CNN’s Ed Henry Presses Bush On Contradictions In Iran Intelligence
CNN’s Ed Henry Presses Bush On Contradictions In Iran Intelligence
Yesterday, ThinkProgress highlighted CNN’s Ed Henry’s aggressive questions about whether the administration is standing behind claims that the “highest levels” of the Iranian government have ordered weapons shipments to Iraqi insurgents.
Today, Henry continued his dogged pursuit to get to the bottom of the administration’s contradiction with Gen. Peter Pace, who said he has not seen evidence that the Iranian government “clearly knows or is complicit” in the weapons smuggling. Henry confronted Bush about this contradiction and forced him to acknowledge “I don’t think we know” whether the Iranian government is ordering the weapons shipments.
While other reporters are already hyping and overstating the administration’s claims on Iranian intelligence, Henry has maintained healthy skepticism of their public statements. “What assurances can you give the American people that the intelligence this time will be accurate?” Henry asked Bush. “Ed, we know [Iranian weapons] are there,” the President responded, again dodging the question. Watch it:
Full transcript:
QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. President. I want to follow up on Iran one more time. Are you saying, today, that you do not know if senior members of the Iranian government are, in fact, behind these explosives?
That contradicts what U.S. officials said in Baghdad on Sunday. They said the highest levels of the Iranian government were behind this. It also — it seems to square with what General Pace has been saying, but contradicts with what your own press secretary said yesterday. What…
BUSH: Can I — let me — I can’t say it more plainly: There are weapons in Iraq that are harming U.S. troops because of the Quds Force. As you know, I hope, the Quds Force is a part of the Iranian government. Whether Ahmadinejad ordered the Quds Force to do this, I don’t think we know. But we do know that they’re there. And I intend to do something about it. And I’ve asked our commanders to do something about it. And we’re going to protect our troops.
QUESTION: But given some of those contradictions, Mr. President…
BUSH: There’s no contradiction that the weapons are there and they were provided by the Quds Force…
QUESTION: What assurances can you give the American people that the intelligence this time will be accurate?
BUSH: Ed, We know they’re there. We know they’re provided by the Quds Force. We know the Quds Force is a part of the Iranian government. I don’t think we need who picked up the phone and said to the Quds Force, Go do this, but we know it’s a vital part of the Iranian government.
What matters is, is that we’re responding. The idea that somehow we’re manufacturing the idea that the Iranians are providing IEDs is preposterous. My job is to protect our troops. And when we find devices that are in that country that are hurting our troops, we’re going to do something about it, pure and simple.
Now, David says: Does this mean you’re trying to have a pretext for war? No. It means I’m trying to protect our troops. That’s what that’s means. And that’s what the family members of our soldiers expect the commander in chief and those responsible for — responsible for our troops on the ground.
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February 14th, 2007 at 1:14 pmhttp://www.rawstory.com//news/2007/Bush_says_Iran_supplying_weapons_to_0214.html
As the debate over Iran’s involvement in attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq heats up, the Bush White House is facing a credibility gap of historic proportions. As Bush himself said in 2002:
“Fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again.”
For the details on Bush’s dubious Iran case, see:
February 14th, 2007 at 1:19 pm“Fool Me Once: Bush and Iran.”
Bush is a good lier, a good drunk, a good thief, a good killer, and a bad President.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:21 pm“We just know ED, dang it. I told you guys. I’m the decider” What benefit of the doubt has Bush ever earned? NONE, ZERO, NADA. Bush, you are a F**KIN LIAR.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:21 pmIt’s about time someone takes their job as a journalist seriously! Kudos to Ed Henry for investigative journalism – something sadly missing in this country for years now. Time to call a spade a spade and a liar a liar! This administration has “cried wolf” once and the people will not be tricked or fooled again by them.
Once Fooled = Shame on you!
Twice Fooled = Shame on me!!
We know better than to trust anything coming from this administration of lies and twisted truth.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:21 pm#2 …. Looks like we’re on the same page….too funny!
February 14th, 2007 at 1:21 pmEd Henry should probably stay away from small airplanes, cliffs, dangerous machinery, etc just in case an “accident” might happen since he’s apparently a DC ournalist who is actually doing his job and not sucking up to power.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:22 pm#3 Bush’s all-important “legacy” will be that he is THE Worst President Ever in the history of this country – and that’s saying something!
