Famous for its ability to treat stains quickly, the Bush Administration has been unable to get its justification for invading Iraq to come out clean. Although the White (House) Washing Machines have been running overtime, the story continues to build a larger load of seemingly permanent press attention. (Even the Democratic candidates, who up to now have been regarded as fluff, sense Bush can be taken to the cleaners on this.) Given his track record, the President will most likely find a way to bleach the story out of the immediate news cycle. The situation threatens to create a much larger spot, however. If the Bush Presidency cannot cleanly refold it's motive for war, the mess threatens to permanently fray the fabric of Bush's credibility. With an indelicate nine point fade in opinion polls this week, its possible a permanent crease has already begun to emerge.
