Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2008 > May > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.US“Watchin’ Scottie Grow”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“This doesn’t sound like Scott — not the Scott McClellan I’ve known for a long time,” Karl Rove said this week, referring to his former colleague’s new book from inside the Bush administration. “It sounds like a left-wing blogger….”
And that’s exactly the point. Nothing in McClellan’s book is surprising or new. Its power lies in the fact that its author, a former White House press secretary who had worked loyally for Bush since his days back in Texas, does indeed confirm what the president’s harshest critics have said about him and his administration.
(That includes the public take on Rove, by the way. McClellan calls him “an operative who places political gain ahead of national interest,” which is a damning indictment of anyone who serves in a high position in the White House.)
As McClellan now concedes, the invasion of Iraq was poorly thought out and an act of gut instinct on the part of Bush, who believed that only wartime presidents were ever remembered as great. The invasion was sold to the American people as something it was not, says McClellan, because “Bush and his advisers knew that the American people would almost certainly not support a war launched primarily for the ambitious purpose of transforming the Middle East.”
But part of the blame, McClellan says, falls on a national media that served as “complicit enablers” of the Bush strategy.
“If anything, the national press corps was probably too deferential to the White House and to the administration in regard to the most important decision facing the nation during my years in Washington, the choice over whether to go to war in Iraq…, he writes. “In this case, the ‘liberal media’ didn’t live up to its reputation. If it had, the country would have been better served.”
That’s exactly right. At a critical time in the nation’s history, the media failed to do their duty under the First Amendment and they — we — failed the American people as well.
In one of the most compellling scenes in the book, McClellan recalls a private moment in the first presidential campaign when Bush, angered by press questions about past cocaine use, claimed not to remember whether he had used the drug in the wilder days of his youth. McClellan could not believe it was possible to forget such a thing.
“It’s the first time when I felt I was witnessing Bush convincing himself to believe something that probably was not true, and that, deep down, he knew was not true,” McClellan writes, a “penchant for self-deception” that Bush would later use to avoid coming to grip with far greater issues, such as Iraq and Hurricane Katrina, with great consequences.
But as many have pointed out, McClellan himself found a way to avoid confronting the truth during his years at the White House. None of his former coworkers can recall any instance in which he voiced the sentiments he now states so forcefully. “Scott never did that on any of these issues as best I can remember or as best as I know from any of my White House colleagues,” former Homeland Security adviser Frances Townsend said on CNN. “For him to do this now strikes me as self-serving, disingenuous and unprofessional.”
But here’s the hard part: Much of what is now being said of Bush and his administraiton can also be said of the nation as a whole. The president was far from alone in preferring to think with his gut, not his brain, in deciding to invade Iraq. If he had not reflected the national mood so well, he could not have led us so easily into such a bad war.
Furthermore, the fact that Bush was re-elected in 2004 suggests that self-deception can be a national as well as personal phenomenon.
It is wrong — tempting, but wrong — to try to scapegoat one man for the mistakes of the past seven years, even if that man is as powerful as the president. Our institutions have failed us, and we have failed ourselves. For that failure, we will pay a heavy price for years to come.
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Comments
By Red Foreman
May 28, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Congrats on your son’s Graduation!!!!
By Copyleft
May 28, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Bookman is right that America was swept up in a fever of BLIND patriotism and a reluctance to question anything done in the name of “national security.”
You may recall, there was even a brief period where every industry in the nation was scrambling to redefine itself as “acting in the interests of national security” to obtain blank checks for funding, tax breaks, special favors, etc.
Fortunately, the fever of jingoism eventually passed and reality took hold once more. It’s a shame so many of us were scared or eager enough to swallow the lies, but those days are over. Time to wake up to REAL patriotism, like looking out for America’s values and our own priorities rather than spreading neoconservative doctrine and influence.
By RealityKing
May 28, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
War is hell! Who didn’t know that 7 years ago!!?? No, it seems to me that only the blind and ignorant were misled into this war. The rest of us are still either for it or against it.
69% supported the war 5 yrs ago. I can still see Jon Stewart mocking the Generals(and McCain) about needing more troops to take Bagdad.., stupid or ignorant??
By RealityKing
May 28, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
McClellan is clearly aiming to make his millions off the progressive reader’s appetite for Bush hate. Evidently it’s sooooo easy to do…., feeling misled again Jay?
By independent
May 28, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
What I see is a bunch of partisan clap trap.
So it is up to the President to make sure the media gets it right? (I thought it was up to the media to get it right, by reporting facts rather than personal impressions. If ANY president were to spend his time correcting what the media reports he meant, they’d have little time for anything else. Remember what the media did to President Clinton? What about the responsibility of the media to report what was actually said, rather than what they think was meant? Only the liberals can come up with the idea that it is the fault of the President when their words are twisted by the media to mean something else.
Just to make things clear, main stream media has but ONE boss, and that boss is PROFIT. Now if the profit is in presenting the (at the time) politically popular ideas, be they correct or not, then that is what they will present. And as soon as those ideas become unpopular, they drop them like a bad habit and prmote whatever popular ideas have taken their place. IOW, if supporting going to war sells papers and/or commercials, the supporting going to war is what we see in MSM. Then later if things change and saying war was a mistake is what sells, then THAT is what we see in AJC.
The media is culpible in the case of the ideas they presented prior to the war. They did their little studies, discovered what the majority of people wanted to believe, and skewed the way they presented the facts to bolster that belief - because people will read (and listen to) MORE of what they agree with than what they disagree with. Then, when the tide of popular opinion started turning away from the war, they reinterpreted the facts and presented them in the new, anti-war light. It was THEY who deliberately misrepresented what was said by the administration, and now it is the same who are blaming the administration for their own misrepresentations.
By NCLB
May 28, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Congradulations to you and your son Jay! Job well done..
That was a public high school, rigggggght Jay!?
By KYJurisDoctor
May 28, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
I CANNOT wait to read about other CONFIRMED LIES the Bush administration has been feeding us as if it were slow acting hemlock!
