Daily Briefing: Talking Foes Over Pho

*President Bushmet yesterday with members of the Iraq study panel, said they have "interesting ideas." [ WP , NYT ]

* Nagging corruption allegations againstJohn Murthacreate questions aboutNancy Pelosi'ssupport for him as majority leader. [ WP , NYT ]

*President Bushbegins trip to Asia today, will meet with Russia and China about best bullying tactics for Iran, Syria, and North Korea. [ WSJ ]

* The House's failure to pass a bill normalizing trade relations with Vietnam seen as an embarrassment to Bush before his arrival in Hanoi. [ NYT ]

*Rudy Giulianisets up presidential exploratory committee. [ NYT ]

* Florida SenatorMel Martinezto become RNC figurehead whenKen Mehlmansteps down in January to spend more time with his leather pants. [   ,NYT ]

* Freshman lawmakers remarkably similar to freshman college students in giddy excitement, cluelessness. [ WP , USAT ]