Sovereigns reign! I like President Bush's word association.
Also this Administration understands and respects the chain of command or administrative chart, if you will. Rumsfeld (DOD) had the authority. Rumsfeld handing the note is like a commander relinquishing the command. Now the President's communication goes to Iraq through the DOS - Powell. The handover this morning was brilliant theater for us, the followers of these serious events; and completely over the heads of those who do not have any feeling for the history that has just occurred.
Who thinks that it was accidental that Bush, Blair et al were on camera when the note was passed?