Daily Briefing: Bush Likes Her 'Salty, Cut-to-the-Chase Style'
• Bush: "Amid all this violence, I know Americans ask the question: Is the sacrifice worth it? It is worth it, and it is vital to the future security of our country." [ WP , NYT , WSJ , USAT ]
• Bush: "Iraq is the latest battlefield in this war" to "defend our freedom." [ WP , NYT , WT ]
• Bushskipped over original rationale for the invasion. [ WP ]
•Administration admits underestimating health care costs for returning troops; nearly $3b in additional funds needed. [ WP , NYT ]
•Judicial Watch claims administration hid data that showed their guest worker program increased illegal immigration. [ WP ]
•Senate, by vote of 85 to 12, passes energy bill. [ WP , NYT ]
•Speech had minimal impact according to instant response poll. [ USAT ]
•Disapproval ofBush's handling of Social Security at 63%, a new low, in Gallup poll. [ USAT ]
•White House will create office to coordinate international intelligence operations. [ WP ]
•All sides on mark with rapid response initiatives for Supreme Court nomination fight. [ WP , USAT ]
•Republicans aid their big-business contributors with friendly legislation. [ USAT ]
•Homeland Security AdvisorFrances Fragos Townsendis liked byBushfor her "salty, cut-to-the-chase style." [ NYT ]