Bush Refuses to Answer Dean's Charge About 9/11..

[kentuck]

In a direct question from a reporter at this morning's news conference, pResident Bush declined to give a direct response. He said it was "just politics". But it must create doubts in a lot of minds that saw him duck such a direct question.

The reporter asked, paraphrasing slightly, "What do you have to say about Howard Dean's charges that you may have had advance knowledge about the 9/11 attack on the WTC?" That is a question that cannot be permitted to not be answered. But Bush did not answer the question. He simply shrugged it off with "just politics". But is it true?

[CMT]

1. hasn't it been proven that there was advance knowledge?

not of the specific attack on the twin towers but that a terrorist attack was immenient--didn't Bush get some kind of memo or something just the month before 9/11??

[kentuck]

5. It's not in the public sphere...

as far as I know, most of the info about that is on he Internet..

[HFishbine]

8. I wouldn't say "proven" (yet)

But a law suit by one of the 9/11 widows makes some pretty damning accusations. There's plenty to read, but here are some highlights from the complaint:

(2) April to May 2001. U.S. government received 'specific' threats of terrorist attacks against U.S. targets or interests

(3) June 6, 2001. German intelligence warned CIA

(4) July 16, 2001. British intelligence sent a report to Tony Blair warning of imminent attacks. The report was also sent to Washington

(5) June 23, 2001. Arabic News Network reported that bin Laden had predicted a 'severe blow' to the United States.

(6) Summer 2001. Jordan's General Intelligence Division (GID) warned Washington of an attack planned on the U.S mainland using aircraft.

(7) Summer 2001. Iranian man warned U.S. authorities of a planned terrorist attack during the week of September 9, 2001

(8) August 2001. Moroccan intelligence warned Washington about "large scale-operations in New York in the summer or autumn of 2001"

(9) August 2001. Israel warned U.S. about large-scale attacks on the U.S. mainland

(11) August 24, 2001. Russian intelligence warned of possible hijacking

(12) August 31, 2001. Egyptian president warned U.S. that something was brewing

(13) September 1, 2001. Russian intelligence warned the U.S. again about 'imminent attacks'

(14) Early September 2001. Mossad chief warned CIA of possibility of attacks

(16) September 7, 2001. Mossad chief warned CIA a second time of possible attacks

(17) September 3-10, 2001. Anonymous caller informed a radio talk show that Osama bin Laden's organization would be launching imminent attacks against the U.S.

Those are just some of the warnings from foreign sources. There are many other examples of internal warnings. Read the whole thing here:

http://nancho.net/911/mariani.html

[NewJeffCT]

32. Also...

Didn't top gov't officials start flying private planes some time in August?

And, when the Bush Regime took office, didn't they say that Clinton was too obsessed with Osama and terrorism in general and ignored the Hart-Rudman report.

[HFishbine]

48. Exactamundo

Yes, those points are also in the complaint:

---------
That, on or about, August 6, 2001, Defendant GWB received intelligence reports that a potential attack against the United States of America was being planned by the use of hijacked civilian airliners. The American people were never warned of this potential threat to their health and well-being as Defendant GWB owed a duty to inform and warn the public as apparently high level cabinet members to include Defendants Rumsfeld and Ashcroft stopped flying commercial aircraft prior to the "911" attacks.
----------

[Rose Siding]

2. Is that really how the question was asked?

Because Dean never offered that as a "charge". He used it as an example of "what's out there" as a result of the admin stonewalling the investigation.

A real reporter might have asked bush why he was making it so hard for the comish to get the things it requests.

[janx]

30. Thanks for pointing this out. You beat me to it.

Yes, the question should have been asked about the commission.

[joefree1]

3. When Saddam starts talking

I'm looking forward to the next year of Saddam on trail. I think we're gonna hear some stuff that Bush senior and junior would rather us not hear.

And after Bush bashing of the CIA I don't expect Saddam to come to any accidents either.


Dean Rocks The House of Blues
7:00 pm ~ 10:00 pm
House of Blues
8430 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/PageServer?pagename=evite_la1215
If you're going check in here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=106&topic_id=4536
(I'll post pics on Tuesday)

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

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[wtmusic]

7. just hearing what you want to hear alright...

