Posted on 10/28/2004 7:03:38 AM PDT by stopillegalimmigration
Edited on 10/28/2004 8:05:05 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
Breaking
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XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX THU OCT 28, 2004 10:44:01 ET XXXXX
CIA, FBI AUTHENTICATE NEW QAEDA TERROR TAPE; ABCNEWS EXECUTIVES CONSIDER POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF AIRING
**Exclusive**
The CIA and FBI late Wednesday authenticated a disturbing new al Qaeda videotape which warns the next terror attack will dwarf 9/11.
"The streets will run with blood," and "America will mourn in silence" because they will be unable to count the number of the dead, a man claims on the video.
Further claims on the video: America has brought this on itself for electing George Bush who has made war on Islam by destroying the Taliban and making war on Al Qaeda.
ABCNEWS obtained the tape from a source in Waziristan, Pakistan over the weekend. The network has withheld airing it, initially citing concerns over its authenticity.
One senior federal official alleged ABCNEWS is now holding back from broadcasting any portion of the video out of fear it will be seen as a political move by the network during election week.
One ABC source, who demanded anonymity, said Thursday morning, the network was struggling to find a correct journalistic "balance."
"This is not something you just throw out there while people are voting," the ABC source explained.
A second ABC source told DRUDGE: "We continue to report this story aggressively."
MORE
The terrorist's face is concealed by a headdress, and he speaks in an American accent, making it difficult to identify the individual.
The tape appears to be from al-Qaeda's media liaison organization. It has a banner crediting the Sahab Production Committee. The speaker refers to Bin Ladin and Zawahiri as "our leaders" and praises the 11 September attacks.
Intelligence officials believe:
Videotape message likely produced in late summer '04 due to references to current events such as the 9/11 Commission.
Individual is college educated, either American born or raised in the U.S.
The U.S. is actively seeking to identify the individual. Adam Gadhan - aka Adam Pearlman of Southern California - remains the chief candidate but another still unknown individual may be possible.
US intelligence officials say the danger is that if this individual is an American citizen, he will be immersed in the culture and customs and have the ability to travel in America freely and unnoticed.
Developing...
LOL! Too darn funny! Saving for DH
ABC gave it to the CIA on Monday. Drudge broke the story yesterday.
Thanx for the info. Considering that they got the tape in Pakistan ''over the weekend'' (as was reported), can't fault ABC on that score. Appears they handed it over in a timely manner.
I imagine they've weighed the political implications carefully. One the one hand, most analysts believe that an attack would anger rather cow Americans. Advantage Bush.
On the other hand, an attack would give Kofi & Friends at the UN an opportunity to pass a really tough resolution denouncing terrorism (except against Zionists and Zionist sympathizers), thus validating Kerry's approach.
Tough call.
As soon as it becomes clear that another Net is going to air it, ABC will "forget" their concerns. I'm betting it airs late tonight.
what do they think, uh, that minority turnout my be negatively affected???
The alert levels have been changed to a Smarter, Better and more betterer system. They will now be displayed in a way that Teresa has developed. Glow # 1 will be a Mild Nuclear Risk, Glow # 2 "My Favorite" Will indicate a Radioactive Shelf-life of 200 Years. My National Security Advisor "Michael Moore's" Favorite High Glow Pink # 3 will be a complete destruction of the UN's Biggest Financial donor The U.S.of A. The USA will although be liked by all of our traditional enemies "er allies". Thank you for all of your cooperation in dismantling the ability of the USA to defend herself. And remember It's not what you can do for your country It;s what you can do for Me.
Depends on the season, normally, I'm an AUTUMN, and need a coordinated palate....... but lighting is an issue, I've not given up on gravity as a friend you can negotiate with.
He breaks off in the middle of election... I guess he's still typing.
Yep... absolutely right.
ABCNEWS POLITICAL DIRECTOR MEMO SPARKS CONTROVERSY: BOTH SIDES NOT 'EQUALLY ACCOUNTABLE'
**Exclusive**
An internal memo written by ABCNEWS Political Director Mark Halperin admonishes ABC staff: During coverage of Democrat Kerry and Republican Bush not to "reflexively and artificially hold both sides 'equally' accountable."
The controversial internal memo obtained by DRUDGE, captures Halperin stating how "Kerry distorts, takes out of context, and mistakes all the time, but these are not central to his efforts to win."
But Halperin claims that Bush is hoping to "win the election by destroying Senator Kerry at least partly through distortions."
"The current Bush attacks on Kerry involve distortions and taking things out of context in a way that goes beyond what Kerry has done," Halperin writes.
Halperin's claim that ABCNEWS will not "reflexively and artificially hold both sides 'equally' accountable" set off sparks in St. Louis where media players gathered to cover the second presidential debate.
Halperin states the responsibilities of the ABCNEWS staff have "become quite grave."
In August, Halperin declared online: "This is now John Kerry's contest to lose."
x x x x x
Halperin Memo Dated Friday October 8, 2004
It goes without saying that the stakes are getting very high for the country and the campaigns - and our responsibilities become quite grave
I do not want to set off (sp?) and endless colloquy that none of us have time for today - nor do I want to stifle one. Please respond if you feel you can advance the discussion.
The New York Times (Nagourney/Stevenson) and Howard Fineman on the web both make the same point today: the current Bush attacks on Kerry involve distortions and taking things out of context in a way that goes beyond what Kerry has done.
Kerry distorts, takes out of context, and mistakes all the time, but these are not central to his efforts to win.
We have a responsibility to hold both sides accountable to the public interest, but that doesn't mean we reflexively and artificially hold both sides "equally" accountable when the facts don't warrant that.
I'm sure many of you have this week felt the stepped up Bush efforts to complain about our coverage. This is all part of their efforts to get away with as much as possible with the stepped up, renewed efforts to win the election by destroying Senator Kerry at least partly through distortions.
It's up to Kerry to defend himself, of course. But as one of the few news organizations with the skill and strength to help voters evaluate what the candidates are saying to serve the public interest. Now is the time for all of us to step up and do that right.
We must DEMAND to immediately see this tape. As Americans we have the right to know what we're up against.
"What colors would the Homeland Security Alert change to under Kerry?"
I think he might adopt the French Alerts, which, roughly translated, are as follows:
Close eyes
Run
Hide
Surrender
Collaborate
I missed something somewhere... How did ABC receive this video?
"ut oh...now how does Ridge handle this with only a few days till the election?"
GWB should speak from the Oval Office and say that the terrorists are trying to disrupt our election, and that the best way to fight back is to VOTE.
A reporter in Pakistan was given it.
Someone should arrest that guy behind the hooded mask!!!
Can only assume the tape contains the terrifying threat that, "blood will run throught the streets, boulevards, cul-de-sacs of America". I always get right to cowering in the basement when I hear that one.
I can't believe they are hesitating to air this. If it was a bombshell that would hurt Bush, they would air it so fast our heads would be spinning. See, for example, the NYT story from Monday.
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