Think Progress

Assault on Fitzgerald Intensifies

By Judd Legum on Oct 24th, 2005 at 5:18 pm

Assault on Fitzgerald Intensifies

The New York Daily News reports that administration “defenders have launched a not-so-subtle campaign against the prosecutor handling the case.” They’ve got this quote about special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald from a “White House ally”:

He’s a vile, detestable, moralistic person with no heart and no conscience who believes he’s been tapped by God to do very important things

James Comey, the Bush administration official who announced Fitzgerald’s appointment, had a different take on December 30, 2003:

I chose Mr. Fitzgerald, my friend and former colleague, based on his sterling reputation for integrity and impartiality. He is an absolutely apolitical career prosecutor.

The mud is being thrown but it’s going to be hard to make it stick.

Comments
77

77 Responses to “Assault on Fitzgerald Intensifies”

howie says:

Those comments are so over the top. Who would be low enough to make them…
October 24th, 2005 at 5:20 pm
Rick says:

Sounds like their talking about Bush…
October 24th, 2005 at 5:22 pm
Jonathan says:

Actually, I think they could have been a Rovian self-critique.

The problem is, it just sounds bitter and unbelievable. These guys have been batting roughly .000 since the Social Security fight started.
October 24th, 2005 at 5:24 pm
Andrew G. says:

Since when was Bush, or anyone from Texas for that matter, subtle?

I opine for a non-southerner president; and I’m a southerner!
October 24th, 2005 at 5:25 pm
sCooter says:

The roots! They connect!
The leaves! They fall!
October 24th, 2005 at 5:27 pm
The Northeast Dilemma says:

This is such crap. You pick a Bush apologist (unnamed) to prove a point that doesn’t exist. Trust me, if the GOP thought it was a good idea to go after Fitz, we would have done it already. He’s clean (unlike Ronnie Earle) and he’s not being attacked. He’s leading a dignified investigation so stop creating something for YOUR political gain.
October 24th, 2005 at 5:27 pm
Brian says:

Just for fun, google “cooter ass”. It’s a hoot!
October 24th, 2005 at 5:28 pm
Ryan Neat says:

NED, haven’t you lied enough this week? We all know the NYDailyNews is a Rupert Murdoch propaganda outlet – they don’t sneaze without whitehouse pre-approval. Surely your reading comprehension has decreased below it’s normal mentally retarded level into illiterate. What about Heâ€™s a vile, detestable, moralistic person with no heart and no conscience who believes heâ€™s been tapped by God to do very important things do you not see as an ‘attack’? Maybe that’s how you republicans shake genitals – but to me it’s ridiculous.
October 24th, 2005 at 5:30 pm
Clyde the Ripper says:

NED,

I agree with you in part but I challenge you to hold Fitz in the same esteem after he indicts the whole damn bunch of crooks.
October 24th, 2005 at 5:30 pm
profmarcus says:

media matters, in addition to what think progress has put up, has a relatively simple, memorable list of pointers to rebut the fitzgerald attacks…

http://takeitpersonally.blogspot.com/2005/10/media-matters-anticipates-fitzgerald.html

http://mediamatters.org/items/200510210011
October 24th, 2005 at 5:30 pm
spyder says:

“Heâ€™s a vile, detestable, moralistic person with no heart and no conscience who believes heâ€™s been tapped by God to do very important things”

this is such an apt description of Kenneth Starr though.
October 24th, 2005 at 5:31 pm
Brian says:

Here you go, NED. We all need a laugh:

http://www.godofbiscuits.com/blog/archives/2005/05/splendor_in_the.html
October 24th, 2005 at 5:31 pm
ElectricBassPlayer says:

Sounds to me like the source has had a nervous breakdown.
October 24th, 2005 at 5:33 pm
Brian says:

You make a good point, ElectricBassPlayer.
At the very least the source is in the middle of a tantrum. Doesn’t sound legit as far as I’m concerned.
October 24th, 2005 at 5:37 pm
The Northeast Dilemma says:

#9 – I’ll take you up on that. Ryan – don’t start being objective now, you don’t want to ruin your attack dog status. Brian – you need help, as most liberals do…
October 24th, 2005 at 5:39 pm
Pete Bogs says:

Fitz is a good Irish-American whose pints will be on me when this is all over… all reliable sources say he’s objective, fastitious and non-political in his work… sounds like he has this mostly forgetten thing called integrity…
October 24th, 2005 at 5:42 pm
Ryan Neat says:

I’m always objective NED, I make my posts based on facts. You’re just always such a partisan fool you never realized it!

