I'm worried it is too early for all this to be breaking

[WilliamPitt]

I'm usually the jerk to hose down "We're doomed" posts with derision, so for the record: This is *not* a "We're doomed" post. We're doing great against insane odds, wretched media and incredibly well-funded foes.

But I am receiving the transmitted political spirit of my father right now. He is down in Alabama as I write this...I can feel it...he's sitting there in his chair, trying to figure out how to work his email system so he can write me the following message:

"Will - Crazy stuff today. Riichard Clarke is a bulldog, can't wait to watch him testify. But I'm worried that all of this is coming out too soon. It's MARCH, for Chrissake. There are about 230 days left in the race. I wish all of this stuff had come out this summer, right before the GOP convention. I'm worried it'll all be spun to nothing and disappeared by October. P.S. I still can't work my email, so I'm sending this to you via telepathic link."

Somebody talk me down. We can work with this - Christ, the whole country is talking about whether Bush blew it on 9/11, and such debates prima facie blow away the goddam Superman veneer the media has lathered him with over the last two years. We can work with this, but I wish I wish I wish it had happened this summer.

Am I wrong? Stupid? Hearing voices?

[Chuletas]

1. the lying liars and the lies they tell

I'm hoping more focus is put on what was happening post 9/11 and the infatuation with Saddam and Iraq.

[blm]

2. Wilson book comes out end of April. Kitty Kelley book in September.

I'm not worried.

Also: BCCI/Bank Of America trial starts in June.

[WilliamPitt]

10. VERY GOOD POINT

[belle]

31. And Michael Moore's *movie* in September. And...

as was said in one of the Yahoo articles cited above, it really is a cumulative effect. And this is big. This isn't some eye-glazing economic scandal. This is about whether Mr. Big Hero War President let the worst day in our history happen *even though it becomes moer and more obvious that it didn't have to happen, because people were warning him*--either through sheer criminal negligence or something even more sinister.

So far, none of the major stories have even touched on the darker speculations. And no, I'm not personally sold on LIHOP or variants. (Not saying I couldn't be persuaded, but I'd need more solid evidence than we've seen so far). I'm just saying: there's further to fall for the Bushes. Much. The credibility gap is widening, widening...

[Nite Owl]

3. There are many more books that

coming out. Richard Clarke's is only one of the first. It's a beginning not an end and the public that doesn't listen very well or seem to be able to put 2+2 together needs the message that Bush* is not credible on anything to repeated over and over. It's going to be like slow torture.

[mdmc]

4. We have a great canidate , John Kerry

we might have some super awsome veep to round out the ticket. THE event , the capture of Osoma Bin Laden, is still to come (sometime during the DNC Convention, imo).
All we can do is GOTV.
We can win!

[mourningdove92]

5. In many ways, this timing may work to our benefit.

We all know how good the repugs are at shouting down, ridiculing and otherwise deflect criticism, especially when it is the truth. The fact that this issue will be on the table for 6 months before the election, means that they will have to shout and ridicule over this issue for the entire campaign. I dont think this will fade away. I believe this will continue to be a sore spot for dubya, espescially the strong light being shown on the enormous amount of deception that was involved in getting us into war in Iraq. To me, this is the issue we should harp on until we get Kerry in the White House.

[gulfcoastliberal]

6. A Valid Concern

With what you rightly brand the Pravda Press. Hopefully, Kerry can keep this issue alive once his campaign figures out the achilles heel angle. I think that will come down to exactly how whitewashed the 9-11 commissions final report is and when it is released, which I don't know. Maybe if the whitewashing is minimal, it will be pretty damning. Then I remember Lee Hamilton and I get a bit worried. Funny how 3000 deaths and the obliteration of NY City's tallest landmarks don't captivate the press like a blowjob. Just keep Kerry out of small planes and we'll be fine. There are just too many damning things and scandals this administration simply can't spin away. Karma. I hope.

[w4rma]

7. I am worried that it isn't soon enough. (nt)

[madrchsod]

8. i`m waiting for

Fitzgerald`s report and possible indictments. if it happens there`s no way the whitehouse can spin this guy. he`s one tough son of a bitch ,just ask the republicans in illinois..he`s just about buried the whole leadership of the republican party

[alcuno]

9. Nobody pays attention to this stuff in the summer.

* takes off August and they roll out a new product in the fall. Besides, people just need to be given a reason NOT to vote for *. Once they've made up their minds, they're not likely to go back. Most people are not going to say, "Well, he lied about Iraq and there are all the questions about 9/11, but I think I'll vote for him anyway." Better just to shake the dust from your shoes and move on.