You get 'The charge was absurd' from 'just politics'. :eyes:

Bush completely dodged the question because an honest answer would probably sink him politically--what about all those records he refuses to produce?

[Nlighten1]

21. actually he did say that...but...

it was STILL not an answer just a dismissal if the question. Bush has yet to really answer the question about 9/11. It would be my preference to have him in court under oath when he does answer the question.

[kentuck]

10. I guess you do hear what you want to hear.....

Did anyone else hear him say "the charge was absurd"? My hearing fails me sometime so I could be wrong, but I did not hear that?

[JackieO]

13. He couldn't handle it at all...

He looked scared as hell.

What I heard him say in response:

"There will be a time for politics... (LOOOOOOOOOOONG scary floundering pause)... uh yeah ... there will be a time for politics"

[wtmusic]

16. Chum in the water!!

The journalists smelled blood too...this issue won't go away

[JackieO]

19. and dude can't swim...

here's a clip:

http://dc.indymedia.org/usermedia/video/10/9_11.mpg

[wtmusic]

24. That is awesome!!!

Suddenly the breathing becomes labored...he's like a nine-year-old with his hand in the cookie jar.

Hook up the lie detector...BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP :silly:

[pdx_prog]

20. Doesn't matter what he said.....

What do YOU say about the allegations and the evidence of prior warnings to the white house?

[KayLaw]

43. Same here

I'd like to know that as well. Also, how do you think congress should deal with a president who would allow such attacks to occur for political gain?

[SeveneightyWhoa]

6. "Just politics".

Is that their response for EVERYTHING? Any honest or rational criticism is always "just politics" to these people. Yet everything Georgie does is "just politics" to the power of ten.

[kentuck]

9. Koko01 noticed his expression when he was asked this question also..

Here is what she had to say from a post in LBN on Bush press conference:
===================================================================

"Did you see his expression when asked about his resposibility for 9/11?


He refused to answer it. When reporter mentioned Dean's comment about Bush and 9/11. It was creepy! I think he's covering up.

[Name removed]

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[SammyWinstonJack]

52. Why don't you reply to post # 8?

We're waiting.

[kentuck]

11. Bush is as guilty as sin !

That is why he didn't answer the question and that is why he doesn't want to release the 9/11 report. They would rather talk about why Dean isn't releasing his records. Well, just keep covering up fellows...

[retyred]

12. Of course bush wouldn't answer

The repugs won't play defense, it's unproductive, it gives the accusation merit, they will accuse and hope we spend all our time, money and effort defending ourselves while they move their agenda.

In order to win, we need to accuse, accuse and accuse again in hopes of putting them on the offensive. In a society of guilt by accusation, it's the accusation that gets the notice.

Not to replay Kerry's attack on dean during the debate, but we need to keep demanding "Answer the question" mr. bush, and when he says "just politics" we need to say again "Answer The Question"


george bush…pResident?

retyred in fla
“good night paul, wherever you are”
So I read this book

[YNGW]

18. This "Strategy" is a Death Blow

>"What do you have to say about Howard Dean's charges that you may have had advance knowledge about the 9/11 attack on the WTC?"

This type of questioning may fire up the conspiracy theory "Bush Knew" wing of the party, but the average Joe and Jane voter will see it for what it is, and no one wants to be associated with what they will regard as a bunch of wingnut kooks.

If we lose the election in 2004, the finger of blame can and WILL be directly pointed in the face of those far left-wingers who see a boogie-man hiding behind every door and underneath every bed. These "people" are killing my party and our chance at victory in 2004.

[kentuck]

22. This is not a "strategy" - it's a simple question.

And you don't think the people have a right to know? Explain that position.

[YNGW]

29. It is a strategy.

The question was an absurd question. It's a question I expect from the type of people who frequent Indymedia. :crazy: :freak: :dunce: :tinfoilhat: Not here.


And it is a strategy. There's a whole movement built upon the premise that Bush allowed 9/11 to happen so he could declare martical law and make himself emperor. It's crazy, it's ridiculous, and I'm not going to get sucked into it. Now, if people like you and others drag the party into this line of thinking, I assure you it's a one way ticket for the party to fall into obscurity. Is that what you want?

