Marilyn to JFK: 'Love or Let Me Die'
Warming Up To a Court Nominee
The long delay in starting confirmation hearings for John G. Roberts as chief justice of the United States hasn't hurt his name recognition. The Winston Group tells us its polls find that a stunning 81 percent know who he is, more than practically everybody in Congress. Why? Winston credits cable TV and the saturation coverage of Roberts's first, then second, nomination. What's more, the GOP polling group finds that the public is cool with his plans to avoid questions about issues he might face on the court. Finally, the public also believes that Roberts will put aside his personal views when interpreting the Constitution.
You're Protesting a Katrina Food Drive?
Oops, bad timing for anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan, we hear. In Batavia, Ill., last week, she and about 100 others protested at the office of House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who was in Washington. Not only were they met with counterprotests, but inside Hastert's office aides were organizing a food drive for Hurricane Katrina victims. They even gave Sheehan's group leaflets seeking contributions. "We hope they'll give something," said a Hastert aide.
Now Dems Grumble About Bush-Clinton
Some senior Democratic strategists are starting to sound like bitter Republicans when it comes to grumbling about President Bush 's teaming of his dad with Bill Clinton to raise Katrina aid. Republicans whined first when the tag team was formed after the tsunami. Their worry: Bush's move was helping to rehabilitate Clinton's image among his critics. Now Democrats believe Clinton's help on Katrina is a de facto endorsement of Bush's handling of the crisis. "It's killing us," said a consultant.
Even Under Fire It's A No-Whining Zone
Ever wonder why House Majority Leader Tom DeLay , seemingly always under fire, never frowns? Insiders say he has a strict rule on complaining: Don't! Even his coffee cup displays the word Whining crossed out.
Spellings Spins To Her Own iTunes
Sure, they're sometimes sneered at as stuffy and old-fashioned, but that doesn't mean Republicans can't ride a trend every once in a while. The latest: the iPod. It's hot, hot, hot now that President Bush has revealed he listens to country while mountain biking. The latest iPod-er: Education Secretary Margaret Spellings. It was a Mother's Day present from her daughters, we hear. The iPod mini is jammed with songs from the Police, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, and the Carpenters. "She loves it," says a pal, "for her power walks and spinning class." Not at work, we hope, especially since many schools ban them.
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