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Nothing in the McClellan Book
http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/2008/05/29/nothing-in-the-mcclellan-book/#more-348 ^ | May 29, '08 | Dick Morris

Posted on 05/31/2008 2:18:32 PM PDT by T.L.Sink

The Bush administration is crazy for mounting so vigorous a defense to the McClellan book, talking about what an ungrateful sleaze he is. All this publicity is just helping book sales and leaving the average person with the impression that a top Bush official wrote a tell-all book saying that Bush was a phony on the war in Iraq. But the fact is that McClellan's book doesn't have anything in it. It makes NO important new revelations. It says Bush was negligent on Katrina. So the news? Then he used "propaganda" to convince us to invade Iraq - well, what was the Gettysburg address but propaganda to encourage us in wartime. That's what a president is supposed to do. And it says that Karl Rove and Libby conspired to conform their testimony in the Valerie Plame affair. Who cares, and so what? That was a scandal that shouldn't ever have happened. The special prosecutor revealed that no crime was committed when her name was leaked because the guy who leaked it [Richard Armitage, a Democrat] didn't know she was handling covert material. And the guy who was convicted - Libby - wasn't the guy who leaked it. So what difference does it make? By highlighting the book and attacking it so vigorously, the Bush people are giving it credibility. Before you engage in damage control, be sure there is damage to control.

(Excerpt) Read more at dickmorris.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society
KEYWORDS: bookreview; bush; dickmorris; mcclellan; toesucker; yawn
Sure, McClellan's book will give liberal shills like Olbermann and Matthews something to exaggerate and distort beyond recognition. But if those two bottom feeders didn't have that to lie about, they'd find something else to preach to their choir of about 125. Morris is probably right.
1 posted on 05/31/2008 2:18:32 PM PDT by T.L.Sink
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To: T.L.Sink

The flip side of the coin is that all the hoopla about the book helps Republicans because it has solidified our side at a crucial time when that is needed.


2 posted on 05/31/2008 2:24:41 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper (He who puts up with insult invites injury. - Proverb)
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To: T.L.Sink

I have no plans to read the book, however, from the excerpts I’ve read, it seems what’s in the book is based mostly on mcclellan’s opinion as to what might have happened rather than presenting any hard evidence. As for the president selling the war, the president goes out and tries to convince the public that his plan is the way to go, be it going to war, or trying to partially privatize social security.


3 posted on 05/31/2008 2:25:34 PM PDT by psjones (u)
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To: T.L.Sink

If the sheeple will support an empty suit for “undefined change”, then why not gin up an empty book from an unimportant whiner. It can mean anything your hatred desires.


4 posted on 05/31/2008 2:26:13 PM PDT by Steamburg (Your wallet speaks the only language most politicians understand.)
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To: T.L.Sink

I look at it this way, every dollar spent on Scotty’s “book” is one less dollar being contributed to some ‘RAT politician. Conservatives and Republicans sure as he!! ain’t buying it.


5 posted on 05/31/2008 2:26:37 PM PDT by FlingWingFlyer (De-Globalize yourself !)
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To: T.L.Sink

Well, we complain when the WH rolls over and plays dead, now we complain when the WH defends itself.

I’m beginning to understand why the Pres doesn’t waste his time trying to communicate.

He really DOES have a thankless job.


6 posted on 05/31/2008 2:27:26 PM PDT by SusaninOhio
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To: T.L.Sink

Wrong again, toe jam.

The book is going to be paraded across the public consciousness by the Democrat Media anyway.

Coming out strong against it is the right thing to do. Oppose the liars, and label them properly. If the Bush Administration had done this consistently throughout its terms, it would not have been so successfully slandered.


7 posted on 05/31/2008 2:31:41 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler ( :: FREE LAZAMATAZ! ::)
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To: SusaninOhio
Well, we complain when the WH rolls over and plays dead, now we complain when the WH defends itself.

What you mean "we", paleface?

8 posted on 05/31/2008 2:32:32 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler ( :: FREE LAZAMATAZ! ::)
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To: T.L.Sink
Plus, without the book we would not have had the magnificent Bob Dole email response to it. I am printing this out, framing it and putting it on my wall.

Scott,

There are miserable creatures like you in every administration who don't have the guts to speak up or quit if there are disagreements with the boss or colleagues. No, your type soaks up the benefits of power, revels in the limelight for years, then quits, and spurred on by greed, cashes in with a scathing critique.

In my nearly 36 years of public service I've known of a few like you. No doubt you will “clean up” as the liberal anti-Bush press will promote your belated concerns with wild enthusiasm. When the money starts rolling in you should donate it to a worthy cause, something like, “Biting The Hand That Fed Me.” Another thought is to weasel your way back into the White House if a Democrat is elected. That would provide a good set up for a second book deal in a few years.

I have no intention of reading your “exposé” because if all these awful things were happening, and perhaps some may have been, you should have spoken up publicly like a man, or quit your cushy, high profile job. That would have taken integrity and courage but then you would have had credibility and your complaints could have been aired objectively. You're a hot ticket now but don't you, deep down, feel like a total ingrate?

