Cindy Sheehan had one glorious shining moment and she took advantage of it and the peace movement took advantage of her as it created the attention that the movement hadn't had previously.

A big, bipartisan vote sends a message to the Iraqis and the White House. It's very, very significant.

There's no question it's a new strategy. Coming to Charlotte, as well as going to Cleveland, is not what used to be known as a 'Rose Garden strategy.' It's not to jolly people up. It's an attempt to ... keep Americans behind him -- and patient.

We're getting some conservatives letting off steam at the moment,

Even in this context, I am not going to get too uptight about it. When (officials such as Griffin) make statements that can be interpreted as political statements, the government should not be underwriting it. You just caught the fellow with a little egg on his vest, looking untidy.

In a strange way, the issue is not as salient, as important or resonates on Main Street as much as politicians or legislators think it does. The reason is simple ? Main Street already thinks politicians are taking favors from lobbyists.