P.S. Have you seen the markets lately? End of March is the first quarter and that means statements will be mailed out. Many in the "investor class" will not be amused.

[blondeatlast]

45. Watergate hearings were in summer--the whole world was

transfixed.

I remember, and I was just 12.

[still_one]

11. I hope they ask if the bush administration was aware of the bin laden

family, why after 9/11 they let them fly out of this country?

[KC21304]

12. I am getting a few messages myself.

They are coming from some members of my immediate family who are no longer physically on this earth. They are telling me that by the time the election rolls around Bush will be lucky if even his own family will be rooting for him.

[benburch]

13. Don't worry, Will.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Wait until the real dirt comes out;

I am quite certain that there are career CIA, NSA, and State Department people who are just waiting for the right time to drop that envelope of classified documents and tapes of conversations into the mail.

This administration is filthy from top to bottom, and there isn't enough whitewash in the world to cover over all of their crap.

-Ben Burch
White Rose Society Webmaster
http://www.WhiteRoseSociety.org/

[loftycity]

17. I agree with you. The Angels at the CIA are waiting for the perfect

time.

[Old and In the Way]

23. I sense this too.

There's a whole lotta combustibles at 1600 Pennsylvannia Ave. and I'm smelling accelerants. A single CIA/FBI match could burn the place down.

[Hekate]

39. Nice metaphor! n/t

[Redbear]

14. This is only Act I scene 2 in this drama "Our Long National Nightmare"

Act I scene 1 was the National Guard business and O'Neill
Act I scene 2 is Clarke and the 9/11 Commission
Act I scene 3 is the Plame indictments in May
Act II will be the failure to turn over power in Iraq in June

That plays us into the Demo Convention

Act III in September will be a double economic hit as unemployment will stay up and Greenspan announces inflation requires raising interest rates.

[dae]

15. I think you've already answered why this should be happening

now, to, "blow away the goddam Superman veneer the media has lathered him with over the last two years".
There are still scandals galore for summer, and 9/11 will simmer for quite a while.

[MuseRider]

16. We have been whacking

away at his armor all these years and it looks like this time we may actually get a chink out of it. If so we have all the rest of this time to bring up everything else. Once the public gets the idea that he is less than honest then perhaps they will be ready to listen. I say this as I shake my head knowing somehow this will probably cause no more damage to them than the other things but hey, sometimes we have to have hope.

[MikeG]

18. In 1968 a lot of things happened early.

The Tet offensive.
LBJ not running.
MLK assassinated.
RFK assassinated.
The Chicago riots.
It ended badly.

[oasis]

19. The Clarke and the AWOL story have a drip, drip, drip effect. Every

dent in Bush's armor will be giant rust spot by election day.

Enjoy. :-)

[King of New Orleans]

20. Still have the Plame scandal and the medicare

scandal developing. And don't underestimate the Bushies. They've probably got a boner or two up their sleeve. Also, there's the final deficit to be announced and ultimately Bush will have to give Congress an estimate for the cost for Iraq for the next fiscal year.

[VelmaD]

21. Well, there's still plenty of time...

for several Bush* administrations fuckups between now and the election. I'm sure if this fades from the public consciousness the administration will provide us with more ammo in time. They don't seem to be able to help themselves.

Call your daddy and put him outta his misery. :)

[blondeatlast]

46. One thing we can be absolutely certain of:

This administration will fuck something up or embarass themselves mightily between now and September.

I personally guarantee it!

[freeforall]

22. I'd think that more stuff about 9/11

will come out over the next eight months. That would do it.

[yellowdawgdem]

24. WH picked the time

Sounds like the White House held things up for a long time, and this probably isn't the optimal time for it's release. But there really would be no bad time, not at all. The big problem as I see it, is that real news just kinda bounces around on the repug networks. Then we don't hear much about it, and people are getting used to just hearing spin and propaganda. To me, that is one of the biggest warning signs. Still, it is very hopeful that this was covered at all. I think it bodes well for a Democratic win in '004.

[LWolf]

25. I had the same reaction.

It's great that it's all coming out; but with the short attention span of the American public, it may be what comes out in Sept or October that swings the race. And I know that the republicans will have something ready to spring on us at that most opportune moment in time.

We need to keep the ball rolling; the momentum is ours at the moment, and we can't let it slow down.

[Lexingtonian]

26. eh, don't worry

There isn't a shortage of material by a long shot. I just can't see a Kerry general campaign not consisting to a good degree of highlight reels of Bush scandals from 2001 to 2004.