By GOPs got to go
May 28, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Surely you all remember how anyone who even whispered something about Bush being wrong was almost strung up in effigy as a unpatriotic, terrorist loving, dirt bag. At least his conscience finally got the better of him. Maybe Snow will be next. Listening to him in the past I have thought surely he can not be THAT obtuse to believe this line of BS. You watch, Snow and then blondie will “tell all” next. The cockroaches are starting to swarm away form the garbage dumb that is this Administration
By Frederick Douglass
May 28, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
On Dec.7, 1941 Japan carried out an attack on Pearl Harbor that was planned and orchestrated by Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto, thousands of Americans lost their lives on that day. The rest as they say is history, except in mid April 1943, some P-38’s gave Yamamoto a dose of his own medicine. In short, sixty some odd years ago, this country’s leaders knew how to avenge a sneak attack, but most importantly they knew where to assign the blame.
By JAY BOOKMAN
May 28, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Yes, NCLB, a very good public high school in the Atlanta public schools system. Why do you ask?
By Mike
May 29, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
Had the president staffed the Pentagon and his own office and the State Department with professionals instead of propagandists, perhaps poor George wouldn’t have gotten swept away by the “national mood.”
By Casey Miller
May 29, 2008 5:46 AM | Link to this
As in the Nixon Administration the Bushies knew full well knew whtat they were doing — put young, inexperienced people in positions of power — they would not question or rock the boat as a more experienced person would. Mr. McClennan was clearly out of his element as the Press Secretary and probably did not question anything that was told him or what “talking points were to be given”.
By Dennis C. Brown
May 29, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this
I think the real question that Blitzer, talk show hosts, and other news media sources should be asking McClellan isn’t “why didn’t you say something before?”, or “why did you take the press secretary job if you felt that way about Bush’s philosophy of leading - especially regarding the Iraq war?”. Rather the first question asked should be, “how much money are you being paid upfront and do you personally stand to make from this book?”
By DMac
May 29, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
Bookman is correct, our institutions failed us. In fact, they continue to fail us. Where is the call for accountability? Shouldn’t Bush and his associates be held accountable? In his piece, Mr. Bookman did not ask for this. Administration officials lies are directly responsible for the needless deaths of a very large number of people. But, according to the AJC that’s merely a matter of inconsequence. It’s sad, the AJC has learned next to nothing from this debacle.
By Charles
May 29, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
One thing is for sure - in the Bush White House no one has to be afraid to tell or fabricate any stories and worry about reprisals. You need to look no farther than Vince Foster, JIm McDougal, Mary Mohane, C. Victor Raiser, Paul Tully, Ed and Kathleen Willey (to name a few) to see what happens if you cross the Clintons.
By Richard Sutherland
May 29, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Have we forgotten that Lee Atwater, one of the dirtiest politicians ever, in the Reagan/Bush administrations, finally apoligized for his underhanded political tricks just before he died in 1991? Perhaps Scott McClellan is going through the same transformation.
By SpaceyG
May 29, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
What cowards they all are. McClellan should have stood up and been a man and taken a stance against the thieves and liars in the White House when he was there witnessing to it all, not during the window of most profit opportunity for his book sales. What a w******* he is. Valerie Plame has taken the fall for all these clowns. I hope she is one day remembered as a martyr for the sins of the Cheney White House, including the most cowardly of ‘em all, McClellan. If I was his momma, I’d disown him now. No, I take that back. First I’d slap him, then I’d disown him. And then tell everyone I knew not to buy his book, but rather just steal the damn thing. Because of course we all must read it now.
By 15 Minutes of Fame
May 29, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Scott - you’ve already used up 13 minutes - only 2 left before you’re relegated to history’s dust bin.
By Good News
May 29, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! I am happy to say i can see the light in the tunnel. Before it is all said and done, the Bush presidency will be considered the worst of all time. Scott could not have picked a better time to release his book. It is ironic partisan people are stuck on stupid defending the obvious, the Iraq invasion was and still is a lie. Fox news are saying Scott has no credibility because he is telling the truth. Republicans are saying Scott should have stood up long ago while is on on the job. well anyone who disagrees with his or her CEO or VP of where you work, walk in his or her office and flat out tell him or her how you feel about the direction of the company, then see what happens to your career or employment status.
By AlG
May 29, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, when Scottie was a member of the administration we weren’t supposed to believe a word he said, but now that he’s making millions on a tell all book, everything he says must be the truth. That makes perfect sense to any three year old, or AJC Editorial Board member.
By JeremiahWright
May 29, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Wow, imagine Jay taking an opportunity to bash Bush. This will turn out to be about money. McClellan was offered too much money by the far left kooks and couldn’t turn it down. His boss Ari Fleischer hinted at as much yesterday. The book will sell poorly. The Bush Presidency (and I’m no huge fan either) will endure, and history will show they weren’t as bad as all you left wing loons think.
By Gil
May 29, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Put political gain above the public interest? Is he talking about Pelosi, Reed, Clinton, Obama and the rest of the Dems who work for America’s defeat, restrict energy supplies, want to raise taxes in a slow economy, and hope to turn our sovereignty over to the UN?
By JeremiahWright
May 29, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
So, the Iraq War was an “act of gut instinct by Bush”, huh? So, how do you explain the backing of Bill Clinton, the NY Times, CIA Director George Tenet, France’s leadership, Britain’s leadership, Israel’s leadership, Germany’s leadership, Turkey’s leadership, and the US Congress? Hmmmm? The left always ignores the important part of the story.
By Monkey
May 29, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
“Furthermore, the fact that Bush was re-elected in 2004 suggests that self-deception can be a national as well as personal phenomenon.”
I wonder if the fact the Obama has zero experience and is running on “hope” suggests the same self deception and national phenomenon? Nah probably not in a libs view point, why would you need experience or a valid platform?
What are you liberal idiots going to write about when Bush is out of office?
Bookman, your editorials are boring and rehash the same nonsense over and over. Of course you work for the AJC so that is right on par. Get a real job.
By Davo
May 29, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Seems like everyone is looking to pin the blame on someone else. War, economy, illegal immigration etc…is this Bush’s fault or his advisors? Or now maybe it’s the media? How about this…it’s our fault. Not only did we elect a man of questionable ability; we re-elected him while the White House and the press were screaming “TERRORISM” all day everday. This mess we’re in now is our own. Have a nice day :)
By chuck
May 29, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
I think your title should be Watch Scottie’s Nose Grow.
