Posted on 07/20/2004 4:43:44 AM PDT by governsleastgovernsbest
Is there anyone more annoying than ultimate-establishment guy David Gergen, the man who has worked for four or five presidents, including Bill Clinton?
There he was on Today this morning, defending former Clinton National Security Advisor Sandy Berger who has been accused of taking classified documents from the National Archives. And what was the source of Gergen's knowledge of the subject? He repeatedly made reference to statements made by "close associates" of . . . Berger! In other words, Gergen was nothing more than a shill for the Berger/Dem party line.
In fairness to Today, they led the show with this issue, and reported that the documents illegally taken were "highly critical reviews of Clinton admin handling of the "millenium threat" - Al Qaeda plans to attack the US.
That didn't deter Gergen, who began by claiming that "it's more innocent than it looks. Berger would never do anything to compromise national security. He is one of the heroes of this country in heading off terrorists attacks in 2000."
Amazingly, Katie responded with sarcastic incredulity: "If he was such a hero in stopping the 2000 attacks, why was the document he took so critical of Clinton admin handling of those threats?"
Gergen claimed that he took only copies of the originals and the the originals were there for the 9/11 Commission to review.
Gergen than went way beyond a mere defense of Berger's honesty and patriotism. He decided to perpetrate a smear of Republicans and by extension the Bush administration. Claimed Gergen: "It's rather suspicious to Berger's associates that the story would leak just before the 9/11 Commission report is due out. He's been investigated for months. A man of utter integrity who served this country well. This is a distraction from the findings of 9/11 Commission."
Couric: "So this is political?"
Gergen: "It has those overtones."
Couric: "Berger has been advising the Kerry campaign on foreign policy - how will this story affect that?"
Gergen: "It depends how it bounces in press. The Washington Post played it inside the paper [surprise!]. If it becomes a front page story there will be pressure on him to distance himself or take aleave from campaign." But not to worry, this "doesn't reflect on Sen. Kerry."
Then it was on to interviews regarding Arnold's 'girlie man' line.
Either some top CA Dems are intimidated by Arnold's popularity, or Dem Senate Majority Leader Don Perata actually has some sense.
He declined to get huffy and offended, saying "I didn't take it as an insult. He's had a good run, has been pretty cooperative. I wasn't offended and he doesn't need to apologize to me."
There was footage however from another Dem leader saying he wouldn't take a phone call from Arnold: "what should I say, 'yeah, I'm the guy who you called a scumbag and a girlie man. How are the kids?'"
Hugh Hewitt, a conservative talk show host who was present when Arnold made the remarks had the following to say: "The Dems are humor-challenged. They're upset Arnold has rolled them on every issue. His approval numbers are in 70% range, and will probably be in the 90% range after comments. What has happened is an overreaction by Sacramento insiders." He also made clear that Arnold hadn't, the Dem leader's suggestion notwithstanding, called anyone a 'scumbag.'
Couric: "Isn't Arnold losing credibility by failing to deliver on his promise of an on-time budget?"
Hewitt: "No, he's delivered on many promises - repealing car tax, reforming workers' comp, etc. Now he's telling Dems they must pay attention to spending, can't bankrupt state."
Can't find a reference but didn't Sandy sit with Clinton during his testimony to the Commission. The press made a big deal out of Cheney and Bush appearing together but made Clinton sound like he went alone which we later learned was not true as he had his lawyer and I think Berger with him. Ol' Sandy was likely conspiring with Clinton to find out what the Commission had to plan their lies. The media provided nice cover since they likely have known since January that Berger was under investigation AND was appearing with Clinton in his hearing.
I thought that is what I heard. Thanks. Maybe Gergen has now made it into a front page story.
Central Time Zoner, eh?
Although I have no illusions about the Times' bias, I still can be shocked by this kind of blatant news manipulation, particularly when comparing the treatment of the story to the way the Times would undoubtedly have handled it if, say, the former Bush I NSA had been the culprit.
Who knew?
Good point. I like to analogize "political" moves to Adam Smith's notion of the invisible hand in free markets.
Capitalists, like politicians, don't do things out of the goodness of their hearts. But it serves the public interest by driving down prices and improving quality, in the former case, and getting useful information out, in the latter.
Snady?????? LOL
"Can't find a reference but didn't Sandy sit with Clinton during his testimony to the Commission. The press made a big deal out of Cheney and Bush appearing together but made Clinton sound like he went alone..."
I can't cite a specific reference, either, but Berger did "testify" with Slick, AND with Slick's WH counsel (can't remember his name).
Yup, CDT. I always watch for a report from you to see if it's worth turning on NBC. :)
Yes, Snady. See Websters's Collegiate. "Snady": A neo-logism meaning a combination of Sandy and snakey. See 'Berger.'
Democrats only view the world through the media. Just like Hollywood "celebrities". If it's in the media, it must be true=their mantra.
Both he and Bruce Lindsey sat right behind Clinton during his testimony. However, I don't think Clinton was sworn in.
Another valuable FR service!
"How pathetic that Katie Couric is tougher on national security issues than David Gergen."
I honestly don't think the Perkster WAS being tougher on security than Gergen. I DO think she was asking questions that will serve to deflect criticism and insulate Slick from being questioned. It's called "getting out in front of the problem"...or something like that. Go on the offense ahead of the other guys.
And we all know what a huge difference that makes to him.
It's just about sex; move on. Sandy boy has a paper fetish.
Steve also said that, after he took the originals, he went back for copies (to check to see if there were still copies). Some docs were in his home and, by golly, he inadvertently trashed some others.
I don't know which is worse--listening to Gergen or listening to Jim Pinkerton.
The Pubbies need to get some effective spokespeople and get them on these news talk shows. Their current representation is very weak.
Zell Miller is a stronger 'conservative' spokesman than most of the ones the Pubbies have showing face, and Zell is a Democrat.
If the average bureaucrat had been caught with taking and "losing" classified, he would have been facing serious prison time. But Berger will probably become a star on the cocktail party circuit and be offered a golden sum for a book about his "persecution."
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