WP: Secret Tapes Not Meant to Harm, Writer Says

[kskiska]

Ex-Bush Adviser Contends He Recorded Their Conversations for 'Historic' Purposes

Monday, February 21, 2005; Page A02

A former adviser to George W. Bush said yesterday that he secretly taped Bush over a two-year period when the latter was running for president for "historic" purposes, and that he had planned eventually to give the recordings to Bush for his archives.

Doug Wead, 58, an author and onetime religious adviser to Bush, said in a telephone interview that after excerpts from the tapes appeared yesterday in the New York Times, he was approached by a Bush intermediary suggesting that he turn over the recordings sooner rather than later.

But Wead -- who used the conversations for his new book, "The Raising of a President" -- said that no one from the White House has expressed anger at him for revealing portions of the tape. Asked whether Bush would view the actions as an act of treachery from a trusted friend, Wead said, "It depends on what else is on the tapes. . . . Ninety percent of the tapes have not been heard. He can see that my motive was not to try to hurt him.

"If I released all the tapes, it would be an act of betrayal," Wead said. "Most of them have never seen the light of day and never will."

(snip)

During the 2000 presidential campaign, aides to then-Gov. Bush were wary of Wead. Wead told The Washington Post in 2000 that top Bush political adviser Karl Rove made it clear to Wead that he did not approve of Wead's interference. About the same time, a close Bush adviser told The Post that Wead was not close to Bush.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A40508-2005Feb20.html

[otohara]

1. He Should Steer Clear of Small Planes

White House made it clear in statement that Mr. Bush "considered" him to be a friend. Past tense Mr. Wead....

[Melodybe]

8. They aren't meant to harn, they are meant to distract from Gannongate

As Homer J. Simpson said eariler this evening:

"Here's another bombshell, I like beer."

Seriously who gives a fuck, we all knew he was a coked out fratboy anyway.

Let's get back to grilling the bastards.

[KittyWampus]

2. Who Really Cares About The Tapes?

[intheflow]

3. Look, Lefties! Bush smoked pot long ago!

Pay no attention to the propaganda scandals.

[Erika]

4. Think of whats her name who said she was a friend of

of Monica.

[MO_Dem]

5. Duh!

Of course they weren't meant to harm. They were meant to help, and I'd be willing to bet this is all part of a plan. Fool me twice means you can't fool me anymore!

[raysr]

6. Think about the timing,

designed to take focus off Guckert, IMO.

[daleo]

7. It sounds like a warning to Bush.

"If I released all the tapes, it would be an act of betrayal," Wead said. "Most of them have never seen the light of day and never will."

I don't know. One reasonable hypothesis is that this guy has something big on Bush and is not so subtly blackmailing him. Whether it is for personal gain, or to keep Bush doing the religious right's bidding I don't know. But something significant seems to be afoot.