About those deck chairs . . . UPDATED

With the world falling down around him, his reputation in tatters, his war in hopeless stall, our president does what? Changes his message men!

Scott McClellan will be replaced as presidential press person, and Karl Rove will be reassigned to focus on politics and elections.

Wonderful.

E. J. Dionne understands:

Here's the real meaning of the White House shake-up and the redefinition of Karl Rove's role in the Bush presidency: The administration's one and only domestic priority in 2006 is hanging on to control of Congress.

And comes to the same unavoidable conclusion:

And given the unfavorable political terrain for the president, Rove's recipe this year, as in 2004, is likely to include a heavy dollop of attacks on the Democrats. Hold on for the new Swift Boaters, coming soon to your swing state.

Let's hope this time we are ready for them.