Washington Whispers
Up Politics Creek With a Paddle
Don't laugh, but a loaner training kayak in the pool of the House of Representatives gym made the difference in President Bush's House victory for a pork-busting line-item veto. "That's spot on," says Colorado Rep. Mark Udall, who helped talk 34 other Democrats into backing the measure 247 to 172. It now faces Senate action. Say outdoor enthusiasts Udall and former Rep. Rob Portman, now Bush's budget director: It was their passion for kayaking and Portman's loaner to the gym that led to their friendship and eventual pairing to seek passage of the line-item veto. "It's an icebreaker," Republican Portman says of kayaking, "something you can talk about."
And more. Both say that practicing together in the House pool built a trust uncommon in politics. "You can develop relationships through that," says Portman, a former Ohio lawmaker. "I trust Mark, he trusts me, because we've gotten to know each other through the outdoors," adds Portman, who's kayaked thousands of miles since he built his first boat out of fiberglass in college. "It's a shared experience of what it takes to stay calm, not overreacting," says Udall, who says: "It applies in the human world, too." If only Portman could find a kayaking senator to help there. Ironically, the duo has never really paddled anywhere together. "We talk about it a lot," says Portman. "That's more fun than going on the trip."
Animal House in the West Wing
He loves to cuss, gets a jolly when a mountain biker wipes out trying to keep up with him, and now we're learning that the first frat boy loves flatulence jokes. A top insider let that slip when explaining why President Bush is paranoid around women, always worried about his behavior. But he's still a funny, earthy guy who, for example, can't get enough of fart jokes. He's also known to cut a few for laughs, especially when greeting new young aides, but forget about getting people to gas about that.
Spy Mom's Sale: Discount Tights
She might be the most famous ex-spy in America, but Valerie Plame is still a mom stuck with mommy duties. Like taking her daughter to ballet and trying to sell off the cute dancing ensemble that doesn't fit anymore. We know because her ad showed up on the DC Urban Moms site last week offering a complete outfit in "soft lemon yellow" from the exclusive "Ballet Petite" school in her neighborhood. It includes a size 5/6 Repetto bodysuit, matching chiffon yellow tie-shirt, kids size 12 pink ballet shoes, and white leotards. "All in excellent condition! If bought separately, would easily cost $75; selling for $45." Naturally, when we contacted her she was a bit cautious, having just sued the veep and others for blowing her cover in the Iraq weapons case. She did, however, stay on focus. "I guess my only comment is: Do you want to buy the Ballet Petite outfit or know someone who does?" she E-mails. "My 6-year-old daughter has outgrown it."
It's Gingrich's to Lose in 2008
Sorry, Hillary. And Big John, you might have missed your chance in 2000. That's because a new and innovative poll from John Zogby about 2008 presidential candidates finds former Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich way out front of fellow GOP-ers like Sen. John McCain and also finds moderates like former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner far ahead of libs like Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Here's the unusual thing about the Zogby poll released to Whispers: When questioning likely primary voters, only brief biographies and rÃÂésumÃÂés-not names-were given. In other words, voters picked the one with the best experience. Without her name recognition working for her, Clinton came in a miserable sixth out of 10. "It looks like the Democrats want to grab the middle," says Zogby, who says outside-the-beltway Democrats lean moderate. Surprises on the GOP side: Harsh immigration critic Rep. Tom Tancredo ranks fourth, showing the power of the anti-immigrant issue. Is the poll important? Big time. In 1999, Zogby's "blind bios" poll identified "maverick" McCain as a very attractive candidate in primary states long before he almost knocked off George W. Bush. The Democratic order and percentage: Warner, 14.8; retired Gen. Wesley Clark, 14.2; Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold, 12.2; Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, 11.1; former Sen. John Edwards, 10.4; Clinton, 5.6; New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, 5.3; former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel, 4.9; Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, 4.9; Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, 3; Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, 2.8. The GOP rankings: Gingrich, 21.4; McCain, 13.3; former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, 11.2; Tancredo, 9.9; Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, 6.1; Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, 5.8; Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, 5.6; Virginia Sen. George Allen, 4.9; Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback,4.3; Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, 3.8; New York Gov. George Pataki, 2.8.
One Victory Path for Joe Lieberman
He lost his primary to Democrat Ned Lamont, but Washington's buzzing about how Sen. Joe Lieberman can win as an independent. The secret: Bush and Jewish voters. The Bush angle: White House officials believe that 30 percent to 40 percent of Constitution State GOP-ers will back Joe because he's stuck with Bush on the war and also since the administration isn't backing the Republican in the race. The Jewish angle: Some Jewish leaders are miffed that many Democrats angry with Bush abandoned Lieberman, a devout Jew who's a huge supporter of Israel.
More Ben Bradlee Than Hemingway
It's obvious sometimes that President Bush has, well, trouble with words. And that makes him a tough editor, says his former speechwriter. Mike Gerson reveals that the prez is "actually a good, aggressive editor" who demands active speech and little back and forth. Speeches, says Gerson, "have to go from one point forward." Bush also likes his big speeches prepared early. "He wants an early outline," says Gerson. "He wants to give it some thought." And practice. Bush likes to read and reread teleprompter speeches "just for how things sound in the ear."
This story appears in the August 28, 2006 print edition of U.S. News & World Report.