Daily Briefing: ‘The Art of Spending Time in Crawford’

• White House, worried about surprises, delays release of tens of thousands of documents related to Roberts. [WP]
• 9/11 commission members seek answers after revelation that some hijackers were under surveillance. Lehman: “I think this is a big deal. The issue is whether there was in fact surveillance before 9/11 of Atta and, if so, why weren’t we told about it? Who made the decision not to brief the commission’s staff or the commissioners?” [NYT]
• Bush uses dead of August to gain ground. Strategist: “They’ve really perfected the art of spending time in Crawford. They do a good job of driving the agenda every day they’re down there. They push the story and keep the people in the other party out of the news.” [WSJ]
• Recent speech by Roberts offers indication of his political orientation. [LAT]
• Roberts is quizzed by Wyden about end-of-life care. Wyden: “His answer was, ‘I am concerned with judicial independence. Congress can prescribe standards, but when Congress starts to act like a court and prescribe particular remedies in particular cases, Congress has overstepped its bounds.’” [NYT]

• Democrats intend to play offense with congressional seats; DCCC will support opponents to 50 Republican-held seats. [LAT]
• Cultural issues provide advantage for the GOP, reports Democracy Corps study. [WP]
• Majority of Americans surveyed by Gallup believe bin Laden is orchestrating a domestic attack. [USAT]
• Bush says Iran’s offer to negotiate is a “positive sign.” [WP, USAT]
• Chertoff defends DHS on privacy issues. [USAT]
• Medicare premiums will be about $5 less than expected. [NYT]
• Advocacy groups petition for election reform in Ohio. [NYT]

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