"Only the Times would consider a clear concise message to be a gamble."
If I had to rewrite it to what I think they meant, it would be something like as follows.
President Bush gambled to run on terrorism. He also repeatedly used a clear, concise message.
so much for the "paper of record"
Shameless rag, they do anything tp make a negative out of a positive.
Also, if you gamble, you are relying somewhat on luck,I think they believe no Republican could be as smart as a N.Y.Times writer and actually be able to plan something.