Bush on domestic policy

Here, read this this New York Times article about the White House's stance on medicare, and see if you can see what's missing?

Here's an excerpt to help you along:

With President Bush back in the capital after his August respite in Texas, the White House prodded Congress again today to act on several issues high on Mr. Bush's agenda, including prescription drug benefits under Medicare.

"The president looks forward to working with Congress to modernize and strengthen Medicare for our nation's seniors so that they can have more choices and better benefits," the chief White House spokesman, Scott McClellan, said. "Our seniors have waited far too long for the prescription drug coverage that they deserve."

But Mr. McClellan declined to say whether the president would set a target date for passage — say, Columbus Day, as suggested by Senator Charles E. Grassley, the Iowa Republican who heads the Senate Finance Committee.

"The president believes that Congress should act as quickly as possible because seniors have waited long enough," Mr. McClellan said. "And what we're going to do is continue working closely with members of Congress." He added, "It's time for Congress to act and move as quickly as possible."

Do you see it? Anything not stand out there?

How about any sign of commitment? To a timing of the bill, to content of the bill?

I mean, how much more pussy of a stance can you have? Maybe saying stem cell research is legal, but only on already existing strains? (remember that)

This comes via Matthew Yglesias who sums it up as well as anyone can:

If you're looking for evidence that the administration doesn't really give a damn about domestic policy, check out the New York Times's coverage of the White House position on the prescription drug debate. Near as I can tell from the article, the White House doesn't have a position except to say that congress should pass a bill. They don't care if the congress passes the Senate bill or the House bill or some combination or what the combination contains. They just know that the voters want to see a bill, so they've decided that it's a bill the voters shall get. Serious politicians actually care about the content of the bills they're considering signing.

Anyway, just saying is all.