The Rove Press Machine Is Destroying Rove & Hurting The Republicans

[writes2000]

The Rove press machine has been legendary. Attack first. Define the message. Be brutal. And stay on message. It's worked wonders for the Bush campaign and the Republicans.

They start by making a bold statement. Who cares if it's completely true. By the time, the nuances come out, the media and the public will have moved on.

But that same press machine philosophy is causing Rove & the Republicans to self-destruct. Honestly, we could not have prayed for them to bungle this any worse.

Every day they are caught in another lie. Every day, lying images of Bush, Rove and ScottyM are shown to the American people. Every day, the Republicans trash Joe Wilson whose big crime is speaking out about the reason to go to war.

But they still haven't learned!

Even worse for Rove is the marching orders he's given his lawyer over the past few weeks. Rove thinks he can use his press tactics to protect himself but instead, he is burying himself and taking the party with him.

1 - His lawyer, Luskin, announces to the press that Cooper isn't protecting Rove. Cooper sees that statement and immediately asked Rove for a release. Cooper's testimony this week DAMNS Rove on at least two fronts. Clearly, Rove would have been better off had Cooper stayed silent. It was his instinct to control the press that led to Cooper testifying.

2 - The Repubs scream high and low that Valerie Plame is not a covert agent. They diminish what her contribution to the counrty has been. This one sticks for awhile but it causes some other collateral damage. One, many members of the CIA, who put their lives on the line every year, start to speak out against Rove and more importantly, Bush. This is bad, bad, bad. Two, reporters actually investigate and learn that Plame is covert. And three, a number of lawyers start looking for other laws that Rove may have broken and they hit PAYDIRT. Gee, I wonder if Fitzgerald needed any help. He has it now.

3 - They attack Joe Wilson hard. This is probably their smartest move. It distracts from the real issue. The problem is that Joe Wilson surfaces and the conversation quickly turns to Niger. And the big problem with that? It gives Democrats, the press and Wilson carte blanche to remind the country that we were led to war with flawed, manufactured info. Papers across the country write long stories reminding everyone of this fact. Another problem for Bush whose "honest and trustworthy" numbers are plunging.

4 - The Republicans explain that Rove & Cooper had a lengthy conversation about other matters that day. They claim Cooper brought up Wilson at the end of the talk and poor Rove was just trying to help Cooper not make a mistake. The Republicans LOVE this story. They think it absolves Rove completely. Too bad, as we learned today, it's not true. Not only does this make the Republicans look like liars (we'll hear more about this on Monday.) But it also makes Rove look like he lied to the Grand Jury. Rove may have told the truth to the GJ but in the eyes of the media and the public who is following this story, he looks even more guilty than he did before.

5 - The Repubs proudly proclaim that Rove heard about Plame's CIA job from the big, bad, irresponsible media first. The Republicans also LOVE this story. It's had legs. But I think it also has an unseen effect. The media, especially the six reporters who were initially contacted about this, do not want to be blamed for this. So they are eagerly jumping on the story of the Air Force One Memo. They are eagerly talking about Libby's involvement, connecting the "you leak and I'll confirm" dots. And just as that is happening, Rove's lawyer follows his protocol and quietly admits that Rove isn't sure if he heard about Plame from the media or another aide.


I could go further but Rove's press machine and the Republicans cannot catch up to this wave of truth. And by trying to manipulate perception day after day, they are just getting more shit splattered all over them.

I'm waiting to see Repubs start to distance themselves from Rove. I'm predicting we'll see that happen before the end of the week.

[joemurphy]

1. I agree with you on this. I just hope Joe Six-Pack agrees too. n/t

[BrotherBuzz]

7. I only wish Joe Six-pack was interested in hearing the message

'Drink beer, talk stupid, and holler" Hey, it's the American way, don't you know?

[idlisambar]

2. Excellent summary n/t

[wallwriter]

3. Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch

[annabanana]

4. They'll never understand....

SOME things can't be "fixed in marketing".

dumb shmucks

[Trajan]

5. This is very cogent analysis ....

Well Done, you have encapsulated most of the events in their nutshells ...

Just as momma told us, dont lie, because the lie keeps getting bigger and bigger ....

What is laughable is this WH having ANY credibility whatsoever with the public regarding their honesty or lack thereof ....

[Tennessee Gal]

6. reporters actually investigate and learn that Plame is covert...