You’re right we do need help treating and medicating insane fools like you!
October 24th, 2005 at 5:43 pm
Ryan Neat says:

And NED, where’s the apology and admissions for all of the LIES I caught you on last week. You’re such a weak and immoral fool!
October 24th, 2005 at 5:44 pm
Punchy says:

#15–are you suggesting the quote was made up? A point that doesn’t exist? Obviously, it does, if that’s what was said. The NeoClowns never expected this to hurt them, so they never fought it. Well, they’re fighting now. Of course, with words only. Until Fitz “disappears”….
October 24th, 2005 at 5:45 pm
Pete Bogs says:

ironically, or perhaps expectedly, the Rovian smear techniques are being used against the guy who may end Rove as a political entity… notice the so-called “ally” in the story doesn’t substantiate those claims? he doesn’t have to… the neocon faithful automatically eat up whatever BS if fed to them…
October 24th, 2005 at 5:47 pm
Jeanne says:

And you know what? He doesn’t care what the NY daily news prints. He just gets up in the morning to do a job and when he’s finally finished at the end of a very long day…he goes to bed.
He can’t be smeared because he does not care. He will put the information out and let the country and the grand jury decide.
Folks, the bush bumper stickers are being chipped off the bumpers as we speak. The magic is gone. Rove is a toad. Libby is a weasel. DeLay is a cockroach. Cheney is a troll. Bush is a chimp.
The GOP can try their campaign but it won’t work anymore. To much has surfaced. It is over.
October 24th, 2005 at 5:49 pm
Turk Fowler says:

Ryan- You usually use words like “stupid-bigot-hateful-uninformed-idiot” when you address NED, I think you’re losing your touch! You may need to do a re-fill on the lefty kool-aid and make another attempt….
NED- Please stop making sense, you’re diverting the anger from ME and ruining my fun…Knock it off!
October 24th, 2005 at 5:50 pm
Ryan Neat says:

Turk,

I use adjectives that fit the person – see as a republican you aren’t accustomed to people using language in an appropriate or accurate manner – so it’s easy to see why you’d be confused by that.

And when NED makes sense, we’ll know the apolocypse is here. You on the otherhand are better described as a nitwit apologist.
October 24th, 2005 at 6:04 pm
Brian says:

I found the source for the “vile” comment:

http://www.photomediagroup.com/archive/2004-fall/img/jl-hairGossip.jpg
October 24th, 2005 at 6:08 pm
Magnum DB says:

Wait, so they don’t like it when they hear that somone does things because they say they were tapped by God? Funny… I thought that was the basis of Bush’s entire presidency.
October 24th, 2005 at 6:13 pm
War4Sale says:

I don’t think they wanted to point the smear machine at Fitz, because the stakes are too high to risk it backfiring and getting slime all over Bush.

However, the administration has their backs against the wall now and they’re totally desperate. From here on out they’ll be pulling out all the stops. These men have shown they’re capable of doing just about anything to advance their agenda.
October 24th, 2005 at 6:14 pm
Ned's Mom says:

Please excuse Ned, He has not been feeling well lately, and I don’t think he is taking his meds
October 24th, 2005 at 6:20 pm
wisedup says:

“I ‘CAN’T’ be wrong, I’m a republican, and god is on our side.” I’ve heard this crap all my life. The ship is sinking, and some will always say: “NO it’s not!..glug glug.”
October 24th, 2005 at 6:21 pm
J Dubya says:

Anytime they use the word “vile” when describing someone or something, they’re desperate, and they immediately lose credibility with any but the koolaid drinkers.

For examples, see any of O’Reilly’s rants about the ACLU or Media Matters…
October 24th, 2005 at 6:25 pm
hotfroggy+ says:

the ones who talk the most, have the most to explain, are usually the ones lying! watch bush answer any kind of non-scripted question. it brings out the “i’m lying” body language that many observers have covered. they smear because they are scared shitless. bless fitzpatrick, may he live long and prosper!
October 24th, 2005 at 6:29 pm
katy says:

w had high praise for fitzgerald when speaking with matt lauer while choking that hammer last week….hmmmm…
October 24th, 2005 at 6:31 pm
Catalyst for Change says:

NED,

What is your view on how Fitzgerald has handled the investigation? Do you believe he is being fair and non-partisan about it? And whom do you believe he will indict in this case? Curious…
October 24th, 2005 at 6:36 pm
Ryan Neat says:

BDRS,

See the problems with republicans is they only believe ‘what makes sense to them’ from their preconception and ignorant biases. They don’t realize that facts often displace these preconceptions with life changing information. That’s why they’re idiots and fools.
October 24th, 2005 at 6:36 pm
Catalyst for Change says:

Ryan,
#37, I agree with what you have said, except I don’t think folding ALL republicans into that mold is fair. You can say the same about any human being… we are ALL influenced by our own preconcieved notions and biases. Its part of the many flaws that make up humanity. Attacking them all just alienates the ones who may be open to changing their views if approached in less agressive manner. Just a thought…
October 24th, 2005 at 6:42 pm
The Muse says:

It’s PNG time for Saint Patrick.

