Operating from Behind a Blur of Spin

The Bush Administration has taken political spin to a level undreamed of even by Bill Clinton. In two of the most critical issues facing the country, the White House is substituting demagoguery for information. Example One: Its response to questions about what the Administration knew prior to September 11 about possible terrorist attacks. Example Two: Team Bush's reaction to new criticism of its plan to create private Social Security accounts.

When pressed, all pols love to dip into their bag of tricks. Three favorite ways to avoid having to confront a serious issue are truly Orwellian: Deny a charge that was never actually made, accuse your critics of partisanship or even disloyalty, and change the subject. These days, the spin machine is working overtime.