Iraq Threat Deliberately Inflated, Kennedy Says

NY Times ^ | 3-5-04 | DOUGLAS JEHL

[Indy Pendance]

WASHINGTON, March 5 — Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts today delivered a blistering indictment of President Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq, accusing Mr. Bush of deliberately exaggerating the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime.

The speech by Mr. Kennedy to the Council on Foreign Relations was the most detailed Democratic assault to date on the issue. He has played a high-profile role in Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign, and the tone and timing of his remarks suggested that Democrats see merit in opening a new election-year challenge on the issue of Mr. Bush's credibility.

Mr. Kennedy accused the president of resorting to "pure, unadulterated fear-mongering, based on a devious strategy to convince the American people that Saddam's ability to provide nuclear weapons to Al Qaeda justified immediate war."

He also accused the Bush administration of going well beyond the assessments provided by intelligence agencies in its prewar depictions of Iraq, its alleged illicit arsenal and its ties to terrorism. The senator singled out George J. Tenet, the director of central intelligence, who said last month that his agency had never portrayed Iraq has having presented an imminent threat to the United States, as having failed in his obligation to correct statements by Mr. Bush that described the Iraqi threat as "unique and urgent" and "grave."

President Bush has said that he acted on the best intelligence available, and that previous administrations had also considered Saddam Hussein a threat. Mr. Bush and his top advisers have said, too, that deadly unconventional weapons may yet be found in Iraq, and that the military campaign and peacekeeping operation are part of the worldwide battle against terrorism.

But Senator Kennedy has repeatedly questioned the justification for war, and he did so today in perhaps his sharpest words yet.

"Why wasn't C.I.A. Director Tenet correcting the president and the vice president and the Secretary of Defense a year ago, when it could have made a difference, when it could have prevented a needless war, when it could have saved so many lives?" Mr. Kennedy asked.

The Central Intelligence Agency had no immediate comment on Mr. Kennedy's speech. But in anticipation of it, two Republican senators, John Kyl of Arizona and Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, circulated a letter noting that Democratic lawmakers as well as Republicans had made prewar statements that portrayed Iraq and its alleged weapons stockpiles as presenting an urgent threat to American security.

In his criticism of President Bush, Mr. Kennedy said: "The most important decision any president makes is the decision on war or peace. No president who misleads the country on the need for war deserves to be re-elected. A president who does so must be held accountable. The last thing our nation needs is a sign on the desk in the Oval Office in the White House that says, 'The buck doesn't stop here anymore.' "

In a separate speech today, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee planned to accuse the Bush administration of remaining "in a deep state of denial" in addressing flaws in the country's intelligence system, according to an prepared text provided by her office.

The fact that no chemical or biological weapons have been found in Iraq, despite prewar assertions by American intelligence agencies that Iraq possessed such devices, is only the most recent sign of those flaws, said the Democrat, Representative Jane Harman of California.

"Recent actions inside the C.I.A. are encouraging," Ms. Harman said in her remarks for a planned address to the American Enterprise Institute, "but there are no discernible signs from the vice president or president acknowledging the obvious flaws in our intelligence systems."

Mr. Bush announced last month the appointment of an independent commission to review intelligence problems, particularly as related to the proliferation of illicit weapons, including nuclear devices. But he has set a deadline of March 2005 for the commission to report back to the White House, a decision that Ms. Harman likened to having "kicked the can down the road." She recommended that the administration take immediate steps now, including a full-scale review of existing intelligence estimates worldwide involving illicit weapons, often called weapons of mass destruction.

"If estimates of Iraq's W.M.D. programs were so off the mark, we must be concerned that systemic deficiencies in intelligence analysis on other W.M.D. programs and activities exist, such as those in Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria and Pakistan."

A decision to postpone the deadline for any review until next year "will not make us safer," Ms. Harman said, adding: "That is like the auto mechanic who says, 'I'm sorry I can't fix your brakes this week, but don't worry because I made your horn louder."

[Indy Pendance]

"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction." Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002.

A Brief Compilation of DemocRAT Hypocrisy

"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line." President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998.

"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." President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998.

"Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face." Madeline Albright, Feb 18, 1998.

"He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983." Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998.

"[W]e urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs." Letter to President Clinton, signed by Sens. Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, and others Oct. 9, 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 mockery of the weapons inspection process." Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998.

"Hussein has ... chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies." Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999.

