The 33rd meeting of the G8 is happening in early June, in Germany. German Chancellor Angela Merkel — perhaps in retaliation for the infamous backrub — is determined to put climate change high on the agenda. Not surprisingly, the U.S. and Canada are working to water down the draft communique Merkel has put together.

Somewhat surprisingly, Merkel — backed by Tony Blair — isn’t backing down. Indeed, they seem to be ramping up the pressure on Bush.

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Stories like this don’t tell themselves.

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Will Bush’s weakness and the now-universal chorus of concern on climate change combine to yield U.S. federal movement on the issue?

Ha ha. Hope springing eternal, meet Dick Cheney. Dick Cheney, hope springing eternal.

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