[alloysteel]

Rice, catching political heat for her refusal to testify before the 9/11 commission....

Not that Dr. Rice refused to testify, she refused to testify in public. She would appear before them in closed session, and considering the nature of the information she is privy to, that would be absolutely a requirement.

[MEG33]

President Bush is preserving the Executive Branch's power.Condi was not confirmed by the Congress as Cabinet heads are.The commission's parent is the Congress.She may be anxious to testify in public,but it is the President's choice not to start a precedent.