February 14th, 2007 at 1:22 pmThe only thing I want to know is: “What’s the excuse for the other reporters?”
February 14th, 2007 at 1:23 pmThis is explosive, as it may expose some in EU governments to crimes against humanity charges:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070214/ap_on_re_eu/cia_secret_prisons
February 14th, 2007 at 1:25 pmSo proud of Ed Henry. But you have to step back and say, wow, so this is what counts as heroic these days, asking probing questions of matters of war and peace. Things have gotten so bad that tough questions are rare.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:25 pmNow, David says: Does this mean you’re trying to have a pretext for war? No. It means I’m trying to protect our troops.
Then give them the effing body armour and resources they need to protect themselves!
February 14th, 2007 at 1:25 pmEd, Bush is a NUT!
February 14th, 2007 at 1:25 pmi’m surprised he was called on…
did the handlers forget to point out a new enemy combatant?
go ed!
February 14th, 2007 at 1:25 pmwatchyerback,man…
Is there still anyone out there that insists on denying that our administration plans to engage Iran in the near future?
Seixon, I’m looking at you.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:26 pmIn the race for short term, huge gains, the U.S. has planted so many seeds of terrorism and weaponry across the Globe, it’s not even the least bit funny.
You reap what you sow.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:29 pm“What assurances can you give the American people that the intelligence this time will be accurate?†– Ed Henry, CNN
February 14th, 2007 at 1:29 pmPres. Bush: “Hopefully, Ed, better assurances than my predessor and the rest of Clinton administration, along with the plethora of defeatist, but patriotic, Democrat Senators and Congress members gave when they were convinced the Iraqis were a threat to the stability of the region. But you know, Ed, you seem to be looking for assurances and certainty in a highly fluid situation. I don’t think our intelligence community has recovered fully from the effects of former President Carter’s naivete. Next question – yes Cheryl.”
Just wana say:
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
I love you all (including the trolls)
February 14th, 2007 at 1:31 pm#3 – “Bush is a good lier, a good drunk, a good thief, a good killer, and a bad President.”
Would you please quit plaigerizing Ayman al Zawahiri. Or perhaps, the “good doctor” is stealing your material?
February 14th, 2007 at 1:31 pm“Yhe idea that somehow we’re manufacturing the idea that the Iranians are providing IEDs is preposterous” yyyyyeeeaahhhhh you’d never do something like that!
February 14th, 2007 at 1:31 pmComment by mighty valiant aphrodic venus — February 14, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
February 14th, 2007 at 1:32 pmdo you normally just type pre-arranged words into a slathering of idiotic sentences?
Wait, don’t answer, I think I know it already!
#17 What a dolt response! Full of buck passing, ridiculous insinuations, and lack of balls for taking responsibility for the lies he spewed to the american people regarding Iraq….add to that his complicity in the outing of a covert CIA operative….illegal spying on citizens….tampering with the electronic voting system…..the horrendous lack of humanity displayed during Katrina (5 days for water?) and his continuous delusional behavior (Bush On The Couch by Justin A. Frank, M.D. – sociopath running things??) and you’ve got a total “puff piece” of doubletalk and scapegoatism. Does he really believe that anything that emantes from his buccal orifice means anthing to anyone with intelligence? Most of american has tuned this liar out long ago.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:34 pmThat was a lame one Venus. Your too young to know what you are talking about.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:36 pmI just now have seen the photographs of the weapons which the White House claims are “evidence” Iran is supplying weapons to Iraqi Shiites.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:43 pmAm I the only one who thought the enormous, western styled date stamp seemed just a little out of place?
Do the Iranians always use western styled calender dates?
I’ve seen labels on weapons before and they were very small and in this format: today would be 20070214.
Remember the Niger forgeries from Italy?
I’m sure Ed Henry will get slammed by the right, even though he’s doing his job.
Reporters are not stenographers — they’re supposed to ask questions and get to the truth, not just accept someone’s words as such.
Just remember that, wingnuts …
.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:44 pmI don’t think our intelligence community has recovered fully from the effects of former President Reagan’s perfidy.
