The GOP Cave-In

By Howard Kurtz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 28, 2005; 8:27 AM

That was an unusual sight yesterday morning: Denny Hastert, holding a news conference that was carried live by cable.

Of course, the speaker of the House can talk to reporters and make news any time he wants. But how often have you seen Hastert do that? He is a classic behind-the-scenes operator, and usually so low key that most Americans probably think Tom DeLay runs the House.