First thoughts

Posted: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:10 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carly Zakin
*** Base Politics: What would have happened had President Bush NOT commuted Scooter Libby’s prison sentence? Sixty percent of Republicans still approve of Bush's job. Had he let Libby go to jail, that number would have dropped further. His approval rating among Democrats -- and even independents -- can't get much lower. Also, imagine the morale level of White House staffers had Bush let Libby go to prison. If the president hadn't showed loyalty to Libby, wouldn't that have sent the message that he doesn’t value loyalty, which would possibly open the floodgates for staffers to start venting publicly? And one can't help but wonder if this semi-vacation week was viewed as the ideal time to slip this through, hoping it would fade by the end of the week.

*** Even Paris Hilton Served Time:

But then again, can Republicans try to persuade voters in 2008 and beyond that they are the party or rule and law after Bush commuted the sentence of a man who committed perjury -- a crime for which plenty of people are serving time behind bars? In fact, the White House will not be looking forward to the number of "example" cases that various media outlets will unearth about those who didn't get a similar hearing from Bush. And get ready for to hear this line a lot: Even Paris Hilton spent a few days in jail. At his 2000 GOP convention speech, which in part was a subtle dig at the Clinton Administration’s ethical lapses, Bush said: “And so, when I put my hand on the Bible, I will swear to not only uphold the laws of our land, I will swear to uphold the honor and dignity of the office to which I have been elected, so help me God.” Is that true anymore?

*** “Law & Order” Republicans? What would Arthur Branch have done? Well, we do know what the actor who used to play him, Fred Thompson, said about Libby: “This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life." Giuliani, the former prosecutor, said in his own statement last night: "After evaluating the facts, the President came to a reasonable decision and I believe the decision was correct." Also, realize that Clinton was the LAST major Democratic candidate to issue a release on the Libby decision; it came, in fact, a few hours later than her five main rivals’ statements did. Considering how she ducked answering this question a few weeks ago at the AFSCME forum and Libby's connection to the infamous Clinton-era Marc Rich pardon, this is a news story the Clinton camp can't wait for to be over.

*** Where Did The Money Go?

Libby certainly kept the news about McCain’s disappointing second quarter and his campaign’s layoffs from becoming yesterday’s BIG story. But for those wondering why McCain isn't finished now, ask yourself: What’s his incentive of getting out? Do Romney/Giuliani/Thompson have a lock on anything yet? How likely will those candidates implode? Now you see why McCain can still become the last man standing. Yet the big question we have is: How did the campaign spend $23 million? Remember, although it didn’t meet expectations, it raised nearly $25 million in the first six months of this year. That's not chump change. (In fact, it's about the same amount of money John Edwards has raised to date.) Auditing the campaign will be of interest to some reporters come July 15.

*** Halftime: Since we're at the halfway point of the year, let's do a quick look at what’s happened in the 2008 race these first six months: Rudy's been more resilient than predicted; McCain has not; Fred Thompson was making fundraising calls for McCain six months ago; but no Republican has had a better six months than Romney. Bottom line: The GOP race is every bit as unsettled as the Democratic race was in 2004. Meanwhile, on the Dem side, it's no surprise that Clinton has remained strong. But six months ago, would you have believed that Obama was outraising her and was a solid second in most polls? Also, is Edwards fading or are Hillary and Obama simply setting a pace most candidates can't keep up with? And how many had Richardson and not Dodd as the second tier candidate catching a spark?

*** On The Trail: Most everyone is in Iowa: Biden, Dodd, and Romney make five stops in the Hawkeye State; Brownback makes four; Obama three; and Clinton makes two, with husband Bill. Elsewhere, Edwards is in North Carolina; Kucinich and Richardson address the National Education Association in Philadelphia and then Richardson heads to New Hampshire; McCain is in Iraq; and Paul presents medals to veterans in his district.

*** And Happy Fourth Of July: The morning edition of First Read will be taking a break over the holiday, and we’ll return bright and early on Monday, July 9. However, we will post updates on the First Read site as news warrants.