By Fools
May 29, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
All this “leadership” is killing the country. Obama aint gonna change that a bit.
We had a chance with Ron Paul but you smug fools blew it.
So here’s to expanding “control” and more self-serving “graft” from our beloved “leadership”.
9 TRILLION in debt. Money supply increasing and FED nationalizing the worthless housing debt. China headed to #1 (better invade them). Lower standard of living The lady says Islamofascist want to cut my head off on my front porch. Remember the Gulf Of Tonkin!
Rome,Baby,Rome.
By Jim's a Cherry Picker
May 29, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Hi Jay,
There’s really some rich stuff here, but I’m most interested in whatever blame lies with the media.
Although there’s definately a trend in pulling punches over the last several years, I don’t know that it was a total failure. I really think that the American people were prepped ahead of time by conservative causes to distrust mainstream media. The reason was not explicitly so Bush could get away with starting a war for no apparent reason, but rather so that, on the whole, a conservative government could minimize risk and distract the population. Which is what happened.
Mainstream media function within the economy just like everyone else, and if the consumers are wary of “liberal media” then it won’t sell. And if it doesn’t sell, then media owners must soften their tone. This has happened quite a bit. And a byproduct is also a reduction in coverage (fewer reporters) per a reduction in readership (fewer newspapers). There’s a strong case to be made that the hardcore news in this country is reported exclusively by print daily media and a few periodicals.
Bergman’s Frontline series on all this was very troubling… McClellan’s book really puts a fine point on the danger in not having a vigorous free press.
But it also points to the power of PR, image control and group think. Perception of Truth = Reality, so if conservatives perceive the War as just and GW as good, then that’s their reality. Same goes for the liberals.
By AlbertoD
May 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
There is a time and place for everything. There will be enough time to second guess and criticize the decisions of our Commander and Chief after he leaves office. Yes, I do think there were mistakes made and we need to get to the bottom of it. But, when we have troops on the ground, now is not the time to attack or undermine President Bush… unless your goal is to be political or sell books.
By Copyleft
May 29, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Bad idea, Alberto. When the C-in-C is making bad decisions and getting our troops killed needlessly, we need to speak up IMMEDIATELY and put a stop to it.
To wait until he leaves office only lets a bad situation worsen.
By Joe
May 29, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Hillarious. This blog is a perfect example of AJC’s readership. No one here in Georgia wants to hear your far left crap Jay. Go back to where ever it is you came from since you can’t possibly have an honest debate. Being so blinded by the cool aid you don’t even realize that this month is Iraq is the least violent since the war started…
By Bosch
May 29, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
AlbertoD,
That is the EXACT time to be asking the commander questions - especially if he is as incompetent as Bush has been.
As always, nicely written Bookman.
By ghost rider
May 29, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
By JeremiahWright
May 29, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Mr Wright; Where do you get your facts? Remember, TURKEY would not allow U.S. troops to stage an invasion from their soil. Which was a critical slow down.
France opposed the war as did Germany.
George Tenent was nothing more than sycophant.
Bill Clinton was not in office!
The New York Times relied on two reporters who have now been outed as lackeys for the Bush administration, and have since been fired.
By Bosch
May 29, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Joe,
“this month is Iraq is the least violent since the war started”
The lack of violence should never be used as a measurement of progress or success.
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Jay, I’m missing something here. Are you a writer or a propagandist? You wrote an an “article” yesterday about Bush being the worst president. It must truly suck to be you. To write nothing but garbage about a president and pass it off as journalism. The AJC boggles my mind because it’s nothing more than propaganda. On the one hand, you have Cynthia Tucker hating whitey, and on the other hand we have you. I’m glad I don’t participate in paying your salary through a subscription.
By Eric
May 29, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Joe @ 9:48: I think it’s you who’s been “blinded by the Kool Aid” (if that metaphor even makes sense). Whether or not violence in Iraq was lighter this month has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not the public was deceived in the rationale for going to war, or if the war was justified under any of the actual circumstances.
To “The Truth” @ 9:57: Jay writes an editorial column, not an “article”, as you put it. There’s a big difference.
By dirty harry
May 29, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
TRUTH…He is without a doubt the WORST PRESIDENT EVER! No garbage just the facts…Bush is incompetent, a moron, and totally immoral!
He can’t even remember if he used cocaine….Oh man, must have been some parties goin’ on in those days!
By Truthifier
May 29, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
What I don’t understand is Mr. McClellan’s allegations against the media for not asking the right questions in the lead up to the war. As I recall, they were asking the questions, but Mr. McClellan refused to answer them. While there is, I must admit, a satisfyingly smug sense of vindication in Mr. McClellan’s confirmation of what other’s have said for years, his self-serving finger pointing will likely negate any effect his book may have in future debate on the war.
By NCLB
May 29, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Well…, to be bluntly, I live among the poor. I have not rushed away from this dying community, mainly because my skills and sometimes shear male presence often fills a much needed void here.
But, in light of the recent CRT scores, and past experiences in public schools, I too will be requesting one of those NCLB school valtures for my little darlings. Half of my neighbors are now doing the same thing. You see, thanks to Bush, and a little help from me, these poor kids are getting bussed over to the good school districts, AND THEIR GETTING GOOD GRADES. One is the only black kid in his 7th grade class, sad really.. But there is no doubt in my mind that they will be much better off filling an empty seat in a very good HS and actually make it to graduation. Unlike 50% of Ga’s youth today, not to mention the missing Fathers part. Your son probably has no idea how lucky he is..
So.., to which district does Atlanta’s elite send their children when it’s not a private school? Mind sharing the empty seats with the under privileged??
By Alan
May 29, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
He could have very well been paid off to do this by a democrat with deep pockets. There are plenty of Hollyweird types that would pool their massive sums of expendable cash in his direction to write this. If you wait on the Obama-lovefest stations such as NBC, ABC, CNN or CBS to question him as to why he didn’t speak up sooner, find a comfortable chair and a pot of coffee…..you’ll be waiting a long time. The glaringly obvious support these stations have given Obama is nothing short of a disgrace. When I watch a show that’s suppose to be the news, I don’t want to be able to know which side of the political aisle they’re on. With these it’s so obvious it’s almost a bad joke. Each time I see Chris Mathews interview Obama I want to ask, ” Did you spit or swallow…?”