Do you have any links for this?

Rethuglicans are still posting in forums that Plame was not covert.

[writes2000]

8. Don't have links but I'll look. Others will...

I'll look to see what I can find. I specifically remember reporters asking this question and getting confirmation that Plame's identity at the CIA was indeed a secret.

Furthermore, a few members of the CIA have come out to explain that she is covert. I'll provide this link in a second. I suspect that members of the CIA know better than any of us what her job and covert status was.

Lastly, when the CIA was asked about this, they responded by saying that they would not have asked for an inquiry unless they thought a crime was committed when Valerie's identity at the CIA was revealed. In other words, she was covert.

[Tennessee Gal]

9. yes, I understand the logic......

that the CIA would not have wanted this investigated if Plame were not covert. However, right wing nutcases have no logic.

It would be great to have as many links possible with CIA officials confirming that she was covert to refute their idiocy.

[writes2000]

15. I'm Looking. Anyone Have A Link for the Letter from Plame's CIA friend?

[maddezmom]

17. Larry Johnson wrote this

http://sync.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x140252

[writes2000]

19. Thank you, Maddezmom. Again!

[Tennessee Gal]

21. Yes, I have that one.

Thanks.

Actually, I was hoping for sources not quite so close to Plame.

[writes2000]

37. Check Out The New TIME Article. They Verify That Plame was Covert.

From TIME:

A U.S. official told TIME that Plame was indeed considered covert for the purposes of the Intelligence Identities Protection law. And even if the leak was not illegal, intelligence officials argue, it is not defensible. "I'm beyond disgusted," a CIA official said last week. I am especially angry about the b_______ explanations that she is not a covert agent. That is an official status, and there are lots of people in this building who are on that status. It's not up to the Republican Party to determine when that status will end for an agent."

[CatWoman]

27. and check his blog

http://noquarter.typepad.com/my_weblog/2005/07/mr_bush_have_yo.html

also, Media Matters sent a memo to all the media:

http://mediamatters.org/items/200507150005

[Glenda]

23. here are some CIA vets who trained with Valerie

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/7/15/225611/396

Talking about covert

[Tennessee Gal]

25. Had not seen that one

Thanks!

[Glenda]

31. You might also find more if you Google "brewster jennings"

which is the covert company that was set up, and that Valerie was part of.

[maddezmom]

29. as an aside...The CIA is the one who ask Ashcroft for an investigation

to me that means they felt she was covert, NOC or whatever else. And the company she was working for was a CIA front company.

This article explains it a bit more:
http://sync.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x140282

[maddezmom]

33. WP: Bush Administration Is Focus of Inquiry 9/28/03

At CIA Director George J. Tenet's request, the Justice Department is looking into an allegation that administration officials leaked the name of an undercover CIA officer to a journalist, government sources said yesterday.

The operative's identity was published in July after her husband, former U.S. ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV, publicly challenged President Bush's claim that Iraq had tried to buy "yellowcake" uranium ore from Africa for possible use in nuclear weapons. Bush later backed away from the claim.



http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A11208-2003Sep27

[AndyTiedye]

44. And Ashcroft Actually Gave Them One!

Ashcroft appointed Fitzgerald, who is probably **'s worst nightmare, then after the sElection he resigns and lays low.

Whatever information the CIA shared with Ashcroft when they referred
the case to the DoJ must have made quite an impression.

[writes2000]

45. Very, Very Interesting Point.

Tenet, Powell and Ashcroft.

One of these men is our new Deep Throat. I bet it's actually more than just one.

[Jane Austin]

46. Why do you include Powell in that group?

He seems to be in this as deep as anybody, from what I've read.

[writes2000]

50. Powell is probably guilty, guilty, guilty

But I've always sensed that he battled Rumsfeld and was humiliated that he was the spokesman for such faulty info.

It's probably just wishful thinking on my part.

[Jane Austin]

51. I thought your summary post was terrific,

So I was surprised to see you thinking maybe Powell might behave independently.

[writes2000]

52. As a black guy...

there is a part of me that hopes that Powell has some sense of honesty, some deep regret about his participation in this conspiracy. Like I said, it makes little sense. I never had any such hope for Rice.

Mostly, I want to believe that there are whistleblowers deep within this situation. That's Fitzgerald's best chance on nailing them for something big.

