A lot going on in D.C.: Other observations like realpolitik's?

[DeepModem Mom]

Can we think about things as part of a whole? Is the Mighty Wurlitzer playing at full volume, and every government building in D.C. leaking buckets? Who's involved, and why? Are Dems gaining Republican allies in some battles, or finding it easier to thwart Bush in Congress? Some Repubs are questioning; could some go further? In recent weeks, integrity and/or competence of Rumsfeld, Cheney, Rice, Powell, and Ashcroft questioned in mainstream press. Rove's name has now surfaced twice, re. Plame, and Norquist. Is there a battle, and is it nearing the very heart of Bushdom? If this is war, is there a chance of success? Will more of the press get involved, and how far will the press go -- or is American mainstream media a hopeless cause? Is there a level at which the public will understand/respond -- or are some 50% of the public understanding and responding already? Is so much power -- executive, legislative and judicial -- already in the hands of one wing of one party that nothing can be done, no matter what hits the fan? Or is there hope?