By GOPs got to go
May 29, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Keep it coming Jay. If the press had pushed the lackys in office we just might not be in this quagmire. I am waiting for Colin Powell’s tell all next. He sure exited that administration quickly. I bet he is working on a book right now and waiting for the Shrub to be out of office to publish.
By Alan
May 29, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
He could have very well been paid off to do this by a democrat with deep pockets. There are plenty of Hollyweird types that would pool their massive sums of expendable cash in his direction to write this. If you wait on the Obama-lovefest stations such as NBC, ABC, CNN or CBS to question him as to why he didn’t speak up sooner, find a comfortable chair and a pot of coffee…..you’ll be waiting a long time. The glaringly obvious support these stations have given Obama is nothing short of a disgrace. When I watch a show that’s suppose to be the news, I don’t want to be able to know which side of the political aisle they’re on. With these it’s so obvious it’s almost a bad joke. Each time I see Chris Mathews interview Obama I want to ask, ” Did you spit or swallow…?”
By CherokeeDave
May 29, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Jay, It’s always easy to critize from the cheap seats but on the field in the heat of the battle belongs to real leaders. I don’t see any journalist running for office locally or nationally. It takes guts to make the tough decisions day in and day out. Mclellan showed his true colors and is now doing the Texas Two Step to get off the spotlight hook. His political career is over unless he crosses and joins the liberal ranks. They’ll probably make him head of the DNC since his character more closely reflects that of Dear Mr.H.Dean. Final Note: As I remember it, the media, the U.N. and Congress made Bush jump through multiple hoops (2 years worth) before approving and funding the Irag move. (Oh, by the way, how many 9/11’s have we had since 9/11 or don’t you feel safer in your liberal Ivory tower?
By RealityKing
May 29, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
The dubious misleading of Democrats into war is exactly why they must never be trusted with out national security.
I mean, if BUSH can do this to them, just imagine what an intelligent and sophisticated enemy could do to them…
By Bosch
May 29, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
@10:25 and 10:27,
The lengths some will go to avoid the truth.
By KW
May 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
If you want to know where the real violence is go to Africa. More people are dying, and not by natural causes, in South Africa and other parts of Africa than in Iraq and Afghanistan combined, ten fold. Democrats are going nuts because they won’t occupy the White House (again) in 2008. Even the most diehard Republicans thought we’d lose this one until the best the Democrats could come up with was him and her. Read my lips, if you don’t get the blue collar worker votes (white males) you will never be elected President and Obama is sinking like a rock through the air in that demographic. Stop listening to Al Franken and start listening to the exit polls of those who voted. Get use to saying and hearing President McCain, you’ll be hearing and saying it often.
By dirty harry
May 29, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
By Alan
May 29, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Dear sad sack: I assume by your comments you only watch Faux News and listen in on Rush.
I’m sure Alec Baldwin, Barbra Streisand, Tom Cruise and other well known Hollywood types got together en-mass and pooled their money.
“Psst, hey Scottie have we a deal for you!”
Are you serious? Ah ha,! The old Hollywood conspiracy. I’m sure the “Inquirer” will have it on the front page tomorrow!
By gttim
May 29, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
NCLB writes: “AND THEIR GETTING GOOD GRADES.”
I truly hope you are not helping them with their English lessons, because they will not be getting good grades if you are!
Nice column Jay! However, I think Scott was lying the entire time and knew it. He just did not care. Now, he wants to try to reclaim a little self-respect and grab some cash. The whole thing is very Republican of him.
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
dirty harry, Last time I checked Carter was the worst president ever.
By dirty harry
May 29, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
TRUTH…Check again!
By Matthew
May 29, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Why does this guy have a blog on the AJC, instead of a free one like all the all the other liberal political amateurs?
He writes the same thing every day, and he has absolutely no credibility as a political commentator. It is really annoying.
By DaveD
May 29, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
No “The Liar”… Bush has Carter beat as worst president ever 10 times over. It’s not even a contest. Sad thing is… there are STILL some like you that still believe the lies. I guess if people can STILL believe that there is a god (as oppossed to the Easter Bunny or Santa)..than they can believe ANYTHING told to them as true.
Worst of all…is that ANY of you ever believed right from the very start that Saddam was a threat.
Go read about “project for a new american century”… the war was outlined EXACTLY the way the neo-cons wrote it first back in 1998. Take over Iraq first, control their oil (as Iraq was also centrally located in the Middle East), and then take over one country after another in a quest for total global domination.
Guess what? Their plan failed….miserably. The only part that worked…was by brainwashing the simple minded into following them into war.
Here ya go dummies: http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=ProjectfortheNewAmerican_Century
They are ALL there as founders.. Dick, wolfie, rummy, kristol, etc…
Guess that’s “spin” as well liar…
By robo
May 29, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
How many times do I have to tell you? Bush is just a puppet. The real enemy is Dick Chaney.
…. And you voted him twice - ha!
By Marion of Texas
May 29, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
To AlbertoD, there is NEVER a time to lie or deny the truth. And a nation should NEVER go to war on lies and deception. That is NEVER acceptable. No way should any of us wait when lives are at stake. This war was based on lies. Let’s face up to the truth and not lose any more lives over one man’s ego and stubbornness. George W. Bush (and Dick Cheney) should be impeached and thrown out of office.
By dirty harry
May 29, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
McClellan is set to appear Thursday night on MSNBC’s “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” and Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” with Tim Russert.
Set your alarm clocks folks … This oughta to be good!
No wonder John McCain can’t be seen in public with this nitwit we call the president…
Dick Cheney’s (“I had other priorities”)SOCK PUPPET!
By Fred
May 29, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life.
By Bookstore Clerk
May 29, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
For those of you looking for Scott McClellan’s new book you can find it in the FICTION section (right next to Bill Clinton’s “My Life”).
