Could the Clarke issue be a cover for the * administration?

[Jim Warren]

I mean all the media frenzy brouhaha: questioning Clarke's credibility, Condi testifying, he said she said blahblahblah and in the meantime the 9/11 commissioners just throw in the towel and say case closed.

After all it was the * white house who themselves chose to delay and then release the book conveniently timed to align right at the crux of the investigation. Maybe this Clarke thing and media distraction for the bushies is a godsend that keeps the investigation out of specifics they care not be exposed?

[Must_B_Free]

1. I think it only open up more need for investigation

and something with teeth - like they did to clinton. We need subpeona power here.

[AngryYoungMan]

2. No.

How could this have been planned? That's like the twist ending of "No Way Out." It's dramatic but when you actually try to think through the story according to the new premise you realize it depends on an unreasonable number of coincidences and staged events. The "panic" in the White House is quite real, don't you think?

[aquart]

3. No.

This is not supreme cleverness. It's ineptitude. Learn to recognize it.

[Jim Warren]

4. Thanks, I generally do

Hmmm, though y'know, Clarke said himself today he wanted a christmas release. Why would the bushies put it off till now?

[Cronus Protagonist]

6. Easy - it was the best of a bunch of bad options

The way I see it, they could delay publication until after the election and perhaps lose the election due to accusations of a cover up and censorship and with Clarke leaking teasers to the press over several months up to the election - a public relations nightmare.

Or they could black out sections and release it before xmas, which would be tantamount to an admission of guilt. Or they could get it out now, smear the messenger and later use the huge money chest to make people forget about it all nearer the election. 8 months is an eternity in politics.

So the way I see it, they took the best option they had but the spin isn't working, so they're panicking and working defense just to tread water.

http://brainbuttons.com/home.asp?stashid=13z

[Jim Warren]

8. You make all good points.

Just that rereading the MTP transcript Clarke keeps trying to stay on topic and make the conversation about THE INVESTIGATION and of course timmy and ALL the media wants to make it a personal character issue about him

[pacifictiger]

5. I don't think so

I think it is more a matter of karma calling - the chickens are beginning to come home to roost for these arrogant people who believe they have "god's blessing" for whatever they choose to do.

[w4rma]

7. Not a chance. Imho, Clarke is worried about our nation and is trying to

prevent a future disaster.

[Jim Warren]

9. Right, I think so too

Not dissing Clarke here, rather that he is being used.