Hey, What About What's His Name?

Seeking to forestall American Airlines' plan to coordinate operations with British Airways and Iberia, a trans-Atlantic competitor, Virgin Atlantic, has written an open letter to Barack Obama and John McCain.

In it, Virgin Atlantic president Sir Richard Branson, warns the presidential candidates that the proposed tie-up among American, BA, and Iberia is "an anti-competitive agreement" that would "inevitably lead to less competition and higher fares."

All of which is fine. He's entitled to his opinion, and to express it to the nation's leaders.

One curious thing: What about the guy who's still currently occupying the White House? President Bush. Won't his administration be the one to vet the American-BA deal? Isn't that why those airlines are in such a rush?

by Mark Stein