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Offers news briefs related to United States politics. Preparations by various members of Congress to vote against items on the agenda of U.S. President George W. Bush in response to looming military base closings; Critique of the Bush administration's foreign policy from Richard Haass, former director of policy planning at the State Department; Change in terminology relating to the war on terror from "global war on terror" to "war against Islamic extremism."

Offers political quotations. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton on calling Democrats to stop being wimps; Reaction of Christine DeLay, wife of Tom Delay, when he suggested running for office; Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on squash balls; Others.

Discusses United States Vice President Dick Cheney's desire to keep a relatively low profile in President George W. Bush's second term. Role of being Bush's number one advisor in private; Use of Cheney in the promotion of Social Security restructuring; Appeal of Cheney to elderly voters; Significance of using Cheney as a sign of the trouble Bush's Social Security plan is in.

Focuses on U.S. President George W. Bush's appointment of John Negroponte to the director of national intelligence. Negroponte's most recent service, acting as the American envoy to Baghdad where he ran the U.S. State Department's largest diplomatic mission; Need for Negroponte to get the U.S.'s 15 intelligence agencies to work together and share secrets in order to avoid mishaps that lead to the September 11 attacks and the Iraq war; Details of Negroponte's history in the State Department, having served as ambassador to Honduras, Mexico and the Philippines, and representative to the United Nations.

Reports on possible story lines for Jimmy Orr's next installment of "Barney Cam," a White House web site story based on U.S. President George W. Bush's dog, Barney. Three year tenure of Orr, during which he increased White House web site hits from one million to twenty million; Comments from Orr on the benefits of an interactive White House web site.

Reports on the release of videotape on the television network al Jazeera that features Osama bin Laden. Description of bin Laden as he appears on the video; Comments by bin Laden concerning the American people; View that the comments have not changed over the years; Fears that the video contains secret messages to terrorists; Responsibility taken by bin Laden for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Reports that Bush-Cheney campaign insiders have revealed that the performance of the twin daughters of George W. Bush at the Republican National Convention was a hit among young voters, woman, and even fathers of 20-somethings. Appeal of their language, clothes, and cultural references; Initial criticism by some of the political press.

Discusses American Bandstand's Dick Clark's view on whether celebrities should use their status to campaign for political causes. Disapproval of Linda Ronstadt's surprise political message at a recent Las Vegas show because the audience came for the concert and not for a speech; Approval of Bruce Springsteen's scheduled tour to oust George W. Bush because the tour is advertised as a political event; Refusal to engage in politics himself.

Profiles George Tenet, the former director of central intelligence in the United States. Reasons for his resignation; His response to criticism of his leadership and operations; Quotes; Successes and failures.

Observes a Web site dedicated to evaluating the physical attractiveness of members of the Federal Judiciary. Details of what is found on underneaththeirrobes.blogs.com; List of judges on the website; Reactions of members of the judiciary; How the Web site's founder is anonymous.

Reports on the predicted 17-year plague of cicadas which has not materialised in Washington, D.C. to the extent feared. Comments from White House horticulturist Dale Haney; How the cicadas are worse at Andrews Air Force Base which is the home of Air Force One.

Presents tips from George Stefanopoulos, former adviser to President Bill Clinton, on what to look for in this year's presidential race. Observation that political divisions continue to play a role; Prediction that national security and terrorism will be the top issues, followed by health care; Advice to take strong positions on Iraq; Reminder that history does not always repeat itself; Importance of the Catholic vote; Importance of winning Ohio.

Describes independent U.S. presidential candidate Ralph Nader's method of keeping abreast of the news. Report that Nader spends part of his day at his desk cutting up investigative reports on subjects that interest him and arranging the clippings into patterns; Comments by Nader on why he does this; Advice from Nader to journalists that they should try this method to avoid forgetting what they have already reported.

Presents quotes drawn from the previous week's news. Comment by Minnesota Republican Party chairman, Ron Eibensteiner, on comedian Al Franken's announcement that he is running for Senate in the state; Comment by former U.S. President Bill Clinton on writing his memoir; Comment by former Vice President Al Gore on running for office; More.

Reports on an attempt to rate the effectiveness of campaign ads for presidential candidates John Kerry and George W. Bush. Report that, according to political ad expert Frank Luntz, focus groups preferred Kerry's sound bites and his ads overall; Speculation by Luntz that Bush may still have the advantage because he is nicking away at Kerry's credibility.

Focuses on the role of the United States national security advisor position in relation to the President. Way that the security advisor is allowed to tell the president that he his wrong; Personal relationship between U.S. President George W. Bush and his security advisor Condoleezza Rice.

