Q: So what is undignified about the discourse?
MR. McCLELLAN: It will provide an opportunity for a vigorous and healthy debate about our judiciary and the proper role of judges in our judicial system. And the President has simply said that he hopes that the hearings are respectful and civil and dignified.
Q: You're not responding to what has been undignified about the discourse so far.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there are some that have tried to raise questions about his integrity. Judge Alito is someone of the highest integrity. He is someone who is widely respected by those who know him best -- not only for his judicial temperament, but for his integrity and his character. And the American Bar Association, in their unanimous -- they gave him its highest rating, unanimously well qualified to serve on the bench. And they said that -- in their language, that the nominee, "meets the highest ethical standards of integrity, professional competence and judicial temperament."
Q: Therefore that shouldn't be part of a hearing -- questions about his character and integrity should not be part of his hearing?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, there are some groups that have --
Q: Is that what you're saying, that they shouldn't be asking those questions?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, no, no. There are some groups that have misrepresented facts relating to cases he has decided; there are groups that --
Q: That's fine. Are you saying that that should not be part of a hearing?
MR. McCLELLAN: -- are engaging in dishonest attacks. It should be an honest, open and thorough discussion of his views and how his --
Q: You want to set parameters for what should and shouldn't be asked in his hearings; is that what the President is saying?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm just using -- no, that's what you're saying.

This is another Gregory classic.  At least there's one journalist in the WH not willing to be a stenographer. 

Just a few minutes ago, fmr Speaker of the House Newt Gingrrich recited the republican talking points verbatim: 1) Karl Rove wasjust "setting the record straight" about Joe Wilson's "repeated lies" about his just.  Gingrich went on to claim that Wilson is "lying" about everything he's said about his trip to Niger and the actual evidence he found.  Newt stated that Wilson was long in contact with the Kerry campaign and that he made contributions to the Kerry '04 ticket.  Gingrich recited the idea that Wilson's reports were heavily criticized by reports from the Sen. Intelligence committee. 

This is what we have: Ken Mehlman telling us that the Democrats are leading a dispicable smear campaign against Rove, whilst republican talking heads go around smearing Joe Wilson and his wife.  The implication that Newt left everyone with was that Plame did in fact send Wilson and that she is just as involved in the "conspiracy" as well.