By mc
May 29, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
I think the timing of this is fishy. He would reveal all this right before an election, years later after the fact, rather than when he worked as press secretary. This smells like he just wants millions for a book, using Bush hatred mantra to sell his books. About the cocain issue with Bush, how can he claim he knows what Bush is thinking? Can he read minds? This whole thing just looks like he’s looking to make millions and many will swallow the “Bush is the devil” hatred. He probably didn’t speak up at the time in order to preserve his job. Looking out for number one.
By Mark
May 29, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
CherokeeDave… if as you say “but on the field in the heat of the battle belongs to real leaders” then your boy George W and his puppetmaster the Prince of Darkness aren’t real leaders since both of them dodged the draft during Vietnam. I’d love to meet some of the 27% or so who still support this criminal president. What kind of trogoldytes are you all?
By BabyCakes
May 29, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
DaveD is right on target. Even the term “Shock and Awe” was derived from “Project for a New American Century”. This country has been gently rocked to sleep while the GREEDY Corporate b******* that own the media forced the hands of jouranlists to feed us kool-aid.
From DAY ONE, any free-thinking, open-minded individual with a speck of common-sense saw through all the LIES during the rushed lead-up to the Iraq war. Barack Obama saw straight through this farce and spoke up about it when it was not politically expediant for him to do so as he was in the middle of his own tough campaign for his State’s Senate at the time.
Unless WE as American citizens take to the streets and demand ACCOUNTABILITY from our politicians and so-called leaders, this government brainwashing will continue and thousands more will be forced to sacrifice thier precious lives and limbs for some moron’s blind ambitions.
We are militarily the most powerful nation on the planet - we were NEVER in a position of IMMEDIATE or INEVITABLE threat from Saddam and there has NEVER been any proof of such (same for Iran). Saddam was a tyrant to his own people much in the same way as are many of the modern dictators of our time (um China?). Obama will put our National Security focus back on Afghanistan and Pakistan which is where Al Qaeda continues to grow as a threat. There has never been any more than 4 to 5 percent of Al Qaeda forces fighting our troops in Iraq. This is a known FACT.
We need a CHANGE in the current Washington mindset and that change will come when Obama and his administration bring COMPENTENCY, TRUST, RESPECT AND TRANSPARENCY back into the White House.
By the way, I am a Black, female veteran who served this country proudly as an Air Force Officer. My father also served in the Army for almost 30 years (he served 2 tours in Vietnam and 1 tour during the Korean Conflict) and I do not have to wear a flag pin on my lapel in order to PROVE anything to anyone.
By swolf4810
May 29, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Bush, Chenney, Rice, Rove, Rumsfield, et.al. lied and thousands have died. Period. Bush the worst President in this country’s history? Absolutely!
By ops
May 29, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
All these revelation that we are hearing now is not a big suprise to some of us that refused to buy to the bigotry of talk radio host who takes all the lies from the politican in washington without vetting once they are GOP. Shame to those of u that accused others of unpatrotism b/cos they speak their mind, who is more patrotic now? the bush administration or jeremiah wright. Patrotism is not what u say cos words are cheap but it is what you do. Elected officials and the beureacrats lied and deceived American public with propaganda is not only a shameful things but a threat to our national security. Scott book only confirm the lies but when it’s too late more than 4000 souls and billions of dollars wasted it is sad… bye bye to GOP FOREVER.
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
DaveD, You should really get an education. I mean, take a couple of English classes so that you will be able to write a competent sentence. I’ve read kindergarten sentences that make more sense than your garbage. By the way, Bush still beat Gore and Kerry. So suck on that you uneducated freak.
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
dirty harry, Maybe Keith Olberqueer will get at least 100,000 viewers tonight. Because last time I checked his ratings were in the tank. By the way, isn’t it interesting that he’s going on liberal talk shows right after he writes this book. Hmmm. Something tells me that Scotty boy was paid off by Soros.
By Mark
May 29, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Hey Truth… Bush didn’t actually beat Gore. Gore won the popular vote nationwide and likely would have won in Florida if the Dems hadn’t been such wusses and put up a fight. Bush thus was installed by the Surpreme Court, which was packed with right-wing idealogues by Regan and the first Bush president, and thus ushering in our national nightmare.
It seems to me that McClellan’s consious finally got to him and he decided he’d better come clean or risk going to h*ll, where one will surely find Bush, Dana Perino, Rice, Chaney and the rest of those immoral, manipulative criminals and lairs in 20, 30 or 40 years.
By Bosch
May 29, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
The Truth,
And how are Bush’s ratings these days? That’s the real issue.
By Cosby Smith
May 29, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Not worthy of any editoral..just another Washington insider attempting to cash in big. A sad day in America!
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Mark, I’ll give you the same advice. Take an English class. You’ve misspelled several names. By the way, keep telling yourself that Bush never beat Gore. Bush is sitting in the White House. Not GOre. What nightmare are you speaking about? As far as I can tell, things are great. Are you God? Can you sentence Bush to hell? If they do go to hell I’m sure you’ll be there waiting to greet them.
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Bosch, How is the democrat controlled congress ratings?
TWELVE PERCENT!
That’s the real issue.
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
BabyCakes, You’re beloved messiah Hussein Obama will surrender to terrorism. He’s already stated that Iran is a nice country and that people like Hugo Chavez and Castro are the good guys. SO, you’ll now be serving a communist. Good luck with that one.
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
BabyCakes, Obama Hussein thinks that there are 57 states in the union. How in the world does he know where Iraq is? He’s a moron.
By DaveD
May 29, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
The “liar”…nice comeback… go punch some holes in the evidence I laid out up above…as always…you dance around the issues… never stating facts…only spin you get from Jim here, and the puppets on Faux news, or from the other WH talking heads…all the idiots they invite up to the WH from time to time to work in the “spin and talking points”…and that includes Mr. Libertarian himself Neil Bonehead.
If you still support this war or it’s mission…1-tell us what the mission is (other than putting our tax dollars directly into friends of Bush/Cheney/Baker/Rummy..etc.)… than you are not only uneducated…you are a complete fool.
Pssssst… there’s this fictional character floating up in the sky somewhere…act like an obedient little sissy all your life (well…on the outside at least), say you think all life is sacrid (unless we’re talking about non christian life, or humans as “collateral damage”)…and when you die…i PROMISE you’ll live forever and ever… do you believe that liar?