Reports on the connection between high gas prices and the upcoming presidential campaign. Accusation by John Kerry that George W. Bush is to blame; Accusation by Bush that Kerry wanted a 50 cent price e hike in the 1990's.

Reports on the conflicts faced by Republican political consultant Mary Matalin in writing her new book, "Letters to My Daughters." Comment by Matalin on her daughters' views of her political differences with their father, Democratic consultant James Carville; Comment by Matalin that both she and Carville--who stuck with former President Bill Clinton through the Monica Lewinsky affair--share their belief in loyalty.

Reports that the producers of a new TV show, "D.H.S., the series," are getting advice from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. Comments by "D.H.S." star Alison Heruth-Waterbury on her meeting with the real DHS; Details of the show's subject matter; Report that CBS is considering the show for the fall; Report that President George W. Bush and DHS Secretary Tom Ridge are featured in the show's trailer.

Presents a profile of former U.S. counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke, who has generated controversy with his new book, "Against All Enemies." Criticisms of Clarke made by members of the Bush administration; Details of Clarke's political affiliations; Background on Clarke's childhood, education and career as an intelligence official in the State Department; Details of Clarke's service in the National Security Council; Observations about Clarke's working habits and personality.

Claims that U.S. presidential candidate John Kerry plans to fend off criticism from Republicans by boasting that Vice President Dick Cheney as Pentagon boss made the same kinds of spending cuts and reforms Kerry voted for as a senator, but that are now being called unpatriotic. Refutation of Kerry's comparison between his votes to cut defense funding and Cheney's policies by a White House spokesman; Speculation that Kerry will use retired Gen. Wesley Clark and ex-ambassador Joe Wilson to argue his case.

Focuses on U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow, who travels by train from Washington D.C. to New York (N.Y.). Comparison of the time needed to travel to the airport and fly to N.Y. with the time it takes to travel by Amtrak's Acela Express train; Comments from spokesman Rob Nichols regarding the secretary's travels on the train; How Snow passes time during the trip to N.Y. where he meets monthly with Wall Street executives.

Reports that the first-ever Congressional French Caucus was formally inaugurated, thanks to the efforts of French diplomat Jean-David Levitte. Focus on international relations; Comments of caucus cochairman Representative Amo Houghton; Celebration of the 52-member caucus; End of Congress' anti-France campaign for refusing to help in the Iraq War.

Reports that U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay is pushing a reform on so-called pork projects. DeLay's attitude regarding a freeze on non-defense spending; Comments of DeLay.

Mentions George Tenet, in light of his wife, Stephanie Glakas-Tenet, talking about him while promoting the books, "Dare to Repair" and "Dare to Repair Your Car". The reason he was at the Washington Auto Show on New Year's Day; The vehicle he tested at the exhibition; Suggestion that Tenet sometimes drives himself to work.

Discusses presidential candidate Dick Gephardt's fondness for baking pies. Strategy of baking pies in his campaign against U.S. President George W. Bush; Focus on pies in Gephardt's Web site; Comments of Gephardt; Suggestions for what to drink with pies.

Discusses how Attorney General John Ashcroft is proposing legislation that would take away the authority of the U.S. government to investigate bombings from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). How all bombings cases will be handled by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under the new laws; Consideration of the difference between criminal and terrorist acts; Role of the ATF in the investigation of bombings that occur in the U.S. annually.

Profiles John Snow, former CSX boss and current treasury secretary, and how he travels commercial coach when flying. First-class treatment while flying commercial coach; Airline he usually flies; Special arrangements for safety sake; Number of times he has traveled via private military jet.

Offers a look at international relations between the U.S. President George W. Bush administration and the Saudi government. Refusal of Bush to declassify pages of a congressional report on the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that detail Saudi involvement in the hijackings; Comments made by the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Saud Faisal; Funding of terrorist groups provided by Saudi organizations.

Discusses U.S. President George W. Bush's relationship with the White House press corps. Press conference in the Rose Garden; Encounter that was planned by Bush and his senior aides, including press secretary Scott McClellan; Team that decided in advance which journalists Bush would call on; Notice that journalists were given; Ploy to prevent journalists from preparing their questions too carefully.

Reports that U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman has approved a deal with the Humane Society to save dogs and cats in the event of future terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Concerns about biological agents that target livestock and pets left homeless after a disaster or attack; Plan for the Department of Agriculture and the Humane Society to launch animal disaster response teams when needed; Declaration that June is National Disaster Preparedness Month for Animals.