But who could blame the vicious swine for speaking out when they face….

Fitzgerald Issues Frog-Marching Guidelines
October 24th, 2005 at 6:43 pm
Clyde the Ripper says:

Within the next week we can expect three things:

1) Syria will launch an unexpected, unprovoked, unprecedented, unimaginable, unamurkan attack on our supported troops in Iraq just as they were sitting down to a seven course meal with all the adoring Iraqi children so we need to stay the course; and

2) Wonder of all wonders, we have captured Osama Bin Laden. We took him alive but we had a little accident on the way home. Those just like wounds from an earthquake and he really hasn’t been dead as long as he smells. We just happened to find him at this opportune moment so we need to stay the course; and

3) My Brother-in-law, or yours, will leave his lunch box on the curb again prompting another full scale alert which just proves those bad old terrists have to be watched all the time so we must stay the course.

Just remember you saw it here first.

Click on Clyde
October 24th, 2005 at 6:50 pm
EasyRider says:

The investigator, and prosecuter into a crime about leaking the identification of a CIA operivative by smearing her husband who was critical of the Bush administration, is now the target of a another smear campaign to discredit him.

You would think that being part of such an organized group effort would take note of that the prosecutor is looking into the charge of conspirancy. You would like part-taking in another such attack would be like stricting the perverbual thrid-rail up your ass to see if it really would kill you.

I guess the GOP really have no shame. There is no crime that they can do that will shame them.
October 24th, 2005 at 6:51 pm
Tigris Lily says:

“a vile detestable man” “no conscience” “who believes he’s been tapped by God to do important things”–that White House aide must have been talking about his boss. Sure sounds like George W to me!
October 24th, 2005 at 6:52 pm
Catalyst for Change says:

NED,

I will say the same thing to you… claiming all liberals ‘need help’ is just as inaccurate as Ryan claiming all republicans are idiots… do you honestly believe such a thing is accurate? What are some things you believe ‘ALL liberals’ believe that proves they need help? (please give an honest answer, no stupid remarks)
October 24th, 2005 at 6:55 pm
Better Dead than Red...state says:

catalyst for change,

You will not get any response from NED. Let alone one that does not include stupid remarks.

But you get points for trying!
October 24th, 2005 at 6:58 pm
katy says:

clyde – is that bird picture an example of “trickle down economics”? that’s kinda like what i FEEL like sometimes…i just jumped here from the post about our future fed leader…ugh……
October 24th, 2005 at 7:04 pm
Speed King says:

Sounds like the White House KNOWS bad things are coming their way. They wouldn’t be stirring up the mud machine if Fitzgerald was packing up to go home.
October 24th, 2005 at 7:05 pm
Ryan Neat says:

“I will say the same thing to youâ€¦ claiming all liberals â€˜need helpâ€™ is just as inaccurate as Ryan claiming all republicans are idiotsâ€¦ do you honestly believe such a thing is accurate?”

But reality is that Republicans do tend to be idiots. And the ones that aren’t idiots back stupid policies making them idiots by action. I happen to have friends who are republicans, but when it comes to politics, they’re idiots, no matter how well they may execute the rest of their lives. How else do you explain an entire voting block that claims to believe in fiscal responsiblity while racking up the largest deficit in history. I’m sorry, but the evidence is pretty overwhelming that anyone left in the republican party IS AN IDIOT!
October 24th, 2005 at 7:22 pm
Don Groves says:

When I read that first quote, I thought it was about Bush!
October 24th, 2005 at 7:38 pm
Ryan Neat says:

CFC,

Perhaps all is too ‘inaccurate’ as to hold a 100% interpretation – but in reality when someone chooses a political party that is at odds with the interests of a civilized society – I personally feel it’s quite appropriate to describe them ALL as idiots. While they might think they have good reasons for doing this, a tiny bit of legitimate research will quickly demonstrate that they’re wrong. This means they are either too lazy, too stupid, too rigid or too ignorant. All of those characteristics fit the definition of an idiot.

idiot:
1 usually offensive : a person affected with idiocy
2 : a foolish or stupid person

idiocy:
1 usually offensive : extreme mental retardation
2 : something notably stupid or foolish
October 24th, 2005 at 7:44 pm
Better Dead than Red...state says:

CFC

Still now word from NED>

Told you it wouldn’t happen.

