that of previous presidents and current world leaders in Europe. I will post that story, too.

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washingtonpost.com: In Mideast Strife, Bush Sees a Step To Peace , ( Post, July 21, 2006 )

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A worker in the HHS anthill: So, you think we're going to be losing our departmental secretary?

Jim VandeHei: There are a few questions about story on the front-page of the post. It is an interesting look into a tax scheme that has worked wonders financially for the HSS Sec. Leavitt. We will post, you digest and I would love to hear from you all about the political implications and level of outrage. I have not heard any calls for resignation.

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washingtonpost.com: HHS Secretary's Fund Gave Little to Charity , ( Post, July 21, 2006 )

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Washington, D.C.: Do you think the media will focus much on the fact that Republicans are sharply divided over Iraq?

Jim VandeHei: It was on the front page of the post yesterday. So yes. What amazes me as that more Republicans are not voicing the complaints I hear from them in private. You would think most Republicans are nervous but generally supportive of the Bush war. I think their true feelings are much more complex and negative. But they have made a calculated gamble that it is better to appear consistent and "strong" that wobbly and divided. The voters will decide if that is the best approach.

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Washington, D.C.: What grade do you give Tony Snow, and is that higher or lower than Scott McClellan?

Jim VandeHei: He seems well liked by the WH and reporters. Obviously, he is smoother and sassier than McClellan. He likes to argue with reporters, which the WH likes, and I think reporters like to mix it up and have the freer exchange of thoughts and ideas that Snow encourages.

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New York, N.Y.: Who is "another Bush official"?

"And another Bush official has some questions to answer... "

Jim VandeHei: Leavitt

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San Francisco, Calif.: Hello, Mr. VandeHei, and thank you for chatting with us this morning. Has the White House press corps been given the President's August Crawford vacation schedule for 2006 yet?

Jim VandeHei: just rough dates. They don't preview the travel with any precision. I don't think you will see Bush camping out in Crawford like he did last August. That was bad PR, and one of the precursors to the problems that followed. I would expect several campaign stops and some big money events. He needs a GOP Congress or the last two years of his presidency could make the past two seem like a honeymoon.

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Columbia, Md.: The problem with Leavitt's charity is that it is legal by the letter of the law even if it is not by the intent of the law. I can not see how people will raise enough fuss to make him resign especially if Mr. Bush stands by him. It would be interesting to check all of the Bush family foundations to see if they are operated on the same logistics.

Jim VandeHei: one reader's take on Leavitt

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Washington, D.C.: President Bush's lack of regard for the innocent Lebanese being killed daily is appalling. If the President's father were still President, James Baker would have been jumping between Middle Eastern capitals brokering a cease fire. I've always thought that the current President's foreign policy views are colored by the fact that, prior to becoming President, he traveled very little overseas, and that, consequently, he has very little ability to see things from the perspective of people living in non-western nations. Accordingly, he thinks little of the effect of Israeli attacks on the Lebanese people, and can only think of the war in terms of geopolitical strategy. Your thoughts?

Jim VandeHei: This is a common gripe of other world leaders and some Democrats and Republicans in Washington. When the House put together its pro-Israel resolution this week, Republicans insisted that it not include even a gentle recommendation to Israel to minimize civilian casualties. Nancy Pelosi was going to cosponsor it, but a dispute over this language prompted her to keep her name off the resolution. She still voted for it on the floor. This tale is a long way of saying that the prevailing view in official Washington is that the Lebanese are victims not of Israel's offensive but of Hezbollah's kidnapping and refusal to disarm. I am sure Bush is concerned about the casualties but his focus is on state sponsored terrorism and there is a belief inside the WH that Hezbollah must be destroyed or defeated.

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Skaneateles, N.Y.: Karl Rove's strategy to run on the war seems like lose, lose proposition right now, three months out. How are Republicans feeling about it?

Jim VandeHei: They still think it is the best plan in a bad environment. Many Republicans buy into the Roveian theory that in a time of terrorism voters want strength and conviction, even if they are uncomfortable with the war and death that follow. If you did not see his comments, please search out those of Rep. Gil Gutknecht of Minnesota. He visited Iraq and returned with a pessimistic view of progress, calling for a troop withdrawal. I wonder if this will open the door for other GOPers who share this concern to voice them?

