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Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Bush: CIA tapes story returns

Posted: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 9:03 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: ,

The New York Times reports that at least four White House lawyers -- Alberto Gonzales, Harriet Miers, David Addington, and John B. Bellinger -- took part in discussions with the CIA between 2003 and 2005 over whether to destroy the videotapes showing the interrogations of two Al Qaeda operatives. “The accounts indicate that the involvement of White House officials in the discussions before the destruction of the tapes in November 2005 was more extensive than Bush administration officials have acknowledged.”

“It was previously reported that some administration officials had advised against destroying the tapes, but the emerging picture of White House involvement is more complex. In interviews, several administration and intelligence officials provided conflicting accounts as to whether anyone at the White House expressed support for the idea that the tapes should be destroyed.”

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Randy Brown City Michigan,
To protect our own when they are held captive is exactly why our country signed the Geneva Convention, and why Bush and Cheyney should be impeached! And I was able to make my point without using republican style, childish name calling.
I think all interrogations should be run live on c-span for all the world to view, that makes sense, right?
Wow!! Where's Jerry and Sierra????  Interesting that we haven't heard from them.  I'm waiting to hear how they will turn this sow's ear into a silk purse.  And yes impeachment is the only remedy at this point.  
Wow Gay Abernethy are you serious or joking when you write this...
When you attact Pres. Bush,you are attacting one of Gods children. Be careful,Someday we will ALL have to stand before God and give an account of every word and every deed.
Gaye

You must be joking or do you really think that ATTACK is spelled attact, and that attacting someone is wrong.

Enough is enough I know that intelligence tests were once thought of as an idea to discriminate against black people just after slavery was abolished.

BUT

I think the time has come to determine who has a right to vote and who doesn't. While I'd like to include strange concepts as, "must believe in reality," I'll accept other ideas which might exclude ridiculously uneducated (semi-retarded) people from voting.

This has got to stop.

They'll be knee jerk reactions against this,

but look at the facts: the same kooks who beat their bible all over this site are the same people who still believe that we found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. If you can overlook this odd coincidence (not at all a coincidence) I think that perhaps you are being too nice.

Breathing should no longer be the only pretext for voting.

P.S. I don't fear your God or your day of judgment, I've evolved past that. If you don't want to evolve that's okay but stop messing up my country. Just go to your little corner and keep thinking that Jesus is going to descend from the sky like all of the other morons who've been lied to and manipulated generation after generation.

How do the rest of you sane posters out there think that we will be able to continue as the greatest nation in the world with people like Gaye running the country?

SAVE YOURSELF
Randy Brown City Michigan - What part of lying, destroying evidence, and cover-up don't you understand???  What they've done is against our laws.  It doesn't matter how you feel about the "enemy".  Ours is a country of laws as the Republicans are so fond of saying.  Our leaders must be beyond reproach and operate with the fullest integrity.  Additionally, our country gives  powers to all three branches of government not one.  We cannot operate the way you espouse otherwise there will be anarchy.
randy...
never have i heard such extreme, immature jibberish in my life.  We have LAWS here, and a pretty well written constitution, that this administration has violated.   Please don't try to justify these wrong-doings.  You make yourself sound just like the moron-in-chief.
I guess Randy forgot about April 19th 1995.
If this CONGRESS will not IMPEACH these criminals, liers and thieves, and remove them from office and put them and all thier ILK into maximum security prisions for LIFE, then all is lost and AMERICA IS DEAD.

The VERY LAST ALTERNATIVE is to institute a new Government, which is one of the provisions of the CONSTITUTION.  If we do still have such a document as the seat of our government, and BUSH AND COMPANY has not yet recinded the rest of the RIGHTS guaranteed by it.
I agree! Who the hell cares. Why don't we hear bleeding heart liberals crying about the rights of the people of 9-11 or the choping off of heads of people by these bastards? Go figure!
Randy Brown, you're an idiot. Read your own constitution, and the geneva ethic code and laws for warfare. just because these uncivillized, reality impaired douche bags have gone to extraordinary lengths to terrorize kill injur and humilliate the civilized people. We as civilized people, with ethics compassion, dignity, and the understanding of the true precious value of life, we have the obligation to keep true to our morals our laws, for if we do not the terrorist win. They turn people like you into hateful, incompassionate fundalmentalists just like them. You have the obligation as an american citizen to defend your constitution, even if it means defending your enemy.
RANDY... you poor misguided IDIOT. If you harm a member of my family, and I go wipe yours out in retaliation (vengeance, or as conservatives would have us believe justice), does it make the harm to my family go away? NO!  Does it make all of my wrongs Justified because you struck first? NO!  WHAT IT DOES IS MAKES ME MORE EVIL THAN YOU!!!  But hey the current administration has proved over nad over and over again that the are the most evil, vengeful, dishonest group alive.   AT LEAST THE TERRORISTS ARE HONEST ABOUT THIER INTENT.
Those who cry for impeachment must understand that"W" has impeachment insurance. His name is Dick Cheney.  Who in his (or her) right mind would leave the country in charge of Him?  
To Gay...I'm not done with you yet

you wrote...
Someday we will ALL have to stand before God and give an account of every word and every deed.

