Think Progress

Day 19: White House’s Stonewalling on Abramoff Reveals New Hypocrisy

Today in the White House press briefing, Scott McClellan was asked again why the White House refuses to open up records of meetings that Abramoff had with Bush. Here’s what he said:

There’s a difference between responding to questions like that and engaging in a fishing expedition that has nothing to do with the investigation.

This most recent explanation shows the White House has completely spun itself into knots. Whereas the White House used to refrain from comment on matters related to the leak investigation because the questions WERE related to an ongoing investigation, the White House is now arguing it won’t comment because the questions are NOT related to an ongoing investigation.



60 Responses to “Day 19: White House’s Stonewalling on Abramoff Reveals New Hypocrisy”

  1. David says:

    Hey, Scottie. What’s the current bid on eBay on those pics of your boss and ol’ Jack?


  2. Clyde the Ripper says:

    Why even ask? What happens of Scottie holds a briefing and nobody comes? He would have to lie to himself: “Self, I say, I can’t talk about that because it might make my nose grow and Jeffie wouldn’t kiss me anymore.”


  3. unbelievable says:

    How ever does Sir Scottie keep from getting all dizzy? I’d have fallen over by now…


  4. Rosencrantz says:

    NOt to mention the Republican Hyppocrisy regarding Domestic spying…and their reasoning that “If you have nothing to hide then you shouldn’t worry about being spied on.”

    If Bush has nothing to hide then why are they fighting so hard to keep the public in the dark.


  5. Bushllit says:

    who will hold these guys accountable…I agree with Clyde…if the WH is going to play games just report with out them, the press is doing them a favor by asking questions and giving them a chance to voice an opinion, if the wh refuses to take advantage of this, then save the commute and talk to those who won’t play games with national issues… why does the press have to sit and play the runaround?


  6. KG Prophet says:

    Bush and his fellow Republicans’ hypocrisy know no bounds.


  7. Mikey says:

    The Daily Show’s take on this last night was hilarious. Anyone have a clip?


  8. G.Gordon Giddy says:

    Daily Show clips can be found at Comedy Central, Crook and Liars and even Can of Fun. You can google all those sites. They aren’t hard to find.


  9. Zookeeper says:

    #7 – Mikey, check in with Crooks and Liars. He doesn’t have one now, but may have one later.


  10. RunningDogLackey says:

    Let’s see:

    1. Can’t discuss an ongoing investigation.
    2. Can’t discuss anything unrelated to an ongoing investigation.
    3. Won’t respond to hypothetical scenarios.
    4. Can’t discuss real scenarios, like staff meetings.
    5. Will not dignify gossip or innuendo.

    Other than “Star Trek trivia,” I don’t think Scotty has much room for dialogue.


  11. Clyde the Ripper says:

    #6

    Money, Money, Money! Corporations buy advertising time, Bush works for the corporations, the press holds Bush accountable, the corporations don’t buy advertising. Solution: the voting public buys stuff, the corporations buy advertisements from the press, the people who hold Bush accountable buy other products, the Bush corporations can’t afford advertisements, other Bush Bashing corporations buy advertisements, the press is happy, the public is happy, the Bushco corporations are broke and hopefully in jail, and King George the Dumb, Deposed, is doing 15-20 in Leavenworth and Clyde the Ripper pops the cork on a bottle of Geritol.


  12. Clyde the Ripper says:

    My apologies, Comment #11 should have been directed to #5, Bushllit.


  13. I-RIGHT-I says:

    Ya gotta love it. The Donk press just keeps being led from one dark room to the other. No wonder no one buys newspapers anymore. Who wants to read about the further adventures of Frick and Frack, “professional journalists”.

    Q Hey Scotty, how ’bout those hooters on Vallery Plame?
    A Sorry, can’t comment on any details of an on going investigation.

    Q Hey Scotty, How ’bout those details of meetings between George and jack?
    A Sorry, can’t comment on events not connected to the current investigation of the hooters on Vallery Plame.


  14. MrTude says:

    FLIP FLOPPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!


  15. Jesus Christ God of WAR says:

    We’re kinder to wounded animals. At least we put them down when they show no signs of recovering.


  16. Jesus Christ God of WAR says:

    39% last week. 36% this week.

    Scottie should take another job. Quick, before the rats themselves start leaving this ship under their own power.


  17. big papa says:

    There’s NO DOUBT Brokeback Bushiva and Abramoff are “friends”…

    What I’d like to know is where are they hiding BBBushiva’s college roommate(s)?

    A male cheerleader, Jeff Gannon, Brokeback Chief Justice Roberts, and now Brokeback Alito…

    The Brokeback conservatives, how big can this closet be?