Countdown to the Ames Straw Poll: 39 days
Countdown to MA-05 Special Election: 62 days
Countdown to LA GOV election: 109 days
Countdown to Election Day 2007: 126 days
Countdown to LA GOV run-off (if necessary): 137 days
Countdown to Iowa: 205 days
Countdown to Tsunami Tuesday: 216 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 490 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 567 days

EMAIL THIS

Comments

LOL, you people make me laugh, anyone remember Henry Cisneros, President Clintons Secretary of housing and urban development? 18 counts of conspiracy, 18 counts of making false statments and obstruction of justice and Lying to the FBI...Yep you guessed it, Bill Clinton pardoned him HA HA HA ..Also Google "Bill Clinton and WMD" and click on democrat quotes lol, concerning Dick Durbins statement, wasn't he the one that called our fighting men and women "Nazi"s

Steve, Louisville Ky (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:26 AM)

Well, all Politics is Local, right? Iowa has been brimming with Politicians, trying to give the impression they were born here. None, however, are sporting the one clothing item that would identify them as a Pure, Dyed in the Wool Iowan, that being a T-Shirt stating "I'd Rather Have Wrestled and Got Pinned Every Time, Than Played Basketball!". But there is a rumor going around that Hillary bought one.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:26 AM)

pious hypocrytes are repubs aside from being outright liars.

pious hypocryte (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:28 AM)

Had a horrible nightmare that Bush was still the president and he was still sitting on Cheneys lap-------eeeeek

HMT (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:39 AM)

Steve Turner.....you turn my stomach.
Cisneros didn't committ an act of TREASON like Libby did.
...and what do YOU care about the people who serve this country or anything that gets said about them? Apparently you think it's just fine to expose the identity of people like Valerie Plame who risk their lives everyday for our freedom and security. Just imagine how THEY feel today, hmmmm?

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:44 AM)

Oh Steve of Louisville, so if someone does something wrong then its OK for someone else to do it too. I hope to God you don't have kids and teaching them that foolishness. Give me a break Steve. If you break a law, must pay the consequences and then not blame anyone else. Were you ever taught that? You wonder if our fearless leaders were taught that.

bb (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:49 AM)

At least Bush didn't commute the prison term for the lowest of democrat President reasons, MONEY!!! That's the only reply that needs to be made to Ms. Bill Clinton.

Dave, Tn (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:51 AM)

Law and order Republicans? Let's see. Haldeman, Erlichman, Mitchell, Krogh, Dean, Poindexter, North, Ney, Cunningham, Safavian, and etc; the first President to resign from office and the first vice-president to do the same, both of which ran as 'law and order' candidates. The worst Presidencies for public scandal and/or convictions of top aides (whether or not pardoned): Reagan, Nixon, Harding and Grant. Check your history books, folks. Republicans, one and all and all ran campaigns claiming to support harsher penalties for convicted criminals. All that were pardoned were pardoned by Republican Presidents. Again, I ask, law and order Republicans? Well, yeah, but only if you are poor, not Republican, or not feeding from the public trough while you are railing against welfare. Believe me, I would rather have Presidents who chase interns and sleep with movie stars than ones who believe the government and the American people are their personal bank accounts.

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:54 AM)

Actually Libby didn't commit an act of treason, the real leaker was Armitage. Plus Plame wasn't covert, oops. But hey I guess if Bush had pardoned convicted Puerto Rican terrorists to help his wife win an election that would be ok. Or if he just out right sold his pardons (i.e. the Rich pardon) that would be fine too. And technically Libby wasn't pardoned, his sentence was commuted. So he's still being punished, a big fine and it stays on his record.

Matt, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:58 AM)

Never had any doubts that Bush would let Libby off the hook. In fact, I was expecting a pardon. But it is typically enfuriating for a president to say, "let's let the system run its course," only to step in once the system fails to produce the result that president was going to mandate from the start. Your basic above-the-law, above-it-all Bushism.

Maybe since we have so many questionable pardons - and some from the last two administrations (Clinton and Bush 41, who actually pardoned a couple terrorists) far more questionable than this Libby one - we ought to look at an amendment that would limit this presidential power?

