why did the WH announce Bush had lawyered up?

[Hamlette]

They keep everything a secret, surely they could have kept this secret. Why did they announce it at all? The only thing I can think of is so that it won't come as a shock when the grand jury returns indictments close to Bush?

[NMDemDist2]

1. hmmm good point, why would they announce it?

they are trying to downplay it like mad, but still they did 'fess up. Unusual for that bunch without a doubt

[wtmusic]

2. Did they announce it

or was it leaked? :shrug:

[grasswire]

3. I'm not sure they "announced it"

I think it's more likely that someone leaked it. If I recall correctly, the original story said that "someone familiar with the investigations" told a reporter about the lawyering. Then Bush was asked about it at the next press availability.

[Charley_Dog]

15. You may be right...but...

I believe the whole thing was leaked as a decoy. They're hoping the media will pick at that scab for a few weeks.

[newyawker99]

16. Hi Charley_Dog!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Charley_Dog]

17. Thanks!

[VolcanoJen]

4. I think it's because the levee's about to break.

I can't think of any other reason to come forward with such scathing information about this much-protected-from-scandal president.

When are indictments coming down...? The latest "movements" within White House circles seems to indicate that it will be sooner, not later.

[Fleshdancer]

5. this and all the odd stories about Bush's erratic behavior too

Is it something as simple as making bad decisions under pressure, or is there something much MUCH bigger going on???

I'm wondering the same thing you are for the exact same reasons. I don't recall an administration as secretive and tight lipped as this one and yet now things are disclosed/leaked...during campaign year no less. If it gets any worse for them, I'll expect Rove to suffer a massive heart attack real soon.

on edit: I was just told the erratic behavior story was not true so disregard that portion of my post. :)

[havocmom]

8. interesting points. I am still wondering if the chimp is even gonna run.

Keep worrying that they will let him stage a campaign till the 11th hour and then, poof, resignation or dropping from the race for personal reasons and the neocons drag in a dark horse candidate with too little time on the clock to expose him before the election.

Just wouldn't put it past them and thinking more and more it is likely. As the chimp slips and the vile activities of this administration see the light of day, I think the dark horse scenario becomes more likely. Remember, we have been commenting over and over on these boards that "they don't even try to hide it anymore". Maybe because they have no plan to race the same horse in November?

[banana republican]

9. Do you think that

he should avoid Airplanes; tall buildings and other such things????

[2Design]

6. He is going to tell a really BIG lie or A Huge Whopper and

wanted to know if he could get away with it ...like calling pow's enemy combatants....just changing the wording.....and wants to know if it is a lie or one of his new great words...

[k in IA]

7. Well, since the NY Times is reporting that Cheney has already

talked to Federal Prosecutors about this investigation someone in a position to know is obviously doing some talking to the press. Thank God!

[meg]

10. Terry Moran asked *

How did Terry know? From Howard press conference

Terry.

Q Mr. President, why have you consulted an attorney in the CIA leak investigation? Have you received any indication from prosecutors that they want to question you? And what could you tell them that might shed some light on this case?

PRESIDENT BUSH: I've told our administration that we'll fully cooperate with their investigation. I want to know the truth, and I'm willing to cooperate myself. And you need to refer your questions to them.

In terms of whether or not I need advice from my counsel, this is a criminal matter, it's a serious matter, I have met with an attorney to determine whether or not I need his advice. And if I deem I need his advice I'll probably hire him.

link

[Don_G]

11. That Was Very Odd

Why hire a private Attorney that specializes in criminal law that the Attorney-General can't handle unless there's a lot more to the story that hasn't come out yet?

[Vickers]

12. Cuz the RWers shot themselves in their attorney-client foot during

the Ken Starr fiasco.

:hi:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

14. BINGO!

[peekaloo]

13. Amy Goodman reported that the lawyer was sought out

after it was revealed that the phone transcripts from Air Force One had been seized/and or subpoenaed.