[kentuck]

31. I want the truth...I don't want to be called a "conspiracist"

I think the people, us, have a right to know what is in that 9/11 report, and if there was a memo on Bush's desk warning him about an attack with an airplane, we have a right to know. You disagree?

[YNGW]

37. Of course I do

But I've had enough conversations with people who wouldn't believe it if an independent investagation was done. They are convinced that it happened, and they believe that the outcome of any investigation would be determined before it ever started.

Let me ask you, have you really read the writings on some on these threads? You gotta check some of these postings out more thorougly. Some of the DUers on these threads are members of Conspiracy Central. These clowns eat, drink and smell conspiracy. There's a conspiracy to spread Zionism, there's a conspiracy behind 9/11, there's a conspiracy to poison the pot supply, there's a conspiracy behind Enron; there's a conspiracy to hide all the other conspiracies; you name it and these guys reach for the Conspiracy Juice. Beats thinking, I guess. Challenge them on it and they beseige you with link after link proving their conspiracies. Holy cow, the paranoia with some on this board is so palpable (that means noticeable, for all you people in Washington D.C.). It's like swimming through smoke.

Those who believe in conspiracy theories can never believe anything other than what the conspiracy tells them to believe. To the conspiracy theorist, any evidences presented which disprove the conspiracy theory is just further evidence that the conspiracy theory itself is true, otherwise why would there be others trying to prove it is not true.

So, no, count me out. I want my party back. And when the party gets back on track, then we can focus on winning election. But this kind of stuff is going to bury my party.

[thebigidea]

40. whoah - "there's a conspiracy behind Enron"

you mean, there WASN'T a conspiracy to perpetuate a huge scam on California, bilking 'em out of billions of dollars?

Care to explain what went on at Enron, then?

[Bridget Burke]

42. (Parenthetically, Kenny Boy is doing fine)

From the Houston Chronicle's "society" columnist:

"No longer taking a discreet table in the corner of La Griglia, former Enron CEO Ken Lay stepped into the power-lunch spotlight Friday when he invited former Mayor Bob Lanier and Elyse Lanier to join him there for a leisurely bite at a central table. No one missed the giant step forward."

www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/features/2295561

[KayLaw]

47. There are conspiracies

And there is an investigation going on because there are some mysteries surrounding the events of 9/11.

There are some women I know who are quite wary in the street and regard any man that approaches them as possible purse snatchers. Not all men are but that doesn't mean there aren't any purse snatchers.

[Scott Lee]

25. Then Joe and Jane need to be educated.

Why is it that so many Dems want to defer to the common public ignorance on these matters? Is it a good thing to lazily play to the common denominator rather than bring the awareness up?

I swear, lately the things I've heard coming out of "Democratic" mouths have me truly wondering if they want to see an opposition party in existence at all, or even make a swipe at raising society up as opposed to wallowing in the mud of intellectual incuriosity.

What gives?

[YNGW]

34. No

Don't paint this "Those of us who believe Bush knew about 9/11 and approved of it are so much more intelligent than others" crap with me. It has nothing to do with "Dems want(ing) to defer to the common public ignorance on these matters" and everything having to do with being painted as a bunch of wingnuts. I'm not the only one who has been warning people here at DU that the people who continually harp in these "Bush Knew, It's not REALLY Saddam, We had Saddam in the box all along and just now brought him out, Voting booths are rigged, etc...." undocumented accusations are going to cause us to lose in 2004. It's one thing to be curious and ask the right questions. It's a whole other matter to ask questions that have no basis in reality.

[wtmusic]

35. Completely based in reality

There was a meeting with Bush in August 2001 where he was warned of 'an imminent attack'. He refuses to release details of the meeting.


Why?

[kentuck]

36. August 6th, as I recollect?

And the people do not have the right to know?

[Bridget Burke]

38. No, you're not the only one

Many folks come here & almost immediately say: "Shut up!"

Your definition of reality needs a bit of expansion.

[Snellius]

23. He called the charge "an absurd insinuation"

Not that he probably doesn't know more than he admits, but that's an answer to the question.

[kentuck]

26. Thanks Snellius, for clearing that up....

He still looked very uncomfortable with the question, in my opinion. Also, Dean never "charged" Bush, he simply repeated a question he had heard. But, people need to know what is in that 9/11 report. End of story.

