Washington Whispers
Pollster to GOP: Shut Up and Leave
New midterm election polling shows that the Republicans ought to adopt the Las Vegas motto with a slight change to: "What happens in Washington, stays there." That's because the few voters-just 29 percent-who are paying attention to the GOP message hate it. A majority-53 percent-of those who've seen, read, or heard about Republican initiatives tell Fabrizio, McLaughlin & Associates that they are less likely to vote Republican. Even fewer Democrats are paying attention, but those who do are more likely to vote D. Tony Fabrizio has the answer for Republicans: Go home and stop bragging on GOP initiatives. "What they think is helping them is actually hurting them," he says.
Setting a Record With TV 'Gets'
We watch cable TV so you don't have to, but the truth is that CNN's Wolf Blitzer has nailed so many star newsmakers lately that we haven't had a chance to watch his competitors. "Oh yes, Wolf is hot and having fun," says a CNN exec. How hot? In just the past three weeks, his daily Situation Room and Sunday Late Edition have featured key senators, foreign leaders, President Bush, Secretary of State Condi Rice, and Central Command Gen. John Abizaid. And it was Blitzer whom Sen. George Allen tearfully told of his mother revealing her Jewish heritage then swearing him to secrecy. Why Wolf? Aides to some of those "gets" say he's about as fair as they come.
Age Takes the Edge Off George's Hooch
It's had some three years to age, and the master distillers who've re-created the first president's rye whiskey are hoping for the best this week when they pour a few wee drams at the official dedication of Mount Vernon's George Washington Distillery. "It's aged a while," says a spokesman for the Distilled Spirits Council, "so it's going to be pretty good." This isn't a goof: Prince Andrew will cut the ribbon at the September 27 dedication, and little bottles of the GW rye will be auctioned off. Why Andrew? It was actually a Scottish farm manager at Mount Vernon who suggested building GW's distillery, once one of the largest in America. Andrew will talk about the Scottish roots. As for the taste, it ought to be smoother than the original: GW didn't age his 'shine.
With Will Sullivan
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