The Meaning Of "Is" Updated

clipped from www.powerlineblog.com Mr. Obama drew a distinction, saying his administration would start negotiations with Iran “without preconditions” and being directly involved himself. For that to occur, he added, Iran would have to meet benchmarks or conditions. That reiterates remarks he has made numerous times in the past year, though not in a YouTube debate last July that the McCain campaign has repeatedly cited. I guess it all depends on what the meaning of "conditions" is. The Times seemed to think it made perfect sense.

I don't know how you can parse this other than "without preconditions" is equivalent to "meet benchmarks or conditions".

If your head doesn't explode then why have one?

No wonder Hillary is losing. O -- with a level of media support that is truly stunning -- makes Bill look like a piker.