President Bush and the bailout: What can we read in his face?
President Bush may be worried about the prospects for House approval of the $700-billion plan to help stabilize the credit market and the broader economy...
He may be feeling a bit more upbeat...
Both photos were taken moments apart at the same event: a photo session after Bush met with business executives about the aid package.
Whatever they show, it is clear that after getting burned on Monday when the House voted down the original plan -- and the stock market spiraled toward the basement -- the White House is easing off predictions of success when the House votes again on Friday.
"Confident?" That was the word Deputy White House Press Secretary Tony Fratto used on Monday before the vote.
Today, he preferred something more cautious: "Somewhat optimistic."
What happened?
"I touched my fingers on the hot stove and won't make those kinds of predictions anymore." he said at the daily White House news briefing.
-- James Gerstenzang
Photos: Charles Dharapak / Associated Press
