The "compromise" being bandied about is merely the prelude to Condi's testimony in public. Privately, Condi has shown great willingness to testify in a public forum, such as before the commission. She is eager to get her story out. Bush doesn't want her to testify now. He is waiting for the heat to build up a little bit. It's important for John Kerry to really show that he doesn't know what he's doing by going out and bashing Rice, badgering her to testify in the expectation that the White House will continue to "stonewall".
Then, after Bush "concedes" to the Commission, Rice will get to testify.
Once that happens, Clarke, Rand Beers, and most importantly, John Kerry, will have egg on their faces.
Trust me on this; the liberals have overreached. They have tried to paint Bush as ignorant of the dangers of terrorism, and his staff as negligent. That is dissonant from the common understanding of the American people. That is why Bush's poll ratings are going up.
Be Seeing You,
Chris