Bush

=

Post-Zarqawi victory train proves a brief ride, as things in Baghdad are as bad as ever. P.S.: And Taliban is back.

Homeland Sec.

=

Ports are still unprotected, but we’ve got “more aspirational than operational” Miami terrorists in hand.

Kerry

-

Just as Dems are getting Iraq act together, he votes against what he voted for before he voted against it.

Rather

+

Unlike his network, onetime anchor king is class act. CW can’t wait for Gunga Dan in high def.

C. Chung

-

Unlike Dan, this former CBS anchor is cringeworthy act. CW can’t wait to see her on “American Idol.”

U.S. soccer

-

After failing to win a single game, Cup stint runneth over. But just let Brazil et al. take us on in real football.

Read the daily edition of Conventional Wisdom Watch at xtra.Newsweek.com on MSNBC.