The Important Stuff by Dan Froomkin

By Dan Froomkin
Special to washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, June 7, 2006; 12:45 PM

President Bush is running around the country this week talking about immigration, and on Monday he gave a much-hyped speech on gay marriage. In neither case has he said anything remotely new, and yet the press coverage is intense.

But what about the stuff the White House doesn't want us talking about?

You know, the important stuff.

High on that very long list: The war in Iraq -- and particularly the atrocities allegedly committed by U.S. troops; also, the continued expansion of executive power -- including the administration's warrantless domestic spying.

Issues like immigration and gay marriage offer Bush a chance to look presidential. Even though they are controversial, Bush can take a public, proactive and starring role. That makes for great visuals, and generally good press.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/blog/2006/06/07/BL2006060701143.html?nav=rss_opinion/columns