By dirty harry
May 29, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
TRUTH…I see now what your true vocation should be…A SPELLING Police officer!
You may thank me later for pointing out that there are positions everywhere for one of your talent.
By Morningstar
May 29, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
As usual, a really good article by Jay Bookman!
By Cecil
May 29, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
if you know something is hurting this country and you still support it you can not truly call yourself a patriot. we all know who dick cheney and george bush are, we can all see the negative affects and the division they have caused in this country. technically you can not be a patriot and support these guys at the same time. no matter how many flags or yellow ribbons you have on the back of your car. and Jesus would not admire either one. no matter how many times they call themselves Christians. and they don’t care about the children either, no matter what they say, you can’t profit in such a greedy way from oil and other corporations which in turn hurts American families, and truly care about the children of this country. the lowest creatures on this earth use patriotism, religion and children as tools of manipulation for their own selfish gain.
By Leah
May 29, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
DEAD AMERICANS DEAD CHILDREN DEAD SOLDIERS
They are not coming back! Bush and his supporters ask yourselves: “Why”?
If it were your child - your son, your daughter, your husband, your wife, your friend, your family member; knowing what we now know… was it worth it?
By Mac
May 29, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
this war should only be fought with the people and their children that voted for the worst president ever, maybe not the first time, but definitely the ones and their children that voted for this horrible person in 2004. if that happened, these idiots would be much less self-righteous.
By Copyleft
May 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Wow, TheLies is really on a roll today! Have you ever said even ONE thing that’s true? Or is it truly a mental-inversion disorder that takes in reality and spits out the opposite?
If you really do have such a gift, you should be working for Faux News. (snicker)
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Copyleft, There are always three different people that I love irritating on these blogs. You, Jay Bookman, and DaveD. Faux News? I still laugh at libs who hate that channel even though you have 5-6 different propaganda channels to choose from. Gift? I use my gifts to help others and I also use the other gifts to p** people like you, off.
What have I lied about? Carter was a terrible president, congress has a lower approval rating than Bush, and Jay Bookman is a partisan hack editor who couldn’t land a job at PMSNBC. There you have it!
By newkid
May 29, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Here’s what a December, 2004 article in the publication “Christopher Lydon Interviews…” had to say about Jay Bookman’s insights on the Iraq War:
“In a remarkable feat of newspaper journalism, Jay Bookman of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution saw the imperial design in the Bush invasion of Iraq six months before it happened. They didn’t have an exit strategy, he concluded, because they didn’t intend to leave.”
Other noted authors and publications have also cited Jay’s pre-invasion insights as well. Could it be that at least a few journalists weren’t sipping the kool-aid? Jay, might now not be an opportune time for the AJC to re-run some of that insight?
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
newkid, Jay has special future powers that allow him to see into the future. Maybe you should ask Jay out on a date.
By mc
May 29, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of hearing the constant drumbeat of “4000 dead” to push the liberal agenda. It’s just using emotion to further the agenda while ignoring facts. The fact is, joining the military is VOLUNTARY. You knowlingly sign a contract agreeing to follow orders of your commanders, and give up your rights as a citizen. You have to do what you’re told whether you agree with the mission or not. If you don’t want a chance of dying in combat, don’t join the military. These brave Americans believed that their country is worth fighting and dying for and we should all be grateful for these people. Stop using our dead soldiers to push an agenda.
By newkid
May 29, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
The Truth, I’m partial to effeminate neo-cons, so why don’t you and I swing, huh?
By The truth lies!
May 29, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Don’t let a little thing like “truth” get in your way. The fact you cannot admit a mistake in backing this president because it would in fact mean you supported a needless war where thousands of our best have died, been maimed and have lifetime scars means you also carry the guilt.History will prove quickly this country has fallen under this administration. The world lost respect for us and can no more trust us. Before we can work to get our respect and trust back however, China and Russia will quickly fill the ranks as the world’s superpower. That is the legacy to which your Bush will go down in history for. That is what we all will pay the price for whether we voted for him or not - and I did not either time. Suck up your guilt and remember divided we fall. It is time to put our gloves on and get to work on restoring our country before it is too late.
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
The truth lies!, I have no guilt nor do I regret voting for Bush twice. So suck on that commie moron. The only way China and Russia will become the lone super powers is when Hussein Obama gives up our national sovereignty to them. You don know that the democrat socialist party is all about defeat. It’s all you guys are good at. LOSING.
By Bob
May 29, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
The Bush administration can’t be the worst of all times. We have Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton to thank for that.
By The truth lies!
May 29, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Truth (or lack of) While you are wasting good air by breathing, this commie moron had her son go to Iraq twice - suck on that and crawl back under the rock from which you crawled out of. The fact you are so proud to admit your past mistakes on your voting record only proves to me you should have that right revoked!
By Leah
May 29, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
MC (and others), I am from a military family so don’t preach to me about why men and women sign up.
I have no problem with defending our country and my fellow citizens. I do however, have a problem with sending our loved ones off to fight behind a lie or trumped-up charges. Now if you are okay with that aspect of it - then so be it.
Cowards hide behind lies and deceit and order others into battle (or half-heartedly defend those who choose to serve). Brave men and women go into battle to protect those who only boast about someone else’s willingness to sacrifice.
Be careful about honoring a soldier’s service but not honoring their life.
By Thor
May 29, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Iraq is not worth dying for. If we had a draft I would send my son to Canada.
By Filster
May 29, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Call me crazy, but somehow I just can’t see the Press Secretary being called into all high-level, ultra secret briefings dealing with what he writes about. I do, however, agree with him the Chaney and Rove are every bit as nasty, underhanded, and dirty as their Democratic counterparts. Anyone who thinks these days that any elected official (1) really represents their interests; (2) doesn’t skew the facts to their advantage; and (3) is little more than a political w******* to whatever special interest gives them the most graft, is incredibly naive. This country has really taken a turn for the worse, and no official, Republican or Democrat, is going to do anything about untill such time as regular folk band togehter and start voting, boycotting, etc. en masse. Until that happens we’re just sheep waiting to be sheared.
