But did they hold hands?

I can't think of a more heartwarming scenario.

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) -- President Bush praised House Majority Leader Tom DeLay on Tuesday and gave him an Air Force One ride back to Washington as the administration worked to cool grumbling about the embattled Texas congressman.

The White House denied that DeLay's appearance with Bush at a Social Security event here was a way for the president to give the House leader a political boost. But while the president has steadfastly backed DeLay, Tuesday's appearance took Bush's public show of support to a new level.

"I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Tom DeLay in working on important issues that matter to the country," Bush said before he began plugging for Social Security overhaul.

[...]

DeLay, who rode with the president in his limousine, on his Marine One helicopter and then on Air Force One for the return flight to Washington, has said he's willing to defend himself before the House ethics committee, but the panel is essentially shut down because of a deadlock over new rules imposed by Republicans.

Upon landing, and after a goodbye handshake at the bottom of the Air Force One steps, DeLay said the president's very public show of support for him Tuesday "felt very good."

Well, he didn't get the Abdullah treatment, so I guess they're still just friends.

But that's why I agree with Jonathon Alter when he says that DeLay must stay on the scene -- front and center -- for another 18 months.

So assuming he dodges indictment, DeLay should stay in his post for 18 months, until the 2006 midterm elections. Even if his legendary gerrymandering has made it unlikely that the Democrats will regain control of Congress, at least the voters—who now, finally, have heard of this guy—would have a clearer decision about where the country should go. His potential successors are all just as conservative as DeLay, but they seem colorless and would thus fuzz up the choice. The midterms should be a referendum on DeLay's America. Stay on the right fringe or move toward the center? Let the people decide.

Yes, and force Bush to have to fend off DeLay's rude advances again and again.

Tom DeLay has out-maneuvered the Boy Genius, Karl Rove. DeLay, perhaps more than Rove, comprehends the adage, "Live by the base, die by the base." By attaching himself to the right wing true believers, the Bug Man has made himself bullet-proof to establishment attempts to undermine his rule.

This should be a joy -- like a good romantic comedy -- to watch play out. Hastert's decision to let the House Ethics Committee conduct a probe (heh, heh) will will make things even more screwball, since Hastert has stacked the committee with loyal hacks beholden to DeLay's money machine. They won't do any more than admonish DeLay, and by their inaction remind voters that the GOP is the party of DeLay.