My reporting has been similar to that of Jon Cohn. Everyone I've spoken to in the administration has expressed total shock over Daschle's withdrawal. As recently as last night, they were counting votes and felt certain the nomination was on track for a bumpy but comfortable confirmation. This morning, Daschle dropped out. Conversations have not featured the sort of surprise you usually get from flacks and sources: Feigned ignorance delivered with the glossy professionalism of expertly-crafted spin. This is the sort of surprise where they're subdued on the phone. Where they pause for a long time, and then sort of sigh. Where they have no "B" list, not even off-the-record. Where they ask you if WHAT CHANGE LOOKS LIKE.
My reporting has been similar to that of Jon Cohn. Everyone I've spoken to in the administration has expressed total shock over Daschle's withdrawal. As recently as last night, they were counting votes and felt certain the nomination was on track for a bumpy but comfortable confirmation. This morning, Daschle dropped out. Conversations have not featured the sort of surprise you usually get from flacks and sources: Feigned ignorance delivered with the glossy professionalism of expertly-crafted spin. This is the sort of surprise where they're subdued on the phone. Where they pause for a long time, and then sort of sigh. Where they have no "B" list, not even off-the-record. Where they ask you if 