There, MA. fixed it for you.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:44 pmA wise old prophet once wrote:
Well, John the Baptist after torturing a thief
Looks up at his hero, the Commander in Chief
Saying “Tell me, great hero, but please make it brief
Is there a whole for me to get sick in?”
The Commander in Chief answers him while chasing a fly
Saying “Death to all those who would whimper and cry”
And dropping a bar bell, he points to the sky
Saying, “The sun’s not yellow, it’s chicken.”
Yep. We’re f***ed
February 14th, 2007 at 1:46 pm“What assurances can you give the American people that the intelligence this time will be accurate?†– Ed Henry, CNN
Pres. Bush: Well why would I have to be held accountable to anyone? It’s hard work working as hard as I do and then to have to show the american people those pesky facts just boils my blood. Why don’t you be like the rest of the sheep, er reporters that just sit here nicely like Dick told em to. Didn’t you get served that home made juice? Condi, serve this man a double of the “special”.
Not that I’ll answer but next question.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:49 pmWhere are the comments on the qty’s of Sunni supplied weapons and their origins?
February 14th, 2007 at 1:52 pm#19- If I were plaigerizing al Zawahiri, I would also have to add that his mother is a *hore, Laura is a *hore, and his daughters are both *hores. Barney, on the other hand, is a GOOD boy.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:53 pmRove is now ginning up his slime machine to swiftboat Ed Henry.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:55 pmThe more I see Bush talk the more I feel he’s drinking alcohol. And drinking hard. It’s so embarrassing to see the President of the United States act so irritable and pesky when a reporter is just trying to dig for the truth. This is a Sham President with another Sham Impending War.
This man is all about lies.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:55 pmWOW he seems like one of the last journalists. I hope they can capture him and get him to mate in captivity. Perhaps in 20 years or so we could have a small herd of real journalists.
February 14th, 2007 at 1:59 pm“highest levels of the Iranian government”
Semantics.
No one is disputing that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is involved with providing the IEDs….right?
http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/iran/qods.htm
February 14th, 2007 at 2:00 pmWhat can the junta do right? Not jack sh*t.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070214/ap_on_re_af/somalia
The somalis are going to thank us for this.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:00 pmWhat the writer Mary McCarthy said of the playwright Lillian Hellman is, in all likelihood, certainly relevant to the current president: “Every word that comes out of her mouth is a lie, including the words “the” and “and.”
February 14th, 2007 at 2:00 pmSo Bush is saying the Quds Force is the highest level of their government? Too bad this isn’t the case here as I would much prefer somem Army Captain running the White House than the clowns that currently occupy it.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:02 pmBush: “The idea that somehow we’re manufacturing the idea that somehow the Iranians are providing th-the IED’s is preposterous, Ed!”
Pssh…keep right on babbling, “Darn Good Intelligence” Boy!
By the way, not only is it not preposterous, it’s actually been proven by the Pentagon’s inspector general:
Before the invasion, there was Feith
February 14th, 2007 at 2:02 pmIt really doesn’t matter how much Bush is forced to backtrack on his claims. Just getting the idea out there is enough to get the 30 percenters to wet their beds and line up behind the fearless leader for his next charge into the history books.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:05 pmBefore the invasion, there was Feith:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2007/02/14/EDGRJN773H1.DTL
February 14th, 2007 at 2:06 pmwhen bush said ‘ed’ then paused for a second, ed shoulda said “mr. president” back at him. that would have been a classic like the rather/nixon exchange
February 14th, 2007 at 2:06 pmSometimes the TRUTH trumps…LIES
Happy Valentines y’all!
February 14th, 2007 at 2:10 pmIt was ALWAYS about Iran.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:12 pmWhen the rest of the Complicit By Silence Media step up to the plate and reveal what we realized all along that this current adminstration is following the NeoCON wet dream fantasy by creating a provocative act to entangle the Iranians into the continuing melt-down of the Middle East. These people (Kristol, Perle Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice…) all want hegemony : they want to Control the Middle East. Just look back at PNAC and the 9/11 and it’s easy to see that the War Profiteers will be cuming in their pants when the first bombs directed at Iran go off.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:16 pm#42 Yes it was and we all know it! It was always about Iran and our imperialistic lust for power. It was always about the oil – big oil – something which the two reichwing oilnuts in the WH know a good deal about! Texas Tea…..Liquid Gold! Everyone in this country knew it had nothing to do with WMD (and if we did, so did Congress, ahem!)….
