Free Republic

Memo to the Democratic presidential candidates: You can still beat Hillary Rodham Clinton, but you better act fast. The former first lady looks more likely to win the nomination every day, showing strength in polling, fundraising and setting the campaign agenda. She's so strong, in fact, that the race has become about her. And Democratic operatives from presidential campaigns past and present say the only way for any other candidate to win the nomination is to make an even stronger case against her. "If this were a wedding, we'd be at the 'speak now or forever hold your peace' part,"...

WASHINGTON - President Bush (news - web sites) on Tuesday dismissed criticism that his plan to steer public money to religious charities might discriminate against people who did not share their beliefs, saying those groups should have an "all drunks are welcome" policy. Speaking to more than 250 religious leaders invited by the White House, Bush vented his frustration that Congress has not approved the idea he first offered soon after he took office to let religious charities spend taxpayer money. In a speech at a Washington hotel, Bush took on what he described as a government culture "unfriendly" to...