Today’s edition of quick hits.
* For many years, records identifying visitors to the White House were open to the public, inasmuch as they were subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Last year, the Bush gang quietly changed the rules — all entry and exit data on White House visitors belongs to the White House as presidential records rather than to the Secret Service as agency records. I’m starting to think the Bush gang is shy.
* Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.), after barely winning re-election in November, has become far more aggressive in her criticism of the war. Wilson said that half of the Al Qaeda members targeted in Iraq have been captured — and released. “We are operating a catch-and-release program for al Qaeda in Iraq — this is inexcusable,” Wilson said. She added, “Too often in the last three and a half years our goals in Iraq have been described in lofty and idealistic terms that go far beyond America’s vital national interests… but there is a difference between what we would wish for the Iraqi people and what we need for American security.”
* U.S. News: “Maybe it was wishful thinking by his foes or insiders looking to move up to a nicer office in the West Wing, but all those rumors that Karl Rove was planning to exit soon appear to be dead, killed by none other than King Karl himself.” Said one insider, “He sounds like he plans to be around working hard until they turn the lights out.”
* Freshman Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn.), instantly one of the chambers most conservative members, might want to take a look at her website. It claims she represents the 7th congressional district. She actually represents the 6th.
* Former DNC Chief Terry McAuliffe has a new book coming out in which he trashes John Kerry’s presidential campaign, calling it “one of the biggest acts of political malpractice in the history of American politics.” McAuliffe reportedly described the Kerry campaign as “gun-shy, distracted and incompetent.” Alright, Terry, tell us what you really think.
* It won’t be a particularly sweeping escalation if there are only 9,000 troops available for Bush’s new Iraq strategy.
* You know Bush has a problem when he’s lost Oliver North on the war.
* Right-wing CNN host Glenn Beck thinks “it might not be bad” if a hurricane were to “clean the streets out” in New York City. I wonder how long a liberal would last on the air if he or she said something similar about a Southern city.
* I have a strong hunch Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) is going to be my favorite member of the House this year.
* The president’s nominee to be the Ambassador to the United Nations, Zalmay Khalilzad, is a Muslim. What does infamous anti-Muslim bigot Virgil Goode (R-Va.) have to say about that? Not much.
* Rege raised a really good point earlier in comments about why it’s odd for Bush to tap a Navy Admiral to oversee land warfare in Iraq. Adding to the subject, here’s a good post on the subject. Here’s a hint: the answer may have something to do with Iran.
* And finally, last night, during a joint appearance at the White House before U.S. and German reporters, Bush once again praised German Chancellor Angela Merkel, adding, “No back rubs.” Good move, Mr. President.
If none of these particular items are of interest, consider this an end-of-the-day open thread.