The questions average Americans are asking about Iraq seem much clearer than the ones Mr. Bush is willing to confront.

I'm sure this will get old soon, but ... let's hear it for average Americans! (sincerely, this time!)

Mr. Bush's explanation ... was simply silly. ... very hard to take seriously ...

... The president's claim ... was inaccurate ... questions even more disturbing ... responds by overreacting ...

In the coming campaign, Mr. Bush ... [must] show that he is capable ... and has the courage to tell the nation the truth ... Nothing in the interview offered much hope in that direction.

Freedom of the press in action. The word 'skewer' comes to mind. Looking back, this interview will be seen as a turning point.

There is at least one question I didn't hear Tim Russert ask yesterday. Can you guess it?

On a related note, another editorial in today's New York Times offers this comment:

The Bush administration needs to shed the melodrama, the "good and evil" posturing. It serves no purpose, and creates a lot of irritation.

Mr. Bush's Version (of History? of the Present? of Reality?)