Daily Briefing: Banish Privatization
•Republicans may have overstepped general public withSchiavolegislation; majority in poll support removal of feeding tube.Bush: "This is a complex case with serious issues. But in extraordinary circumstances like this, it is wise to err on the side of life." [ WP , NYT , LAT ]
• Wolfowitz's candidacy for World Bank post boosted by support fromSchroeder. The German Chancellor: "I even think that people will be positively surprised." [ WP ]
•Republicans instructed to say "personal" over "privatization."Luntz, in all caps: "Banish Privatization From Your Lexicon." [ NYT ]
• Bush, withMcCain, andCheney, withRep. Thomas, push Social Security plan in Arizona, California.Cheney: "In effect, what we are saying is we are going to tie your future as you retire to the overall health and function of the American economy."McCain: "I say to our Democratic friends, come and sit down at the table [and] let's work together to save the safety net." [ WP , NYT ]
•After Social Security events, audience members often remain confused about details. [ USAT ]
• Rehnquistreturns to Supreme Court. [ WP , WSJ , NYT ]
• Schiavolegislation began with prominent Christian conservative in Florida. [ NYT ]
•Critics sayFristcrosses the line by making medical diagnosis aboutSchiavo. [ LAT ]
•The many sides ofBush's "ownership society": ownership good, concentration bad? [ USAT ]
•AFL-CIO official warns Wall Street investors of "responsibility to support Social Security against [Republican] efforts to weaken it." [ WSJ ]