Do they really think americans are living under a rock?
February 14th, 2007 at 2:17 pm#37
So where in the article does it mention the Iranians proven not to be involved with providing IEDs inside Iraq?
February 14th, 2007 at 2:17 pmWhen will the rest of the Complicit By Silence Media step up to the plate and reveal what we realized all along? : that this current adminstration is following the NeoCON wet dream fantasy by creating a provocative act to entangle the Iranians into the continuing melt-down of the Middle East. These people (Kristol, Perle Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice…) all want Hegemony : they want to Control the Middle East. Just look back at PNAC and the 9/11 and it’s easy to see that the War Profiteers will be cuming in their pants when the first bombs directed at Iran go off.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:18 pmEd Henry, CNN: “What assurances can you give the American people that the intelligence this time will be accurate?â€
Pres. Bush: “Hopefully, Ed, the only assurance that you or any other red-state, I mean red blooded American will need is the fact that I your War President and Decider have said so. And, if by the light of a blue moon you need more assurance, you can be assured that my NSA, CIA, and FBI can most assuredly round you up, I mean invite you, to a debriefing where all your doubtful brain cells can be removed. “
February 14th, 2007 at 2:19 pmIsn’t control over the media one of the signs of FASCISM?
February 14th, 2007 at 2:20 pmWould you please quit plaigerizing Ayman al Zawahiri. Comment by valiant venus — February 14, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
Would you please go use an online dictionary so you can spell plagiarizing correctly?
Or perhaps, the “good doctor†is stealing your material?
Comment by valiant venus — February 14, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
Why, is that what your close personal friend – the doctor told you? When your side sounds more like Al Qaeda than Al Sharpton, you know there’s a problem twiggy. Oh, and eat a Tic-Tac, your arguments are even more thin than usual, and the lack of blood sugar is making you spell like an uneducated spoiled little girl – instead of the pretend attorney you want everyone to believe you are.
How’s the commodity trading? Hopefully not as boring as your posts.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:20 pmVeritas, most Americans are living under a rock. That’s why the Bush/Cheney cabal was able to slither into the WH.
And stay there.
* has absolutely NO credibility. He lies like most other people breathe. My brother is one of those troops that * claims to be so concerned about. Um, *, you are nothing but a liar, a coward, and a dodger of your own military duty. You lied my brother and all of our troops into this war for oil. They don’t need your “concern,” *. What they need is your ass thrown in the Hague.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:21 pmSo where in the article does it mention the Iranians proven not to be involved with providing IEDs inside Iraq?Comment by Tracy — February 14, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
Guilty until proven innocent. Looks like Tracy grew up in the SS.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:21 pmisn’t control of the Mass Media one of the signs of Fascism?
February 14th, 2007 at 2:21 pmPlease, Bush, I would like very much to see you attacking Iran.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:23 pmLets see what China and Russia think about that.
Kay (#48) You got it! It’s the “hallmark” of true fascism. That along with corporations running every aspect of the government as well. We haven’t had a true democracy since Bush took office. It’s been moving toward fascism gradually and now it is full fledged.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:27 pmProve to me Canada isn’t supplying arms to the terrists.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:29 pmHas * ever met a Persian? Do you think in his vast intellect he knows the difference between an Arab and a Persian? Or cares?
Semantics. No one is disputing that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is involved with providing the IEDs….right? http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/iran/qods.htm
Comment by Tracy — February 14, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
Tracy, that link is totally unrelated to your claim. Actually many are disputing the Iranian involvement. And the US has yet to prove that any such involvement is either widespread or even present.
But that doesn’t stop NeoCon spinners like yourself from spreading propaganda. Tell me Tracy, do you work for a company or own stock in a company that would make money from such a war? Otherwise I can’t imagine why you’d be stupid enough to support a second failing war.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:29 pmI’d bet that if BadBully-Boy Bush begins to posture toward Iran, we’ll see China and Russia come to their defense and put him and the rest of the war mongers in this country in their place – quickly. After all, what Bush and his group of demented neocons fail to realize is that we’re no longer “big kid on the block” and we’ve been reduced along with him to the low-ranking “bully idiot on the block” in one fell swoop!
