Sunday Morning Talk Show Thread 7 Dec 2003

Various big media television networks ^ | 7 Dec 2003 | Various Self-Serving Politicians and Big Media Screaming Faces

[Alas Babylon!]

The Talk Shows

Sunday, December 7th, 2003

Guests to be interviewed today on major television talk shows:

FOX NEWS SUNDAY (Fox Network): White House Chief of Staff Andrew H. Card Jr. and former Vermont governor Howard Dean (D).

MEET THE PRESS (NBC): Former House speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).

FACE THE NATION (CBS): Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and White House Chief of Staff Andrew H. Card.

THIS WEEK (ABC): Former Israeli justice minister Yossi Beilin, former Palestinian information minister Yasser Abed Rabbo and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).

LATE EDITION (CNN) : Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT); King Abdullah of Jordan; Dore Gold, adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon; former Palestinian information minister Yasser Rabbo; Israeli justice minister Yossi Beilin; and White House Chief of Staff Andrew H. Card.

[CyberAnt]

Part of the problem is bringing the charges before a judge .. the judges are mostly Clinton appointees who will give every advantage to the Clintons. This seems to me to be a major reason no charges are ever brought.

[kcvl]

A May 30 federal search warrant to seize a variety of documents stored by Paul in a California warehouse, say his lawyers, confirms most all of his claims that generally fall into two categories: 1) He was set up to take the fall for activities by former business associates; and 2) He contributed nearly $2 million to Hillary Clinton's Senate campaign, which she failed to report to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) despite being told by him of his in-kind contributions.

INSIGHT began its investigation following that FBI search of Paul's storage facility nearly a year after he was indicted. According to DOJ and law-enforcement sources, the warrant is part of a probe based on proffers Paul has made to government agents about a variety of allegations of wrongdoing, including involvement by Sen. Clinton and Democratic Party operatives. One portion of the warrant reads: "Items to be Seized.... d. Records relating to New York Senate 2000, the Hollywood Gala Salute to President William Jefferson Clinton, the Federal Election Commission, David Rosen and Aaron Tonken."

snip

Paul is a former international lawyer who has represented political leaders from South and Central America and did work for various federal law-enforcement and intelligence agencies--claims INSIGHT was able partially to verify. His record shows two bizarre felony convictions. One apparently involved cocaine he says was planted in his garage. The other involved wire fraud for swindling more than $8 million from Cuban leader Fidel Castro, in what may have been a CIA sting. Strange stuff, but sources say it rings true.

Paul's life story blends intrigue with a Who's Who of movie stars, politicians, mobsters, government informants and leading federal law-enforcement officials. In the last 15 years or so he's been a high-profile Hollywood promoter who discovered Fabio and packaged best-selling books for Muhammad Ali, Tony Curtis and Buzz Aldrin. Just to name a few.

Most who know him now think he's either a crook, a spook, an amiable genius who's gone nuts or all three. But one thing is certain: Paul's life has taken some strange turns. Once out of jail (from which he repeatedly was "furloughed" to work with undercover sting operations that INSIGHT largely was able to confirm), Paul started high-profile and successful development companies in Miami in the 1980s and did charitable works praised by former presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, former chief justice Warren Burger and actors, governors, mayors and other celebrities.

Paul says of his current problems that if found guilty, "I will serve my time like a man. I just don't like the idea of doing it alone. I think others have done much worse and they, too, should be indicted, tried and, if convicted, go to jail along with me."

Those others include former SLM officers and directors and some shadow figures in finance with reputed ties to organized crime whom prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York and the Central District of California did not indict or perhaps were referring to as "unindicted coconspirators" mentioned in the indictments.

snip

INSIGHT'S review of Hillary Clinton's records filed with the FEC as required by law finds no mention of any direct or in-kind contributions by Paul other than one $2,000 donation that later was returned. This is curious given the substantial financial paperwork obtained by INSIGHT, much of it contained also in an FEC complaint Paul filed but on which the FEC has yet to act.

snip

Spokesmen for the Clintons have denied the couple received any monies from Paul, let alone upwards of $2 million during the summer of 2000. In fact, they claim, the only funds even remotely connected to Paul involved about $400,000-$500,000 from SLM to help host the fund-raising event during the Hollywood gala for Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton's campaign. And even here company spokesmen denied it, and there is no record at the FEC or the Securities and Exchange Commission of any filing from SLM or Stan Lee himself showing they gave any money at all to Hillary Clinton. Clinton spokesmen have denied, or substantially downplayed, that Paul did anything for either Clinton.

