Election Recycling: My Support Was Willing

 
 •ABC-WP Poll: Bushregisters gains across domestic and foreign issues, leadsKerry48 to 43;Bush'sapproval rating steady;Kerryslips in character issues; concern about terrorism and disapproval of Iraq war increases; two in three say casualty rate is unacceptable; 57 percent say country is on the "wrong track." [ WP ]

• PowellonWoodwardbook: "My support was willing and it was complete, no matter how others might try to impose their policy wishes on my body. . . It was an opportunity to help him write a history, a contemporary history of this period. It was no secret that all of us were encouraged to talk toMr. Woodward.In my case, it was just a couple of phone calls." [ WP ]

•Woodward: Cheneypushed Iraq from the beginning, celebrated when war was decided;PowellandBushare uncomfortable together, and competitive; tensions boil betweenCheneyandPowell.[ WP ]

• Powellmay helpKerryamong moderate Republicans and independents;Kristol: "It's never good if the guy running against you is quoting your own secretary of state." [WSJ ]

• Kerry: "Now, if this sounds wrong to you, that's because it is fundamentally wrong, and if [it's] true that gas supplies and prices in America are tied to the American election. . . that is outrageous and unacceptable. It is my prayer that Americans are not being held hostage by a secret deal between the White House and a Saudi prince." Campaign begins new ads to rally supporters. [WP and NYT ]

• BushnamesNegroponteas ambassador to Iraq. [ WP ]

• Bushofficials deny funds were diverted to Iraq;Pelosicries foul. [ NYT ]

• Bushwants Patriot Act made permanent: "The Patriot Act makes it able for those of us in positions of responsibility to defend the liberty of the American people. It's essential law." [ WP and LAT ]

• Kerryplans to attackBushon the environment; Gallop poll shows little concern. [ NYT and WT ]

•Liberal 527s raise over $20 million in Q1; the Media Fund begins running ad on healthcare. [ LAT and LAT ]

• Ridgesays threats will result in tight security for elections and conventions. [ LAT ]

• BushandSpecterjoin hands for re-election. [ NYT ]

•New finance rules put greater demand on lobbyists. [ NYT ]

•White House is rarely a news source. [ WP ]

• Bushplans to expand eligibility for overtime pay. [ WP ]

•Conservatives urge bishops to penalizeKerryfor pro-choice stance. [ NYT ]

•Consultants use M.R.I.s to test reactions to political messages. [ NYT ]

• Naderpleas for anti-war vote, asks for troop withdrawal, namesBusha "messianic militarist." [ NYT and LAT ]

[Who loves ya, babe? AP Photo/Ron Edmonds ]