Senate GOP Thinks 'Slow Bleed' Attack Theme Is Working

Having pushed into the media their "slow bleed" description of the Democrats' bid to limit funding for the war in Iraq, Republicans are now planning to add other themes to help block efforts to constrain President Bush's management of the war.

"In our messaging you're going to see a funding angle still, and we're beginning to see the 'micromanaging' term come into play more," said a Senate GOP aide working on the PR campaign. "If they go the route they've been rumored to be going and attempt to restrict our troops' ability to engage those who are shooting at them, there'll be a real price to pay."

One theme, added the insider, will be to have senators raise questions about how the troops are supposed to determine whether they are being attacked by al Qaeda or not. That's directed at one Democratic bid to have the troops chase down only troops loyal to Osama bin Laden.

By Paul Bedard