Daily Briefing: I Love You But... Edition
•At confirmation hearing,Gonzalesadmits high-pressure techniques were discussed in White House, remains on the defensive: "Torture and abuse will not be tolerated by this administration."Biden: "I love you, but you're not very candid so far." [ WP , NYT , LAT , WSJ , USAT , WT ]
•Election certified after rare objection voiced byStephanie Tubbs JonesandBoxer;Boxer, inspired byMichael Moore, regrets not objecting in 2000. [ WP , NYT , LAT , BG , WT , WT ]
•Congressional Republicans complain to White House that leaks about Social Security benefit cuts will backfire;Graham: "If it becomes aBushbill, I think it would turn into a game of throwing rocks atPresident Bush." [ WP , NYT , WSJ ]
•Administration attorneys conclude Second Amendment grants individuals wide access to firearms;Ashcroftcompares to First Amendment rights. Professor: "This is a Justice Department with a blatantly political agenda which sees its task as translating right-wing ideology into proposed constitutional law." [ WSJ ]
•Nominations ofJohanns, Spellings, Gutierrezsent to Senate vote. [ NYT , LAT ]
•Administration paidArmstrong Williams$240,000 to promote No Child Left Behind in black community; part of $1m spent on "video news releases" and may be illegal. [ USAT ]
•Commander in Iraq acknowledges insecurity on eve of vote. [ NYT ]
• Rumsfeldsends retired general on "open-ended" tour of Iraq to review entire situation. [ NYT ]
• Hastertsorting candidates to head ethics committee.Hefley: "They're going to do whatever they want to do." [ WP , LAT ]
• Ridgenotes lull in terror chatter; DHS releases National Response Plan. [ NYT , NYT , WT ]
•Internal CIA report blames top officials for failure to stop 9/11; sharp criticisms ofTenet, Pavitt. [ NYT ]
• Bushprods new puppy: "C'monBeazley, David Gregoryhas a question." Flack: "We will get her some media training." [ WP ]
• Specterhas a blast as chairman: "I have been in training for it my whole professional career." [ NYT ]