Posted on 09/09/2004 8:09:50 AM PDT by kattracks
The big bombshell promised by Kitty Kelley in her scorching anti-Bush book "The Family: The Real Story of the Bush Dynasty," has prematurely imploded, with a key witness behind the book's central charge now denying Kelley's version of her account."I categorically deny that I ever told Kitty Kelley that George W. Bush used cocaine at Camp David or that I ever saw him use cocaine at Camp David," ex-Bush sister-in-law Sharon Bush said in a statement issued yesterday, according to the Washington Post. Instead, said the one-time Bush family insider, "When Kitty Kelley raised drug use at Camp David, I responded by saying something along the lines of, 'Who would say such a thing?'"
The recantation of the book's central charge has flummoxed media outlets that were planning a mega roll-out for the anti-Bush screed.
When contacted by NewsMax Thursday morning, a spokesman for NBC's "Today Show," which had planned to showcase Kelley's book for three straight mornings in a row next week, couldn't say whether Sharon's statement would change their plans.
Newsweek magazine had already rejected an offer to excerpt the Kelley book because the Bush ex was the sole source of Kelley's big bombshell, with lead reporter Howard Fineman complaining Tuesday that the cocaine story was "un-checkable and an otherwise un-witnessable allegation. So if that's the best she's got, that's why we took a pass on it."
Despite the Sharon Bush debacle, Kelley's publisher is so far hanging tough.
"Doubleday stands fully behind the accuracy of Ms. Kelley's reporting and believes that everything she attributes to Sharon Bush in her book is an accurate account of their discussions," Associate Publisher Suzanne Herz told the Post. "Ms. Kelley met with Sharon Bush over the course of a four-hour lunch on April 1, 2003, at the Chelsea Bistro in Manhattan."
Still, industry insiders are wary of a repeat of the publishing disaster that transpired the last time a book claimed Bush was a coke user.
In 1999, St. Martin's Press was forced to recall 90,000 copies of "Fortunate Son," which alleged that then candidate George W. Bush had been arrested on a cocaine charge in 1972.
Only after the book hit stores did St. Martin's learn that the author of "Son," J.H. Hatfield, had served five years in jail in connection with a conspiracy to commit murder. The Bush book debacle is believed to have contributed to Hatfield's 2001 suicide by drug overdose.
Why is it that liberal women have the face of the south end of a NORTH bound SKUNK?
Amazing how the Today show can't say whether Kelly will be featured. Katie is so far gone, she can't see straight. If Kelly gets featured the small shred of credibility for the Today gang is completely shredded. I hope it happens because it's so transparent where the media stands.
The truth matters not a bit. The MSM will continue to push it's agenda and this book is part of their scheme.
That is a strange phraseology. Wouldn't one normally say that Sharon met Kitty for a four hour lunch?
This phrasing could also mean that Kitty had a four-hour lunch and while she was having lunch she happened to meet Sharon Bush.
I learned weasel wording from 8 years of Clinton, and by golly I am putting my knowledge to use!!
The Sheep don't use the Internet; they believe whatever they see and read. "It's in print, it must be true."
and speeches of Hillary and Michael Moore too...
What is really sad in all of this is, no matter how many times the democrates are going to be caught in a lie this election, people are still going to vote for kerry no matter what.
i am a middle of the road conservative and vote for the best man in my mind. i have picked the winner in every election since 1988. But the way the democratic party is constantly attacking Bush is turning many of the swing voters like me, totally away from them.
I believe Bush has nothing to fear in this election.
You are very strict.
That's a waste of good duct tape. Let the woman run her mouth. She's finishing off whatever reputation she might have had.
I'll give you that for a lot of Americans. But the Swift Vets for Truth have proven that the Internet and talk radio are getting around the obstructionist press.
I recently joined the History Book Club, discovering they have a strong liberal bias, but that they also alert me to some great reads. I went to their reviews of Unfit for Command and was amazed to read them. Not only were there few comments about the contents of the book, most of the reviewers were either spewing their "Kerry is being treated sooo badly and of course he's right" garbage, or they were saying all the things we say here on FR. I was immensely pleased to read from many reviewers a clear presentation of the facts about Kerry's "service" and treason.
None of the latter would have occurred without the Internet and talk radio.
So take heart. Things are changing.
Did they give Unfit for Command 3 days? Did 60 minutes interview John O'Neill for an hour ala Michael Moore, Richard Clark, and this most recent guy from Texas?
It could be weasel wording and it could be sloppy writing.
You have good instincts, though.
what is really scary is that, and this is my theory, Hillary Clinton will run for pres in 2008. She will have divorced Bill and will run on a campaign where if attacked by the republicans, will reply constantly with, "Haven't I been through enough with Bill. Lets stick to issues." and it will be very sucessful.
that is a scary thought.
You're a little unclear about how you feel about Kitty Kelley. Look, if you have an opinion, just say it. Don't be shy, just say what you think and tell us how you feel. Stop holding back.
Absolutely disgusting.
My money is on interviews with John McInsane, Chrissy Mathews and a lefty to be named later.
i am sure the witches of "the view" will give the book rave reviews! BARF!
To me KK is a trash tabloid "journalist" and NOT worth reading.
"What is really sad in all of this is, no matter how many times the democrates are going to be caught in a lie this election, people are still going to vote for kerry no matter what."
Yes, but people are also going to vote for President Bush no matter what. These lies don't change anything.
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