Washington Wrap
Dotty Lynch, Douglas Kiker, Steve Chaggaris, Clothilde Ewing and Smita Kalokhe of The CBS News Political Unit have the latest from the nation's capital.
Blacking Out The Recall: President Bush waited five hours to talk to reporters about the massive blackout on Thursday night. Campaigning near San Diego, the president spoke for about six minutes, telling the nation the power problems were not terror-related. One thing he did not address, however, was the upcoming gubernatorial recall election the state.
Mr. Bush, who raised $1 million for his campaign, did not appear with any of the 135 candidates for governor. In fact, his only reference to the recall was a comedic one following a lengthy introduction by supporter Brad Freeman. "I thought for a minute he was going to announce for governor, he spoke so long," the San Diego Union Tribune reports.
Even in day two of his California swing, don't look for Mr. Bush to address the recall as he heads to Santa Monica for a speech on the environment, and then to Irvine for another fundraiser.
Troubles? What Troubles?: In times of crisis, the last thing citizens are worried about are the political troubles of their elected leaders. And while those leaders deal with the blackout crisis, some of them must be relieved that don't have to talk about their political problems.
For instance, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg didn't have to answer any questions about his city's budget problems and the piling up of trash on the city's streets. Bloomberg has been hammered in the press for laying off 325 sanitation workers and reducing recycling pickups to biweekly. It's all water under the bridge for now.
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been dogged by an investigation into allegations of drunken driving, a wild party at the mayor's mansion involving nude dancers, and falsified overtime records and a cover-up involving his security detail. Instead, the blackout gives Kilpatrick ample opportunity to show leadership and perhaps rehabilitate his image a bit.
Even embattled California Gov. Gray Davis got into the act last night. Facing a recall election in October, partially because of voter outrage over his handling of the state's energy crisis, Davis spent some time fielding softball questions from Larry King during the dinner hour. His appearance allowed him to defend how he dealt with his state's energy problems while only having to answer a couple of innocuous questions about the recall at the end of the interview.
Weekend Ahead:
Friday, August 15:
President Bush tours Santa Monica recreation area to make remarks on national parks legacy project, then heads to Irvine for a Bush/Cheney fundraiser.
Howard Dean, John Edwards, Dick Gephardt, Bob Graham, John Kerry and Dennis Kucinich attend the Hawkeye Labor Council/Linn County Democratic Party Presidential forum in Cedar Rapids.
In addition to the labor forum, Dean also campaigns in Marshall and Tama Counties in Iowa. Edwards' "Real Solutions Express" stops in Des Moines, Toledo, Vinton and Iowa City. Gephardt attends receptions in Mahaska, Wapello, and Washington Counties. Kerry meets with Vinto County Democrats. Joe Lieberman attends the Iowa state fair.
Other: Young Democrats of America National Convention in Buffalo, N.Y. continues through Sunday, August 17. Fairs in Cornish and Belknap County, N.H. continue through August 17.
Saturday, August 16:
Dean attends meet and greet in Ypsilanti, Mich., addresses the Young Democrats of America's National Convention in Buffalo and then heads to Cleveland for fundraisers. Edwards heads to Independence, Oelwein, Dubuque and Maquoketa, Iowa. Gephardt attends receptions in Carroll and Crawford counties, a rally with supporters in Council Bluffs and then two more receptions in Montgomery and Page Counties. Graham campaigns in New Hampshire. Kerry speaks at AFL-CIO meeting at Tyson's Corner, attends fundraiser for State Sen. Deeds in Charlottesville, veterans event in Norfolk and a fundraising dinner in Roanoke, Va. Kucinich campaigns in Clinton, Iowa.
Sunday, August 17:
Edwards stops in Davenport, Burlington, Mt. Pleasant and Ottumwa, Iowa. Gephardt attends the Union, Lucas, Appanoose, Davis and Henry County Democratic Receptions. Graham campaigns in New Hampshire. Kucinich campaigns in Davenport, Muscatine and Burlington, Iowa.
Quote of the Day: "I'm going for a drink. There is no other choice. What am I going to do, go home and light candles?" - United Nations public information officer Lamiae Aidi's plan for dealing with the blackout. (AP)