Republicans Ready to Slime Fitzgerald [Is this true?]

NY Observer ^ | Aug 1, 2005 | Joe Conason

[summer]

Karl Rove

Under the harsh but savvy tutelage of Karl Rove, Republicans have repeatedly demonstrated their adherence to a venerable cliché: In politics, as in sports and warfare, the best defense is always a good offense—and the more offensive, the better. It’s an effective strategy, as John Kerry and many other hapless victims have learned, and at this point also a highly predictable one.

Circled in a bristling perimeter around the White House, the friends and allies of Mr. Rove can soon be expected to fire their rhetorical mortars at Patrick Fitzgerald, the special prosecutor investigating the White House exposure of C.I.A. operative Valerie Wilson. Indeed, the preparations for that assault began months ago in the editorial columns of The Wall Street Journal, which has tarred Mr. Fitzgerald as a “loose cannon” and an “unguided missile.” 

Evidently Senator Pat Roberts, the Kansas Republican who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, will lead the next foray against the special prosecutor. This week the Senator’s press office announced his plan to hold hearings on the Fitzgerald probe. That means interfering with an “ongoing investigation,” as the White House press secretary might say, but such considerations won’t deter the highly partisan Kansan...

If only they were candid, the Rove Republicans would say that was then, this is now—and ethical consistency is strictly for losers.

[balch3]

It sounds like the Senate is exercising its Constitutional duty of oversight. Oversight that is badly needed, as IMHO Fitzgerald is on a fishing expedition to bring down Rove and as many others as he can.

I saw a blurb on another site that ABC has staked out the Grand Jury location and reported that two of Rove's staffers testified on Friday. If true, it seems clear to me that this guy is STILL going after Karl, and possibly others in the administration, and that the speculation that he's after the Wilsons and/or the CIA is wishful thinking. Fitzgerald is NOT a friend of the administration, and we had better be aware. This isn't over by a long shot.

[popdonnelly]

According to liberals, the GOP slimes everybody. For example, if you point out how a Democratic candidate voted, you are "sliming" that candidate. Scandalous or libelous remarks made by Democrats about Republicans, however, are okay.

[<1/1,000,000th%]

It's standard procedure.

With Ken Starr and Linda Tripp they even had to pretend they were Republicans.

[JeffersonRepublic.com]

I hope they do go after Fitzgerald. He is hurting innocent people. Fitzgerald needs to come clean on where he is taking this investigation or prepare to be slimed by both Republicans defending Rove and liberals defending Judith Miller.

Holtz
JeffersonRepublic.com

[Archon of the East]

Yea but all the GJ "leaks" seem to be favoring the idea that Fitzgerald's net is only being cast narrowly. We know damn well that the Dems MSM and factions at CIA and State were actively seeking to undermine the President but what we don't know is if this is the angle the SP is going after.

[John Valentine]

Slime a Special Prosecutor? Joe Conason must think Bubba is still President...

[FlingWingFlyer]

You're probably right. People like Conason get their marching orders from their massas down at the DNC.

[summer]

two of Rove's staffers testified on Friday

Yes, today I saw that as a screaming headline on one liberal site, but honestly, I thought: so what. These staffers talk to a lot of people. I did not get the impression Fitzgerald is still "after" Rove. In fact I never had that impression because of what Rove's attorney came out and said right away, that Rove was NOT a target.

[summer]

Well, it IS something that they are floating as some kind of "talking point" -- though, if not true, then, Dems just look like idiots. Again.

[Ann Archy]

It's written by "Dead eyes" Joe Conason. His eyes have NO spark of life and hehas no spark of truth in him. he Republicans don't SLIME people....the Dems do!

[Brilliant]

Any article that starts out "Under the harsh but savvy tutelage of Karl Rove..." is false.

[Rodney King]

Slime a Special Prosecutor?

As I recall, Conason played a big part in sliming Ken Starr.

[Darkwolf377]

Joe "The Sky Isn't Blue, It's Green" Conason--never let facts get in the way of your daily BS requirement.

He and David Corn have an ongoing battle to be the most ferret-like commentator on TV. No matter who wins, we lose!

[summer]

LOL..

[kitkat]

BUMP

[Archon of the East]

It sure is looking that way. When have we heard any info at all other than some good investigative work outside the GJ that the SP is going after anybody but Rove and the Administration?

[knuthom]

Democrats frequently accuse Republicans of the things that they (democrats) have done or are doing.

[359Henrie]

Kerry was hapless with out a side glance from Rove

[Lancey Howard]

Good Lord, summer!
This is a Joe Conason column! Your headline had me going there for a minute.

Joke's on me! (Conason - - HAR!!!)
Regards,
LH

[MarkBsnr]

Oh dear. The hapless victim, John Kerry, was smeared by the evil Karl Rove.

Hapless? Maybe. Victim? No.

How does one turn a moronic Presidential contender into a victim? By saying it?

Time for a new cauliflower in the cranium, Conason. The old one is liquefying and pouring out of your ears.