Speculating on President Bush's Lame-Duck Status

by David Greene, NPR

The White House has been in a lot of headlines this week, from the "Scooter" Libby trial to the Senate debate over President Bush's Iraq policy. But Mr. Bush himself wasn't producing many headlines, with a single public event over the past few days.

That has led to speculation that the president is adjusting to his status as a lame duck, a label he said he'd never tolerate.

The Bush administration is in fact far from over. But these days, a visit to the area where White House reporters do their work brings an unusual scene: one of comparative quiet. Reporters are heading out on the campaign trail for 2008, or putting more focus on Capitol Hill.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, February 8, 2007