Daily Briefing: The Thaw Has Begun Edition

• Bush: "The chances of democratic progress in the broader Middle East have seemed frozen in place for decades. Yet, at last, clearly and suddenly, the thaw has begun." EvenKennedygives him credit. [ WP , WSJ , NYT , USAT , WT , WT ]

• Graham(R-S.C.) says Republicans "made a strategic mistake" by highlighting private accounts: "It's always been a sideshow, but we sold it as the main event." [ WP ]

•Bankruptcy bill could pass today;Schumer's amendment defeated. [ WP , WSJ , NYT , WT ]

•Tax cuts tied to spending cuts in new fiscal plan proposed by budget committees.Gregg: "I think we've reached a very reasonable approach." [ WP ]

• Boltonlikely to be confirmed. [ NYT ]

• Bushthinks the "world is beginning to see a different impression of America" with tsunami aid. [ WP ]

• Clintonwill undergo elective surgery to remove fluid from lung. [ WP , NYT , NYT , WSJ ]

•Republicans ready to push ANWR plan through filibuster-free zone. [ NYT ]

•GOP creates grass-roots momentum for judicial picks. [ NYT ]

•Opposing advocacy ads about Social Security indicate escalating public relations conflict. [ LAT ]

• Gonzaleshonored by nation's largest Hispanic civil rights organization: "We want to make sure that people understand that we are reaching out to this administration." [ WP ]

• McCainconcerned about effect of 527s on state and local races. [ NYT ]

•Group asksLaurato hire female chef. [ NYT ]