Republican insiders are deeply worried about the "Scooter" Libby verdict's political effect

[PhilipShore]

U.S. News & World Report, DC
Libby Verdict May Further Weaken Bush
By Kenneth T. Walsh
Posted 3/7/07
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/070307/7bush.htm


Republican insiders are deeply worried about the "Scooter" Libby verdict's political effect–especially when combined with the rash of other bad news that has erupted recently concerning the Iraq war.

"In spite of President Bush's happy talk about the progress in Iraq," says a prominent GOP leader with close ties to congressional Republicans, "this is one more minus for the president."

Bad as it is, Libby's conviction for perjury and obstructing justice in the Valerie Plame/CIA leak case wouldn't be so devastating if it were taken alone, the insiders say. But yesterday's verdict came at a very bad time for Bush, when several other negative stories are percolating.

What the insiders are most worried about, in a political sense, is that Americans and members of Congress will stitch all these developments together and conclude that Bush has shown bad judgment and a lack of management ability–undermining his credibility even further and emboldening his critics to challenge him on Capitol Hill across the board.

[man4allcats]

1. Gee, ya think?

"What the insiders are most worried about, in a political sense, is that Americans and members of Congress will stitch all these developments together and conclude that Bush has shown bad judgment and a lack of management ability..."

Has anybody other than the brain damaged 30% ever concluded that Bush was capable of sound judgment or had management ability? :eyes:

[mtnsnake]

2. They should be more than worried

They should all be worried about their futures.

[Rydz777]

3. Yes, and...

Bush: "bad judgment and a lack of management ability." Yes, and add to that the inability to construct a simple English sentence. This not just a carping comment. One of the requirements of an effective President in the media-laden 21st century is the ability to speak well. Good character - cleaned of arrogance - also helps.