Posted on 03/11/2003 11:50:47 PM PST by kattracks
When President Bush gives the order for U.S. forces to attack Iraq, ex-president Bill Clinton will be among a select handful of Americans who will be notified in advance, reports Fox News Channel's Monica Crowley.
"I'm sure many of you won't be too happy to learn that Clinton will know before the rest of us," Crowley said Sunday, while filling in for vacationing WABC Radio host Steve Malzberg.
Crowley explained that the White House practice of early notification of impending military action is a courtesy that extends to all ex-presidents "I remember when I worked for Richard Nixon, the White House would do the same thing for him," she told WABC. "So you can expect that Clinton will get the same treatment."
But the notion that the impeached, disbarred and nearly indicted ex-president will be given the top secret info on the Iraq attack is sure to prompt concern among many Americans. Especially given Clinton's recent attempts to undermine the Bush administration in interviews at home and speeches abroad.
In an October address to Great Britain's Labour Party, for instance, he not only criticized Bush foreign policy, he complained that the 2000 election wasn't legitimate.
"The election was so close in America that they won it fair and square - 5 to 4 at the Supreme Court" Clinton joked sarcastically to Labour's annual conference at Blackpool.
"We should actually be glad, though," he continued to grouse in mocking tones. "Because there were seven Republicans and only two Democrats on the Supreme Court - and two of those Republicans - God bless them, they will be rewarded in heaven - they actually took the decision that we should count votes when the American people vote, and I appreciate that."
Last week the ex-president said that his attacks on the Bush administration were appropriate. "I don't think that's being hateful or bad for the country or anything else," he told the Atlantic Monthly. "Even when I give these political speeches, almost in every speech I say, I don't want you ever to treat them the way they treated me. Don't do it."
Still, Clinton's continual criticism of Bush has ruffled more than a few GOP feathers, prompting Sen. John McCain, R-Az., to issue public reprimand.
"Look, former presidents can do damage," McCain told radio host Sean Hannity last month. "It's very unhelpful. It's in some ways damaging."
"I just have two words," he then added. "Shut up!"
Compounding concern over Mr. Clinton's likely early warning of any Iraq attack, it's probable he will share the secret information with his wife, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton - who coordinates political attacks on the Bush White House as head of the Senate's Democratic Steering Committee.
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