As Donald Rumsfeld said not too long ago, "Democracy is messy."

Original Photo Caption: Palestinian supporters of Islamic Hamas wave flags during a rally in support of candidates for the Palestinian parliamentary elections in the West Bank town of Hebron in this Monday, Jan. 23, 2006 file photo. Despite no immediate public displays of celebration, Hamas on Thursday claimed victory in Wednesday's election, saying that based on partial results it won a solid majority of seats, a dramatic upset confirmed by senior officials in the rival Fatah Party. Israel and the United States have said they would not deal with a Hamas-led Palestinian government. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has said he would step down if he could no longer pursue his peace agenda with Israel. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)

Deer in the headlghts?

His eyes blurry from staring into those headlights all the time, Shrub turns away briefly and checks his shoelaces.

Original photo caption: President George W. Bush is shown in this January 19, 2006 photo. Bush said on Saturday that he would push this year for measures to limit the soaring costs of health care, as he previewed domestic themes before his State of the Union address. REUTERS/Jim Young

If Alito is confirmed, the Mandarin sees the court leaning to the right

Unmistakable hint today at the Senate hearings.

Original photo caption: Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, right, along with his sister Rosemary, left, and wife Martha look on during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill, Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

"Cheney Leaves Hospital After Breathing Scare"

If you think his breathing sounds scary now, wait until he gets to the office and puts the Darth Vader helmet back on.

Original photo caption: Vice President Dick Cheney addresses the American Enterprise Institute in Washington in this November 21, 2005 file photograph. Cheney was taken to a Washington hospital early on Monday, suffering from shortness of breath, CNN reported. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Not seeing eye to eye this week, are we?

The Mandarin has enjoyed a couple of weeks away from the Shrub Wars, but this one was too good to pass up.

This Abramoff-gate thing could be really interesting....


Original photo caption: U.S. President George W. Bush (L) walks past House Majority leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) after stepping off Air Force One at Andrews Air Force base near Washington in this April 26, 2005 file photo. DeLay, now under indictment in Texas and tainted by a corruption scandal, told fellow House of Representatives Republicans on January 7, 2006 that he will not try to reclaim his job as majority leader. (Jason Reed/Files/Reuters)