Or no we can't, according to the new "W" distributor Lionsgate. The studio has picked up the American distribution rights to Stone's film which stars Josh Brolin as W, James Cromwell as Bush Sr and Thandie Newton as Condoleeza Rice. While the plan was always to release the film BEFORE George Bush leaves office, the new plan is to unleash "W" on voters three weeks before we cast our ballots for Bush's successor. The film will open nationwide on October 17th.

While I'm not sure that this move by Stone and his distributor rises to the level of a political "October Surprise" – you know, one of those sneaky maneuvers pols pull right before election day so that their opponents do not have time enough to recover - something like trading arms for hostages, say. Still, putting "W" front and center before an election is kind of sneaky. The candidates running for president want all the air time they can get, especially in October, and while reminding Americans about the foibles of George W may help the democrats, nether party wants to be eclipsed by a lame duck. Let the countdown to "W" begin.

Dick Cheney hunts lame ducks here.