CNN Political Ticker

Analysis: Is Bush selling success or buying time?

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Many are wondering what President Bush will say in his prime-time speech to the nation about the Iraq war, but it's worth noting one phrase they surely will not hear: "Stay the course."

The president gave up that phrase long ago because it was further complicating efforts to sell a war with sliding public support.

But the fundamental question looming over the president's eighth prime-time address on Iraq is this: Regardless of how the president packages this progress report, will it amount to a de facto stay-the-course battle plan?

Full story: Analysis: Is Bush selling success in Iraq or buying time?

- CNN White House Correspondent Ed Henry