The insider

Nobody waits a decent interval before spilling his guts, with the possible exception of Colin Powell. Today we learn that former presidential press secretary Scott McClellan has a contract for a book to be published next year, by PublicAffairs. According to the publisher's description, the book "will take readers behind-the-scenes of the Bush presidency, covering both strengths and weaknesses, successes and shortcomings with refreshing candor."

Even the president's bootblack is an insider, but we wonder what kind of analysis a press secretary could add to the burning issues of the last few years. McClellan's predecessor, Ari Fleischer, also penned a book, "Taking Heat," two years ago, which quickly sank from sight. Many will incline an ear toward a fly on the wall, but possibly people have skepticism about the insight, gravitas, and "refreshing candor" of a retired spin-doctor-in-chief.