Then, INSIGHT asked these worthies, how do you explain the scores of canceled checks, the photographs, the Secret Service logs and the personal notes from Bill, Hillary and even Chelsea Clinton? Or the number of organizers who have confirmed that it was Paul who paid for the Clinton fund-raising extravaganza and was its primary organizer? They have no comment.

snip

"There's more to it than what Paul is telling the press" warns a former confidant who sharply rebukes an inquiring reporter asking for details. "Listen, this is total bull **** what Peter is saying about not knowing what was going on with Stan Lee. He didn't do it alone, that's for sure, but ... don't you know it was an organized-crime task force that started the case?" the former colleague asked. "Peter's in deep ****, that's all I can tell you, and I don't want any part of it."

snip

DOJ and FBI officials have declined to talk about the case or even provide details of what is behind the May 30 search warrant involving millions of dollars allegedly supplied to the Clintons. Former officials at SLM, Merrill Lynch and related companies also have declined to be interviewed.

[CyberAnt]

Well .. Susan Estrich said it best, "Hillary will never be elected President". When she was asked why, she said that Hillary was a very galvanizing person and even though Hillary has her supporters, the world has not seen anything like the counter-attack which will be launched by the repubs against Hillary; if she should decide to run.

[thesummerwind]

She skates, as always.

Speaking of skating, here's a true, illustrative story about Hillary. Gail Sheehy, in her book 'Hillary's Choice', tells a story about Hillary up in Bennington, Vermont before Bill Clinton (BBC) with her only real love, a handsome dark Irishman, David Rupert. They used to, as Gail says, "shack up" in a two room apartment that Rupert had put up in the corner of a barn, dubbed "the chicken coup". Gail writes, "They would play music,make food --- except Hillary, who never cooked --- and cross country ski ---except Hillary, who seldom attempts things at which she knows she won't excel. Rupert was very athletic. He loved to ski: downhill, cross-country, anything. He found Hillary to be naturally clumsy. She resisted even trying to learn how to ski. Rupert would tease her. "if you're going to be an athlete, you're going to have to be willing to fall down, a lot. You're going to fail.

Hillary refused to accept his analysis of her resistance to new experiences at which she might "fall down."

That, freepers, tells you everything you need to know about HRC. She is so petrified to fail, to "fall down" that she is relentless when she starts anything, an insecurity and fear of failing.

Lucky David Rupert ...... to have escaped.

I have often wondered where David is today. He would sure make a great interview before the election by some enterprising scribe!

[thesummerwind]

If we stick our heads in the sand and ignore her, we will simply be brought down the way the WTC was.

How true, and well said!

[thesummerwind]

I'm sure you noticed how she keeps saying "I spoke to a young serviceman who asked me.........whatever" Who believes what she says and how do we know if she spoke to anyone....or just made up a story to her liking?

The point you (and others) MAY be missing is that the mainstream media will report what she is saying as fact, and subsequently those (likely lying words of hers) go into the citizenry's collective mind as TRUTH.

That's it in a nutshell. You know what her words mean, but many, many others don't. They hear her words through the filter of her vast group of friends in the media.

Acknowdedge?

[gatorbait]

The ones in the middle will be impressed by her I do believe. That is where it will be won or lost. I am still amazed that half the people in this country voted for a semi human obviously mentally defective robot. You can't go wrong overestimating the stupidity of alot of the populace. Those people will vote for her.

We should know.I give as evidence Kathleeen Babineaux Blanco, aka Squatting Edwin.

[thesummerwind]

I just got caught up on the morning's events, and all I can say is...I am so glad I went to church!

A good choice on your part. Now, you must feel our pain. ;)

[thesummerwind]

You'd make a great athletic team coach. Prepare for all eventualities, know your opponent, and NEVER take them lightly. And in this case, the opponent cheats.

[gatorbait]

then they realize, they are meant for each other and fall into one another's arms to have mad passionate sex or something like that. Those two are meant for each other.

Dear God, I think I need to become a Trappist with that image in mind.

[CyberAnt]

It's a new segment on the movers and shakers of Washington. It might prove very interesting .. Chris promised to reveal who really affects things in D.C. .. a lot of people we have never heard of because they work behind the scenes.

[thesummerwind]

I'll help you. See post# 244, for instance. I'm new posting here but I've been reading here forever.