I'm usually the last one to suggest any tinkering with the Constitution. But I suppose the forefathers who wrote the document didn't expect it to be exercised so shamelessly. Maybe we need to define the parameters of when exactly a president may use his power of the pardon (and commutation).

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:59 AM)

Although totally expected I feel helpless rage at this latest abuse of power. After a few angry posts I decided that there may be an effective course of action. We need to start a Net-roots Grass fire. I made a donation to the DNC in Honor of the "great American" Scooter Libby. My only course of action is to punish the republicans and donate NOW to the Democratic Party and dedicate it to this criminal political hack who has been a key figure in the disgrace of my country and is culpable by administrative malpractice in the deaths of thousands in all of our names. I urge all of you who feel the same to do the same. We all complain that money is all that matters. Well it is time to use it against them. It doesn't matter if it is 10 or 1000 dollars. If several million small donors provide a massive influx of cash to the DNC we can help send more republicans deep into the political wilderness beyond '08. They will all have Scooter, Dubya, and the puppet master to thank! Imagine, a near immediate reaction to an outrage that has a crippling effect on the party that perpetrated it. If it works we will be able to smell the fear of a Government for it's people instead of the other way around for a change. Donate now and copy and paste this post EVERYWHERE in the Blogosphere that you post! We are constantly told of the empowerment that the Internet can bring to the voiceless. Lets try it out. Lets do this thing! Lets make them pay! I would love to see a news story reporting millions generated for the DNC and all dedicated to Scooter, Dubya and Darth.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:01 AM)

JUSTICE FOR ALL-YEAH RIGHT.SUCH MOCKERY ON BOTH SIDES. OUR COUNTRY HAS BECOME AN OLIGARCY WHERE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY AND NO ACCOUNTABILITY. IT HAS COME DOWN TO THIS WHEREBY THE NEO-CONS BRINGING UP PAST DISCRETIONS IN PAST ADMINISTRATIONS AND THE DEMOCRATS PRESENTLY OUTRAGED. WE THE PEOPLE GET SHAFTED AGAIN.

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:01 AM)

Aw, the sentence was too harsh for a rough tough republican concervative, I though you'se guy's was tough guy's. Talk about harsh sentencing to the millions of people locked up in Americas prisons today for non violent marijuana charges, where people are doing hard time for crimes to themselves. I have zero respect for any creature that has anything to do with government, federal, state, or local, no respect at all. I only listen to what they tell me out of fear, fear for getting sentenced way too harshly if I don't do what these government as------holes dictate. What a sorry ass country we have become, disgraceful, sickening.

lloyd roberts, Jamaica New York (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:02 AM)

I agree with Paul that unless we the people get mad as hell and insist on a constitutional amendment to prevent such cronyism from occurring in the future this nonsense will continue with both political parties.

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:06 AM)

Yeah Steve, don't you know never to bring up democratic wrongdoing on this blog? I think the scoreboard on wrongdoing in the goverment is just about even, but the democrats have the advantage of having a president that actually had a full impeachment trial. After what happened to Marc Rich, I'm just dying to hear what Hillary has to say about this.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:07 AM)

Steve Turner probably still believes that we will still find WMD'S and that Hussein was behind 911. What's truly scary is that 30-40% of these Republican's still believe it. HOW GULLIBLE AND PATHETIC THEY ARE.

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:15 AM)

I think Jerry in Corpus Christi is in love with Hillary Clinton. We could be talking about the weather in Oklahoma and some how he will manage to work in the name of Hillary Clinton. You have this amazing fascination for her Jerry. Whats up with that?

Ricardo in California (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:16 AM)

LLOYED ROBERTS-RIGHT ON-MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY!

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:20 AM)

Matt, Libby and Armitage BOTH leaked the information. The difference is that Armitage came clean while Libby chose to perjure himself. And Republicans deserve to be bashed on this BECAUSE they claimed moral superiority on the Marc Rich pardon. Sorry, if you're going to claim the moral high ground you'd better be prepared to live on it.

