Today Show: DC Insider Gergen Shills for Berger;
Hewitt Calls Calif Dems "Humor-Challenged"
The Today Show
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."
-- snip --
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."
I actually watched the TodayShow this morning (gag) - I'll admit - I sometimes watch Katie to see if she's got her lipstick on crooked, up over her lip - then you know she's having a bad rat day. You could tell Katie lost the Arnie bashing segment, she was so miserable she couldn't get the Democrat to scream and she was so outmatched by Hewitt.
It was fun to watch. - SunnyUSA
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