I'm wondering if the CIA has the "the drive-by media" on a hook? There's a chasm separating the public perception of Bush and the things Bush has done;he's a moderate in fact, but is depicted as a neanderthal conservative, he's conducted the war on terror with restraint, but he's depicted as Attilla the Hun, etc.
The media is easy to lead around: for the most part they are narcisistic, fawning, treacherous little careerists looking for a scoop. Manage them like pigeons. Throw some parties, let them rub elbows with the big shots, drop one an exclusive from time to time, and you'll have them eating out of your hand.
Clinton, if he succeeded at anything, succeeded here. He knew the tricks. So would the CIA; it's they're business.
The CIA has poisoned the water and it's going to take a lot to fix.
Very perceptive. I agree. Bush gets credit for a lot of things he has never done. Taking out the Taliban was bold. Taking down Saddam was bold. But he has never held the Sauds feet to the fire on Al Qaeda. Nor has he truly rebuilt our military. And his border and immigration policies are right there with Ted Kennedy.