In the absence of specifics that would throw his nomination into doubt, Democrats will be loath to want to be as combative and confrontational as they might otherwise be.

The basic credibility of this government is really up for grabs and open for question without the Democrats doing anything but pointing a finger.

It was like, I'm O.K. with this, but if you press me, I have some doubts.

We're a long way away from saying this is a front-burner, hot-button issue that would have an impact on the elections.

It could play to the image of a president who is overreaching and not succeeding -- going to war without a clear purpose or credible proof in retrospect, isolating America, wiretapping.

I think it's a question of priorities.