I do see this as a response to a weakened political situation, a willingness to do what it takes to maximize his influence.

I would venture to say that it was about the political situation.

It takes heart to be in political life.

All it takes is one or two bad years in a row, and we're back to a critical situation.

It kind of lances the boil.

It is quite revealing of things that had been suspected about which there had been little clear evidence, about his clout inside the White House.