Paul — Thanks for your thoughtful and highly lucid response below, re Hastert. I was particularly disappointed in Cheney’s statements — from both the standpoint of its substance AND its politics. The LAST thing the White House needs to do is to associate itself with Hastert right now. That just inserts Bush and Cheney into a story they should be staying away from. They don’t have to actively work to oust Hastert, but fergoshsakes, they should just back off and let the chips fall where they may.

Meanwhile, for those in the DC area, the local Fox affiliate is gonna interview me in a few minutes, I guess for use on its 11 pm newscast, on the political ramifications of this whole sad case. Anybody who wants to watch, please do, and don’t hesitate to send in feedback tomorrow. Thanks.