Thanks for the compliment on the post.

[Jane Austin]

53. I think most of us wanted to ascribe honorable motives to Powell.

I know I always have.

But he has disappointed over and over again. :(

[DemonFighterLives]

48. Of those three

I only see a possible Tenet. He got the investigation going, took his going away gift and left.

Ashcroft only left because the CIA said that you either get out of the way or you will never see the light of day again or eagles soaring.

Powell sat there and spewed the trumped up intelligence to the whole world. I think his soul is firmly with the devil.

[Skittles]

10. reads as good as any editorial I have read

:thumbsup:

[Tom Kitten]

11. An excellent concise analysis...

What's sad and frustrating as hell is that this is the plain simple truth and so many still drink the koolaid...

But sometimes hope shines through !

I nominated for you, welcome to DU!

[writes2000]

20. Thanks. I'm loving this place.

[annabanana]

24. ....it's THE place to be!. . . . .

:hi:

[Tom Kitten]

38. You are most welcome...

Let us all know when you write more stuff and most importantly don't let the turkeys get you down!

[KoKo]

12. Nice Post...and thanks ...you might be correct on this...n/t

[eleny]

13. Thanks! You've analyzed this so well and I could follow it with ease

With ease because it's written with detail but written for a lay person like myself. I sure appreciate it!

My dream scene for this past week

[stepnw1f]

14. Like A House of Cards

They placed too many of their eggs in one basket. Bye, Bye, Republican Party. You are now on a slow spiral downward.

[Auntie Bush]

26. Down ...like a water spout in reverse!

[stepnw1f]

32. Or Toilet!!!

lol

[CatWoman]

16. God, reading this has made me so horny!!!!

:D

[Celebration]

18. Here's what I am waiting for

The demise of Faux news ratings, which seems to be the only media outlet of consequence that is buying into all of this.

[Quixote1818]

22. They lost credibility by constantly saying the war was going well

People are now suspicious and are checking things out BEYOND the talking points. The American People have figured out that Rove and Bush are just car salesmen that sold them a lemon.

[ConsAreLiars]

28. Cons are liars. That is their advantage, and their key vulnerability

They are liars by ideology (the neocon Straussians), by personality (Chimpy), and by nature (Rove). A lot of overlap, of course. And they dominate the media (Both the corporatist and the fundie varieties).

But reality has its own voice.
And the truth is our strongest weapon against them.

[Peace Patriot]

30. It wouldn't at all surprise me to see the Rove windbag machine just blow

away, leaving them all naked before the Truth with nothing to say, and no peanut-brained, twisty little "talking points" with which to defend themselves. It never was anything more than window dressing for stolen elections.

Ordinary people have never bought this crap. It's just the crap on the TV--which is the dumbed down, telescoped, shouted version of the crap in the NYT and WaPo.

Let me just give you a couple of stats. 58% of the American people opposed the Iraq war BEFORE THE INVASION--that is, before all the lies were exposed. I'll never forget that stat. It is burned into my soul. 63% of Americans oppose torture UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES--that's just how scared and clueless Americans are, and a measure of the success of Bush fearmongering. The vast majority of people DON'T BUY IT.

You name the issue, foreign or domestic--the vast majority of Americans oppose the Bush policy on it, way up in the 60% to 70% range. And I won't even get into Bush's disapproval ratings.

You see what I mean? They are just windbags with the news monopolies trumpeting everything they say, and making it SEEM LIKE they have some sort of support, when they have almost none--just the same old rightwing "Christian" nuts, bigots, fascists and corporate sponsors they've always had. They are a minority--always have been, always will be--in this great progressive country.

It's just that the majority cannot gets its will enforced--mainly because Bushites now own and control the election machinery itself, and control the vote tabulation with secret, proprietary software. Look at all the opinion polls over the last year. Look at the exit polls on election day. Look at their Plan B (overt vote suppression in Ohio) and how hard they had to work to steal this election. They just can't get any love for their theft of billions and billions of dollars and their mass murders. They have to manufacture it.

I think most Americans loathe them, totally, and stopped believing anything they said long ago--and detest and avoid their lapdog media. But most Americans are not yet aware of the mechanism by which this gang of evildoers retained power. When they do--and awareness of the fraudulent election SYSTEM is growing by leaps and bounds--we will restore our right to vote, by throwing these Bushite companies out of the election business--and will retrieve our country and our democracy.

