Leadership in the debate on Iraq is a central criterion for the Democratic presidential nomination, far more important than how a candidate looks in the debates or how much money the campaign raises.

I can't tell what's more disgusting: Being lied to by Democrats about their supposed powerlessness, or having the GOP say the war must continue and American troops must continue getting killed.

Watch Basra. Because as goes Basra may go the entire Iraq debate in Washington.

Washington will be a very grumpy place this month. This week will be different from any September I can ever recall.

Bush desperately needs a budget director who will make him face the facts, not fan his fantasies. I am afraid Jim Nussle is not that person.