ON SECOND THOUGHT - AT 7:01 A.M. ET:  From The New York Times:

WASHINGTON — The White House and the Democratic leadership in the Senate signaled on Thursday that they would block for now any effort to establish an independent commission to investigate the Bush administration’s approval of harsh interrogation techniques.

In doing so, they sought to reduce pressure for a full inquiry — from, among others, the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi — that has grown more intense since President Obama suggested on Tuesday that he would be open to such an investigation. While the White House has contended that Mr. Obama never actively supported an inquiry, his firmer opposition to the possibility, communicated to Congressional leaders in meetings on Wednesday night and Thursday, represented a shift in emphasis.

COMMENT:  The president realizes that he made a mistake, and let loose the rage of the Democratic left, a force that can destroy his presidency.  The White House is trying to contain the damage, but Nancy Pelosi represents the left wing in the House of Representatives, and I doubt if she can put the fire out there.  It burns continuously. 

Americans must be made to understand - and only the GOP and the more conservative press outlets can do it - how radical some elements in the Obama coalition really are.  The Congressional Black Caucus, for example, is headed by Barbara Lee of California, who has openly supported Marxist causes.

April 24, 2009