Novak Suggests Frist Is A Man Of No Convictions...

In recent national television appearances, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist backed away from unequivocal support of President Bush in what Republican insiders viewed as preparation for a 2008 presidential run.

On NBC's "Meet the Press" Jan. 29, Frist said, "I would have probably put more troops in [Iraq] if the decision had been up to me." He said the White House is not cooperating with Hurricane Katrina investigations by Congress. As for the Bush budget, he said: "We are spending too much in Washington, D.C." He suggested his and the White House's position in the Terri Schiavo case was wrong. On NBC's "Today" program the next day, when asked about the administration's National Guard policy, Frist replied: "I am opposed to cutting the Guard myself."

Frist as majority leader has vigorously supported the president's programs. Frist would not be in the post if Bush had not withdrawn support from Sen. Trent Lott as majority leader after the 2002 elections.

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