For Some Democrats, it’s (Still) All About Rove
In the wake of the indictment of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby on a variety of charges related to the way he responded to the investigation of the “leak” of Valerie Plame’s name to the news media, many Democrats and some in the media (particularly the folks at 60 Minutes) seem to be regurgitating talking points they had written long before special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald announced the indictment.
Based upon what they are saying, one would expect that Fitzgerald had uncovered a vast conspiracy (aggressively led by the president’s heinous henchman, Dr. Evil himself, Karl Rove) to smear Joe Wilson. Yet, when I read the indictment this weekend, I learned exactly what I had gleaned from news reports (and Fitzgerald’s press conference) on Friday that Libby had been indicted on serious charges, but none of them for the underlying (alleged) crime. And Mr. Rove was not indicted. There was no conspiracy. Indeed, before the investigation, there wasn’t even a crime.
Some Democrats, however, seem to have read a different indictment than I. While Mr. Libby has stepped down, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid says Rove should also resign “because of his role in exposing an undercover CIA officer.” Even though, after a lengthy investigation, Rove wasn’t indicted, wasn’t implicated in any crime, Mr. Reid acts as if the president’s longtime aide had committed some great crime. Perhaps that Democrat is just looking to punish him for the great crime of being the “architect” of President Bush’s re-election last fall.
Despite Fitzgerald’s 22-month investigation, Chuck Schumer, New York’s other Senator, thinks an “internal investigation” is in order while he compares President Bush to Nixon, a man who didn’t admit his mistakes. Well, as Bruce (and so many others) have pointed out–unlike Nixon’s team (which actively worked to undermine the Watergate investigation), the current Administration (as ordered by the president himself) has cooperated with the “Plamegate” inquiry.
While Libby was indicted on Friday, Democrats didn’t get what they wanted–proof of their claim that the Administration, under the direction of Rove (AKA Dr. Evil), engages in “slash-and-burn assaults on its critics.” With their comments this weekend, Schumer and Reid aren’t reacting to the indictment that Mr. Fitzgerald handed down, but to the one they wish he had.
For them, it’s not about finding out whether a crime was committed, but about finding a crime for which Karl Rove can be indicted. And failing that, finding some excuse to punish the man who helped re-elect a man they revile — and who advises him still today.
It’s been nearly a year now, but they don’t seem to have gotten over the fact that last November, the American people re-elected George W. Bush to a second four-year term. As president, he gets to pick his advisors. And he has tapped Karl Rove to be his Deputy Chief of Staff. I suggest Democrats respect that choice, move on and let the president — and his advisors — get on with their jobs.
-Dan (AKA GayPatriotWest): GayPatriotWest@aol.com
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“It’s been nearly a year now, but they don’t seem to have gotten over the fact that last November, the American people re-elected George W. Bush to a second four-year term. As president, he gets to pick his advisors.”
You seem to make this statement like we’ve had some sort of Utopia hit the nation in that year. Social security reform, guest-worker program, Federal government response to Katrina, mounting opposition to the war in Iraq (ie – more people who used to support it now oppose it), rising gas prices (yes, they are falling now, but not at the exponential rate at which they rose), polls from various sources showing plumetting approval ratings. Not exactly a rosy state of things, even discounting this whole topic.
As to the Watergate comparisons? I think these days political cronies and sycophants have come up with better ways to lie about their deeds – sadly probably the only lesson some learned from Watergate. The simple fact is that the positions these people are in give them access to all kinds of information that could potentially be used against their enemies and it looks like it’s happened in this case. I’m not naive enough to sit back and believe all of this “Gosh, I thought a reporter told me about Valerie Plame” BS we’re being fed from these people on a daily basis. One, some or all of them worked specifically (or knew about) to get what they could on Wilson for embarassing the administration and crafted a way to get the info out to the public. In this case, he or they comprimised National Security by ending a covert operation in which Ms. Plame was involved and completely ended her effectiveness as a undercover operative
Comment by Kevin — October 31, 2005 @ 5:08 am - October 31, 2005
The democrats hate Rove for the same reason they hate DeLay, because both are so effective at advancing their agenda.
Comment by V the K — October 31, 2005 @ 6:41 am - October 31, 2005
Also, by constantly whining, seething, and making up outrageous accusations about the Bush administration, the democrats avoid having to talk about their own agenda, which they know is unpopular: Tax increases, empowering public employee unions over taxpayers, left-wing judicial activism, more powerful government bureaucracies, filibusters, obstructionism, victim-group-based politics, affirmative action, and all the other things democrats support are not popular with voters. Also, the democrats don’t have a clue about what to do about terrorism, so they simply attack anyone who does.
Comment by V the K — October 31, 2005 @ 7:01 am - October 31, 2005
Rove has a long history of links to dirty tricks! i.e. Iowa Senate race (bugging), McCain’s black daughter, etc.
So I am suspicious of his involvement in this crime. I also have enough respect for Fitzgerald that I think Rove would have been indicted IF there was evidence that he was involved.
The Republican machine was very quick with the word “Treason” this past year, but now when a REAL case of treason arises and it’s pointed at the Republican party it’s all the sudden NO BIG DEAL! It’s only about “getting” Rove.
Yes the Dem’s are blinded by thier hate and jealousy of Rove and are willing to do anything to discredit him, but Rove is deserving of some of it.
I admire Rove’s intellect and political savvy, but I’m not sure I respect him.
Comment by MarkP — October 31, 2005 @ 9:36 am - October 31, 2005
Leftists’ happiness about Libby does nothing to mask their bitter dissapointment (so common these days) about Rove’s “escape”. They aren’t giving up on the fantasy of seeing Bush, Cheney and Rove walking into a courtroom in orange jump suits and shackles to answer about Valerie and the Iraq war as a whole.
Valerie has failed them as readily as their other wenches – Katrina and Cindy.
Comment by VinceTN — October 31, 2005 @ 9:41 am - October 31, 2005
Rove has a long history of links to dirty tricks! i.e. Iowa Senate race (bugging), McCain’s black daughter, etc.
I kind of file those in the same place where I file ‘Hillary killed Vince Foster.’
Comment by V the K — October 31, 2005 @ 9:58 am - October 31, 2005
don’t forget…this investigation is NOT over. methinks fitz will offer up a deal to libby to get him to talk. doubtful that he’d roll rove, but to think rove is out of the woods is premature and suggests you’re viewing it all through partisian lenses, which, of course, you are.
Comment by bucksrbest — October 31, 2005 @ 10:07 am - October 31, 2005
What party’s lenses? (Registered Independent here…and several others)
Also, curious what your partisan lenses are?
Comment by Calarato — October 31, 2005 @ 11:33 am - October 31, 2005
Frog march!!!
Frog march!!!
/democrats
Comment by Frank IBC — October 31, 2005 @ 12:53 pm - October 31, 2005
It’s not about rolling Rove, but Cheney.
Comment by chandler in watts — October 31, 2005 @ 1:47 pm - October 31, 2005
This matter is perfectly addressed here:
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051114/cornweb
Comment by theroxylandr — October 31, 2005 @ 2:55 pm - October 31, 2005
I highly doubt that the far-left Nation can perfectly address anything.
Comment by GayPatriotWest — October 31, 2005 @ 5:06 pm - October 31, 2005