John B, Des Moines, (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:21 AM)

Jerry, Republicans claim to be morally superior to the Clinton administration, how can you be upset to be held to that standard? You set the bar, don't cry foul when your guy has to slither under it instead of jumping over.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:30 AM)

Gee, if Bush can commute the sentence of someone who lied under oath, then he should do it for the fellow who did the same type of crime and had to serve the time and all others who are convicted of perjury. Yes, the president can do this, but to do so is a complete lack of respect for the law that he is supposed to uphold. Hmmm... Bush took an oath to uphold the laws of the United States of America. I guess he forgot that part last evening. Of course, it was not he who was speaking, but good ol' Dickie-boy, the man without a sense of morality or shame. I guess the Office of the Vice President is without responsibility to the laws of the US Constitution since it is not a part of the Executive Branch. What makes me sick of Bush at this point in time is that Bill Clinton was indicted (impeached) and went on trial in the US Senate for his lies while under oath. Scooter Libby is still guilty (for now) and will have to pay the $250k fine (for now), but he won't serve the time. Clinton was not convicted for his act as the US Senate had more sense and good counsel from the US Supreme Court. IF Bush & Cheney were both impeached, would Bush pardon Cheney?

So much for the rule of law in our country. We are no better than the common country ruled by a dictator when the word of the president holds more legal sway than the laws themselves. I believe the powers of the Executive Branch need to be severely curtailed after this event.

Nick, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:30 AM)

I firmly believe now that our president is a criminal. Our government should pass an amendment that any action like these can be overridden by a two thirds vote.

Dave, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:34 AM)

So we arrive at the best reason for Bush to pardon Libby: so as not to send the message that he doesn't value loyalty. Trouble is, a sleazy, low-down, no-account piece of hazardous waste like Bush is thumbing his nose at the people so as to appear to value loyalty. To hell with being loyal, it's the appearance he's going after. He's like Jeffrey Skilling of Enron fame, who pulled the biggest heist in history, but was allowed to use money he stole from ex-employees and investors to pay a team of high-powered attorneys.

JIrby, Colorado (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:35 AM)

The GOP and values is the saddest joke ever foisted upon the American public.

WDRussell, East Liverpool, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:36 AM)

He got no more jail time than that other great american Billy "where did I put that cigar" Clinton. Who turned the oval office into a motel 6. Then lied through his cheating teeth about it for months. Let's call it a draw, stop the whining and move on people.

Memmie, Connecticut (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:47 AM)

Uh - to those labasting Steve Turner - Did I miss something?

the Cisneros post was by Steve, Louisville Ky (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:26 AM)

did I read something other than what you guys did?

Independent, Texas (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:51 AM)

John, I'm confused, are you claiming that democrats have never claimed moral superiority? Didn't Pelosi tout the culture of corruption to get elected. Conveniently forgetting Jefferson, Murtha, et al. Let's be honest, entrenched politicians on both sides have significant corruption issues. And when exactly did Armitage come clean, before Fitzgerald was appointed? Before Libby and others went before a grand jury? Before NY Times reporters went to jail? Or after the smoke had cleared and he realized he would get off clean. The whole thing is junk on both sides but I find the outrage coming from the left just ludicrous.

Matt, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:52 AM)

I listened to the spin and ended up yelling at my TV. Remember all of the lies...WMD, greeted with flowers, last throes, mushroom cloud, Saddam ties to Al Quaeda, ad nauseum. Nobody...I repeat Nobody has said Valerie Plame was not covert. Not the CIA...not Fitzgerald...not the Administration...only Republican spin doctors...and it's another LIE. We still don't know who leaked it...only who told reporters. Who told Armitage?...who told Libby?...who told Rove? The answer is Cheney. Libby lied to protect Cheney, and now the Administration tells lies to protect Libby. The lies go on and on. Libby was not the leaker, Armitage was not the leaker. They were the messengers. Cheney was the leaker? And I don't care who Clinton pardoned...I just don't care. I care about Truth and Justice...something that has been lacking in our government for 6 years. Fitzgerald should now immunize Libby and make him spill his guts. Congress should do the same. Maybe we can eventually get to the truth.

