Bush's New Battle Plan For the War of Words

By John F. Dickerson

When National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice announced that the President would be making a series of speeches this week, it looked like the stagecraft that signals a big U-turn. Advisers had been whispering about making a "recalibration," in which the President would tighten up the message about progress in the war overseas and safety at home. Was this it? Yes, but by using big-shot Rice, the White House sent too strong a signal--sometimes even the recalibration needs recalibration. The more nuanced shift of this week, according to an adviser, is "setting things right and putting them in perspective." With anthrax mysteries multiplying at home and no stunning successes overseas, White House advisers believe the string of scientists, Cabinet officers and agency heads answering each flare-up has created a diffuse picture. Bush needs to remind Americans and allies about the terror that launched the campaign, what has been achieved, and the patience that will be needed. The back-to-basics plan is reminiscent of Bush's strategy during the presidential campaign. When in trouble, he returned to his core issues of education and compassion. So this week, to leaven images of advisers clustered around mikes in D.C. briefing rooms talking about spores, Americans can expect to see Bush address the homeland threat from the heartland. He hopes to chart the progress that has been made so far, devoting one address to the success his team has had in drying up terrorist money sources. Bush is also looking forward to playing action President on the world stage by serving as host to French President Chirac and British Prime Minister Blair, and meeting with President General Musharraf of delicate ally Pakistan. The Administration hopes each event will demonstrate the sturdiness of the global antiterror alliance. Bush will make the case for U.S. action explicitly at the U.N. this weekend in a previously scheduled address that was postponed by the bombing. The reason for the delay alone should bring the perspective the White House is aiming for.

--By John F. Dickerson