Daily Briefing: What Is All This That the Politicians Are Arguing About?
•Deficit for 2005 estimated at $427b; could go higher with Social Security overhaul. [ WP , NYT , WSJ ]
• Bushworks to quell skepticism about Social Security plans among Republican lawmakers; details expected at SOTU.Warner: "We don't have at this point what I call an unbiased, analytical piece that the average Joe can pick up and say 'What is all this that the politicians are arguing about?'" [ WP , NYT ]
•Democratic Senators make debate onRiceabout handling of Iraq; she is likely to be first secretary of State since 1981 not to have unanimous support.Byrd: "The Senate's role of advice and consent to presidential nominations is not a ceremonial exercise." [ WP , WP , LAT , NYT ]
•Syndicated columnistMaggie Gallagherreceived $21,500 from HHS to promote president's policies. [ WP ]
•Pollsters warn House Republicans of voter backlash over Social Security. [ WSJ ]
• Bushmeets with black leaders to explain benefits of agenda. [ WP , NYT ]
• Dean, seeking party chairmanship, unveils list of endorsements. [ WP ]
•MoveOn will make state-by-state endorsements for DNC chair. [ LAT ]
• Moynihanfamily disturbed by frequent use of name byBushin Social Security discussions. [ NYT ]
•Conservatives groups disappointed there is little momentum for marriage amendment. [ WT ]
• Spellingsdenounces PBS cartoon with lesbian characters. [ NYT ]
•New York State Republican Party will askGiulianito challengeClinton; he has no interest. [ NYT ]
• Hillarymoves to the middle on values issues. [ WT ]