http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/04/weekinreview/04bumi.html?8hpib

My two cents is that using Rice as a guard has been very effective. She has essentially shielded the Administration from more serious damage coming from the Clarke revelations. This last week or so she has taken the heat off of what we should really be focusing on, the preparation of the administation for 9/11. Her "not testifying" changed the subject from what the Bushies did wrong to why won't she testify. Frickin' brilliant if you ask me. A total change of subject and now I read that she's resigning at the end of the year. Way to take a bullet for your boss on your way out the door. Good luck on the Kremlinology!