The Campaigns Behind the Campaigns

In a sign of "close tactical coordination with the White House" and "at a time when Sen John Kerry has surged ahead of Bush in the presidential popularity polls," Republican Senators planned a surprise debate on Iraq today. Majority Leader Bill Frist and Jon Kyl are leading the estimated six-hour rebuttal of Democratic criticisms. Bush-Cheney campaign officials also plan to meet "with Senate GOP press secretaries and speechwriters." According to The Hill, "many Republicans are incensed that Democratic lawmakers have used floor time scheduled for their so-called morning business remarks to attack the president." The GOP hopes to reframe national security issues and put pressure on Kerry for "flip-flopping on the war."