"There is no doubt that ... Saddam Hussein has reinvigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies." Letter to President Bush, Signed by Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL,) and others, Dec, 5, 2001.

"We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandated of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them." Sen. Carl Levin (d, MI), Sept. 19, 2002.

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

"Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power." Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002.

"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction." Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002.

"The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons..." Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 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.

"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years ... We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction." Sen. Jay Rockerfeller (D, WV), Oct 10, 2002.

"He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do." Rep. Henry Waxman (D, CA), Oct. 10, 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 terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002.

"We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction." Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL), Dec. 8, 2002.

"[W]ithout question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime ... He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation ... And now he is miscalculating America's response to his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction ... So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real ..." Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan. 23. 2003.

[sinkspur]

It's time for the Bush administration to use this stuff.

It's clear that they will scrape the bottom of the barrel in their attacks, given the shameful talking-points presentations given by 9/11 widows (like the Breitwiser chick) that were certainly orchestrated by the DNC.

[inkling]

Teddy, if you want to see "deliberately inflated," look in a mirror...

[WOSG]

Iraq A Threat Says Deliberately Inflated Kennedy

"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction." Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002.

[Destructor]

This is the ultimate question that the American people should ask themselves: Does America want a President who will take swift and decisive action against terrorists, and make them pay a heavy price for each act of terror, or does America want another President who will stick his head in the sand and do nothing?

[dvan]

What is the use of having the world's most powerful military... if you never use it?

[petercooper]

doesn't he have liver cancer?

[Arpege92]

"Iraq Threat Deliberately Inflated, Kennedy Says"

Just like the size of your clothing Ted!

[Sofa King]

Why is it that every brain fart that any democrat makes is automatically news?

[Shermy]

"pure, unadulterated fear-mongering, based on a devious strategy to convince the American people that Saddam's ability to provide nuclear weapons to Al Qaeda justified immediate war."

Big Lie technique, a bit overwrought here.

1. "Immediate" or "Imminent" war is a fabrication, but a standard one. Bush did not say this. The lack of an "immediate" threat was the OPEC/France/Demo talking point for maintaining "containment" aka UN sanctions and the Oil for Food scheme.

2. "Nuclear weapons" Nuclear was Bush's lest pressed point. But if Kennedy said "biological" or "chemical" that would not be as effective since many people think Iraq must have had some of it, even if never found.

Should be an interesting election...

[Natural Law]

What's inflated are Kennedy's ass, liver and ego.

[Williams]

exactly. This speech was a big FAT nothing, unless you worship the god of leftism, as they do at the NYT.

[Gringo1]

Inflated is too flattering a term. I think alcoholism bloated would be more apt.

[Gringo1]

And his best buddies problem.

[CommandoFrank]

Yaaawwwwwnnnnnnn... wonder what's for supper?

[SoCalPol]

What do you expect from someone who committed manslaughter.
7/18/69 on Chappaquiddick. Ted Kennedy is a disgrace.

[marshmallow]

Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts today delivered a blistering indictment of President Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq,

Subjective, emotive language bolded as a public service.

How about a blustering indictment?

Suddenly the abortion facilitator is concerned about "lives lost".

[Terry Mross]

I think W's daddy should bring Ted back to Texas and give him ANOTHER award.

The thing that pisses me off is Teddy won't go on a talk show where someone can question him about his comments when Clinton was president.

[onedoug]

Yet another Democrat murderer checks in.

[Terry Mross]

Someone needs to point out that Clinton appointed Tenet and Teddy voted to confirm him. Which makes me wonder why W hasn't fired him.

[IGOTMINE]

Nicely done! I am ROLLING!

[Let's Roll]

Exactly - and the first question to Fat Teddy should be "And you know this how Senator?"

[vpintheak]

God forgive me, but I really can't wait until that lying non-swimming, weasel, drunkard bites it.

[solo gringo]

The Big Headed drunk dunker is at it again.

[chiefqc]

Oh come on people, he has a constant excuse for his moronic utterings. He is always in a state of drunken stouper.

[habs4ever]

This is Bob Shrum using Teddy as the Kerry attack dog.Let Teddy say the most outrageous dumbass things and spread the dirt, while Kerry attempts to not pile on.Teddy never has to say he's sorry for his blatant lies, and Shrum gets to go negative and wear down wobbly Republicans and the mushy middle.