BOB DOLE

9 posted on 05/31/2008 2:34:04 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper (He who puts up with insult invites injury. - Proverb)
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To: T.L.Sink
What vigorous defense?

Seriously, some of Scott's “friends” like Ari, Bartlett, and the press sec from the podium have said they are very surprised and had no idea he felt this way.

The Pres intimated “privately” that he was hurt, but would forgive him.

The only vigorous words were from Bob Dole.

What the heck is Morris talking about? Maybe I missed something.

10 posted on 05/31/2008 2:37:20 PM PDT by roses of sharon ( (Who will be McCain's maverick?))
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To: Berlin_Freeper

It made me laugh that he signed it in all caps. He’s not Bob Dole. He’s BOB DOLE! Gotta love it!


11 posted on 05/31/2008 2:40:59 PM PDT by Roscoe Karns
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To: Jeff Chandler

Correct. Whatever Morris says ...do the opposite. He hasn’t been right about anything in years.

Scotty smells like David Brock, a self loathing homosexual needing to align his politics with his sexual preferences.


12 posted on 05/31/2008 2:44:33 PM PDT by y6162
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To: SusaninOhio

exactly,


13 posted on 05/31/2008 2:49:52 PM PDT by ncalburt
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To: T.L.Sink
TOE-SUCKER SPEAKS!
14 posted on 05/31/2008 3:12:24 PM PDT by Old Sarge (CTHULHU '08 - I won't settle for a lesser evil any longer!)
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To: T.L.Sink

Morris may be a lot of things, but he does know his politicians.


15 posted on 05/31/2008 3:19:50 PM PDT by varina davis
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To: Jeff Chandler

I agree 150%! The Admin has done NOTHING but remain silent after one of these books or stupid movies come out.

That worked out well, didn’t it?


16 posted on 05/31/2008 3:20:10 PM PDT by CommieCutter
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To: Jeff Chandler

I agree 150%! The Admin has done NOTHING but remain silent after one of these books or stupid movies come out.

That worked out well, didn’t it?


17 posted on 05/31/2008 3:20:10 PM PDT by CommieCutter
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To: CommieCutter
That worked out well, didn’t it?

Exactly.

18 posted on 05/31/2008 3:22:05 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler ( :: FREE LAZAMATAZ! ::)
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To: CommieCutter
That worked out well, didn’t it?

Exactly.

19 posted on 05/31/2008 3:22:22 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler ( :: FREE LAZAMATAZ! ::)
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To: T.L.Sink
By highlighting the book and attacking it so vigorously, the Bush people are giving it credibility. Before you engage in damage control, be sure there is damage to control.

The media is the culprit here, the comments from those surrounding the President showed more reactions of surprise, considered him a friend and wished him well. After all it was never really reported by the White House that he was fired. The media reported he was fired. Yes, the word "disgruntled" was used. But the media seeks out to get the response they want. Eventually someone says something to spice up their story. If anything 98% of the GOP staffers replied with dignity in brief response.

Scott is the one making the media rounds to promote his book and also coming under attack even by the liberal media (CBS)which Scott had said was part of the blame for the present geopolitical climate--that the media had failed to bring down the President for policies in Iraq.

Just my opinion, there is more pity for the unemployed WH ex-press guy, than anger; and Morris is just adding his 2 cents, the best he could come up with.

20 posted on 05/31/2008 3:24:25 PM PDT by fight_truth_decay
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To: Roscoe Karns

I think he was just getting warmed up, lol, it made me laugh too.


21 posted on 05/31/2008 3:29:54 PM PDT by AprilfromTexas
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To: T.L.Sink

The book would not sell if it were not being billed as a left wing hack job on the president.

Scott KNOWS this and so he wants to make a few bucks while he can. The Administration also know there is nothing in the book that is really damaging, but the left wing media will spin and spin anyway.


22 posted on 05/31/2008 3:30:39 PM PDT by Mr. K (Some days even my lucky rocketship underpants don't help)
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To: T.L.Sink

Incompetent hit....just like McClellan himself...a big NOTHING!


23 posted on 05/31/2008 3:49:42 PM PDT by Ann Archy (Abortion.....The Human Sacrifice to the god of Convenience.)
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To: SusaninOhio
Well, we complain when the WH rolls over and plays dead, now we complain when the WH defends itself. I’m beginning to understand why the Pres doesn’t waste his time trying to communicate. He really DOES have a thankless job.

Bush had Mark mcKinnon, a DEMOCRAT hack as his communications director during his campaigns.....then he hires McClelellan who is PROBABLY a Democrat as his HAPLESS Press Secy!! Bush has been taught to be a HUMBLE man, and maybe having really INCOMPETENT people tauting your accomplishmenents is part of that.

24 posted on 05/31/2008 3:52:56 PM PDT by Ann Archy (Abortion.....The Human Sacrifice to the god of Convenience.)
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To: roses of sharon
If I was at the WH this would my response to the book:

McClellan's premise is that the main aim of the WH staff was to sell the war in Iraq, stay in campaign mode, and minimize political damage from the Katrina response. If public affairs was the main goal of the WH then why would they entrust that main goal to the loser son of a former political ally from Texas. If you look at McClellan's daily performance one would draw a completely opposite conclusion.