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Princeton, N.J.: WRT Columbia's comment, we have reached a sorry state when the ethical requirement for high public office is that the person not be indicted.

Jim VandeHei: more reader reaction

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Leavitt: The problem is, it's one thing for a private citizen or a corporation to take full advantage of a loophole in the tax code to keep some money in their coffers. It's another thing when a government official does it. I think Leavitt's got a real problem and will go into hiding and hold on for a few months (gee, like maybe until after the elections?) and then step down.

Jim VandeHei: more

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Tony Snow...: "What grade do you give Tony Snow, and is that higher or lower than Scott McClellan?"

"Jim VandeHei: He seems well liked by the WH and reporters. Obviously, he is smoother and sassier than McClellan. He likes to argue with reporters, which the WH likes, and I think reporters like to mix it up and have the freer exchange of thoughts and ideas that Snow encourages."

Even when he "thanked" Helen Thomas for providing Hezbollah's point of view?

Jim VandeHei: I was not in the room when Snow made such comments. My guess is reporters had mixed views. Some reporters like Helen's in-your-face commentary, while others think she is sometimes more interested in making statements than getting answers.

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Louisville, Ky.: Do you think the President's behavior at the G8 summit is causing him embarrassment, particularly his surprise shoulder rub of the Chancellor of Germany. This behavior seems totally inappropriate and newsworthy. Most men know that you don't offer uninvited massages to any female, much less the chancellor of Germany.

Jim VandeHei: The shoulder rub was a bit creepy, especially when you see the blown up images of it. It was revealing of his corny, jokester side. For those of us who have covered him, it was not that striking. For those who have not, I think it was, especially in a G8 setting

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Hello, Jim, thanks for taking questions. I am a middle-aged woman who had a career in brokerage and banking. When I retired in 1990 I was president of a very small subsidiary of a very large bank. My responsibilities included a lot of meetings with high level executives throughout our company. The shoulder massage Mr. Bush inflicted on the Chancellor of Germany left me dropped-jaw shocked. How is this playing amongst your colleagues at The Post?

Jim VandeHei: The Fix said it was "wierd," too. Thus end my informal post poll: two votes for wierd.

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New York, N.Y.: Hi-

It's not Lamont and bloggers that should celebrate. It's the people of Connecticut who should be happy to get rid of a terrible Senator.

Jim VandeHei: more reader feedback

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Fairfax, Va.: Is George Allen's close ties to the White House and strong support of administration on the eaves dropping and other domestic spying issues going to hurt him enough for him to lose the election?

Jim VandeHei: Allen remains a popular figure in Virginia and has a strong base of conservative support, which makes him a pretty strong favorite to win. There is no doubt Democrats got the candidate they wanted in the primary -- Webb, a former Republican -- and that keeps the seat in play.

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Boston, Mass.: RE: Leavitt. Based on the Post's article, I think he epitomizes the complete fiction that is the Republican "compassionate conservativism." How many other dodgy Republicans have set up "charities" that exist mainly for their personal and political benefit? (I'm thinking of those fake foundations De Lay, Abramoff, etc. used to basically launder funds for political causes...)

Jim VandeHei: more comment

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Kensington, Md.: Hey Jim, I notice you only post anti-Bush, ant-Rove, anti-Republican comments on this chat. What a surprise coming from The Post.

Jim VandeHei: busted. you have exposed my elaborate plot to plant my liberal views on the web in hopes of undermining the Bush presidency. In truth, I am posting each comment as they come in. If you have one, test me.

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Leavitt Defendant- Arlington, Va.: Since when was it unethical for anyone (whether or not in a government post) to use family funds to finance family interests? Isn't that the entire purpose of a family trust?

Jim VandeHei: more...

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Washington, D.C.: Quick question about Gil Gutknecht, the Republican Congressman from who called for a withdrawal from Iraq -- is he in a tight reelection race?

Jim VandeHei: potentially. His district, according to The Fix, is on the "outskirts of competitiveness." Bush won it 51-47. That tells me it could flip in a bad environment.

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Jim VandeHei: Thank you for your questions and comments.

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