Bush could be badly bruised by revolt in the White House

[cal04]

(looks to me like he already has some bruises)

What is going on behind the building works that shroud Washington's most famous address? Weighing up the mood of the White House is the most standard of diversions for the city's elite.

But for Republicans it is no longer a matter for dinner party chat. President George W Bush prides himself on his corporate managerial approach to leadership. Yet some of his Republican "shareholders" are close to revolt. He took office with a pledge of unity. Yet venomous leaks are skewering his administration's record with deadly effect.

White House aides and Bush campaign staff of course dismiss talk of panic. But it is no longer just Democrats who say that if Mr Bush does not reassert control soon he will jeopardise not just the mission in Iraq but also his re-election campaign.

You know there is trouble in a campaign when the candidate's wife is wheeled out on prime time television. Remember Hillary Clinton in 1992, with her "Stand by your man" act, when Bill's candidacy seemed doomed by his latest injudicious affair?

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