With friends like these....

I'm not much for repeating rumors about politicos-- for the same reason that I pretty much ignore celebrity talk of any sort. I want the news, not the whether. But what's so interesting about this post from America Blog is the sourcing. The Washington Times and Matt Drudge aren't outfits that anyone would accuse of liberal bias, but they've joined in the steamy tabloid talk about Bush's fragile mental state. Why would two reliably right-wing sources be spreading this sort of gossip about Fearless Leader? I shudder to think.

From the Times:

President Bush feels betrayed by several of his most senior aides and advisors and has severely restricted access to the Oval Office, administration sources say. The president's reclusiveness in the face of relentless public scrutiny of the U.S.-led war in Iraq and White House leaks regarding CIA operative Valerie Plame has become so extreme that Mr. Bush has also reduced contact with his father, former President George H.W. Bush, administration sources said on the condition of anonymity.

From Drudge:

The sources said Mr. Bush maintains daily contact with only four people: first lady Laura Bush, his mother, Barbara Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Undersecretary of State Karen Hughes. The sources also say that Mr. Bush has stopped talking with his father, except on family occasions.

Uhhh, at least his still mommy's boy...? On the other hand, it suggests that he's only willing to deal openly with two members of his administration who are, historically speaking, the most unswervingly loyal and unquestioning in their roles.