The Washington Post has Sens. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) asking the President to work harder on building coalitions and support, both at home and abroad.

"I don't understand why the president would not want all the congressional and international support he can get if, in fact, the last option is taking a nation to war," Hagel said in an interview yesterday, a few hours after questioning Bush's broader policy of preemption in a major foreign policy speech. "The allies want to have a say, and should have a say, in how we initiate this effort."

The Administration rejected an alternative resolution put forward by the two Senators. WaPo says that a compromise resolution will be ready as early as today. The major sticking point seems to be the role of the UN: the Bush Administration does not want Congressional approval contingent on UN approval, moderates from both parties would rather see the President craft a coalition before military action. Bush, though, would like to have Congressional backing in his negotiations with China, France and Russia -- any one of which could veto a UN resolution.

Bush met with Democratic leaders Wednestday, in an attempt to soften the damage from the very public accusations flying in the last few days. Immediately after the meeting, House Minority Leader [redacted] Gephardt used his press conference to highlight the Democratic domestic agenda, and Bush reiterated his agenda for Iraq. Bush said that the debate between parties is "deliberate, civil and thorough," and also says that he's close to an agreement on the draft resolution against Iraq.

The LA Times has a story on efforts by the Bush Administration to get congressional approval for the training of 10,000 members of the Iraqi opposition to help with the looming war. The quoted officials emphasized that this is not a Bay of Pigs-style militia, but rather "support staff" that will assist with the change in regime. The 1998 Iraq Liberation Act provided $97 million for efforts like this, and only $800,000 has been spent. Once Bush formally announces plans for this money, Congress has 15 days to oppose it. Iraqi opposition leaders are predictably delighted about Bush's plans.