If any group can organize nationally to win this election it is FreeRepublic! No matter, it MUST be done......for the Founders. They did not suffer and die creating this beautiful country, only to see it destroyed by this disgusting crowd.

[texasbluebell]

Well .. Susan Estrich said it best, "Hillary will never be elected President". When she was asked why, she said that Hillary was a very galvanizing person and even though Hillary has her supporters, the world has not seen anything like the counter-attack which will be launched by the repubs against Hillary; if she should decide to run.

I'm going to hang onto that Estrich comment as if it's a lifeline. Estrich knows politics, and I can only hope she's right in this case.

[CyberAnt]

There have been several threads here about it .. just search for the name "Tonken" or "Tonkin" and you should find the threads.

[thesummerwind]

What's Larry K ------ Zero for 159?

[Miss Marple]

Why, thank you! Here are some rules for dealing with the media during the election season (or at any other time, for that matter):

1. Believe no stories based on unatributed sources. "High Republican officials," "members of the administration," or "officials" are NOT to be believed. For all we know the reporter made the whole thing up.

2. Pay attention to the fact that liberal press outlets, like the New York Times, are actively attempting to divide Republicans. Stories that push hot buttons for the right (especially if they contain unattributed sources) should be looked at as Tokyo Rose-type propognda.

3. Do not let the leftists make a single issue the make or break item for support of the president. We will see plenty of stories about how "the Christian right is disappointed in Bush because...." Ignore these stories.

4. Interviews with "men on the street" should be taken with a grain of salt. The media picks people who will say what they want. Some attention-seekers know this and conduct themselves accordingly. Quotes from these people are suspect.

5. Watch out for slanted descriptions in sories. Often, the media will choose negative descriptions for a benign event.

It is up to us to pay attention and refute the spin!

[CyberAnt]

I don't agree she will be president .. mainly because there is a much larger right-wing media presence and they will no longer allow her to lie with impunity.

Just like her ignorant statement in Iraq. She's already had to backtrack on that statement. When her husband was in office, they could say anything .. not any more. I don't think she's as formidable as some people think. She can't use her husband's 8 years to run on .. there is just too much to challenge. Many of us here have saved reams and reams of threads about the Clintons during their 8 years .. as well as all the wonderful books about the Clinton corruption which has now become public.

[nwrep]

Its bizarre to think she could be President of the United States.

I respectfully disagree. I think it is bizarre to think she can be easily beaten. You and I will never have the time or opportunity to point out the numerous skeletons in her closet, and all the small details of the various situations to enough people to make a difference. We cannot saturate the ariwaves with ads about these things without appearing unduly negative on the first woman to have a chance to win the presidency.

We will be faced with the challenge of our lifetimes should she be the nominee. It will take an unprecedented grass roots effort to overcome her challenge. I am under no illusions about her political abilities, which are formidable.

She will be the embodiment of the hopes and aspirations of not just American women, but indeed of the entire world outside of America, which is close to being united against Bush and the Republicans next year. And the media will not let us forget that. Every possible external influence that can be brought to bear on the American voter in order to dissuade him from voting for Bush next year will be tried. 2004 will be an election like no other.

[kcvl]

Who Cares Whether Hillary (Maybe) Smoked Dope?

Timothy Noah
Posted Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1999, at 4:08 PM PT


Gail Sheehy's Nov. 29 interview with Stone Phillips on NBC's Dateline alerted Chatterbox that the big scoop in Hillary's Choice, Sheehy's new psychobiography of the first lady, is that Hillary might have smoked some dope in college, but her ex-boyfriend isn't saying for sure.

Stunned by this new revelation, Chatterbox ran to the nearest bookstore and purchased a copy. Sure enough on Page 62, we meet David Rupert, a ruthlessly handsome 'black Irishman' with dark eyes that he used to his advantage. He would become her first real love. ... Rupert says he was 150 pounds of pulsing hormones. Their relationship was a tempestuous one.

This brooding hunk of manly sinew seized Hillary's heaving shoulders at a mixer for Capitol Hill interns during the summer of 1968 and murmured ... that he was working for Charlie Goodell, the liberal Republican from New York. She fluttered her eyes downward and whispered ... that she was working for Mel Laird, the Republican Wisconsin representative who would later be defense secretary under Richard Nixon. Their loins ached with passion.

"We always used birth control," offers [!] Rupert. [This is on Page 69; by now they're both back at college.] "Abstinence is the absolute remedy here, but a fear of getting pregnant did not deter us in our relationship." He often stayed over with Hillary in the suite she shared with three roommates at Wellesley and knew her roommates well.

