Frist at war, Frist in pieces
"Smithers, free the hounds." --Mr. Burns
The hounds are baying after Richard Clarke, but the scent on the wind is RNC desperation. Let's look at some excerpts from Friday's AP story, headed "GOP moves to declassify Clarke testimony."
"...hoping to show discrepancies between his recent criticisms...[and] flattering statements he made as a White House aide."
Can anyone imagine an aide who wants to remain in this White House making anything but flattering statements?
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and House Speaker Dennis Hastert have developed a sudden fondness for openness of government documents. One wonders if this fondness will extend beyond this attempt to smear Richard Clarke, who shares their fondness.
"The allegations against Clarke could linger for weeks..." We're not told who thinks these could linger so long, but we know who needs an extended distraction.
"Frist made clear Friday that he isn't accusing Clarke of perjury." See how he does this? He's not accusing Clarke of perjury. But somehow he's linked the two in the public mind. I'm not accusing Sen. Frist of supporting assisted suicide either.
Perjury is a big one for the Republiban. It's what they finally nailed Clinton for, and if what they desperately hope is the lingering stench from that debacle should taint Clarke, so much the better. It's also what they want to prevent Condi getting nailed for, which is why she's not being permitted to testify under oath. Speak all you want, Dr. Rice, but not under oath. Why? So she can't be accused of perjury. Give me one other reason that isn't manifest hogwash like "separation of powers."
"Two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity..." Another Rove/RNC hallmark: anonymous attacks. Anyone see Dick Cheney's or Scooter Libby's fingerprints on this?
On Saturday, March 27, The New York Times notes that "Dr. Frist and other Republican Congressional leaders said their decision to seek declassification had not been coordinated with the White House."
Here's how the discerning process works: Anything these guys deny is probably true.
"I'll take Colin Powell to block"
Colin Powell cements his isolation from the Bush team by defending Clarke's service and expertise. Powell is more likely to appear on "Hollywood Squares" than in a second Bush administration.
The Times quotes White House spokesman Sean McCormack as saying that "to my knowledge there was no coordination between Congressional Republicans and the White House on the request for the declassification of the documents." Did anyone see if he said it with a straight face? Memo to Sean: They wouldn't tell you, precisely so you can get this statement on the record. Plausible deniability, remember?
Accuse opponents of what you do yourselves, 2nd in a series: Spin, Doctor!
Dr. Frist accuses Richard Clarke of "profiteering" with his book. Dr. Frist hopes to link profiteering in the public mind with anything other than Dick Cheney's Halliburton.
Dr. Frist describes Clarke's apology to relatives of 9/11 victims as "an act of supreme arrogance and manipulation." Can anyone hear the phrase "supreme arrogance and manipulation" without thinking of the Bushies' drive to invade Iraq? They can if Bill Frist has his way.
11:38:18 AM 
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