* “Hundreds” of journalists from “top papers” happy to forsake journalism to begin capricious motherfucker apprenticeship with Bob Woodward. [Boston Herald]
* Tim Johnson to steal from Strom Thurmond’s playbook and have, “epoxy and polyurethane to prevent his skin from drooping off his skull ,” before allowing a Republican replacement. [Rude Pundit]
* A couple years of governing Massachusetts has made Mitt Romney hate the gays. Actually, just being Mitt Romney has made Mitt Romney hate the gays. [Andrew Sullivan]
* Budding online romance sends Malkin to Iraq., finally [Michelle Malkin]
* Democrats use powerful new media tools to strong political advantage. [Democrats.org]
* Louisiana banker tries sneaky The Price Is Right bidding technique to land a dinner date with Katrina fuck-up Kathleen Blanco for only $1. [AP]

President Bush spent part of today in New Orleans, providing some delightful strawberry sensibilities to go along with his photo-op companions, Governor Vanilla and Mayor McChocolate. MORE »

* Video shows Bush was warned about the potential for a levee breach, despite denials after the fact: “Was the president misinformed, misspoken or misleading?” [WP, USAT]
* Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco hesitantly told Bush that the levees were safe on the morning of Aug. 29th. [AP]
* U.S. and India announce deal for nuclear cooperation, for energy and weapons; “new plan would allow India enough fissile material for as many as 50 weapons a year.” [WP, NYT, W$J]
* Senate passes renewal of the Patriot Act by vote of 89 to 10. [NYT]
* 54% disapprove of Bush’s handling of the war on terrorism and 64% say the country is on the wrong track, according to LAT-Bloomberg poll; findings echo new Gallup poll. [LAT, Bloomberg, USAT]
* Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee,vows to stop Dubai port deal. [WP, W$J]

MORE »

• Reliable Source: Advisors to Kathleen Babineaux Blanco had their own concerns about the Louisiana governor’s wardrobe during the Katrina aftermath. . . Bush twins spotted “in fancy tops and jeans, dining on sushi, scallops and sea bass at Oya with eight other gals” on Friday night. . . Clay Aiken checked into the Madison Hotel under the name Jimmy Carter. . . Dr. Phil seen at Georgetown Haagen-Dazs. [WP]
• Under the Dome: House debate turns disorderly. . . Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) celebrates 50 years in Congress today. . . Michael Chertoff sees “Syriana” in Georgetown. [The Hill]
• Lloyd Grove’s Lowdown: John Kerry wines and dines about three dozen former campaign staffers. Chris Heinz, meanwhile, may run for Congress. [NYDN]
• Fox 411: Al Gore hosts screening of Tommy Lee Jones‘ new film, recalls reading the Bible with former college roommate. [Fox News]

• McCain intends to remain steadfast with his effort to ban torture of detainees. [WP]
• Condoleezza Rice, visiting Europe, “plans to come out swinging” on the issue of secret prisons, “shifting the focus back to the responsibilities of Europe