"Ari and I" (last segment, and it's a keeper)

[lebkuchen]

http://commondreams.org/headlines03/0714-10.htm

Ari & I
White House Press Briefing with Ari Fleischer
Monday, July 14, 2003 - 12:00 PM
by Russell Mokhiber

Note from Russell Mokhiber: Today was Ari Fleischer's last White House press briefing. He's leaving the White House to start a consulting firm that will advise corporate executives on how to handle the news media. Starting tomorrow, the new White House Press Secretary will be Scott McClellan. I'm hoping to continue to this feature under the headline: "Scottie and Me."

Mokhiber: Ari, in the 2002 election campaign, the Republican Party took in $7.2 million from convicted criminals. Is the President okay with his party taking millions of dollars from convicted criminals? Ari

Ari Fleischer: I have no idea what you are referring to -

Mokhiber: I'm referring to, let me tell you -

Ari Fleischer: Obviously, if money is received - both parties from people who are later found out to be people who shouldn't be giving money - then it gets returned.

Mokhiber: These are actually major corporations convicted of crimes. ADM gave $1.7 million, Pfizer $1.1 million, Chevron $875,000. Is the President okay with those companies giving direct contributions to the Republican Party after being convicted of crimes?

...snip...

[fertilizeonarbusto]

1. Very good point.

Should be brought up more.

[lebkuchen]

2. Which Russell had to make twice

A few months ago I recall a British reporter asking one of Poodle Boy's people the same question over a dozen times until he got a straight answer. I think Russell has picked up on that strategy.

[Rebel_with_a_cause]

3. One hopes "Scotty" will not take liberties with the truth

as Ari had, religiously.