Al, KS (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:53 AM)

Ok, so from here on out, it's ok for the president's team to break the law. The standard has been set by both sides. And we're all ok with that, right? I hope someday I'm on the president's team. I'm gonna rob a bank and steal a yacht. Always wanted a yacht.

Ken, Seattle WA (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:53 AM)

Wow Steve Turner. Your a bad man! Just kidding. I think they got the wrong Steve, Steve.

Ken, Seattle WA (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:56 AM)

I have a question: Has any other sitting president ever pardoned a convicted person of crimes committed on behalf of that president while that president was in office?

To claify - the crime was committed during the term AND the pardon (in this case the commutation of sentence) was during the term.

Lots of examples of pardons when the President involved was on his way out the door.

I really can't remember.

Independent, Texas (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:56 AM)

Bush had to keep Libby out of jail. If Libby served time he might have told the truth about the Bush effort to cover up it lies and deception about attacking Iraq. We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction-no links to terror (until we took over). The Bush administration orchestrated a cover up to the point of illegally revealing Plame's role as a CIA agent. Libby obstructed justice and lied under oath to protect the administration- But he would not do time for the Bush gang. Congress should subpoena Libby and get him under oath again to see if he persists in his lies and if he does put him in jail. The Bush administration thinks the three branches of government are Bush, Cheney and the court that put them in power. Libby committed a crime-perjury and obstruction of justice and showed no remorse. What can you expect from an administration that is neither bound by law or morality?

Sharon Sudduth (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:57 AM)

Bush-haters give me a break! The commuting of the sentence of Mr. Libby by President Bush is no different that the pardons of Marc Rich (violating the trade embargo with Iran, among other things) and Susan McDougal(aiding and abetting in making false statements, among other things) by President Clinton. By the way, Mr. Libby was Marc Rich's attorney who helped get the pardon. Republicans and democrats working together!? What is next...dogs and cats living together?

Jay, San Antonio, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:02 AM)

Jay, San Antonio: what's your point? Because someone else did something wrong, I shouldn't be irate when Bush does it?

I agree with the statement about Clinton. So?

Independent, Texas (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:07 AM)

Did you really expect anything different? Friends, let's take a break from this disgusting issue about Libby. Two hundred twenty one years ago a group of colonists made a momentous decision; to sever the ties of government from England and form a separate nation. They pledged their lives and property to uphold this decision and signed their names to this document. The document begins: "WHEN in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT, THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, THAT THEY ARE ENDOWED BY THEIR CREATOR WITH CERTAIN UNALIENABLE RIGHTS, THAT AMONG THESE ARE LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS." There is much more written, but we remember these words. This document is the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE which was signed on the 4th of July, 1776. Thirteen colonies fought for the liberty to form their own nation against England which was a rising power and had the best trained and equipped army of the day.
This was not an easy decision nor was it unanimous amoung the colonists. Some were loyal to the mother country. But with a rag tag army comprised of many militias, they won and we became the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Tomorrow we celebrate Independence Day. Which should mean more than holiday sales at the mall, and frantically running around through activities. If you can, take a moment to reflect. Pull up the Declaration and read it for yourself. The Americans of the 21st century have as great a responsibility for this republic, if not greater. The forefathers built this nation, we have to uphold this nation. And we who are veterans stand shoulder to shoulder with those Minutemen who fought to turn an ideal into a reality. God Bless us!

Eileen, Navarre, FL (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:08 AM)

Independent,
My point was that this is no different than what many President's before(and many after) have done. How quickly some forget history that may not support their opinion. I'm not a fan of either party right now as I see no leadership and very few that have vision that extends beyond their own nose.

Jay, San Antonio, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:15 AM)

I've read a few articles on this subject in the papers and the articles haven't suggested the commutation as being much of a bad thing. Then I read the comments and the vast majority of the comments express sincere outrage. Is there really that many people upset about this, or are the articles only attracting the people who would be upset about this?

