[Scott from the Left Coast]

No sooner than Friday, I would say...if tomorrow is the "moment of truth" then Bush will lay an ultimatum to Saddam down on Tuesday and declare the diplomatic process over, it'll give the people in Iraq 72 hours to get out. Friday night -- boom.

So what is your take on why Bush kept saying "tomorrow" and "one more day" and Blair kept saying "this next period of time"?

[ConservativeMan55]

I think tommorow night Bush will speak to the Nation.

[Dolphy]

So what is your take on why Bush kept saying "tomorrow" and "one more day" and Blair kept saying "this next period of time"?

Blair needs the cover of the UN, Bush doesn't. I think they are on the same page, 24 hours, but Blair wants the UN to do something and I think Bush has given up.

[Cboldt]

"Tomorrow" is for Saddam to disarm, on his own. (not going to happen, he doesn't want to)

"Tomorrow" is also for the UN to make its sense known. Or not. (France on the spot, has already said it would veto, so a vote would likely show the UN against the action the US/UK/Spain is about to take)

Timing of hostilities won't be given away.

[cyncooper]

So what is your take on why Bush kept saying "tomorrow" and "one more day" and Blair kept saying "this next period of time"?

Just the semanitics playing to Blair's party. The next period of time refers to the 24 hour deadline, which everybody knows Saddam won't meet. Any reference to days refers to the onset of action.

Blair sounded very, very strong and dismissive of the potential of just "more talk" with the UN Security Council. Contemptuous, really.

I have come to admire him very much. His prepared statement was inspiring.