25 posted on 05/31/2008 3:53:15 PM PDT by USNBandit (sarcasm engaged at all times)
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To: y6162
Scotty smells like David Brock, a self loathing homosexual needing to align his politics with his sexual preferences.

My take also.....Brock probably FLIPPED him with Soros's money!!

26 posted on 05/31/2008 3:54:10 PM PDT by Ann Archy (Abortion.....The Human Sacrifice to the god of Convenience.)
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To: Ann Archy
Scotty smells like David Brock, a self loathing homosexual needing to align his politics with his sexual preferences.

Thankfully, Larry Sinclair is above all that.

27 posted on 05/31/2008 3:56:34 PM PDT by Lancey Howard
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To: T.L.Sink
One has to be a strategic idiot to believe what McLellan and his obvious Democrat stable handlers are trying to foist on the US public, to keep this Bush Lied/Our Men Died mythology alive up to election day in November. Its downright unpatriotic, treasonous even.

McLellan should simply be ridiculed, as should all of the A$$-hats who keep talking about no weapons of mass destruction. Hell, last I heard several tons of yellow cake uranium ore were transferred out of Iraq to Oak Ridge and no body is saying ANYTHING about that?

This is the price that Republicans are paying for the Bush administrations continued silence on the issue right through Plame/Wilson and onwards.

Now the Bush administration and Republicans are harvesting their pacifism on the issue.

28 posted on 05/31/2008 4:14:18 PM PDT by Candor7 (Fascism? All it takes is for good men to say nothing.)
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To: Berlin_Freeper

Thanks for posting that quote from Dole. He’s an old fashioned no spin Republican who tells it like it is. It reminds me of when some third party candidate ran for mayor of New York City years ago. His platform was “No more bullshit!”


29 posted on 05/31/2008 4:28:48 PM PDT by T.L.Sink
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To: roses of sharon

It’s my surmise that all these euphemisms like “we were surprised” and “didn’t really know him,” are just the administration’s way of marginalizing McClellan who is now busy doing the liberal talk show circuit and the liberal cable shows on what is no more than a book promotion tour. I think Morris is right in that surrogates for the administration are on the attack. Even Bush’s Press Secretary intimated that she thinks McClellan is a disgruntled employee who was dismissed for incompetence.


30 posted on 05/31/2008 4:50:09 PM PDT by T.L.Sink
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To: Berlin_Freeper
You're a hot ticket now but don't you, deep down, feel like a total ingrate? BOB DOLE

Nah people like McClellan have no shame etc and will wallow in the praise heaped on them by the left

Enjoy it while you can McClellan cause after the left gets done using you you will fade into obscurity
31 posted on 05/31/2008 4:53:29 PM PDT by uncbob
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To: varina davis

Right - he served in the Clinton administration for years and gives us first-hand knowledge of who Hillary is and what makes her tick. And this is not based on hearsay but PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.


32 posted on 05/31/2008 4:56:36 PM PDT by T.L.Sink
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To: fight_truth_decay

One of the things I’ve heard Morris say (and he should know, having been there) is that the press secretary isn’t the ‘insider’ many people think he is. He’s a glorified PR man. He’s not included in most policy meetings and has little or no part in formulating domestic or international strategy concepts. This has been verified by many critics who have pointed out that McClellan was never privy to the private councils that actually came up with policiy decisions. To put it bluntly. he was given his talking points to deliver to the press and knew nothing else.


33 posted on 05/31/2008 5:15:17 PM PDT by T.L.Sink
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To: Mr. K

I completely agree and McClellan knows he already has a liberal MSM audience eager and ready to condemn Bush for anything, real or imagined - and thus to shoot his book sales off the chart!


34 posted on 05/31/2008 5:24:30 PM PDT by T.L.Sink
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To: Candor7

This is what Bush gets for his idiotic “new tone” political philosophy. He’s fallen between two stools - neither a conservative nor a liberal. Now he’s despised by both! (his most devoted fans are the amnesty/open-borders lobby!)


35 posted on 05/31/2008 5:53:22 PM PDT by T.L.Sink
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To: Mr. K

36 posted on 06/01/2008 7:39:23 AM PDT by Wolverine (A Concerned Citizen)
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To: T.L.Sink
Agree, Scott was not the insider or privy to "real time" discussions, Scott is just the messenger; but others in the media and close to the President had said that at the onset of this "tell all book" story.

Also, it was said by WH people that Scott was not even in a WH position need to know basis when much of these discussions he eludes to were taking place. He was a clerk or true underling then. The WH janitor probably knew more.

I think even the MSM press has figured this out; except for those like Matthews (low ratings) and his ilk who have to cling to any strand of controversy to prop up their liberal propaganda.

Plus, the President is not running for anything. Nor do Joe Q. and Jane Q. hard working, family oriented, make-the-dollars-meet public really care about this book, and won't be spending their "gas dollars" to buy it. They have more important issues to worry about.

The WH just felt "sad" for McClellan. How degrading must that be???

37 posted on 06/02/2008 7:16:42 AM PDT by fight_truth_decay
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