Bush had openly discussed eliminating the trade representative from the Cabinet.

FORBES: People

But on the other hand, Mr. Bush has openly criticized his predecessor, Bill Clinton, for precisely such involvement and may not want to leave himself vulnerable to the same criticism if the negotiations falter.

CNN: Bush's goal: Balancing a host of opposing forces

For Mr Bush, who has openly campaigned to defend the interests of the oil industry, to go suddenly weak at the knees about high oil prices is bizarre.

ECONOMIST: Pump fiction | The