That must be the question running through the minds of administration members as they recall their well-documented praise of Woodward not so long ago. As NBC Nightly News reported, It's "a delicate balance for a White House that trumpeted the accuracy of Woodward's reporting, notably his 2004 bestseller, 'Plan of Attack.'

But, 'accuracy' apparently exists only when the text is fawning.

Bob Woodward's latest, "State of Denial" -- the 'not-so-fawning' installment to Woodward's 'Bush at War' series -- continues to shake the foundation at 1600 PA Ave. This time around, however, White House aides are seeking to undercut the book's central claims. Of course this episode will necessarily take... uhhhh... modified tactical maneuvering. The Bush Administration's usual bout of character assassination and messenger annihilation will not work. They've simply invested themselves too deeply in Woodward's character and integrity.