He said he'd be willing to move some of his own money around in a restructuring to clear salary cap room for Cruz, but no one has approached him yet.

WSJ: Giants WR Cruz still not with team for program

Outside the room, there's a political problem for Obama, and it's one of his own making.

CNN: Borger: Obama's is vote that matters on Afghanistan

His lunch, which he ate on his own in an enormous, empty dining room while reading a book under the absentminded gaze of the elderly maid, and the black-and-white gaze of his deceased wife looking out from photographs in ornate silver frames, was light: soup and a small portion of fish and mashed potatoes, some of which he would allow to go cold.

NEWYORKER: The Insufferable Gaucho

Mr Hussein may now make a show of working with the inspectors in an attempt to ensure his own survival, but he has little room to wriggle.

ECONOMIST: Saddam says yes | The