Examines what role Saudi Arabian officials played in the planning of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Belief of some members of the U.S. House and the Senate intelligence committees that officials in the Saudi government were involved; Discovery that money from a bank account of the wife of the Saudi ambassador to Washington, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, supported two hijackers; Reports that Saudi charities and members of the royal family have funneled money to terrorists; Sketchy and inconclusive nature of the information about Saudi involvement; Efforts of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Central Intelligence Agency to press the congressional panel not to include classified intelligence on the Saudis in their reports because the information is inadequate; Acknowledgement by Saudi Embassy spokesman Nail al-Jubeir that the Saudis paid the legal fees for Saudi-born citizens who were detained by U.S. law enforcement agencies investigating the attacks.

Mentions that the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush is considering appointing a civilian 'superboss' to oversee the rebuilding program in Iraq. Expectation that the post would be headquartered in Baghdad; Disagreement between the U.S. State Department and the Pentagon over who is in charge in the rebuilding program; Role of Lt. Gen. Jay Garner in the rebuilding.

Mentions that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter offered advice to U.S. President George W. Bush about fishing holes near Camp David, Maryland. Recommendations from Carter about Hunting Creek.

Discusses the role of China in persuading North Korea to negotiate with the U.S. regarding its nuclear weapons programs. Fears of an Asian arms race by the Chinese; Diplomatic moves by China; Delivery of a message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Il at his vacation home; Factors that may have influenced Kim's decision to accept the talks in Beijing, China.

Reports on efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency to work together in fighting al Qaeda after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. Congressional investigation of the two agencies for possible intelligence failures preceding the attack due to lack of cooperation in sharing information; Discussion of the agencies' divergent cultures and how their missions clash.

Focuses on the outlook for the Democratic National Convention to be held in New York, N.Y. Opposition to the idea by party head Terry McAuliffe; Republican leadership of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Need for money in New York.

Discusses the primary contest for re-election between John Dingell and Lynn Rivers. Service of Dingell in the U.S. Congress; Outlook for Democrat leadership and the replacement of Dick Gephardt as party leader.

Focuses on New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Accusations against her by the Family Research Council and other groups; Her efforts to avoid attention to stop talk of a 2004 presidential bid; The power that her name holds.

Discusses the outlook for the capture of terrorists in the United States, in light of the arrest of Jose Padilla. Idea that Padilla was planning to detonate a bomb in the U.S.; Connection of Padilla with the al-Qaeda terrorist network; Outlook for American terrorists in the U.S.

Discusses allegations by U.S. Representative Dan Burton that Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh was tied to Islamic terrorists. Barton's investigation of the alleged link; Reaction to his suspicions.

Focuses on U.S. Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge. His views on paranoia about terrorist attacks following September 11; Why he feels safe in his home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; His thoughts on classroom atomic bomb tests of the 1950s.

Discusses the attitude of United States President George W. Bush, specifically his view on shouting and anger. Idea that shouting is not tolerated in the White House; Comparison of Bush to former presidents, including his father George Bush.

Discusses the politics of United States President George W. Bush. Popularity of Bush; Comparison of the policies of Bush to traditional Republican actions; Outlook for the Republican party.

Discusses the outlook for the journey of British Prime Minister Tony Blair to the Texas ranch of United States President George W. Bush. Topics to be discussed by the leaders, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; Mention of the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the ranch.

Focuses on the outlook for the legacy of United States President George W. Bush's presidency. Indication that his response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S. are his benchmark issue in American foreign policy; How the legacy will be used for domestic politicking.

Discusses how there is no formal way for ex-presidents of the United States to make use of their skills and experiences. Views of former president Bill Clinton; How each of the five living ex-presidents are handling their post-presidential years; Comments of former president George H. W. Bush regarding discussing policy with his son, President George W. Bush.

Reports on intelligence received by United States investigators regarding the al Qaeda terrorist network in Afghanistan. Information yielded from Afghan caves, safe houses, and training centers; Efforts of the U.S. Justice Department to avert more suicide missions through the release of al Qaeda videotapes and other tips; Discussion of what was found in the bombed-out home of al Qaeda's later military head, Mohammed Atef.

Focuses on Joe Allbaugh, head of the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency. His management style; His desire to do the job and not worry about his image or the press.

Focuses on civil rights leader Al Sharpton. His announcement that he will run for the United States presidency; Revelation that his National Action Network has been sued by the Millennium Hotel in New York City; Brief information on the suit.