[semaj]

"The administration's increased willingness to confront the Christian right reflects the Republicans' sweeping victories in last week's mid-term elections, reducing Mr Bush's reliance on the extreme fringes of his supporter base."

The bias of this article can be summed up by that last sentence. The author's categorizing of Christian spokesmen as the "extreme fringes" says all that needs be said about where the author's thoughts dwell. As for Colin Powell's comments, he has a right to speak his mind, but I think he is wrong in attacking a voter bloc that helped GW get elected. One can only hope that GW knows the real score. I understand why the Administration distances itself from anti-Islamic comments and appreciate the level-headed approach that this Administration has taken in dealing with terrorism.

[verity]

reducing Mr Bush's reliance on the extreme fringes of his supporter base.

Easy enough to understand.