Glenn Auge, Flint, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:20 AM)

Of course Bush covered Libby's rear and kept him out of prison. If Libby were to roll over on Bush & Cheney, I'd bet what he knows would make the whole Plame thing look like child's play.

M - In Texas (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:24 AM)

Eileen, Navarre, FL, thank you for very eloquently reminding all of us what tomorrow is and why it is that we can say what we want (within reason) on First Read and any other blogs we participate in. Everyone, have a safe and Happy July 4th and pray for those who are in harms way on this holiday and every day, that they stay safe.

Dawn, somewhere in Kansas (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:27 AM)

Jay give me a break. Why do you assume everyone hates Bush. I do not hate Bush, I hate his policies and corruption. This is just another example where republicans think they are above the law. Go ahead keep justifing the corruption of Bush's presidency with past presidencies. That is Bull****. I do not care about the past. I live in the present. All I saw was the office of the Vice President out a CIA agent for pure political reasons. All you idiots that say Plame was not outed, read the transcripts from the trial that did state that Valerie Plame was undercover and working when outed. That is the questions I ask all you hypocritcal republicans. Do not give me any crap from the past. I thought 9-11 changed our world forever. So outing a CIA agent that was working on nuclear weapons issues for revenge for husband does not bother you law and order republicans. I call you hypocrits out, why is it alright for republicans to break the law but when we complain you call us Bush-Haters. Hypocrits/republicans have no pride or values, all they care about is their party and their own.

bobf (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:35 AM)

Mama! Steve Turner Iowa is not Steve from Ky.

Desmond (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:40 AM)

Thanks Dawn. I will try and have a safe and happy 4th here in Pennsylvania, and hope you do the same somewhere in Kansas.

Sidney, Pa (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:49 AM)

how long will it take to the people of this great country to stand up to this administration, and once and for all making them accountable for so many laws and constitutional violations broken? Impeach them!!! enough already!! they have no ethics,no morals!!! hiprocits !! liars!!!

meg Dee virginia (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:57 AM)

Jay, San Antonio; Did Republicans cry foul when Clinton pardoned Marc Rich? Then they have no right to cry foul when they pardon Scooter Libby. Oh, and Rich had compromised the nation's intelligence operations as did Libby. Republicans set the standard, they have no right to do any but live by that standard. As for Susan McDougal she was nothing but a hostage of the Independent Prosecutor, held for no other reason than refusal to fabricate a story to suit his script.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:59 AM)

bobf...I'm right there with ya brother!!!!

Ron, St. Louis, Mo. (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 12:09 PM)

Come on people, this is a presidential privilege. There have been more or less 27762 pardons, conditional pardons, commutations of sentence by presidents since George Washington. And Bush is no where near the top abuser of this privilege (FDR with 3687) This is a constitutional issue, if it enough people really don't like it then it can be changed, although I seriously doubt that will happen.

John, Asheville, NC (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 12:17 PM)

I think the press cried foul more then the republicans did with marc Rich. I guess to appease you democrats, President Bush will just have to jump an intern, would that make the playing field more fair? And don't get into this thing about Bush killing soldiers, Clinton killed a few on his shift as well, maybe not as many, but he had a few problems while he was commander in chief. Anybody remember Blackhawk Down?

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 12:20 PM)

Eileen, our town has a community band that plays every Wednesday evening in the little park downtown. For the 4th of July concert they play a medley of service tunes and the members and veterans of the different branches stand up during their tune. We usually have an audience of 2,000 or more for the patriotic concert. I'm not in the band, but I do get to direct the Civil War cannon firing for the 1812 Overture (the 1st Sgt. doesn't read music). I'll think of you and all our veterans and current military personnel and offer up a silent prayer of thanks.

Mel, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 12:37 PM)

bobf- you are so right!;however; the fascist right-wing government,paid hacks in the government/media and apologists on this web will continue to be obsessed with what Clinton did or did not do and conviently ignore what is happening to this country.

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 1:00 PM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=255173