[mosquitobite]

Officials familiar with the meeting said Reid was more blunt in private, telling Bush he didn't want to wind up reading about the president's eventual pick in the newspaper without having had a chance to offer his views beforehand.
Meaning: we want to know FIRST so that we can win the 45 minute rule.
I'm hoping this is a sucker punch from Bush, but I am pessimistic...

[oldbrowser]

Officials familiar with the meeting said Reid was more blunt in private, telling Bush he didn't want to wind up reading about the president's eventual pick in the newspaper without having had a chance to offer his views beforehand.

You have to admire this guy's chutzpah, he acts like he actually has some cards to play.