The Lay of the Land - Washington's ABC's

The good folks at the ABC News Political Unit take a clever look at the scene leading up to President Bush's big speech this Wednesday.

In particular, I think they do a good job calling attention to all the factors at play -- 2008 Candidates, notably -- in the Iraq debate this week. (Take note my San Francisco friends, there is no sane mention of impeachment).

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A is for al Qaeda, which remains the problem (still).

B is for Bush, the biggest speech of his life (again). LINK

C is for "cut and run," which one doesn't hear much any more.

D is for David Rogers, Dow Jonesing for Rep. Murtha's secret plan to end the war. LINK

E is for endgame, which this just might be.

F is for Fielding, more Mikva than Cutler.

G is for governor, which Romney isn't any more — so what on Iraq?

H is for Harry Reid, who - despite what the AP led many to believe - was against the surge before he was against it.

I is for Iran, about which the Wall Street Journal is flipping out. LINK

(I is also for "I get it," a key — and so far undercovered — component of the President's "way forward" speech.)

J is for Joe Biden, whose hearings will give him a chance to talk.

K is for Kennedy, Edward Moore, emboldened and fearless.

L is for leaks, about the Iraq plan, which still seem ham handed.

M is for Maliki, who remains the biggest question mark (still).

N is for New York Sheraton, where the torch went from RJLJackson to BHObama last night.

O is for opportunity, to save ¼ of a presidency.

P is for Pelosi, having her own moment of truth.

Q is for Qaeda (al), which remains the problem (still).

R is for raising money, which 2008 handicappers discount at their peril.

S is for surge, which Rahm calls an "escalation." (S is also for — don't forget — "sacrifice.")

T is for Terminator, shaking up health care.

U is for underminers, some surprising Republican Senators on Iraq this week.

V is for Vilsack, heavily dissed on Imus this morn.

W is for winning, which W is determined to do.

X is for X-ing out, starting Wednesday at 9:26 pm ET.

Y is for your money — a billion here and a billion there, and it starts to add up.

Z is for Zeleny, Timesman Jeff chronicling the Democrats' split on Iraq. LINK