Daschle's trial run?

• Position: Off The News

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker, the former Senate majority leader and White House chief of staff, is considered by many to possess one of the most savvy political minds to pass through Washington. Even while on assignment in Tokyo, the ambassador hasn't lost his touch for how the game is played.

Recently, Baker asked a visitor from Washington what his friend Tom Daschle, the Senate majority leader, was up to lately. The response: The Democratic chief was working hard to secure Harvey Goldschmid a seat on the Security Exchange Commission. "That means Daschle's running for President"...