After first suggesting that a mechanical failure had disabled at least one of the boats, they acknowledged that there was no mechanical problem.
Justice Alito spoke first, suggesting that the 34 states which have thus far resisted setting up their own exchanges may have a change of heart.
Mr. Annan met on Friday with the Palestinian leader, Yasir Arafat, who raised and dashed hopes here on the opening day of the meeting by first suggesting that Palestinians would compromise on the language, and then unexpectedly withdrawing the overture.
He managed up with flexibility and alacrity, first suggesting that The Journal's DNA was strong enough to withstand any changes, then suggesting that its genetic material should be seen as a straitjacket.
After first suggesting that all 75 healthcare workers had approved them, Jenkins conceded that the wording had only just been finalised, and that some of the 75 may have learned of it from watching broadcasts of the commissioners meeting.
The apparent racial dimension of his work stands out at first, suggesting an alignment with an artist like Robert Colescott, who depicts American culture through the lens of racist stereotypes.
In campaign interviews, for example, he has stumbled over the heated issue of L.G.B.T. rights, first suggesting that gays and lesbians should march on a remote stadium, where they would not risk being exposed to violence, and reversing himself later.
More worrisome to some listeners was that after first suggesting the Taliban were responsible for Sunday's mayhem, he appeared to back away from that, addressing the Taliban about the attack "if you have done it or not".
