He made common cause with conservatives among other Party elders.

But on the other, party elders do not allow their own people to be punished for nothing.

As the demonstrations continued, the mood began to change, particularly among the party elders.

Overnight, two strong convictions took hold of many party elders.

Events in Shanghai increased the anxiety of the party elders.

"But it is the party elders, not the public, who can decide their fate."

The party elders know they have a dicey task ahead of them.

Still, some exasperated party elders seemed to have no explanation at all.

Perhaps so, but party elders have spent the last three days desperately trying to do so.

He added: "The party elders are invaluable sources of advice to me."