Trolls, no matter what they say, are verbal bomb throwers.

Asking them to participate in polite discourse and follow through on an argument (that is almost always full of holes and easily refuted) is like asking a mad dog to start barking. You can ask, but the beast will not understand.
October 24th, 2005 at 7:48 pm
mpower1952 says:

When I read that first quote, I thought it was about Bush!

Don- I did too.
October 24th, 2005 at 7:49 pm
Mr Blifil says:

“Heâ€™s a vile, detestable, moralistic person with no heart and no conscience who believes heâ€™s been tapped by God to do very important things”

Hmmm…which Republican Chief Executive could the above quote also be used to describe?

The cineplex called, guys, they want their projector back.
October 24th, 2005 at 7:54 pm
the truth fairy says:

they are
October 24th, 2005 at 7:57 pm
Stefan says:

“He’s a vile, detestable, moralistic person with no heart and no conscience who believes he’s been tapped by God to do very important things” – this reads like a classic case of projection, where they project their own traits on someone else, and treat the flaw as if it’s “out there” somewhere.

This quote applies so well to Bush himself, that I had to read it a couple times to make sure they really weren’t talking about president!
October 24th, 2005 at 7:58 pm
Better Dead than Red...state says:

CFC

Still waiting for that polite response from NED, aren’t we?
October 24th, 2005 at 8:08 pm
Ned's Mom says:

Boys, Boys, I have told you, i think NED is sick, without his meds, he is delerious,he thinks his world is falling apart, I think he’s right!
October 24th, 2005 at 8:09 pm
Catalyst for Change says:

NED,

Do me a favor, and don’t allow the others here to paint you into a corner… you have the ability to respond to my comment in an intelligent manner without sarcasm. I can promise I’ll to do the same. What more could you honestly ask for?
October 24th, 2005 at 8:16 pm
Better Dead than Red...state says:

cfc

I knew NED would NEVER respond to your request. I knew it would remain unanswered.

I thought, maybe, by calling him out, By saying that he is a true troll and thus a chickenshit, he would respond to you just to prove me wrong.

NED didn’t even do that. Cripes!

NED is a bigger loser than I even believed.
October 24th, 2005 at 8:32 pm
Ryan Neat says:

CFC,

You haven’t been here long have you? These creeps almost never post anything remotely rational or reasonable no matter how civil you are. I frankly got tired of coddling their failures, and starting giving them what they were most familiar with – a frontal assault. The republicans have been doing this for the last 2 decades, so I figure if that’s what they dish out, clearly it’s the only language they can understand.

Anyone that wants to have a civil conversation with me can do so, including NED, but I’ve tried to have them with her – she’s incapable. Everytime she posts some idiotic nonsense, and I overwhelm her with facts, figures and even GOVERNMENT links that contradicts her myths – all she does is post yet another lie. That’s what propagandists do – it’s not what civilized americans who want to have a debate do. And unfortunately this is part and parcel of what constitutes american conservatism – and why the reichwing sites censor like the morons propagandists that they are!
October 24th, 2005 at 8:52 pm
m says:

“moralistic,” “no heart” and “no conscience” don’t belong in the same sentence together. that’s why moral republicants claiming “morality” as their strong suit are frauds. aside from the sheer inanity of the quote, and the oft-repeated no-ironic-awareness of its reference to/description of our current commander in chief, the sentence doesn’t make a bit of damn sense. but then again, nothing else does either.
October 24th, 2005 at 8:58 pm
Better Dead than Red...state says:

Just stopping by to see if NED (male or female) has responded to CFC’s request.

Nope.

Nothing.

Quelle surprise.

It will be a long night waiting, I am sure.
October 24th, 2005 at 9:10 pm
The Northeast Dilemma says:

CFC – not all liberals NEED HELP. But, Ryan does need help. It’s not mutually exhaustive.
October 24th, 2005 at 9:21 pm
Better Dead than Red...state says:

CFC

NED is here. Take him or her on.

