* President Bush says he plans for the military to stick with the "bigger is better" plan. [WP, NYT, LAT]

* He goes on to talk in code about midterm elections, says, "there was sex," and indicates intention to work with Democrats on passing immigration and Social Security overhauls. [WP]

* Robert Gates spends his second day on the job in Iraq, listening. [WP]

* Dick Cheney will testify on behalf of Scooter Libby using his classic "let me tell you something, son" style. [WP, NYT, LAT, USAT]

* Condoleezza Rice showing signs of "emerging pragmatism" that may allow her to actually accomplish something in the next two years. [WSJ]

* Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen takes DCCC chair. [WP, NYT]

* Visions of the White House dance in Virginians heads, as James Gilmore says he's in for 2008. [WP, NYT]

* We never needed that anthrax vaccine anyway. [NYT]

* "You could say D.C. is the new North Carolina." [WP]