Having "held the fewest solo news conferences of any president since records were kept" - 15 so far - may be hurting George Bush in the debates.

Australia's October 9 national election might sound familiar to Americans -- the two major party candidates are running neck and neck, Iraq is a major issue, and U.S. political consultants are shaping the campaigns. "Campaign operatives from across the spectrum of Australian politics head to Washington every year to learn how to manage budgets, articulate messages, and develop poll-driven communication strategies.

Jim Lacey, a correspondent who has written for Time Magazine and the National Review