Can someone post transcript from MTP roundtable yesterday?

[blm]

Specifically Safire's contribution. For some unknown reason I can't access it, but I recall he tipped the GOP's game plan for the general, and it sounded like it matched my prediction - That they intend to use Dean as the way to bring down the whole Dem party.

TIA

[Ilsa]

1. Here's the link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3849657/

It's pretty long. The first half is Russert's interview with Gen. Wesley Clark. Then the roundtable is posted.

Safire was an ass:
snip
"I'm a right-winger. I'd like to see another McGovern because I envision a Dean candidacy that not only reaffirms a second term for George W. Bush but drags down Democrats all across the country."
snip
MR. SAFIRE: That was coming from the "let Reagan be Reagan" thing. And I just hope Dean stays Dean, keeps shooting from the hip, becomes Mr. Impulsive, and goes down just as Barry Goldwater did.

[blm]

4. Yes, thanks. Here's his full reply:

MR. SAFIRE: I don't think it's changed the debate at all. I think the people who are for Dean are a--not only a minority in the country but may or may not be the majority in the Democratic Party. When we see Dean ahead, we're talking about ahead of a field of nine. When it comes down to, oh, March, then we'll see Dean against somebody. Great likelihood at the moment is Wesley Clark, because he's not taking a chance in Iowa. He is betting everything on New Hampshire. But it becomes one against one, Dean vs. the anti-Dean, then we will see what I hope is Dean's winning of the nomination. I'm a right-winger. I'd like to see another McGovern because I envision a Dean candidacy that not only reaffirms a second term for George W. Bush but drags down Democrats all across the country.

[blm]

5. I wonder why so few understand what this means for the Dem party?

THIS is why so many in the DNC do NOT want Dean at the top of the ticket. They have MORE than the presidency at stake.

[Jack_Dawson]

2. Safire was obsessed with General Clark

and again said a Dean nomination will result in another four years for Bush. Same ol' stuff really.

[blm]

3. Yeah... I noticed.

The right would really prefer that Clark and Kerry just go away.