[Snellius]

41. The question definitely did touch a nerve.

You could see him immediately wince. I agree with you completely, kentuck, that there is more to what Bush knew than he is letting on. Whether because he was lying or insulted, we don't know, but the reaction touchs his weak point like salt on an open sore.

Dean certainly did "charge" Bush with covering up, if not LIHOP, but why not? Bush's most vulnerable Achilles heel is his temper and his touchy ego. I hope whoever the candidate is pushes every button again and again and again.

[kentuck]

45. I thought so to...

I wonder why? I wonder if any reporters noticed his "dislike" for that question?

[w13rd0]

28. What makes it an absurd insinuation?

He and his regime have demonstrated time and again that they are willing to use "cost-risk analysis" in putting the needs of corporations and their contributors above the very lives of the American people. Why is the "insinuation" absurd? Because he says it is? Bullshit, he's a lying fraud, he and his cronies have said a good many things were "absurd" that later were proven to be quite "surd"...

[Ramsey]

27. Aaarrrghhhh!!

Dean did not suggest that he believed Bush had advanced knowledge. He suggested that the Bush administration's penchant for extreme secrecy and efforts to obstruct the 9-11 panel led some people to believe he had something to hide, and to conspiracy theories like "Bush Knew". He was making a point about transparency.

I guess that distinction was lost upon the comatose press corps.

Edited for typos

[mrgorth]

33. I'm thinking

that Bush is going to start getting frustrated with Dean very shortly.

[JackRiddler]

39. dupe of my own, oops...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=914037

Here's what I wrote on it in the other thread.

NOTE: THIS IS MY 1,000th POST. Not counting about 100 in a previous incarnation... so if you like it, give it some KICKS.

--------------------

There's been an attempt to dismantle Dean on various fronts this week, but what concerns me the most is the ongoing right-wing attack on him for his comments on the 9/11 coverup. It made the Bush press conference!

Paraphrasing what I saw on CNN at around 11:55 a.m. EST on Mon., Dec. 15... Bush had already said he didn't want "political" questions, i.e. about candidates, the election, or opposing views. And then...

Q. Mr. Pres., I know we're not supposed to ask political questions but Howard Dean suggested you may have had foreknowledge of September 11th. Do you agree with RNC head (Whatisname) that this qualifies as political hate speech?*

Bush (visibly panicked). Political... just political... uh... insinuation.

End of response. Less than 10 seconds. The reporter seized the opportunity of a speechless Bush to pose an "unrelated follow-up question," to general merriment.

Bush made no move whatsoever towards denying the charge (which Dean did not make directly, but which the reporter suggested)! He was clearly alarmed & flustered.

* NOTE: So now, asking who knew what when is characterized not as inquiry but as hate, according to this... stupid reporter! (Does THAT qualify as hate speech?)

Below are some examples of the current attacks on Dean for having raised the 9/11 issue. (Context: the ongoing Bush admin obstruction even of the lame investigation being conducted by the "independent" Kean commission.)

Now what? I don't care what you think about Dean, he has dared to risk the third rail, to bring up the elephant in the room. At the press con, Bush was still using 9/11 as the justification for every damn policy question, as in, 9/11 made it obvious that the U.S. had to invade Iraq (which had nothing to do with it).

I urge you ALL to write to all the media you can and get them to take the matter of 9/11 foreknowledge seriously.

Here are some samples of coverage lately...

OH, that bizarre and irresponsible remark!
Slate
... not--. Dean: There is a report which the president is suppressing evidence for which is a thorough investigation of 9/11. Diane Rehm ...
<http://slate.msn.com/id/2092515/>

CANDIDATE Howard Dean
Dallas Morning News (subscription), TX
... in Howard Dean based on Dr. Dean's speculation that the president may be hiding something by refusing to cooperate with the 9-11 investigation committee. ...
<http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/letters/stories/121403dnedideansundayletters.5f20a.html>

WHITE House lapses led to 9/11, Clark says
Boston Globe, MA
... Later, Clark elaborated on his 9/11 criticism, saying that President Clinton's former ... said he did not agree with his rival, former Vermont governor Howard Dean ...
<http://www.boston.com/news/politics/president/clark/articles/2003/12/10/white_house_lapses_led_to_911_clark_says>