What will be the topic?
October 24th, 2005 at 9:24 pm
Marie says:

“Vile, detestable” are adjectives that describe most of the White House personnel. Like children in the school yard, they start slurring kids they don’t like. To use school yard retorts “it takes one to know one” or “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”
When they cannot argue on facts, they will attack. The slimebags in the White House are a disgusting lot.
October 24th, 2005 at 10:48 pm
jami says:

since when is a quote like that so important that it’s worth anonymizing the source? last i knew, that kind of thing was called libel.
October 24th, 2005 at 11:15 pm
kjlovell says:

When cornered and in danger, the chimp becomes angry and aggressive. And before you know it, the chimp and other chimps start throwing their shi***!

Dumbya and the whole bunch are getting ready to be indicted for conspiracy! Great day to be a true patriot!

But wait, daddy just reminded the chimp about all those pardons in his costume pocket.

But that won’t work a third time.
October 24th, 2005 at 11:46 pm
SKdeA says:

Always fun to watch Ryan punching NeD’s lights out on line!
Welcome to the fray, Catalyst, hope you can take the heat and share your opinions without joining the ranks of the idiots… we like conservatives that can back up their arguments with facts – too bad we haven’t met any yet!
October 24th, 2005 at 11:53 pm
m says:

don’t feed trolls. they’re draining energy out of you, and they’re enjoying it. duh.
October 25th, 2005 at 12:22 am
dingo kidneys says:

“Heâ€™s a vile, detestable, moralistic person with no heart and no conscience who believes heâ€™s been tapped by God to do very important things”

Huh. So they’re talking about Bush here?
October 25th, 2005 at 9:40 am
Bobby says:

I didn’t know there is more than one turd blossom.
October 25th, 2005 at 9:59 am
caj says:

“Heâ€™s a vile, detestable, moralistic person with no heart and no conscience who believes heâ€™s been tapped by God to do very important things” — Wait. Wait. Are we talking about Fitzpatrick . . . or George Bush?
October 25th, 2005 at 11:26 am
Pete Bogs says:

Has Fitz dropped his investigation? You be the judgeâ€¦

http://blogdebogs.blogspot.com/2005/10/breaking-news-fitzy-sees-error-of-his.html
October 25th, 2005 at 12:05 pm
kjlovell says:

I bet dumbya and the bunch have to wear depends undergarments these days. I hope the waiting is hell for them.

What is most satisfying about all this: Fitz hasn’t tipped his hand, and it is driving CON’s mad.

22 indictments and not a word about who. Friday Fitz tried to serve them Friday, Gonzo was told to fire him and didn’t have the stones to do it and recused himself. Boys and girls, can you say “Watergate”? Second in command didn’t have the stones to fire him and ran for cover and couldn’t be found. Very very funny.

Meanwhile at the BIG HOUSE, rover is trying to stir and spin and no one is taking the bait. rover is also trying to play the “terra” card and it isn’t working. Dumbya is trying to get his mug on every TV channel to save his worthless involved-to-his-eyeballs azz. Again, no one is biting. Maybe he and his handlers think no one will arrest him on camera….I bet they will.

I would love to see dumbya melt down on camera….’what a world, what a world….I’m melting’

A true Kodak moment!

and now you almost know the rest of the story.
October 25th, 2005 at 12:39 pm
Catalyst for Change says:

NED,

I am happy to see that you appeared and responded to one of my posts. Now lets Move On (pun intended) from your eternal battle of witty remarks/insults with Ryan and such and focus on the matter at hand. I have re-posted my question earlier… lets have any honest discussion.

What is your view on how Fitzgerald has handled the investigation? Do you believe he is being fair and non-partisan about it? And whom do you believe he will indict in this case? Curiousâ€¦

Also, I have one other item that really bothers me and want you view on it. Do you feel the Republican Party has differing standards on the importance of perjury? If you recall, Clinton was impeached for his testimony
about Monica and we STILL hear about it today. However, if it is found that the current administration commited perjury on a much more serious charge, are you going to hold them accountable at the same level of outrage or label perjury as a mere technicality? Thanks!
October 25th, 2005 at 1:14 pm
Catalyst for Change says:

Thanks to all who have responded to my posts so far… its nice to be able to participate in a debate (although, I am still waiting on the debate part). ;)
October 25th, 2005 at 1:18 pm
Turk Fowler says:

#29- He’ll feel better after the we put him in an education camp for re-orienting…..
Sincerely, Fidel
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Assault on Fitzgerald Intensifies

Assault on Fitzgerald Intensifies

77 Responses to “Assault on Fitzgerald Intensifies”

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