The game as I see it is really about getting the Bushies to keep squandering Republican political capital with swing voters at the highest possible rate. It keeps them afloat in the polls, sure, but it makes victory over them that much more complete. Notice how they've squandered everything accrued during the past couple of years, in fact all the stuff that worked for them back into the Carter years and now they're going to Nixon sorts of material and appeals.

The ideal campaign IMHO is for them to use up the very last bit of political capital in early October and go into free fall. That bankrupts them and yet keeps them from torching the place for the insurance money.

[Desertrose]

27. similar thoughts....

gives em time to plan a *mega diversion*...and we know they are pretty good at that.....


Peace
DR

[Kadie]

28. Now might be a good time.

A lot of people, and I speak from past experience, don't follow as much news in the summer. They are on vacation, kids are home, etc... The story comes out now, and people will be talking about all summer whether or not they have the radio or TV on.

This is just a piece of the entire bush gang puzzle. As long as it keeps becoming obvious that the pieces don't really fit together like the illusion they are trying to create, it will keep people talking, keep them questioning bush and his gang.

There will be more stories coming out. This just may be the beginning. I hope anyway.

Hope this makes sense.

[OneBlueSky]

29. not to worry . . . consider the nature of the beast . . .

these aren't issues that's going to be discussed and then go away . . . they go to the very heart of the government and the presidency, and concern issues that people are VERY concerned about . . . it's actually good that this is all starting now because, rather than diminishing as time goes on, it can only build as more and more questions are asked and more and more revelations come out . . . if we're lucky, it will all peak around the time of the Republican convention and carry right up to Election Day . . .

[Sufi Marmot]

30. When is Michael Moore's movie about Bush and the Saudis coming out?

That should be good for several weeks of anti-Bush scrutiny, and will hopefully reinforce the concept that Bush gave his buddies in the House of Saud a free pass (both literally and figuratively...)

-SM

[belle]

32. Last I heard it was September-ish...

which would set its opening date right about the RNC convention.

[Sufi Marmot]

33. Good...should make an interesting counterpoint...

Hopefully it will negate the standard GOP platitudes about how Bush is strong on terrorism, blah blah blah...

-SM

[Vernunft II]

34. You´re absolutely right unfortunately...

[troublemaker]

35. Not too early at all!

This timing is outstanding. Kerry has no $$$ right now but Bush has lost all message control for weeks, despite his bucks. Rather than Bush defining Kerry we get America re-defining Bush while Kerry stays out of the fray.

More important, this entire campaign is about fighting Bush to a draw on defense. 50%-50% is the target. At that point Bush is favored on no legitimate issue whatsoever. (I thought it's unfair to criticize Bush for running on 9/11... what the hell else can he run on?)

Listening to Bill Kristol tonight say that both administrations bear their share of the blame though of course Clinton was a lot worse, I busted out laughing.

The conventional wisdom coming out of this period will be "both administrations didn't take terrorism seriously." That's fatal for Bush.

Sorros' "Bush bubble" analogy is dead on--Bush is strictly a hot-money momentum play. This race won't have a see-saw dynamic. Bush will either collapse or win. Like Hitler or Napoleon or a shark (insert simile here) the Bush cult must move forward at all times. If the momentum stops the whole thing crumbles.

[jmags]

36. I'm actually of the belief that this is absolutely perfect timing

First...it comes off a period particularly bad for the Kerry team, and good for the Bush admin. The unfurling of the Bush campaign chest allowed for Bush to run a series of dubious ads, fully aided and abetted by the media showing them free of charge, without any discussion on their accuracy.

Kerry meanwhile made a few statements that, while true, weren't at the top of the list of smart things to say.

What had been the dominant theme over the past two weeks, repeated ad nauseum by the media, is that Bush will be running on national security and will be trying to define John Kerry on this issue before he can define himself. Because of this, the timing could not have been better. From the conversations I have had with apolitical friends the past few days, the Clarke testimony has had some real influence. But even more than what Clarke said, the viciousness of the White House character assasination may have backfired.

Damage has been done, and even if this issue falls by the wayside in the summer months, I have no doubt the claims of Clarke, O'Neil, Wilson, etc will recieve more press as we move closer to November.
Perhaps more importantly, this has cost Bush any momentum at a time many observers in the election thought may be crucial.

I just hope the press pays more attention to the fact that Clarke is testifying under oath tomorrow. Rice will not.

[katieforeman]

37. Actually, the timing might be a blessing.

This is a vulnerable time for Kerry. Bush has tons of money to go negative on Kerry. Furthermore, because the primaries are essentially over, Kerry has a harder time attracting positive publicity. Clarke's appearance on the heels of O'neil'sfurther undermine Bush's credibility and put him on the defensive during this critical time.

