The recent departures aside, even Democrats acknowledged that Mr. Bush had been unusually successful in keeping crucial players. One main reason, Republicans close to the White House say, is that Mr. Bush, the former fraternity president with a streak of temper and an open door, inspires tremendous loyalty and a measure of fear. "It's a whole series of reasons, not to mention the fact that it's a very exciting time to be in government," said a Republican close to the White House. "The issues you are dealing with are issues of tremendous importance — the war on terror, the battle with Saddam and trying to save the economy." (New York Times).<p>***Guard the identify of that source to your dying breath. The ability of the American people to get information like that depends on a free and unfettered press being able to promise confidentiality.***
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