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"Apparently people think the president can access the networks whenever he likes. Au contraire. They might be suckered once into carrying an address, but after that there would be no coverage of any national speeches."

Totally disagree with this. If Bush were to make another speech, outlining "the case against Sadaam", every network would carry it live.

The networks did blow off a couple of Clinton speeches, but I don't believe they've ever done that with Bush, and I'm certain they haven't done it since 9/11.

Again, in my view, it's not the quantity of the speeches but the quality. IMHO he does the speeches in various cities across the country,to let the heartland know he's concerned about the people who live there, which is fine, but he's also protecting himself from the tough questions from the Washington media. Can't be afraid of the vipers!!!

And I think he is concerned, given some of his past performances.

He should have more confidence, in himself and in the American people. (Go George!)

But the only way we're going to "get to know his heart" is to hear him speak extemporaneously. And that, in his own view, is his biggest weakness. I don't think so. I think most people in the country understand his problem in this area, and he should joke about it more.

Contrary to popular belief,(especially on FR) not every single journalist is a heathen or worse.Bush knows this, too, and he knows how to cultivate journalists. Whatever his reasons, he's not doing it. And I think he should and could do a better job in this department. Again, the value of propaganda shouldn't be underestimated. Karen Hughes is an expert --and she should be dragged back to Washington from Texas, again imho.

You misunderstand me. I was discussing the idea that he has unlimited access to the networks for any speech he wants. When he gets ready to list the case against Saddam, he will get coverage, and I imagine that speech will come fairly quickly.

However, if he wanted to give a speech on the case against Leahy and the Judiciary Committee, no takers would be found on any network but Fox.

The networks are ALREADY skipping many of his speeches. I know, because I watch them on Fox and they show up NOWHERE else...not even on C-SPAN.

One other thing...he takes questions from the Washington press almost daily. I know, because I have been watching Fox, which carries almost every press briefing he gives.

The speeches in the Heartland are not to "dodge the vipers" but for COVERAGE!!!