With Congress deadlocked on a possible Detroit rescue plan, and the clock
ticking away, any rescue of Detroit will have to come from President Bush.
It could be concluded that a high stakes, pressure packed, time sensitive
situation would appeal to the self described "Decider".  But instead of
working on the Detroit issue, the President took the weekend off for a
visit to Iraq.

Still, criticism that Bush shirked his duty may be unjustified.  He appears
to have returned inspired by the Iraqi experience and ready to apply all he
learned from it.

As with all Bush programs, it must have an appealing name, one that will
invoke feelings of country, accomplishment, and dedication to higher
principles regardless of their relevancy to the task.  "American Automakers
Patriot Act" was rejected as appearing to unduly favor Chrysler, since it
builds a model called the Jeep Patriot.  Bush initially favored "One Nation
Under Detroit" before deciding on "Operation Continuing Detroit Freedom".

Bush expects to throw a huge amount of cash to Detroit.  He will appoint
General David Petreous as Car Czar to manage the cash surge.

The President met privately on Tuesday with members of Congress known to
oppose aid for Detroit.  All, despite their previous opposition, bought
Bush's explanation hook, line, and sinker, of the clear and imminent danger
posed to Detroit by foreign automakers.  "It was real easy for me to change
my mind and support bailing out Detroit" said one Senator "after the
President showed me clear evidence that Toyota, Nissan, and Honda are
destroying Detroit with Weapons of Mass Production".