When you became Speaker, you announced that impeachment was "off the table." I would like to know the rationale for this statement at the time, and I would like to hear your opinion as to whether the events since then have justified your removal of this option. In short, why did you say it?

Were you afraid of the Republicans and their media machine screaming you were after payback for the Clinton debacle?

Were you afraid that impeachment would be a distraction from the business of passing bills which the president would then veto?

Were you anxious to avoid controversy?

Did you believe that the Bush administration would cooperate with subpoenas from Congressional committees?

Has your "off the table" strategy worked the way you intended it to?