It's like old times: Back to business at the White House

It takes about two minutes of crisis for the White House to reemerge from the shadows of the presidential campaign.

Countdown to Crawford noted at the beginning of the month that White House Press Secretary Dana Perino had eliminated her daily off-camera morning news briefing for White House reporters.

At the time, the implication seemed clear: We noted that the lighter briefing schedule could be interpreted as a sign that life was slowing down in the Bush White House.

Along came the financial market meltdown.

Perino -- busy, regardless of the briefing schedule -- spent a full half-hour on the podium on Wednesday, responding to questions largely about the market turmoil and potential economic fallout.

It was more of the same today.

And her deputy, Tony Fratto, was busy late Wednesday night, calling reporters to announce that President Bush had canceled his political fundraising travel today in order to remain at the White House and meet with economic advisors.

Then, in the morning, there was a scramble as the president went "live" from just outside the Oval Office, with his statement of concern and confidence.

To be sure, the White House press briefing room was far from full for Perino's midday briefing. But, nonetheless, the lights were on, the cameras were rolling. And, most notable, the topic of the day was Page 1 news.

It had the feel of old times.

-- James Gerstenzang

Photo: Shawn Thew / EPA