It was during this time in the process between the end of the primaries and the conventions that Clinton effectively defined Bob Dole as a Gingrich Republican out to destroy Medicare. Clark's charges make it more difficult for Bush to define Kerry in a negative light.

[juajen]

38. I'm with you, Will

I'm hoping our side is taking all things into account. But, seems to me, that if we stay strong, there are many things to swamp them with. We have to hit correctly and often. So far, so good. Never has a presidential election been so important; so, I'm literally holding my breath.

One thing that has surprised me is the athleticism of JK. He's a hoot and I like him. I believe that this will resonate with the young, and hope we can get them to vote. I like Theresa, also. All in all, I think he's a good candidate.

[RogueTrooper]

40. Will some months ago

I spent a most enjoyable afternoon in your company, listening to you talk about the mendacity of the Bush Administration. I remember you talking for well over an hour about the lead up to the Iraq War.

My point is: You were just talking about the lead up to the Iraq War. There is so much more to talk about. I have a similar fear to your ( channeled ) father but we have the content.

[molly]

41. Seeds of doubt are being planted early

it takes a very long time for it to sink in. Clarke, Wilson, BCCI - Bush's STUPID attack ads - geez - they are going down.

[dusty64]

42. Its a great way to

start busting the rethugs are "great on defense and national security" and our chimp in chief is a "strong leader" and effective in our "war on terra" myths. Believe it or not, the public still buys these fallacies and they need to be told the truth. I'm getting the feeling there will be more of these revelations as time progresses and if the Democrats can unite against our enemy instead of giving them cover (we know who they are), things could really blow up in the rightwing's face. I'm still hopeful, I have no choice.

[blondeatlast]

43. You probably know this, Will, but there are at least 12 major anti-

Bush books due between now and November--and those are just the ones dealing specifically with him. Chances are good that pub dates will be moved up, especially as the campaign heats up. John Dean's apparent blistering tome comes out next week (he should know from corrupt).

Even the Repugs I know are feeling antsy about this administration. Not the pol junkie ones like me on the other side, this is the "average Joe/JoAnne" types.

When you get nervous, start listing the groups that this administration has alienated, rebuked, or ignored. Or if you are pressed for time, list the ones that haven't been; that can be done in a few seconds.

It also helps to repeat this mantra--loudly, so it can be heard by others:

"What would Condi say UNDER OATH?!"
"What would Condi say UNDER OATH?!"
"What would Condi say UNDER OATH?!"

There is a reason she looks scared of her shadow--SHE IS.

[DinahMoeHum]

50. Tee hee, de shit-bombs be fallin' on Bushie-boy one by one.

n/t

:evilgrin::kick:

[KittyWampus]

44. We Needed That One Significant Log To Stick & Create The Logjam

We needed Clarke as the One Log that will get wedged between the river banks to create a logjam of information.

Information is a lot like water. To gather and harness the energy we need to win in November, we needed to find a channel and create a damn which will build enough sufficient pressure come the Election Season.

Paul O'Neill was just not a big enough log.

Wilson hasn't reached the bend in the River yet (wait for Plame investigation).

[RobinA]

57. A Well-Timed

Osama capture will blast that logjam sky high. I'm a little worried this is too soon as well. Time will tell. If Kerry can keep Bush on the ropes it could work. I'll bet money on a Bush loss sometime after the election - if he loses.

Somebody in the past few days somewhere wrote that the Bush support is running on faith at this point, and I think that is absolutely the case. Facts don't matter anymore.

[THUNDER HANDS]

47. did you hear about the date when the full report will be released?

The same day as the Dem convention in Boston.

How conveeeeeeenient.

[Hav]

49. Must be a coincidence...

[RobinA]

58. The Full Report

will be a non-issue after Clarke, It'll spread the blame around so much it'll be meaningless. "Everybody screwed up, try better next time."

[StayOutTheBushes]

48. I feel the same way your dad does.

I hope Kerry rethinks his campaign. He needs to attack more.

[mzmolly]

51. I agree. One can only hope it drags on and there is a domino effect.

:shrug:

[Foswia]

52. Stops Bush's ampaign to define kerry while Kerry raises the money.

Could the belief be this stops Bush from defining Kerry

Bush can’t do what Clinton did to Dole with these stories breaking. It puts Bush on defensive while Kerry raises money for Bush’s attempts to define him. Bush can’t define Kerry while the WH is in panic mode. This gives Kerry an effective way to attack the Bush administration while remaining above the fray. This is shown by Kerry’s buy w/ his new positive ad.

