”… It is irrelevant that there was likely no impropriety on the part of the White House. It is the appearance of impropriety in the form of refusing disclosure that will bury the administration. The Democrats and the media will turn sh*t into gold if Cheney and others don't cough up the documents. “
First of all, this admin is not getting buried. I am well aware that a few partisans are accusing Cheney of something nefarious for sitting in the same room with energy execs while coming up with an energy policy. The reason that this is not turning into Whitewater is that Cheney is not partners with any of these execs, there has been no government bailout of failed partnerships, and none of what Cheney has recommended is anything but common sense. Even the Liberal press cannot fabricate a scandal without accusing someone of something. So far, nothing, nada, zip. Cheney is right up there with Rummy, and is not about to take a dive because some fat-assed writer has a hissy fit.
”Bush/Cheney came in to office vowing to change things. If they make it look like they are covering things up, connected to a scandalous corporate collapse that has captured the people's attention, and connected to one of the more unpopular of the administration's policies (ANWR), there is no telling how bad this could be for the party and the president.”
See my previous comment. A scandal has to have someone who committed a crime. Cheney has not been accused of anything, and is not going to be buffaloed by the likes of Helen Thomas. Lord, it’s good to have grownups in charge.
”This is politics. You and I both know that the White House should be in the clear. But it's they who will be shooting themselves in the foot if they allow the Democrats and the media to create a scandal where none exists.”
Actually, my boy, they could be in trouble if they start to look nervous. So far, your hopes and dreams of a Bush Whitewater are being dashed.
Better luck next time. Although I have heard it said: “You can’t cheat an honest man.”
See post # 37 for amplification of my remarks by an associate who has something very worthwhile to add.
I have no such hopes. What I know is that appearing guilty is as bad, or worse, than being guilty. If the White House comes out of this with less credibility because they don't have the foresight to disclose fully and make it clear that nothing improper was done, they have only themselves to blame. (Well, no one but themselves and FReepers who seem to think that our administration shouldn't be held to the same standard to which we have wanted others to be held.)