It won't work against Bush.

[meema]

bump to read later

[Owen]

Bush, in this time frame, is supposed to be defining Kerry when Kerry has no money. Instead, the DNC is orchestrating a daily litany of Bush defining commentary, despite having no money. The press will help them.

GOP Senators have to do more than issue pieces of paper. They have to time the news cycle, get in front of the camera, pre-empt the comments they know are coming and start attacking. It is past time to attack. Once defined, it is very hard to get undefined.

[hollywood]

Plus, it's being said on a Friday. This is simply a test of the ignoramous broadcast system. If it still has legs on Monday, then watch out. However, if it fizzles like an alka-seltzer over the weekend, Teddy skates free again from another dumbass statement.

[nathanbedford]

A very insighteful post and one which the Bush administration should read and heed while there is still time.

[observer5]

"He has played a high-profile role in Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign"

Good... two swimmers

[Fresh Wind]

Kennedy was on Fox News earlier blathering about the memogate situation. He was barely able to remember his talking points, and had trouble formulating a sentence. The guy is in bad shape.

[sinkspur]

I hope Karen Hughes can pull the Bushies out of this cowering crouch they've been in for three months.

The press is going to help Kerry wherever it can.

[Owen]

It is frankly worse than that. Why do the Dems have a response ready for every GOP move? Those "outraged" families were pre-orchestrated and in place to shout when the ads started. They knew what was in the ads. Why is that? But not vice versa. The GOP distributed a flyer today to counter Kennedy. Who decided that was sufficient?

OTOH, it's March, and Rove et al have probably noticed what has happened the past 48 hrs and now know that's how the Dems will try to counter the money issue. They will go for free publicity every single day while Kerry is off fundraising.

The answer? Leak that the topic of a day will be one thing, and then hit another. The press will report it because they have to. The Dem response will be off key.

[Solamente]

"Eraaa, and Mary Jo is just taking a nap."

[dennisw]

Coupled with outsourcing job losses, Kennedy's words will resonate. The Democraps are the only ones talking about outsourcing, off shoring. They had a big Senate hearing today that was covered on CSPAN and I saw some of it. These clowns don't have solutions but they know how to pander to busted down workers.

[Fitzcarraldo]

And Mary Jo just went for a little swim...

[Shermy]

#36

Right you are. No matter how much we tease the Demos at least they're offering words. Bush, nothing.

[Rocky]

Kennedy abdomen - deliberately inflated

[dennisw]

The Democraps are the only ones talking about outsourcing, off shoring. They had a big Senate hearing today that was covered on CSPAN and I saw some of it......

This Democrat Senate caucus hearing had a boatload of union workers with union caps on in the audience. Many were testifying. Now here's the really bad part......

There are ten or so "battleground states" that are up for grabs, can go either way in 2004. Most of them are well unionized and most of them have had more job losses than the states are already decided. That you already know how they will go in 2004.

[Smokin' Joe]

Just hang up and drive, Teddy.

[Destructor]

"doesn't he have liver cancer?"

No, but Ted Kennedy does suffer from frequent Cerebral Hemmoroids.

[Destructor]

What I meant to say was "Cerebral Hemorrhoids."

[Morgan's Raider]

doesn't he have liver cancer?

Hell, that would require him having a liver.

[Theo]

... full of sound and fury, signifying ...

[whereasandsoforth]

To Mary Jo, Ted Kennedy is a weapon of body-mass destruction. Can you imagine living in a state that has this "thing" as your senator? And the public keeps electing him time and again?

Ted Kennedy is a waste of mankind. He killed that girl and he knows it, but yet he and OJ live! That repulsive state keeps him as their #1 senator. I could puke. The man is scum. But he is good enough for the state of Massachusetts.

How it must hurt to be a conservative in that state. Th4e man is scum.

[Theo]

Phooey. Hoped someone would've finished that. Okay I will....

... full of sound and fury, signifying ...

... nothing.

[Morgan's Raider]

To really complete it:

...a tale, told by an idiot...

... full of sound and fury, signifying ...

... nothing.

[Theo]

:-)

[Kenny Bunk]

Seen Ted coupla times on TV. He looks a lot better than last year. The SOB must get into some kind of training regimen for election years! Or maybe one of those fanatical Massachewshitts Democrat clymers donated the liver of one of their children to the bastard.

Pity. I had written the jerk off six months ago.