By Diane
May 29, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
I was worried when it looked as if Hillary would get the nod but now I am not so worried. I have watched Obama and it’s apparent that someone is feeding him information into an earpiece and when they’re not, the man is so dumb and ill informed. He flubs any and every statement he tries to make. 57 states in the union? Clinging to guns and God? Rev. Wright playing on GOP ads will scare the whie men; white men determine elections. His nasty, mean foul mouth wife who was afforded a great education, probably totally based on her race… has never been proud of America until her husband had an outside shot at the oval office? The list goes on. Nope, Obama will NEVER be Preisdent; get use to the fairytale being over. His foot didn’t fit into the glass slipper, he is over and done with. McCain 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Joe
May 29, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Eric and Bosch you two must be blinded by your liberal thought process. Isn’t violence the real reason the lib media used to say the war was a complete failure. Of course when it dropped they started using the political situation as their reasoning. Scotty can say whatever he wants and make millions for all I care but he’s still saying nothing different than what you cool aid drinkers have said for years. Everyone saw the same intelligence. Even Hillary and Bill Clintoon said that Saddam was a grave threat. The vote was 98 to 1 to go to war. Why not have a witch hunt for the dems that lead us to war??? Because they have turned tail as usual…..
By john
May 29, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Bush has no legacy. He’ll be remembered like Polk or Andrew Johnson. Those that voted for him ought to be ashamed of themselves.
By ghost rider
May 29, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
By Joe
May 29, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Joe…Where did you get the fact that the vote to go to war was 98-1?
In fact there was no vote to go to war…the vote was to seek a UN resolution wherein Colin Powell told his little fairy tale about all the WMD. Which led to a joint resolution vote to use force against Iraq.
The final vote was 77 - 23 based on Powell, and Rice, and Cheney, and the dunderhead in chief who continuosly lied about the threat Iraq posed….Even George Tenent the CIA director was complicit in this dark comedy…..You can fool some of the people…You know the rest!
By The truth lies!
May 29, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Joe - the republicans were in power when the vote was done to go to war. Have a witch hunt and you make your own party the fool which has not been hard to do lately. They seem to be able to do that themselves just by opening their mouths, much less voting on bills. The liberals don’t say the reason the war is a failure because of the drop in violence - it is a failure because not one Iraqi wants us there, the government is not functioning because of sectarian violence, the country is in turmoil and split three ways, they don’t have a time in their history when they have been at peace unless they were ruled by the likes of Hussein. Exactly what did we think we were going to do? Make the Iraqi’s like us? Oh, that’s right - I do remember the thing about the flowers being shoved in our soldiers hands as they paraded through the peaceful streets of downtown Bahgdad - was it Cheney, Rumsfeld or Bush himself that sprewed that little sentence at us? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me - and that is exactly what Bush has done to everybody that voted for him twice. Get us the H**L out of this stupid, ill thought of war or you will see a country torn apart just like Iraq, only this time it will be our country. That is the legacy Bush will have.
By The Truth
May 29, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
The truth lies!, I highly doubt that you really have a son in Iraq. Also, you can never take away my vote. Besides, it’s not a right but a privilege. So you can suck on that.
By Voice of Reason
May 29, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Scott McClellan is VERY articulate when speaking for himself. I think his speech was less fluid as press secretary because he was trying to figure out how to parse those lies he knew he had been fed.
The GOP may bark about his book, but I feel he’s just saying what the rest of us already know to be true: Bush went to Iraq only to avenge his father…and our troops have died in vain.
By Juicy Lucy
May 29, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
bush and mccann HAVE NO IDEA THAT THEY ARE THE LAUGHING STOCK OUTSIDE OF USA.
NO COUNTRY WANTS TO MEET WITH THEM EVER
By Kemmet from Philly
May 29, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Joe,
“this month is Iraq is the least violent since the war started”**
@ Joe ^^^ Are you serious? We shouldn’t be in Iraq anyway, 1 dead American soldier in an unjust war is far too many in my book. You guys act like the Iraqi insurgents are deranged war mongers for acting the way they do, but if the shoe was on the other foot, if there were foreign soldiers occupying American soil * we all would be doing the same thing!!!!!* Not to mention very few if none of the attackers on 9/11 had Iraq as there country of origin. What George W. did after 9/11 was asinine at best in attempting to capture Bin Laden. What if FDR after Pearl Harbor declared war on China instead of Japan????? That’s what George W. basically did.
By Skeptic Tank
May 29, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
I have just spent the better part of 48 hours listening to the right wing propagandists do EXACTLY what Scott McClelland said they do: spin, spin, spin.
Face it, dupes: yet another former Bush administration staffer has come out to speak against the man and his administration. Every time, you blame it on disingenuous self-aggrandizement. So much for the GREAT CHARACTER of your conservative leadership, eh folks?
Frankly, it’s obvious the FOX crew and the Bush apologists can’t admit what has been painfully obvious to most of us for 8 years: your man is overmatched in the job, and all of us will pay the price for decades to come. Denying it won’t change the truth.
By Ms.Tucker If ur nasty!
May 29, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
The guy’s not the worst president ever, but he’s a worthy stand-in until a legitimate winner is determined.
By Racebaiter
May 29, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Unjust war. Bush lied. 9/11 was an inside job. Blah, blah, blah. Just leftwing cranks spouting the same nonsense with no justification. When presented with FACTS, they can’t argue.
By Howard
May 29, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
George Bush and Dick Cheney are nothing more then war profiteers and war criminals, who have a direct hand in the deaths of over 4000 American troops and way over 100000 Iraqis. They fabricated and propagandized the entire pretext for this war for private gains. AKA Halliburton, Black Water Security and the list goes on. Go to www.iraqforsale.org to get a quick look. These 2 clowns should be impeached 1st, then they and their henchmen like Rumsfeld and Rice should be tried for crimes against humanity .
By Redneck
May 29, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Hey Howard, get your happy arse in the road to DC and arrest those criminals.
You won’t do it cause you are just like the other bed wetting libs on here, all mouth and hot air. You ain’t got guts or a spine.
Your CESSPOOL party has had control of congress for over a year and articles of impeachment aren’t even being drafted or talked about.