  18. veitnow says:

    how come they are not posting these on cspan…
    I cant seem to find the last two pc’s..


  19. G.Gordon Giddy says:

    Murtha was right.

    Study: Army Stretched to Breaking Point

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Stretched by frequent troop rotations to Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army has become a “thin green line” that could snap unless relief comes soon, according to a study for the Pentagon.

    Andrew Krepinevich, a retired Army officer who wrote the report under a Pentagon contract, concluded that the Army cannot sustain the pace of troop deployments to Iraq long enough to break the back of the insurgency. He also suggested that the Pentagon’s decision, announced in December, to begin reducing the force in Iraq this year was driven in part by a realization that the Army was overextended.

    As evidence, Krepinevich points to the Army’s 2005 recruiting slump – missing its recruiting goal for the first time since 1999 – and its decision to offer much bigger enlistment bonuses and other incentives.

    “You really begin to wonder just how much stress and strain there is on the Army, how much longer it can continue,” he said in an interview. He added that the Army is still a highly effective fighting force and is implementing a plan that will expand the number of combat brigades available for rotations to Iraq and Afghanistan.

    The 136-page report represents a more sobering picture of the Army’s condition than military officials offer in public. While not released publicly, a copy of the report was provided in response to an Associated Press inquiry.

    Illustrating his level of concern about strain on the Army, Krepinevich titled one of his report’s chapters, “The Thin Green Line.”


  20. Hardy Haberman says:

    Does Scott even know he looks like a complete FOOL when he lies like that?


  21. Clyde the Ripper says:

    Having lived through all our military conflicts since WWII and logging over forty-years of service to the military both in and out of the service I have little patience for those who criticize the ability of our military. I have great disdain to those politicians who wage political war by limiting the military’s ability to do its job, e. g. Vietnam, Gulf War I, Bush II Iraq Fiasco, and all others since Vietnam. The war in Iraq could be over in three months or less in one of two ways: (1) Bush admit he made a mistake (an understatement) and bring the troops home, or (2) Let the military do what they are trained to do–Win the God Damn War.

    If it a war with Iraq let them take Iraq with whatever troop levels, equipment, and support they need. If it a war against “terrorism,” which is a concept versus an entity, conduct that war with political or diplomatic means.
    If the military must be used put a big “T” on the forehead of every terrorist and get out of the way.

    The last five years has seen nothing but the raping of this country and the rest of the world by the Bushco. It is time to put a stop to it.


  22. big papa says:

    The last five years has seen nothing but the raping of this country and the rest of the world by the Bushco. It is time to put a stop to it.

    Comment by Clyde the Ripper #21

    Clyde,

    The genius of Karl Rover (sic) and Brokeback Bushiva is that they have so many outrageously corrupt, outlandishly incompetent, and outright treasonous incidents happening one right after the other NOBODY can focus…

    They realize that for the most part America suffers from ADD in general, and their inbred base from dementia in particular…

    They keep these dumb sombiches so dizzy, nothing gets traction…


  23. Marie says:

    This circus in the press briefing room is fodder for the liberal blogs, but the mainstream media lets it slip past the attention disordered public and their collective short memories. The contradictions and head-spinning turns by the White House and the answers to press questions are simply left to die. The press corps should be furious, they should bring their reports to the daily headlines, reminding the public of the contradictions coming from the White House. The press corps should be insulted to the point of rage at the disrespect they get from the White House, from planting Jeff Gannon in their midst and giving him free rein in the White House as well as at the briefings, to lying in reply to press questions.
    Perhaps there should be a mutiny — the press corps should all be seated when McClellan enters the room and then in one motion, they all get up and leave.
    In fact, I’d like to see the Democrats do the same in unison at the SOTU message next Tuesday.
    Disrespet deserves disrespect in return.


  24. big papa says:

    Perhaps there should be a mutiny — the press corps should all be seated when McClellan enters the room and then in one motion, they all get up and leave.
    In fact, I’d like to see the Democrats do the same in unison at the SOTU message next Tuesday.
    Disrespet deserves disrespect in return.

    Comment by Marie #23

    Marie,

    Nice dream…

    …it’ll never happen…


  25. Keith H. says:

    #23, Marie,
    You are so right.


  26. mr ho says:

    Scotty Gannons Man


  27. mr ho says:

    IRI thats CONSERVATIVE Media Buscho press.

    Of course you know that..


  28. Clif says:

    I just wonder how much scotties family believes anything he ever says, I mean they have ample evidence that he is incapable of finding the truth.


