news flash?

McCain says Bush's numbers hurt GOP...

"I don't think there's any doubt that when the president's polling numbers are low that it harms the Republican Party in general, but I think that when it comes election time that the overwhelming majority of Americans will choose their candidate on the basis of that individual candidate's qualifications, vision and record," McCain said.

He says this as some of the GOP is shifting into recovery mode, distancing themselves from Bush just like last fall when the Dems capitalized on increasingly bad public opinion of the GOP majority. At least this time, the GOP isn't waiting until 6 weeks before the election to start treating Bush like a leper. Now that some of the House GOP are talking back to Bush, what will that mean?

The president "listened very carefully," Representative Ray LaHood (R-Illinois) said. "I don't know if surprised was the right word. I think maybe sobered. I don't know if he's gotten that kind of opinion before in such a frank and no holds barred way. He listened intently."

Are you telling me that Bush has never seen the Daily Show? Read the Onion? Possibly listened to someone outside of his immediate staff or rolled down the window on a drive through DC? How long was Cindy Sheehan camping in his driveway?

At the same time, a tidbit comes from Rep. Peter King out in Long Island.

"Members of Congress, whether in my party or the other party, who supported the war and are now turning against it because it's unpopular, that to me is disgraceful," said King. "If you can't take a political hit, then you can't send soldiers into war to take real bullets."

While lambasting the group of GOPers who sat with LaHood, he pointed out something that I hope truly sticks with him, and maybe some others: the concept of voting as you see fit, regardless of the "political hit." How often do you see that in this day of guarding your seat in the House or Senate where everyone wants to vote the popular way?