No we won't. There is absolutely zero reason that you should believe what you said will happen. Somebody told you that, and now I'm telling you that you don't have to believe them.

The reason that they told you that was to keep you down. You see Gaye, if they tell you that you can't hold people accountable for their actions on earth and that accountability only exists upon entering the gates of heaven, then you never get to hold anyone accountable, ever.

But think about that Gaye, how many times have you been held accountable by them? Are you a Soldier, if so, you have to account for G.W.'s war. Are you a taxpayer, if so, then you have to account for G.W.'s war. Think about all of the responsibilities and the people that you are accountable to. You're accountable to your bank, your boss, your wife, etc. When do you get to be above accountability like George W. and the other rich people who misuse you everday?

Your answer, heaven, that one day we will all be judged. Well what if heaven doesn't exist Gaye? Then these people (the very same one's who first lied to you) get to go on misusing you like a slave, every day for the rest of your life. That's a hell of a gamble Gaye and one that has zero odds of winning, zero. Just because you once believed in Santa Claus doesn't mean that you still do. You used to believe in the tooth fairy, but no longer. So why now, as an adult, do you still believe in the greatest lie ever told to man? What benefit do you get from it right now?

And don't say some garbage like everlasting life. You aren't so egotistical to think that you will actually go on living forever. You won't Gaye, you too will die, and it will be all for nothing if you don't start living your life.
Finally, a fire in Cheny's office. That should take care of all those pesky visitors logs, minutes of meetings, etc. that the unwashed masses have been clamoring for. Will Cheny be moving to Halliburton's new headquaeters in Dubai along with the other war profiteers?
I knew what bush was before he was elected. A school yard bully is always a school yard bully. He has ruined the reputation of our United states, never mind that he has caused the deaths of millions of people. No wonder he doesn't like abortion, he wants them to grow up so they can be killed later.Old lady from Missouri
This forum is filled with delusional people who believe they can reason with anyone.  Taking the "high road" and being "better than that" cannot work all the time, and this is one of those times.  Some people around the world don't think like you so you have to put it in terms they understand.  The Israeli people learned this years ago.  
Same old story. How many times have we heard that accounts indicate involvement of White house officials in (insert controversial finding here) to be more extensive than the Bush administration has acknowledged? Meanwhile, is more evidence being destroyed as we read these posts in the Eisenhower building fire, coincidentally closeby the ceremonial offices of VP Dick Cheney?
As George Carlin said "This country has been bought and sold, bought & sold". People you don't own this country it has been sold right from under you.
Hey I just heard that there is a fire on the White House grounds. Maybe they are burning up evidence?
The Republikan presidential candidates are all lining up to try to sound "tough on terrorism" just like Bush. The only thing that they have learned from his mistakes is not to repeat those mistakes. If a Republikan is elected they will invent new ways to circumvent the constitution, deny people their rights and erode our liberties.
Clinton f_____ Monica, Bush did us all!

Boy you see the New York Times cool-aid cups sitting on the table and you all rush to drink it.  I've never read so many unsubstatiated percentages, claims, and facts mentioned in all your comments, it makes me wonder what fantasy world you all live in.  I guess I'll make my own too.  100% of all the people who would read the "sky is falling" whining by Blue states feel they need pyschotherapy and rehab.  The proof is in the pudding and if there was some, why would anyone in their righ mind NOT inpeach, specially the majority politicians who would love nothing more than to remove President Bush and Vice Presidne Chenney.  hm!
Hum, fire near the VP office, wonder what was DESTROYED in that fire? more damaging evidence for impeachment or jail time!
Remember that he, George W. Bush, was voted into office. Not once, but twice. We deserve the leader we have; the blame is ours and ours alone.
I agree with Randy Brown, I mean, you liberals are sitting here bashing the US President for doing what he's SUPPOSED to do, protect the US and our interest. LOL....it's blatantly OBVIOUS that you guys would rather just have a homosexual, god-hating, do-nothing, tax-raising, global-warming (lying), two-faced POS in the White House. You all sit here and turn the tables like all Republicans are "EVIL" people....well, go search snopes.com about these following quotes from YOUR OWN LIBERALS....how easy you pussies change your view and tone, and when something goes wrong instead of trying to work togeather to solve the problems we have, you sit around and blame EVERYONE ELSE except for YOURSEVES who are equally to blame....you make me sick and disgusted to think that American's have your thought processes.

QUOTES:

"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program." -Pres. Clinton, Feb. 17,1998.