GORE hovers over Democratic debate
Concord Monitor, NH
... The most interesting theory that I heard, which I did not believe,
was that the Saudis had tipped him off," Dean ... And we need to know
what went wrong before 9/11 ...
<http://www.cmonitor.com/stories/news/state2003/debate_skalka_2003.shtml>

DEAN gets heat during debate
Charleston Post Courier (subscription), SC
On other topics, Dean was asked about speculation in broadcast interviews that Bush may have been tipped off in advance about the 9-11 attacks, perhaps by the Saudis. He insisted he never believed such reports, and was just mentioning "the most interesting theory that I heard, which I did not believe." Still, Dean said, "We need to know what went wrong before 9-11." <http://www.charleston.net/stories/121003/wor_10debate.shtml>

FORGETFUL Howard?
FOX News
... Democratic presidential debate about comments he'd made suggesting
that President Bush (search) may have known about the 9/11 attacks beforehand, Howard Dean ...
<http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,105457,00.html>

DEAN won't let go of 9/11 urban legend
Chicago Sun Times, IL
... 1 interview on NPR's ''The Diane Rehm Show,'' Dean was asked about
allegations that President Bush is suppressing information that he was
warned about the 9/11 ...
<http://www.suntimes.com/output/novak/cst-edt-novak11.html>

LOOSE Lips
Evansville Courier & Press, United States
The Issue: Dean suggests Bush may have had prior knowledge of 9/11. Our View: Democratic front-runner should apologize. It's just ...
<http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/editorials/article/0,1626,ECP_768_2495939,00.html>

NOMINEE Dean
American Daily, OH
... Which is why referring to Dean as another "Teflon candidate" carries so little ... t seem to stick to him – eg, the aforementioned Confederate flag and 9/11 ...
<http://www.americandaily.com/item/3874>

CHAMBLISS Blasts Dean For "Irresponsible Comments"
The Chattanoogan, TN
... Thus, I was shocked and outraged to hear Howard Dean pouring flames on the 'knowing in advance of 9-11' far-left conspiracy theory and accusing our ...
<http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_44384.asp>

DEAN gets heat during debate
Charleston Post Courier (subscription), SC
... and was just mentioning "the most interesting theory that I heard,
which I did not believe." Still, Dean said, "We need to know what went
wrong before 9-11.". ...
<http://www.charleston.net/stories/121003/wor_10debate.shtml>

[grasswire]

49. who asked that question?

Anyone know who asked that question regarding foreknowledge?

I'm television deprived today.

[ScreamingMeemie]

44. I was waiting for him to scratch his nose as he deemed it,"an

absurd insinuation", or flick his eyes to the left as liars do. 9/11 is going to do him in. I really don't think Saddam's capture can save his butt.

[kentuck]

46. Here is a very informative site about the 9/11 investigation....

Support the families of 9/11. Demand a thorough investigation.

http://www.septembereleventh.org/

[Catherine Vincent]

50. What reporter asked that question?

Give that man (or woman) a medal!

[JackRiddler]

51. NO MEDAL FOR THIS BASTARD

I downloaded the MPG linked above, so now I can quote directly.

Bush called on "Stretch... Big Stretch, not Little Stretch." So that's all I know about who the hell that is. But "Stretch's" question was actually atrocious... a bash-Dean invitation - in fact an invitation to launch the new Inqusition and burn the Conspiracy Commies at the stake, to wit:

"You've said this is no time for politics but you've also said you wanted to change the tone in Washington. Howard Dean recently seemed to muse aloud whether you had advance knowledge of 9/11. Do you agree or disagree with the RNC that this kind of rhetoric borders on political hate speech?"

"Yeah. Uuuuh. There is a time for politics, and uh, you know... (long pause, nervous blinking) ... 'S a time for politics... and I, uh... It's an absurd insinuation."

The last part was nearly inaudible, hence my initial uncertainty about what he said.

Well worth downloading to see this lying sack of shit fail entirely to mask his complicity.

[kentuck]

53. It was the Washington Times guy..

I think his name is Bill Sammons...He thought he was giving Bush a softball to slam Bush, instead he threw him a curve that showed Bush in a very unfavorable light. It appears it backfired on both of them.