Well, Cathryn, I'm just not sure that the word "responsibility" has any simple meaning in the context of all this.
Despite the bogus column written by Doug Thompson, I never believed for a minute that the President intentionally misrepresented any facts in his State of the Union address. I think that Mr. Tenet's statement supports the President on that point. When all is said and done, I'm confident that there will be few people here in America that will conclude that the President was guilty of any intentional wrongdoing.
However, that being said, it is something more than just a trifle when any president makes a mistake about matters of war and peace in a State of the Union address. And for that we are going to take a hit politically.
It's of the utmost importance now that we acknowledge any mistakes that were honestly made, promptly and forthrightly disclose whatever facts are relevant and disclosable, answer legitimate questions, and then move on to the important issues that this country faces.
The people of this country have grown to trust this President and I don't think that this incident will sever the connection of trust that he has made with them.
I agree with you that the issue needs to be dealt with. How would you suggest doing so?
FMCDH