"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mocery of the weapons inpection process." -Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16,1998

"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country." -Al Gore, Sep. 23,2002

"I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force-if necessary- to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security." Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9,2002

"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorist, including Al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capability to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." -Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct. 10,2002




WTF Democrats??????? You sit here and blame the "war machine of the Republicans" while the whole time earlier you were beating the war drums as well! You two-faced, lying, backstabbing jerks who try to constantly bash anyone and everyone who doesnt immidately fall in line with your views are a DISGRACE to our beautiful nation. Take your SOCIALIST/COMMUNIST views and go somewhere where they would appreciate people such as yourselves. I hear there's PLENTY of land in Mexico, and we Republicans KNOW how much you enjoy taking car of them before your own, so why dont you go there and be politically correct?


Aaron Mohler
Former Corporal, machinegunner, 2000-2004, USMC, 2nd bt/5th Mar, OIF veteran 2003....PROUD REPUBLICAN
Well, I suppose somewhere Richard Nixon is thankful that he can no longer be considered the worst American president.  We still have over a year left with this president.  I hope we still have some Constitutional rights left when he leaves.  As to impeachment - no one in Congress or the Senate has the guts to try.  I am certain that with their wiretaps, this administration has something on every elected official.
The tapes should have been destroyed.  It was the right thing to do. They are not targeted in a current legal investigation.  The members of the house intelligence committees were duly informed and took no action to stop the destruction. There is nothing wrong with the action taken and the whole thing is another manufactured controversy.  Again we see this on the left, esp. in the press, making those normal day to day activities of this Administrations, actions the vary little from those a Washington over the past 30 years, criminal.

Politics of destruction as usual from the left.
Don't blame me, I voted for Gore. (As did most of the rest of us).
The real reason any administration especially this one cries NAtional Security is to keep them secure by keeping the American public unawares of their perversion of our constitution.Truly a case of the ends justify the means
Hide evidence of what.....These people will blow your a$$e$ up in a second if they had a chance. and you cry baby Liberals just want them to have their rights. Well they have no rights, they gave that up when they blew up the WTC the first time, then the USS Cole and finally 9-11. How easy we forget.......
G0 to their hometown in Syria or Tehran ECT....and see how many rights you have. Who actually gives a crap if they were mistreated, at least we are not cutting thier heads off.......OH!!! You forgot about those peoples rights...haven't you.....This country is full of Pu$$ies now, just unbelieveable....
Randy Brown City Michigan (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 10:36 AM)
*****************************************************

What part of "torture is illegal" don't you understand?
I thought you Redneck repuglicans were the "law and order" party. Illegal is illegal right? Or does that only apply to Mexicans? I am  going to say it.......
I hope Air Force 1 goes down in a fiery wreck which lands directly onto Dick's secret compound while he is there.
Apparently Cpl Mohler doesn't understand that protection by destruction of our civil liberties, security by denuding the constitution and claiming executive privelege or national security for everything isnt protection at all, it is enslavement. Cpl. I am glad you returned safe from your deployment, I am sad you were deployed for a lie.
Randy Brown City Michigan do you not realize that torturing prisoners is wrong?  We wouldn't want it done to our military! And what could is information obtained (mostly lies) just to get the toruring stopped.  You sir are as guilty as the liars in Washington, if that is how you really feel. Shame on you!
dont impeach , send Bushco straight to gitmo, waterboard them (every last one of them, from the 23year old female religous lawyer who was editing the endangered species list, to chee-knee and bush)

let them try to get a hearing in court for 7 or 8 years
anarchism is the only solution
I have to agree with the majority of the posters here. The time has come to take out the trash. IMPEACH this ineffective and corrupt criminal adminstration now...before they have a chance to do more damage that may not be reversible.

What will it take? Would some please give the man a B J so we can get rid of him?!
Hey, there is a fire in the Eisenhower Building. The NSA is housed there. Maybe Cheney is covering more of his tracks!
People need to think more indepently when it comes to
electing high public officials,Forget sound bites on commercials,Forget about people who claim to be religious,No body is without sin.America elected Bush twice.Those that voted need to accept some of the blame.lets think America first.Let us not fall for groups with selfish misguided political motives.Let us pray for wisdom in electing the next president.Think America first and reject fear and selfish motives by groups with selfish agenda.
Fire in White House. There goes the evidence. Must be Cheney. This makes Oliver North's antics look like childs play. Time for a constitutional preemptive strike by the people of the US on the Executive Branch, the weapon of choice is IMPEACHMENT.
To Randy,
I respect your views but I disagree with them.  The only thing that makes us different than the terrorist is our sense of morals and our sense of doing what is right...even when it is not easy.  The Character of a person and a Nation is what we do when no body is looking.  We CANNOT act like the terrorist.  IF WE DO, WE JUSTIFY THEIR BEHAVIOR.  That does not mean to sit back and let them destroy us.  That means not surrendering our MORALS and our GOD GIVEN rights as Americans.  That means, no torture, holding our leaders accountable when they commit crimes, etc.  We cannot beat terrorist by acting like terrorist.
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Loriann  Leone
Aaron, while I appreciate your service, you better watch your damn mouth when addressing those who have read and believe in the LIBERAL views found in our constitution.
You my friend are the aberration. Your views have turned our country into something our forefathers would revolt against, picking security over freedom and values, what a joke have you ever been in a history class?

