"People inside the administration know that all Bush wanted to do is to plant a flag of freedom," he said.

Hawks inside the administration believe it is still too early.

Asked why, people inside and outside the administration offered several theories.

But inside the administration, he's considered the man for the job - and nobody can say different.

"But before you leave, do we have any friends inside the administration on this bill?"

Inside the administration, more officials are privately questioning the policy.

The proposals have set off a debate inside and outside the administration.

Nobody inside or outside the administration is making a good job of selling the tax.

Inside the administration, he fought off objections from the military.

But there is little support for such an approach inside the administration.