[mafree]

I sat in awe of Evans. What a great job he did of totally defusing Waxman.

Evans did a decent job on MTP- he made it clear there was no subterfuge on his or the Administration's part. Don't think the left will shut up about Enron but some of the wind will be taken out of their sales if folks like Evans get out there more often.

[okiedust]

I think that the most important thing about Evan's appearance was that he was believable. I think that is ultimately the administrations strong suit. In addition, he asked Tim rhetorically, if he was supposed to make a call to the rating agency to disuade them from downgrading Enron, thus encouraging more people to invest and lose more. Just an aside, did you notice when the interview was over and they panned the set before the break, Timmy was resolutely arranging and rearranging his papers and not looking at Evans who was left to sit without any chitchat and bonhomie that Russert usually gives after an interview. Tim was very displeased. He's ususally smiling and shaking hands and trading small talk with his guests. I'd say Tim didn't get what he wanted.

regards