Mesmerized by the narrative rush of Sheehy's bodice-ripper, Chatterbox almost forgot to look up the business about smoking dope. Here it is (Page 68):

Rupert discovered something unexpected about Hillary: get her away on a weekend, and she could be playful. He vaguely remembers them joining a march on Washington and spending the weekend there together. "Some of us were inhaling," he says with a you-know-what-I-mean smirk. The obvious question is, did Hillary inhale too? "I don't have to go there," says Rupert, "but you can read between the lines.

snip

David Rupert, the first lady's pre-Clinton Yale lover, told Hillary's Choice author Gail Sheehy, "She didn't know how to be comfortable pursuing political ambitions for herself." In fact, it was his own lack of political ambition that ended their relationship.

"I never stated a burning desire to be President of the United States," Rupert told Sheehy. "I believe that was a need for her in a partner."

---

Dec. 3, 1999 /24 Kislev, 5759
Philip Weiss

Understanding Hillary

snip

Ms. Sheehy has fleshed out her story with excellent reporting. Her most interesting discovery is a trove of remarkably mature letters Hillary wrote as a Wellesley College undergraduate to a friend from high school, John Peavoy. Hillary identified clearly the choices available to her in life: to be an educational reformer, a political leader, "an involved pseudohippie," or "a compassionate misanthrope."

And she understood her detached temperament. "I could spend my life worrying about other people or the state of the world," she said coolly. Hillary chose the world.

Still the world was not enough; she needed status, too. Her first real love affair fizzled out, Ms. Sheehy says, after David Rupert, a Georgetown student, declared that he was going to work for Vista, the domestic version of the Peace Corps. Too humble. But Mr. Clinton’s moxie was so thrilling that Hillary abandoned her own high-flying prospects to move to Arkansas. The book’s tragic theme is that Mrs. Clinton has always been so ruled by her fears—and patriarchal sexism—that she needed to find a male surrogate for her ambitions.

snip

Our heroine often seems confused about her motivation. At one point, she tells a friend she wants to gain the company of "very smart, very competitive, wealthy achievers." And sure enough, she gets her wish. By age 50, she’s dining in Martha’s Vineyard or the Hamptons with Baldwins, Wassersteins, Dershowitzes and Rattners. What happened to changing the world?

Then there’s the character issue. Mr. Clinton may be dissociated, as Ms. Sheehy suggests, but how in touch with reality is his wife? Ms. Sheehy cites a verse that she says has had great meaning to Hillary in explaining her troubles: "As I was standing in the street as quiet as could be/ A great big ugly man came up and tied his horse to me." Ms. Sheehy says that this verse is "a grand self-delusion," and surely it is. Yet she notes that Hillary has trotted it out time and again to explain her difficulties with powerful men, from dad to Mr. Starr. If Hillary really operates with this sort of belief, New York voters ought to know about it.

---

Sheehy interviews Hillary’s college lover, David Rupert and says they shacked up and smoked dope. More controversial is her assertion that Hillary and her dad became estranged when he didn’t attend her college graduation where she gained national attention for her attack on the main commencement speaker, Republican Senator Brooke. Sheehy’s work is well written and flows. Bill is well covered with original research including an interview with a nurse present at his birth who says that he weighed between eight and nine pounds and that he wasn’t premature. This supports the rumors mentioned by Maraniss that Bill Blythe wasn’t his father. Sheehy tells us that Hillary and Bill almost divorced in 1989 when Bill fell in love with Marilyn Jenkins; that Bill sabotaged Hillary’s health plan and that Hillary refused to let Bill settle the Paula Jones case.

---

A new love rat

Has Hillary Clinton's college beau been taking lessons from Princess Di love rat James Hewitt?

In Gail Sheehy's upcoming book "Hillary's Choice," excerpted in Parade, Hill's ol' flame Dave Rupert spills the dirt on the first lady as a passionate lover. After meeting as interns in Washington (keep your kneepad jokes to yourself), the two young lovebirds would spend weekends snuggling in a two-room converted barn in Vermont.

Hillary, he says, was hot stuff back then, despite her penchant for "big ugly glasses" and prim buns. Writes Sheehy, "He found the passion beneath the prude."

[CyberAnt]

"she said 'failure wasn't an option in Iraq', why did she go there and say the outcome wasn't assured"

This was a dastardly thing she said to our military .. "the outcome is not assured". I will be working my fingers to the bone to defeat this horrible person.