There have been quite a few of these kinds of headlines running lately and they are quite suggestive of…something. But maybe it’s just me…

* Bush, Rice Share Close Relationship (AP)

* Bush, Rice Are Tightly Bound by Experience (LA Times)

* SECRET LIFE OF AMERICA’S MOST POWERFUL WOMAN (NYP)

* Bush makes picks for 2 positions: Bush makes picks for 2 positions

Rice’s deputy, known as ‘Dad,’ will succeed her [WTF?] (Indystar.com)

* Bush turns to Rice’s finely tuned ear to aid foreign policy (Pretoria News)

* Rice to step from intimate Bush circle to larger stage in her new role (Palm Beach Post)

* “Below Rice, a chain reaction” (Newsday)

* “Bush’s faithful ‘Warrior Princess’ wins chance to drag dissenting department back into line” (Independent)