From Holden:

Today we learned that The Decider has been speaking to the Lebanese PM…

MR. SNOW: The President also reiterated his support for the democracy in his conversation with Prime Minister Siniora.

And, according to Pony Blow, the dude is a liar.

Q Now, Siniora is describing the President’s comments as promising to get Israeli to rein in its attacks. Did the President say anything like that?

MR. SNOW: No. What the President — or, the President reiterated his position. Prime Minister Siniora at one point — I think he’s been public about this — has wanted a ceasefire. It is unlikely that either or both parties are going to agree to that at this juncture, although we certainly hope that we get to a ceasefire soon and we hope that all parties work toward it.

The Bush Assministration’s resident Soviet expert has been working the phone lines to Tel Aviv.

Q So the President has not — you know, Condi last night was talking about Israel should exercise restraint. The President has not called any Israeli officials to make that point?

MR. SNOW: He has not spoken with Israeli officials. However, Secretary Rice and National Security Advisor Hadley have had a number of conversations.

And the tenor of those conversations? Take it away, Steve Clemons.

Although I do not have independent confirmation, I heard the rumor from a well-placed source that Secretary of State Rice attempted to increase pressure on Israel to stand down and to demonstrate “restraint”. The rumor is that she was told flatly by the Prime Minister’s office to “back off”.

Finally, the question of the day.

Q Is it true that Putin wouldn’t him bike on the grounds because they thought he might run into somebody.