Daily Briefing: What Makes Miers Blush
• Judith Millerrecalls June 23, 2003 conversation with"Scooter" LibbyaboutJoseph Wilsonduring her last day of testimony in the leak investigation; contempt-of-court threat is lifted. Attorneys believePatrick Fitzgerald"is looking into a broad conspiracy charge against a group of administration officials or into charging one or more officials with easier-to-prove crimes such as disclosing classified material, making false statements or perjury." [ WP , WSJ , NYT ]
•NBC/WSJ poll: 27% supportMierswhile 51% don't know enough to venture an opinion; approval ofBushrests at 39% and only 28% of Americans believe the country is heading in the right direction -- a ten year low. [ WSJ ]
•SEC subpoenasFristfor personal documents related to sale of health care stock; he is expected to testify under oath. [ WP , NYT , WSJ ]
• Bushdefends use of religion to sellMiers: "[P]art ofHarriet Miers's life is her religion."Alberto Gonzales: "I believe that she is pro-life." [ WP , NYT , WT , USAT ]
•Democrats are hopeful about their political opportunities in 2006.Charlie Cook: "Right now, if I had to bet would the Democrats take the House and Senate back, I'd say no. But are the odds a heck of a lot better than they were three months ago or six months ago? Heck, yes." [ NYT ]
•Study finds theBushadministration "apparently paid little or no attention" to the CIA's prewar assessments of Iraq. [ NYT ]
• Miers"has wielded formidable power with fairness and attention to detail -- but rarely was a strong voice in policy decisions the administration has faced."Margaret Spellings: "She blushes when the rest of us got a little raunchy." [ WP ]
•White House plan puts the CIA in command of overseas intelligence gathering and creates National Clandestine Service managed byPorter Goss. [ WP ]
• Rice, in Afghanistan, remains optimistic despite uptick in violence; 84 Americans have died there this year. [ NYT ]
•Amtrak board approves spin-off of Northeast Corridor service; Congress has final say. [ NYT ]
•Christian Coalition scales back; budget falls to $1.3m. [ WT ]