  29. Jay Randal says:

    President George W. Bush is a pathological liar! He will never admit knowing Jack Abramoff, even if there was nude pics of them in a hot tub with Jeff Gannon! Bush lied about WMD in Iraq, but he refuses to admit it! Pathological liars are mentally ill, so he needs therapy or hospitalization!


  30. mr ho says:

    U.S. private contractors, until now the biggest private-sector employers in Iraq, are preparing to leave as U.S. money runs out and Iraqi ministries take charge of the reconstruction effort.
    “We are drawing down,” said Ken Oscar, Fluor Corp.’s vice president for strategy. “We are not done by any stretch of the imagination, but we are drawing down.”
    The engineering and construction giant at one time had 250 to 300 people from the United States in Iraq, and employed roughly 20,000 Iraqis.
    Now, as the U.S.-funded part of the reconstruction effort comes to a close, Fluor has, perhaps, 100 Americans left in the country and is phasing out the Iraqi jobs.
    “The net [result] is a lot less employment for Iraqis,” Mr. Oscar said, even though much work remains to be done.

    Oh Yay Bush, your WAR is such a Success! Oh YaY.

    Of course BUSH cant afford another War, nor will people join it. Better get your Kevlar Vests Senators, Scotty Mc, Condi and Rummy, Et al AEI think tanks wurms. Cause this WAR will not be the American Public, OH NO!
    It shall be the American Elitists and their fat sweaty friends!

    Oh YAY! Yay go BraVe Senators! Sell your rights to BUSHCO! Fight for Defense contractors and Privitization!!
    YaY brave Senators, get your Boots on, because the AMERICAN people are done fighting your $$$Battles


  31. mr ho says:

    One could insert a Knotted rope into scotties derrier labeled truth, and he still wouldnt be able to follow it.

    Scottie Says;
    Getting your mug on TV, and being an IMPORTANT PERSON, is much more important than the people or the truth. Gosh, dont yall Know Politics?


  32. mr ho says:

    So much for freeing the people and democracy huh bush?
    Thousands of Americans, up to 300,000 iraqis died Many horribly wounded, Brain disorders from bombs, PTS syndrome, and Years later no OSAMA and the Iraqi Country is worse than before.
    And the US is broke facing backloaded taxes out the Wazoo.

    What a TOTAL failure you are Commander in chief bush


  33. mr ho says:

    Im of a GOOD mind to punch the next politician I see right in the Grill.


  34. Marie says:

    #24 BigPapa,
    I know it’s unrealistic, but I do give in to daydreaming sometimes. Wouldn’t it be fun?


  35. Jodi says:

    Scott”Shit for brains” McClelland is another White House
    turdblossom. I just love when David Gregory goes at him like a pit bull. It just shows McClellands’ lack of intelligence. He really is a pathetic mess.


  36. Dave says:

    Abramoff has no connection to the White House, so they have nothing to answer for.


  37. J A Bramoff says:

    It’s pretty hypocritical for asite funded by Democrat convicted felon George Soros to complain about convicted felon Abramoff.


  38. Flashback says:

    Maybe We Need NEW LAWs Against Greed, Corruption, Capitilization, Lieing, and Fearmongoering, Spying, and of course limited Government.
    I Heard Abramoff was planning on running for Republican Tom Delays Seat.
    Is this true Dave?


  39. Flashback says:

    Oh, by the way Dave, China thanks You for the extra Jobs sent overthere courtesy of yours truly J.A.


  40. Flashback says:

    What, You didn,t think J Abramoff dosn,t have his hands and feet in Chinas buisness?
    hohohohahaha


  41. Don Key says:

    McClellan is about as mealy-mouthed as they get. It’s a simple question that requires a simple answer. I suspect that eventually the White House will be answering a lot of questions related to Abramoff. And the Feds, rather than reporters, will be asking them. Man, if all this is GWB’s interpretation of “restoring dignity to the White House,” Repubs are more retarded than he thinks they are. They should get a PhD for believing it: Piled High and Deep.


  42. Flashback says:

    Like I said, Keep your eyes trained on the Behing the scenes Characters. Whats the story on Delayed?
    What is that Character Bolton up to?
    Where is Rice and Cheney?
    WATCHOUT.


  43. Flashback says:

    BEHIND THE SCENES


  44. cleaner says:

    OBL still at large, Katrina, Iraq occupation, Abramoff, Plame, Illegal Spying on Americans, Torture, No-bid Defense Contracts, Failing Drug Program, Coddling Big Pharma, Soaring Gas Prices, Coddling Oil Companies, No Help for the Middle Class, Massive Trade and Budget Deficits, Growing Inequality, Poor Education, Failure to Implement 9/11 Commission Recommendations, and the ongoing dirty tricks like Swiftboating veterans.

