And now, it's time to play "Spot the Spin!"

The applause sign flashes, the audience duly responds, and our host dashes out from behind the curtain.

"Okay, players, let's start with a quick one. From an AP story, December 15:"

Lt. Gen. Lance Smith, deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command, said in a briefing that there were indications many Sunnis want to take part in the vote.

"We just don't know how large that is or how much that will grow as we move toward January; nor do we know how effective the intimidation campaign will be as it continues," he said.

"So can you [with audience chanting along] Spot the Spin?"

BZZT

"Yes! Roger!"

"Is it the use of 'indications,' Bob?"

"Oh, no, I'm sorry, Roger, that's just a standard weasel phrase. Anyone else?"

ZZZING

"Mary, think you have it?"

"How about 'intimidation campaign' - is that it?"

DINGDINGDINGDING

"Good job, Mary! Yes, indeed, referring to an 'intimidation campaign,' and by that suggesting that any Sunnis who do not take part in the election do so because of 'intimidation' rather than because of actually agreeing with the boycott, is a fine example of the whirling rhetoric we celebrate here.

"Congratulations, Mary, you managed to [with audience chanting along] Spot the Spin!"

[Applause, fade to commercial.]