David Corn (The Nation): Rove-ing from the Truth

[Jack Rabbit]

From The Nation
Dated Wednesday June 22

Rove-ing from the Truth
By David Corn

Karl Rove is a hypocrite. I know that's hard to believe. And you're going to need a chunk of proof before accepting that conclusion. So let me give it my best shot.

In April, Rove delivered a speech at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. Trying to come across as a statesman (instead of a hack political strategist), he urged participants in today's tough political and policy debates to engage in high-minded discourse. "Most people I know on both sides of the aisle," he remarked, "believe in the positions they take." He continued, "Unless you have clear evidence to the contrary, commentators should answer arguments instead of impugning the motives of those with whom they disagree."

Let's see how well he takes his own advice. Last night, Rove was interviewed by NBC News' David Gregory on Hardball. Gregory began the sit-down by asking Rove about the recent vote in the Senate on the John Bolton nomination. Democrats had once again prevented an up-and-down vote because the Bush White House had continued to withhold information they had requested regarding Bolton. Rove replied,

Well it's sad. I mean they're putting their commitment to politics above their commitment to doing what's right for the country.

That sure sounds as if Rove is impugning the motives of the Democrats. Isn't it just possible that they really do want to see whether Bolton misused classified information or tried to stretch intelligence? Gregory asked, "Why not give the Democrats what they're asking for. They're asking for names related to these intercepts to answer the question whether Bolton retaliated against criticism of the administration?" Rove did not respond directly. He repeated himself:

I say it shows that their commitment to politics is above their commitment for doing what's right for this country.

Read more.

[Cha]

1. Corn had me at

"hypocrite"!

[indepat]

2. Repukes' commitments are to always do what's right for this country rather

than to implement an extreme RW (PNAC) ideology and agenda. Yeah, right!

[EST]

3. What in the world is happening to MSNBC?

Genuinely thoughtful commentators, instead of the customary shrill right wing shills? Will wonders never cease?
Turning the toad over and exposing the ugliness underneath, actually asking questions to elicit answers, rather than prompting the usual regurgitation of turgid talking points - is there a direction here or a momentary aberration?

On edit: oops, sorry - finger stutter finished entry before connection made.
The parallels between the under read truths that we are familiar with have, recently, seemed to be slopping over into a bit of lame stream media: very good sign.