[UncleSamUSA]

I'm trying to catch up on the "Was it really Saddam" threads here, but I can tell you one thing:

If it really was the authentic Saddam speaking, then Saddam seemed to be shocked and awed by the attempt on him because he looked terrible. Gaunt. Robotic. Flipping over pages on a notepad in a move even a high school debater would shun.

That is one shocked dude, if it was indeed the authentic dude. And what was with the glasses and the goofy beret? At first he looked like a puffy version of the aged Groucho Marx to me, complete with a not-quite-right mustache.

[over3Owithabrain]

I agree with the Israeli assessment about it not being taped. Saddam would have made it look better had he planned in advance. It was either a live double or a live dictator who had a very bad wake-up call.

[rstevens]

Even a double would have reason to be scared to assume the identyy of Saddam. Whether or not it really was Sadamm or his double, they equally have reason to fear for their life.

[VRWC_minion]

I found some pictures on another thread and if it is a double its a darn good one. Some of the differences beign harped on can be easily explained. The guy last night had no cleft but that could be because of weight gain from the new pressure and because he seemed to be tilting his head up.

Other differences, like the glasses and the hat may simply be he wears contacts and a toupe normally.

[ARCADIA]

If it really was the authentic Saddam speaking, then Saddam seemed to be shocked and awed by the attempt on him because he looked terrible. Gaunt. Robotic. Flipping over pages on a notepad in a move even a high school debater would shun.

Absolutely. Also, one or more of his beloved boys may have bitten the dust.