In their meeting today, Republicans and Democrats alike stressed the areas of potential agreement, as if to defy skeptics who have for months been predicting a stalemate.

This year's market has been adept at defying skeptics.

But Mr. Whittle seemed undaunted, pointing out that Edison has already defied early skeptics by becoming one of the 50 largest school systems in the country, with about 75,000 students in 22 states.

In so doing they have defied impatient hawks and other skeptics who accused the Clinton Administration of gullibility and urged swifter, stronger action.

A fervid believer in wireless communications, Mr. McCaw defied skeptics and borrowed billions of dollars during the 1980's to build cellular systems around the country.

Defying skeptics who wondered how a company that had historically depended on sales of acoustic pianos into a relatively limited market could survive, Yamaha has exploited its strength in music.

The rally has defied skeptics who thought stocks were due for a slide.

Defying skeptics who wondered if Mr. Murray would ever retire, Mr. Gifford succeeded him at the end of 2001.

Whether Mr. Gifford will again defy skeptics is the question.

Supporters say Mr. Heckmann has defied skeptics so far and should continue to do so.