How to succeed in Washington 101.

How does Frances Townsend get ahead? Since she joined Condoleezza Rice's staff in 2003, she has risen to direct both the counterterrorism and homeland security offices at the White House. Before that, her ascent to power as an aide to Janet Reno during the '90s had been equally rapid.

One of her colleagues, another Reno aide, tells The Washington Post that, "she was very 'well take care of it' in those meetings. She understands the principle that you say 'we'll take care of it' even if you have no clue how you'll actually take care of it" This, in my experience, is one of the great secrets of success in Washington. I have seen many a clever bureaucrat ride it to the top. Of course, it doesn't work if you neglect to do the taking care of.