We are a very practical and clever people. Give us a concrete, practical problem, and we solve it. We love solving problems like that. We will fix this problem, and then it will be all over for the Rovian bloviators and windbags and their mindlessly repeated, stupid, "pod people" talking points.

We will have a lot of work to do then--to REPAIR our democracy, to restore our country's reputation in the world, to bust the news monopolies, and to free ourselves from corporate rule. But, practically speaking, we cannot begin that great work until we have restored our right to vote, the basis of "consent of the governed."

I want to thank "writes2000" for the excellent analysis of the how the Rove P.R. illusion is self-destructing. This is so true! Their slimy techniques are circling back round and biting them in the ass! And that is happening because there is nothing there. No truth, no substance, no depth, no patriotism, no love. A whirligig of spin and lies, and mind-boggling hypocrisy that is madly spinning itself out. It is gratifying like a fairy tale. The Emperor has no clothes. The Wizard of Oz has no power. The Wicked Witch melts under a bucket of water. The Red Queen is nuts--trying to force all the white roses to be red, by having them PAINTED red.

That's Rove. The Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland. Scary, yes--no question about it ("off with their heads!")-- but ultimately powerless, and ridiculous, in the face of reason and truth.

[writes2000]

35. Awesome post, PP. And thanks for the thanks.

[glitch]

36. If you make this an original post, I'll nominate it. nt

:hi:

[lucca]

42. Yes!

Excellent post. Thank you.

I think this long excruciating nightmare for America will finally end.
I know that it will not be soon enough for all of us...but justice will prevail.

When I think about the destruction that this president (and his evil-doers) have brought upon everyone; the lives that have been lost...I weep with sorrow.

[radio4progressives]

43. Brilliant post - This is Spot On! Great Contribution.. n/t

[Nostradammit]

54. I Love You!!

made my day ~

[Swamp Rat]

34. kick and recommended!

I have been waiting for a long time to watch the GOP NAZI Lizards eat each other. HERE IT COMES! :D :popcorn:

[MadisonProgressive]

39. I always thought it was just a matter of time

before they started getting their lies mixed up and confused. Then all hell would break lose. It seems like that is starting to happen in earnest now.

Thank you for that great post writes2000!

[FreedomAngel82]

40. I think with Rove

They'll defend him as long as possible. If something really really big comes out that can damn him then they'll step away. Right now Rove could walk away and anybody who goes against him could lose his seat to another Bush loyalist next year. So they're trying to play it safe now. If and when something big does happen then we'll see them back away and no longer be coming out in the media and talking and taking a defense to him.

[Mr_Spock]

41. Fabulous synopsys and conclusions

I can really relate to this story now and I think a LOT of Americans will as well...

[DemonFighterLives]

47. Good Job writes2000

And also Peace Patriot
You both rock!
:yourock:

The spinning is slowing. Rove must be disengaged and the talking point repeaters are becoming confused. Mehlman is approaching meltdown.

I wonder if Novak will stand for himself being trashed by Rove?

It could very well happen that Rove wants to take some time off for his family. I don't know if he'd get away with it, but at least until he is frog marched.

[DemonFighterLives]

49. Kick

This is too good to sink.

:kick:

[emcguffie]

55. It's the hubris.

To continue to imagine that he can get away with whatever crimes he cooks up, because of who he is. It had to get him one day.

[Generator]

56. What finally happened is some actual justice!

Some actual REAL testimony. Under oath. All parties seperate..no "I'll testify if Dick is holding my hand" bullshit..and that one before the 9/11 commission wasn't recorded or allowed to be kept as any permanent record in any fashion.

These criminals have actually been hit by the law. It's wonderous what happens then-every lie is imagine that a LIE!-every story is just that a STORY!

We have been drowning in a sea of absoulute bullshit for so many years it's like finally being able to smell some clear air. It's wonderful. And I agree with your post..the reason is that it's on RECORD..it's SEPERATE testimony..and finally the PRESS is no longer in Bushco's pocket..because they are being accused of crimes they didn't committ and WHOA that actually bothers them..not that war over false pretenses bothered them one iota.

And maybe they still can get away with everything-but fuck them-they are liars and criminals and the satisfaction I'm getting from this is just enough to make it to tomorrow and hope for more.

Great post!