You say that us liberals are so mean to those who don't step in line to our views. LOOK IN THE MIRROR DUMBA$$. You tell us all to leave the country.

Truth is buddy, there's more of us than there are of you. Your kind has shown their inability to lead our country (unless you count into the toilet).

YOU ARE BRAINWASHED buddy. Calling everyone who disagrees with you socialists and communists. LEARN HOW TO READ. THEN PICK UP THE CONSITUTION.

Article 1 section 8 stipulates that congress can impose taxes to provide for the security and general welfare of the country.

READ IT AND WEAP!!!

WEAP FOR WHAT YOU SWORE TO DEFEND BUT NEVER READ.

I love and respect Soldiers and have Soldiers in my family, but just because you are a Soldier that doesn't make you beyond reproach when you go popping off about things you are clearly uneducated about.

Lastly, stop being so frightend all the time. Al Qaeda is not underneath your bed. They aren't following us home. 9/11 and the Cole could have easily been prevented if the administration would have been doing their jobs. Do you remember the headline in August "Bin Laden determined to attack?" All of the evidence was there, but your boys failed to act. Instead they were on vacation.

It happened on their watch. They are weak on terrorism.
Kucinich IS calling for impeachment.
Make your vote count. Save the US of A. Vote for Kucinich!  
Former CPL Mohler, I guess Semper Fi does not hold true for you (former).  Glad to see you made it home, now for the rest of your post--You need to read the Constitution of the United States and then you need to read the contract you signed when you joined.  It is not about protecting the bad guys it is about protecting what this country stands for and what it does.
This corrupt govt needs a thorough clean-up from the top down...
Impeach this president madman and his cronies NOW!
Fortunately Bushie can't pardon himself!
Unless we Impeach the rats we allow our Nation to be subject too their never ending immoral catastrophes.  

As 9/11 made you forget the crooked elections, and the War made you forget 9/11, and Katrina made you forget the War, and Torture and more crooked elections made you forget the War, what next will make us forget this crooked Cabal at inhabits our White House and all their illegal evil immoral thieving killing deeds?

A worldwide economic depression would certainly hide their trail of deceit and corruption, especially when they've taken all the money out of the Treasury that they can.  There they sit in their retirement Mansions, with full Secret Service protection laughing, as they count their stolen Billions, and plot ways to deceive the world.

Impeachment must take place, for we are in peril as long as they are in power.
Guess what libs? You will lose again. Nothing will come about this!

The Info is classified, waterboarding was not/is not illegal and CIA destroying tapes that didn't fall under any congressional or court order to keep is legal. For all of you that keeps yelling "impeach" you get dumber as each year President Bush is in office.
Hey Aaron True Patriot that you are.....Bush is supposed to protect us but not break the law in the process or wipe his feet on the our Constitution.  You're the one that doesn't get it.  You need to go live in Russia or China if you want that form of government but don't condone it here.
Is it any wonder that the rest of the world points and laughs!!!
And past corruption too, Remember when Cheney held those so-called 6 "private meetings" with the Oil and Energy Companies to "help the Bush Administration develop an Energy Policy for the country"? And yet this administration did not and still does not want any of us to know who was there and what they talked about and even went to court to keep it quiet from we, the people who employ them.......right there, if they don't want us to know, you know something is not good. Seems to me, within months of those meetings, our gas prices started going up real fast from that point on. So much for the "Bush Energy Policy", screw over your fellow Americans all for corporate and personal greed. This administration is all about BIG money and if you are not rich, they don't care about you. All for the rich, and to hell with the middle income and lower class is the way it is now. They say the Dems want to raise taxes if they get in, and that IS true, but they don't tell ya the rest of it, they want to raise taxes on the RICH, not the middle and lower classes. Rich people don't need tax breaks, because they're rich......middle income and lower income classes need a tax break more the the rich, you want to do something about this economy and boost it, give the tax breaks to the middle and lower classes and you will see people go out and spend it. Rich people will buy anytime they want, they need no incentive to buy. And Bush wants to keep the medical plans privatized for big money companies, he does not want to see a national health plan, funny, if he got sick while in office or when out of office, who pays for his coverage??????? WE do!!! is that not a form of National Health Coverage that he does not want us to have but he enjoys and is available to him? The Republican party is not what it used to be.


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