Most analysts agree that President George W. Bush is on the political rebound as the year ends. Who helped shape the media-characterized political comeback? And what about the polls?

Here’s one take on it that suggests perhaps some of what we’re seeing is due to conflicting strategies within the White House — and raises the fascinating question again about how media reports are sourced and the impact on the sourcing.

Note: This is the same question raised about Bob Woodward’s work: being a key source for a major news outlet means you get to not only give inside details to the reporter but YOU come out looking like a winner.