2002 vs. 2006

I've been waiting for someone to make this comparison:

Let's compare midterm cycles. In 2002, Bush did 71 fundraising events; this year he's done 67. Pretty close, obviously. The difference, however, is that reporters and photographers were barred from just three of these events in 2002, while this year, 33 fundraisers have been closed to the press, including a Republican National Committee dinner last night in Boca Raton, Fla.

In 2002, Bush took part in 32 voter rallies at airports and sports arenas. This year, he's attended one, in Utah, and it was a non-political event on behalf of U.S. troops.

In 2002, Bush attended 12 public rallies. This year, he's attended zero.