    Our lives, our hard earned money, squandered.

    Bush = a failure, a lawbreaker, and a disgrace to our Great Nation. He will not last his second term. He will be impeached shortly.


  45. Sharon Cox says:

    As usual, I thank you all, including Mr. Ho for your comments and information. I to have a dream, that in one of his around the world junkets in some obscure country Bull S*** Bush is arrested and held for war crimes indefinetly.Or perhaps kidnapped and held for ransom. Don’t think any one would pony up for a release pay off. The only good thing that would come out of it could be sobriety. Drunken, delerious sot that he is…Blessings


  46. WORFEUS says:

    Well 2 weeks ago he told the White House Press corp, ON CAMERA, “I promise to get you a detailed report on those meetings”.

    How long do we have to put up with this?


  47. Jay Randal says:

    Every photograph of Bush and Abramoff together must be published! Any letters or emails to each other must be published too!


  48. WORFEUS says:

    It is now reached RIDICULOUS.

    The White House says no we didn’t do anything wrong and NO were not gonna let you see the pictures.

    ???

    This is what we refer to outside of the beltway aspissin on our heads and telling us its rain.


  49. Bob says:

    So, What does his comment have anything to do with the question? I’m confused.


  50. WaltTheMan says:

    #49 – Bob,
    What comment, what question, what post, who is he? I’m confused.


  51. Max-1 says:

  52. Democrat Soldier says:

    How about the current administration take its own advice, and use their ‘logic’ they use on illegal wiretapping:

    If you don’t have anything to hide, you should just open up your records about your meetings with Abramoff.

    Of course, it would by hypocritical of the current administration to have one set of rules for everyone else, and ignore those same rules themselves.

    Sort of like a certain member of the house impeaching Pres. Clinton for having sex with a staffer, when he’s having sex with one of his staffers.


  53. big papa says:

    Abramoff has no connection to the White House, so they have nothing to answer for.

    Comment by Dave #36

    Dazed,

    Lemme guess…

    you’re home schooled…

    Right?

    yeahhhh, thought so….


  54. Cyra Brown says:

    I wonder what excuse they will offer up this time? Lobbyists will be less willing to lobby in the future, if they can’t have faith that their lobbying will be confidential? That was the Energy Task Force excuse. Bill Clinton had 10,000 meetings in the WH with Abramoff, so now what do you have to say? Judge Alito said it was all perfectly legal. So many possibilities!!


  55. big papa says:

    I to have a dream, that in one of his around the world junkets in some obscure country Bull S*** Bush is arrested and held for war crimes indefinetly.

    Comment by Sharon Cox #45

    Sharon,

    A post even Dr. King would love…


  56. big papa says:

    Comment by Max-1 #51

    Max-1 …..you are the MAN

    LMAORAOTFF

    hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!

    You bad a*sssssss paparazi you…

    Watch out for the lawsuit…

    hahahahhahahahaha!!!!!

    Wonderful!!


  57. big papa says:

    Hey gang!

    Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but…

    It looks like the Bushite Interior Dept aka. energy company watchdogs have been allowing us American taxpayers to get ripped off (tens-hundreds of millions) in oil and natural gas federal land lease royalties…

    Dam*it, those fu*kheads Bushiva and L’il Dick!

    I’m TIRED of these sombiches stealing my tax revenue, then sticking it to me every which way to Sunday…

    My back pocket where I keep my wallet- from the button to… you know where it goes down to my…bumhole…well dam*it it’s sore back there…

    How much longer are these criminal mofos gonna get away with this sh*t?

    And even more important, are we gonna let these basta*ds just ride off into the sunset with our loot?


  58. Flashback says:

    Cyra Brown,# 54. ripping off the donaters is NOT Perfectly Legal. Those Donaters were probably promised something they did not get. It also helps Casinos Rip off more People.
    And it sure dosnt help taxpayers any.
    Do you think it was Perfectly Legal?
    What ever Clinton Did Illegally should also be Investigated, But we ALL Know for sure That Rethugs Hasn,t Helped the Working Class or the Underprivledge with their Cuts On welfare programs, Now don,t we?


  59. Massachusetts Liberal says:

    #44 – You don’t say anything about the successes, like most vacation days ever by a president (or any other employee), winning a war before it was over, and, uh, getting himself in such darned good shape. I’m sure there’s more…….


  60. Life Covarage says:

    Life Covarage…

    innocuousness,Muncie Hoyt length officious tank obligation?Life Covarage http://www.tucsonwildlife.org/#



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