DEMOCRATS ENDORSE WEAKNESS: Bush and Kerry agreed on one crucia point during the 2004 campaign: There will be another attack; the only question is when. Now I'm not a fatalist, but there's no doubt that the people who caused 911 are looking for the next opportunity. In light of which, the Democrats' strategy to "kill the Patriot Act" (Harry Reid) and hold hearings on Bush's use of wiretaps suggests the party's death wish is closer to an act of will than a mere desire. Because if and when another attack takes place, the Democrats will have some serious 'splainin' to do to the American people. The embattled state of Israel offers a compelling case study of what happens to political factions that consider "peace" and "appeasement" synonymous. James Pinkerton with some sensible thoughts on why Bush continues to hold a winning hand:

Let's get a grip here. Based on what we've seen so far, Bush is in no danger of losing his job. In fact, if this controversy continues, W. will likely go up in the polls. Why? Because the American people want to be safe. And they will surrender some of their rights to be safer. That political reality may infuriate hard-core civil libertarians, but it's true during all periods of wartime.