How could the White House not know what a big deal this is? I mean, a 78-year-old man took a shotgun blast from the Vice President to the head and torso, apparently injuring his heart and liver, causing a heart attack, and hospitalizing him for at least a week. Think of all the ways that can go bad: strokes, infections, and on and on. There is a real risk of dying. It is and always was a very grave matter.

Yet as recently as yesterday Scott McClellan was fumbling around for answers and hiding things (the heart attack). Now all we have to rely on is a Fox "News" interview, as if that will provide some answers.

One thing we won't see is a picture of this guy Whittington. I guarantee you he looks terrible -- probably all bruised up and bandaged. Maybe portions of his face are chewed away.