AP: Snow on Bush Attorney Purge Involvement: "Anything's Possible"

[Hissyspit]

Snow on Bush involvement: ‘Anything’s possible.’

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/03/16/snow-on-bush-involvement-anythings-possible

Just out from the AP:

The White House on Friday backed off its earlier contention that then-White House Counsel Harriet Miers first raised the idea of firing U.S. attorneys — an act that led to a firestorm of criticism of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

“It has been described as her idea but … I don’t want to try to vouch for origination,” said White House press secretary Tony Snow, who previously had asserted Miers was the person who came up with the idea. “At this juncture, people have hazy memories.” <…>

Asked if Bush himself might have suggested the firings, Snow said, “Anything’s possible … but I don’t think so.” He said Bush “certainly has no recollection of any such thing. I can’t speak for the attorney general. I want you to be clear here: don’t be dropping it at the president’s door,” Snow said.

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[Eurobabe]

1. Bush taking the Libby path, no recollection

[Bandit]

2. “At this juncture, people have hazy memories.”

This should be the nation's Headlines....How perfect an example of Republican leadership

[yellowcanine]

3. Shit that was no slip on Snow's part. I think it is safe to assume that Bush has a role.

It would not necessarily be improper for him to have a role, so why are they hiding it? I think it is also safe to assume that at the least, his role was politically embarassing and possibly had questionable ethical or legal implications. Clearly it would have been improper for Bush to interfere in an ongoing investivation or to fire someone for not pursuing a particular investigation. The mere act of firing some prosecutors for that reason could reasonably be inferred to be aimed at "sending a message" to other prosecutors, including any new prosecutors appointed. The further act of using the interim appointment authority under the Patriot Act to circumvent congressional oversight and avoid any scrutiny of firings and new appointments compounds the suspician that the process is being abused for political reasons. This is potentially impeachment territory.

[Firespirit]

4. OK, he was involved.

He was involved, they know he was involved, and they don't want to get caught in yet ANOTHER outright lie that will be exposed in hearings. I'm convinced now. In the "good old days," they'd issue flat denials and most likely insult the patriotism of the questioner. No longer.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. My time travelling time machine is stuck

on watergate

[NewJeffCT]

6. Snow does not deny Bush suggested the firings

Reporter: "Did President Bush order the firings?"

Tony Snow: "Anything's possible..."

that's not exactly a "Read My Lips: No New Taxes" denial.