Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine:

Employee Evaluation

Some of the media elite have found that Karl Rove in his new role as a commentator is, to their apparent astonishment, a pretty good guy. Rove is now a FOX News contributor and also writes for the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek. The New York Times quotes Newsweek editor Jon Meacham as saying the former Bush political strategist is getting positive reviews from the staff.

The Times writes, "Mr. Meacham said Mr. Rove had been received surprisingly well in the magazines newsroom, where he has been a reliable colleague who files his articles on time and works diligently with fact checkers.

After one editor dealt with him, Mr. Meacham said, "The editor called me and said, 'This just complicated my world view. I may like Karl Rove.'"

Connecting the Dots

Another New York Times story is critical of John McCain for saying last week that a political adviser to the Hamas terror group says the organization is pulling for Barack Obama. Times reporter Larry Rohter calls McCain’s statement a "portrayal".

But Ahmed Yousef clearly stated on April 13, "We like Mr. Obama and we hope that he will win the election."

The Times also writes McCain is wrong for saying Obama has said he would hold unconditional talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Rohter includes a denial by Obama foreign policy adviser Susan Rice. However, Obama said during a debate last July that he would meet with the leaders of several countries, including Iran. He reiterated that during an interview with Tim Russert April 30.

However, Obama said during a debate last July that he would meet with the leaders of several countries, including Iran. He reiterated that during an interview with Tim Russert April 30.

And his Web site says, "Obama is the only major candidate who supports tough, direct presidential diplomacy with Iran without preconditions."

Prophet of Doom?

Meanwhile, Ahmadinejad is again predicting the destruction of Israel. The Iranian leader told reporters Tuesday in Tehran, "This terrorist and criminal state is backed by foreign powers, but this regime would soon be swept away by the Palestinians."

He is also critical of the 60th anniversary celebrations for Israel, saying, "It would be futile to hold a birthday ceremony for something which is already dead."

Last Thursday Ahmadinejad said, "Those who think that by holding anniversary feasts [they] could save or revive this rotten and stinking corpse are badly mistaken."

Movin' On Up?

A survey of senators by The Hill newspaper finds that more than one-fifth of them would seriously consider an offer to run for vice president. Nine said they would undoubtedly accept and 12 others said they would think about it.

Republican Bob Bennett of Utah said, "Of course. Big house, big car, not much to do. Why not?"

Democrat Barbara Mikulski of Maryland said, "I think I would be great... I know how to behave at weddings and funerals."

Robert Byrd of West Virginia says no, saying, "I do not enjoy spending a lot of time at undisclosed locations."

Republicans Jim DeMint of South Carolina and Johnny Isakson of Georgia said they would have to check with their wives first.

Outta Here

And updating a story from Monday's Grapevine, a University of Toledo administrator who wrote an op-ed piece challenging the notion that homosexuals are victims of civil rights violations has been fired. Cybercast News reports Crystal Dixon had initially been suspended, but was let go after refusing a transfer out of her job as associate vice president of human resources.

— FOX News Channel's Martin Hill contributed to this report.