Capitol Grudge Match

As they prepare for the November elections, TOM DASCHLE and TRENT LOTT slug it out over intelligence failures--and control of the Senate

Until a couple of weeks ago, figuring out who was to blame for the intelligence failures before Sept. 11 wasn't on Tom Daschle's must-do list. Since the beginning of the year, the majority leader had been busy corralling balky Democrats in the Senate on the down-home issues that would play best in the November elections: Social Security, health care, education, pension protection and the environment. But with evidence of FBI bungling impossible to ignore and reporters badgering him for a response, Daschle decided to go off message in a politically risky way. He announced on May 21 that he would introduce...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!