Senator Barack Obama has been pretty giddy about the speculation that he might run for President. He is an exciting political force and seems fresh, somewhat innoncent, inspiring. But behind the energetic spontaneity exists a cautious calculator.

A rumor has come my way that seems too delicious not to report. Since the source of the rumor is acquainted with Vice President Cheney’s neighbor, I believe it has veracity. Both Cheney and Don Rumsfeld have get-away homes in St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

I will be appearing on the BBC News live at 3:00 pm EST and discussing some of the issues raised in an article, “The Genteel Revolt that is Remaking US Policy on Iraq,” by DC Bureau Chief of The Guardian Julian Borger.

(Who will get former Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick’s job?) The real answer to this question is that R. Nicholas Burns should be. If not Burns, then the person Condi should nominate is US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad.

After November 7th, when it is appearing more and more likely that the Dems will take the House of Representatives, George W. Bush loses one of his (until now) free hands to do what he pleases.

China must have pounded Kim Jong Il in private meetings to get the kind of confession of error he was reported to have made. North Korea needs a deal — and so does the United States. The North Korea nuclear problem will require a high price to resolve, but it’s worth it.

When I left Japan on Tuesday, I had breakfast in the Orchid Room at the Okura Hotel, still the Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Lounge equivalent for power breakfasts in Japan.

Joe Lieberman knows the ways of the Senate. He knows that there are votes that matter — and votes that don’t.

Just back to Washington after a long trip back from Tokyo. Our plane got diverted for an emergency landing to Anchorage, Alaska after a person on board was felled by a serious stroke.

Thanks to Steve for giving me a chance to blog about (flog?) my new book The American Way of Strategy — which, if you’re interested, I’ll be discussing with Lou Dobbs this evening on “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on CNN, 6 pm EST.