By Lucy
May 29, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
McClellan made mistakes during his Bush days. I’m pleased he has found the courage to speak out. More disturbing news today is the White House’s release of the 2004 Global Warming Report, which the courts had to pry out of their oil soaked hands. How are your petrol stocks doing, guys?
By donald
May 30, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Bush, it’s time you and your wacko buffons go to Iraq and stay there until your mess is finished! No going home to Texas for you clown, be a man, strap’em up and go fight your war. And for all you other pro-war chicken head jerks, if you want to play weekend warrior and hero, go and follow this fool. We sure as heck don’t need your sorry behinds here anymore!! Hey RNC, you counting the days that Barak has not been back to Iraq, why not join your so-called leader and go to Iraq and fight his war, but you won’t because you have the poor to grind into bone meal!!
By donald
May 30, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
BTW, Fox News has a new name, it is now called HOAX NEWS!
By JP
May 30, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
This country is being run by a bunch of idiots who think Rachael Ray is a frickin’ terrorist, or “terrorist sympathizer,” BECAUSE OF HER SCARF. The scarf is ugly, sure, but people seriously spent time demanding Dunkin Donuts take it off the air.
Need we say anything more? This place is going to hell in a handbasket.
By TC
May 30, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this
You know what? I’m sick of the liberal spin. They accuse conservatives of spinning the truth because that’s all they do and they think everyone acts like they do. Well y’all are wrong. Liberals spin everything left. The only thing close to the center is Fox. You actually get both sides of the story. The libs hate Fox because it actually tells another side of the story and reports the facts. Guess what the truth isn’t always in the liberal media. And if you believe everything you hear, then you are an ignorant fool.
The Bush hating is old. You attack his character because you have no valid point to make. Bush didn’t lie and he’s not stupid. I’d like to see all you “smarty” liberals do better, haha you would utterly fail in one day. He had the same info everyone had. The Congress had to vote on the war as well. Carter and Clinton (biggest liar of all time and only president impeached) were the worst Presidents ever. I can guarantee you that history will prove Bush correct and prove the war was legit. Although all the Conservatives already know the truth because they don’t buy the lies of the extremely liberal drive by propaganda called the freakin media. Keep drinking the koolaid fools.
Oh and all conservatives are stupid elitists right? Actually I think it defines a liberal quite perfectly. Better and smarter than everyone else or so they believe. Get a life McClellan. You are only in it for the money. What low character. You belong in the liberal party.
By Politcal Foreskin
May 30, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
McClellen barely raises any dust. This is a smoke screen, a fund-raising for McClellen’s favorite charity: himself.
Bush’s nose is hardly bloodied. This book is too polite. The real story is that Bush and Cheney held back Rummy from attacking the 911 conspirators when the CIA had them surrounded in Afghanistan, because if OBL was dead, then no Iraq could have been possible.
That’s the treason. that’s the impeachable offense, but try unclassifying that.
You cant.
By trey_trey
May 30, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
he is just trying to sell books. he is smart enough to recognize the blind hatred the left wing media has baited the country into. so he is now milking the cash cow.
By NCLB
May 30, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
No answer…?
Do you mind sharing the empty seats in you very good public HS with the under privilegded Jay??
By Peachy Me
May 30, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
The title used for your may 29th column “Nation as a whole guilty of self-deception at war’s outset” as well of the gist of your column glosses over the fact that there was an outspoken minority who tried to engage in a debate as to the wisdom of going to war. Black members of the House of Representatives, Senator Bird and others tried to take the Iraq invasion out of the realm of foregone conclusion. Unfortunately, anyone who spoke out against war in Iraq was denounced as a traitor.
After the US invaded, war protests were held with little news coverage. Sometimes the Bush Administration would organize pro-Administration events to be held in the same areas as the protests, but the attendance at these events was laughably small. Nevertheless, the press reported on both the huge protests against the war and the pitifully attended pro-war events with the same amount of attention when they reported at all.
My retired-Army-husband and I both knew that war in Iraq was wrongheaded and dangerous for this country and its military, but we are not country singers or business moguls and so we couldn’t share our views with many. Furthermore, so many minds were closed to any possibility but that G.W. Bush was not to be questioned. It is interesting that Republicans will accept no opposition to a sitting Republican president, but let a Democrat be elected to the White House and they suddenly find it acceptable and their duty to criticize a sitting president.
I really fear for our country when loyalty to our nation is used to quell any discussion of issues. It is the duty of the press to facilitate public debate, not parrot Administration propaganda. If an anti-war protest is held and the press doesn’t report it, does it make a sound?
By Copyleft
May 30, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Well said, Peachy. Open criticism adn discussion of our government is one of the most vital aspects of a free society, but it’s utterly unthinkable to the authoritarian-drone mindset.
This is why America is staging a comeback from the years of terror and insanity after 9/11, when we let the government get away with any damfool project they wanted “in the name of national security.”
Those days are over, neocons and Bushies. America’s back.
By Mr.SouthMetroAtlanta
June 1, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen and heard a lot about Scott McClellan’s new book. Many ask why he’s releasing the book now and whether we believe what he wrote. Well, since hearing some of the claims that’s in the book, I’ve not seen anyone from the Bush White House step up and denounce the book as filled with c**-eyed lies or even a single lie at all. Instead I’ve noticed responses like, “This is not the Scott we knew,” or “I never figured he could be so disloyal,” or (the classic), “I haven’t read the book yet.” (Condi Rice) This Bush Team overall continues to rally around him in the face of this new truth that trumps all of his “truthiness”.
But Scottie shouldn’t get a pass from the American public nor should the media. Bookman lays it out rather nicely below - but I disagree with his account as well as others (like Brokaw) that George Bush operated from the gut. A more accurate assessment is that his blood ran cold in the quest for power and to allow himself to be manipulated by the likes of Cheney and Rumsfeld. There are certainly enough blood stains wasted in human life to spread around. For George W Bush though, his true regrets might be realized when all the players on his team abandon him in search of their own dens as more truth emerges that expose how incompetently and dishonestly the nation was served. We of course would take no solace in the end result…..for we too will be remembered as a “player” in the campaign for a trumped up war. We can’t wash our hands of it - nor can Scott McClellan.