Bill Clinton Criticizes Bush on Libby Move

New York Times ^ | July 4, 2007 | PATRICK HEALY

[West Coast Conservative]

Former President Bill Clinton criticized President Bush on Tuesday for commuting the prison sentence of I. Lewis Libby Jr. and tried to draw a distinction from his own controversial pardons.

In Iowa to promote the presidential candidacy of his wife, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Mr. Clinton was asked by a radio host, David Yepsen, “You had some controversial pardons during your presidency; what’s your reaction to what President Bush did?”

“Yeah, but I think the facts were different,” Mr. Clinton said. “I think there are guidelines for what happens when somebody is convicted. You’ve got to understand, this is consistent with their philosophy; they believe that they should be able to do what they want to do, and that the law is a minor obstacle.”

“It’s wrong to out that C.I.A. agent and wrong to try to cover it up,” Mr. Clinton added. “And no one was ever fired from the White House for doing it.”

Mr. Clinton pardoned 140 people in the final hours of his presidency, including Marc Rich, the fugitive broker who had been charged with evading tens of millions of dollars in taxes, and who was the former husband of a top donor to Democrats and Mrs. Clinton’s first Senate campaign.

Rather than tread lightly on the Libby commutation, the Clintons have chosen to confront it; Clinton advisers said there was no real alternative, because the news media would bring up the Rich pardon anyway.

Still, the Clintons have not scheduled a news conference during their visit, where they might face tough questioning, nor have they permitted reporters to attend private events, some including as many as 300 people, where people ask Mrs. Clinton questions. All of their public events have been rallies where the two of them speak.

[UglyinLA]

Why is it that we never hear a peep out of our Republican Senators.

[USMA '71]

Only every time I see his sorry mug. And I am convinced that if you did slap him in the mouth, he would cry like a little baby. What a despicable excuse for a human being.

[Mumbles]

Clinton’s right. There should have been some money passed to a relative, like $400K to a ... er well let’s forget that one. Perhaps Mark Rich could have his wife, errr let’s forget that one. Hmmmm, OK Clinton is no one to castigate someone else, but he sure knew how to make money from those pardons & heck, Mark's wife was on the funeral pyre as well.

[crashthe24]

“Yeah, but I think the facts were different,” Mr. Clinton said

Yeah, GW didn’t collect any cash from Scooter.

[leenie312]

He got away with and is still getting away with it...with the blessings of many a lemming....sickening that so many out there cannot see him for what he really is...

[kallisti]

It’s not just you, there is a very long line.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Still, one has to marvel at this pure sociopath.

[doc1019]

For an opportunity to get back into the White House and all the benefits therein, Bill will do and say anything. Besides, he has probably sold his soul to the devil (hitlery) … “help me and your philandering will continue to go unnoticed”.

[VRWC For Truth]

Put some ice on it Bubba.

[KoRn]

"It’s wrong to out that C.I.A. agent and wrong to try to cover it up,”

Libby didn't "out a CIA agent" you dumbass!

Now that simple fact is out of the way, how does this commutation compare to your PARDONS??

[Darnright]

Bubba doesn’t think anyone remembers his record for pardoning terrorists, criminals and scumbags.

Go find a bimbo, Bill.

[gov_bean_ counter]

It truly is amazing how this sh%t just rolls off his tongue.

[SMM48]

The Bush Admin & the MSM never say a damn thing! That is why Bill and Hill feel free to make these moronic sanctimonious statements.

The Bush high road hasn't worked so far so why not try a shot across the bow of Clinton Inc?

[peggybac]

What an absolute a**hole. God, how I detest that man. There really is something psychologically wrong with him.

[CaptainK]

I need to take an aspirin and lie down.

[K-oneTexas]

“Yeah, but I think the facts were different,” Mr. Clinton said. “I think there are guidelines for what happens when somebody is convicted." Guidelines for what happens when someone is convicted. All 400 or so of yours were convicted. Or maybe your thinking of your friends, Henry Cicneros, Sandy Berger et al.

You’ve got to understand, this is consistent with their philosophy; they believe that they should be able to do what they want to do, and that the law is a minor obstacle.” Do you really want to talk about the law. As an obstacle or something that doesn't pertain ... to you or your party either evidently. Lets think here ... Jefferson of LA.

Lawbreakers come in all shapes, sizes ... and political party. Some just aim higher at what they break.

But lets not anyone talk about a rabid out of control prosecutor ... unless his name is Starr? Is that it Bill? You and Sandy and Henry and others are innocent ... even when proven guilty. Somebody stick a fork in him, I do believe he's done.

[lowbridge]

This particular action by the president is one more piece of evidence in their ongoing disregard for the rule of law that they think they don't have to answer to," she said.

Hillary Clinton Slams Bush Over Libby Maneuver

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

The Bush high road hasn't worked so far so why not try a shot across the bow of Clinton Inc?

That'll happen when Hell fields an NHL franchise.

This is my biggest disappointment of Bush. No fighting back against Dem lies and BS.

[george76]

PARDONS GRANTED BY PRESIDENT CLINTON

http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/clintonpardon_grants.htm

[PISANO]

Pot calling kettle black!!

NO SHAME exists in the soul of Bill & Hill CLINTON, only arrogance and selfishness!!

They epitomize the ME GENERATION!!