simply let Sen. Ashcroft speak for himself.

I think that from the president's point of view, Sen. Lott has addressed this issue. He has apologized for his statement, and the president understands that is the final word from Sen. Lott.

I would like to say to Sen. Ashcroft, if he is confirmed I wish him the very best,

a thankless job. . . . Always a flak-catching job.

My advice to the tea party freshmen: Slow the galloping horses to a trot. Big government was built over decades; it can't be dismantled in a year, especially when Democrats control the White House.

If you allow those who are the most vocal and most antagonistic to get a meeting with the president for fear that publicity will hurt you if you don't, you're creating incentives for your critics to become even more antagonistic and more vocal. Then, you're forever stuck in: Will you or won't you meet? You'll no longer lead. You'll just wrestle with meetings.