If It Ain't Broke . . .

National Journal's Hotline today also looked at the war in Iraq and President Bush's recent return to strong rhetoric. He is returning to language he used in his reelection campaign, such as, "An immediate withdrawal of our troops in Iraq, or the broader Middle East, as some have called for, would only embolden the terrorists and create a staging ground to launch more attacks against America."

The Hotline quotes Republican strategist Scott Reed, who sees the need for the President to shift attention from war protests and discontent, "The only way you change the subject is to get on the offense. It also may be time to get on the serious offense in Iraq in a military way."

After being on the defensive for quite some time, the President is returning to offense. Now, he can control part of the discussion and media coverage on the war on terrorism.