] If this year stays true to past form, the campaign will
] get nastier in the closing weeks, and without anyone's
] quite registering it, Rove will be right back in his
] element. He seems to understand -- indeed, to count
] on -- the media's unwillingness or inability, whether
] from squeamishness, laziness, or professional caution,
] ever to give a full estimate of him or his work. It is
] ultimately not just Rove's skill but his character that
] allows him to perform on an entirely different plane.
] Along with remarkable strategic skills, he has both an
] understanding of the media's unstated self-limitations
] and a willingness to fight in territory where conscience
] forbids most others.
]
]
] Rove isn't bracing for a close race. He's depending on
] it.

[ A must read on the unconcionable Karl Rove... -k]