The news has been full for weeks with the focus of Democrats and the media on warrantless wiretapping and "illegal" electronic surveillance by President Bush and the NSA. However, the tables were turned on Friday as capitol bureau reporters caught a chance to listen in on the private words of the president as he addressed Republican lawmakers.

…[S]omeone forgot to turn off the audio feed to the White House press room several miles away.

"I want to share some thoughts with you before I answer your questions," Bush told the lawmakers, unaware that microphones feeding into the press room were on. "First of all, I expect this conversation we’re about to have to stay in the room. I know that’s impossible in Washington."

With reporters eavesdropping at the White House, Bush launched into a defense of his National Security Agency eavesdropping program. His talking points were much the same as his public ones.

Captain Ed of Captain’s Quarters shares the following reflections:

Wow … what a shock! The press had a golden opportunity to nail Bush — but they discovered that he tells the same story behind closed doors that he tells the American public. They discovered that the GOP has no great conspiracy … just a President trying his best to defend his country from terrorist attacks.

Read more…