It could also be the belief that if we can drag Bush’s numbers down then the Republicans will break ranks. This administration ahs been so secretive and heavy-handed that the Kerry camp could be hoping to remove the finger from the dike.

[Snivi Yllom]

53. the entire 9/11 commission will result in status quo. No new revelations

And no Richard Clarke will not have anything new to offer.

[BigMcLargehuge]

54. I think the events of the last 3 years have considerably increased

our attention span. I was worried too that much of this stuff was gonna be nothing but dim history come November, but I think everyone out of work, everyone whose got loved ones in Iraq/Afghanistan (and that's a hell of a lot of people), and everyone gearing up for the real election season is going to keep lots of this in the public consciousness.

Kerry needs to seize on this and bash Bush over the head with it at every opportunity.

[dave29]

55. Documentary on Karl Rove

based on the "Bush's Brain" book may be getting distribution as well - before the election - did very well at the SXSW Film Festival.

[Paragon]

56. Yes. No. Possibly.

Any closer to the election and Tucker Carlson would be repeating the "this is politically motivated" mantra more than he already is.

I find the timing rather lovely - especially since the Evil Empire could have avoided it altogether if they hadn't stalled on the 9/11 Commission for so long.

[HEFFA]

59. 230 more days for Bush and his minions to fall apart.

I can't wait to see what the next months hold in store. The violence in Iraq will (unfortunately) continue. At present rates, that amounts to more than 200 more deaths of our troops. I hate to think of those brave men and women as political assets, but the reality is that their deaths will contribute to added pressure being put on this current regime.

This assmonkey in the White House can't possibly keep it together under the pressure of this campaign. I mean, come on -- give me FIVE minutes of the first debate with Kerry before Lil' Georgie full on shits his pants at the prospect of having to think for himself on live TV. He's dumber than a bag of hammers. The race will be won by Kerry over the course of the coming months, and I personally believe that. Lookout Crawford, TX -- your idiot is coming home!!

[sistersofmercy]

60. No...

It's perfect timing actually and I think there will be more to come. Don't worry about the summer, there will be more to come. See I'm loving it, keep bushco on the defensive all the way through til November. I'm telling you Kerry is going to win, no doubt about it. When I have longstanding Republicans I know telling me they're thinking of voting Democrat this election, that speaks volumes to me. Bush will be defeated in an electoral landslide. Let's just hope, God willing, no major crisis occurs which will call for martial law to be implimented.
on edited should have been a "Yes" I've had a long trying day. On edited again, shit it's been a long day, I had it right the first time.

[David Zephyr]

61. It's A Good Thing That This Is Happening Now.

With the economy in shambles, millions of high tech and manufacturing jobs lost, high unemployment, deficit budgeting, civil war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the entire world hating us...

Bush, Cheney and Rove's great hope is to play what they think is their strongest hand: national security.

Richard Clark's testimony is devastating to the Bush Administration's boast that they have been trustworthy stewards with the safety of the American people.

I understand the fear of "peaking too soon", but erosion of American confidence in our frat-boy President's ability to keep us all secure should begin now. It's not too early to take away their only "argument" for four more years.

On a side note, I am glad to see that John Kerry is keeping out of this altogether. Let's hope he stays out of it letting Bush, Rice, Cheney, Powell and Rumsfeld fight struggle with subpoenas, press inquiry and growing scandal.

Your dad "worries" with millions of us these days about the possibility of four more years of these fools at the helm of our country. There is plenty to be very worried about.

[TheDonkey]

62. Further turmoil in Iraq, Plame investigation, rethug hacker scandal....

medicare scandel etc. etc. will come up again as more authors and people speak out. Let's continue the flow of truth that is pouring from this corrupt administration.

[arewethereyet]

63. when will we stop looking for a silver bullet ?

there is even more incriminating information about Clarke than ONeil.

the sooner we all realize that it will only be hard work that wins this thing the better off we'll be.

we're tilting at windmills and I fear it will cost us big.

[shivaji]

64. all this 911 monday quarterbacking is soooooooo boring, instead

tell me what the next prez will do about Health care costs,
reducing middle class taxes, not giving disproportional
tax breaks to the rich, what incentives will be given to
small businesses to create jobs (since small businesses
create 80% of new jobs), escalating cost of gasoline,
students coming out of high schools who can not write 4
sentences correctly and can't do basic trigonometry, etc.

That is what will win the election, not the waste of time
rehashing 911.

[Meshuga]

65. Aren't the 9-11 reports coming out in July?

by convention time? That will be a great refresher in great timing. Don't worry. :-)

[BootinUp]

66. As long as Iraq is a mess

His decisions on the WOT will still be open to debate.