Bush will get trampled by the countries who now have the clout – militarily and financially. When China calls due the 30% of the national debt owed to them, this country will fall economically into the status of a third world country. It’s sad but predictable and probably will come to fruition.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:31 pmSo why aren’t the NeoCons calling for the invasion of Malta? So far they’re the only country to have been caught doing widespread weapons smuggling to Iraqis.
http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=268504&pid=23
February 14th, 2007 at 2:32 pm#58 Does Malta have any oil? If not, fahgettaboutit!@
February 14th, 2007 at 2:36 pmSo where in the article does it mention the Iranians proven not to be involved with providing IEDs inside Iraq?
Comment by Tracy — February 14, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
So where in the article you linked does it mention that Iranians are proven to be involved with providing IEDs inside Iraq?
February 14th, 2007 at 2:37 pmWhat about all those Kalishnokovs I see. Should we be invading Russia?
February 14th, 2007 at 2:38 pm#45
The report by the Pentagon’s inspector general proves that intelligence was:
1. Distorted by a man handpicked by Rumsfeld to support the administration’s goal of invading Iraq
2. Despite warnings from intel community that it was erroneous, was used repeatedly by Cheney and Bush themselves to terrorize the American public into supporting the invasion.
As for proving conclusively that the Iranians are not involved with providing the IED’s, you can’t prove a negative.
And if the Iranians are somehow involved, that only shows what a poor Decider Bush is for backing a Shia regime that allies itself with Iran.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:38 pm“trying to protect our troops” my ass!!!! no body armour, weak humvee’s, no game plan to win the peace, no back up plan…yeah okay ass-wipe.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:47 pm“What assurances can you give the American people that the intelligence this time will be accurate?†– Ed Henry, CNN
Pres. Bush: “Hopefully, Ed, better assurances than my predessor and the rest of Clinton administration, along with the plethora of defeatist, but patriotic, Democrat Senators and Congress members gave when they were convinced the Iraqis were a threat to the stability of the region. But you know, Ed, you seem to be looking for assurances and certainty in a highly fluid situation. I don’t think our intelligence community has recovered fully from the effects of former President Carter’s naivete. Next question – yes Cheryl.â€
Comment by valiant venus — February 14, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
Wow… Actually, I can see Mr Bush dodging a straightforward question using that kind of answer… except he’s not as articulate.
You should be a speechwriter. You got it down.
Now, Mr President. How about you answer the reporters question?
February 14th, 2007 at 2:53 pmThe word is more like “attack” then push. Ed Henry is a mouth-piece for the anti-American left. He’s a thugh just like that Christie I’m-a-whore.
February 14th, 2007 at 2:56 pmSo we know the administration says that the Iranians are arming the insurgents. Assuming this is true normal people would know that they are arming the Shiites. Normal people also know that we are fighting the Sunni’s much more than anybody. Normal people also know that we are siding with the Shiites more than the Sunni’s. Does this make us Iran’s defacto Ally?
Also regarding the evidence presented. I would assume that it should be fairly easy to find out if the Iranians stamp their weaponry with English markings. Seems to me like the press should pursue this angle a little bit.
Also if the administration is correct and the Iranians are arming the Shiites, whom we are not fighting too particularly much right now, exactly who is arming the guys we are fighting? I suspect that the finding and armaments are coming from south of Iraq’s border and that is why it is not discussed by this administration.
February 14th, 2007 at 3:00 pmWhy is it, when someone is leftist they are considered Anti-American?
I thought Patriotism was speaking out even against one’s own country when you see soemthing wrong happening.
I resent being called Anti-American just because I am a Lefty!!
February 14th, 2007 at 3:06 pmI don’t think our intelligence community has recovered fully from the effects of former President Carter’s naivete. Next question – yes Cheryl.â€
Comment by valiant venus — February 14, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
But venus, there’s no evidence that either you or the president think, making this entire post misleading and erroneous. Then there’s the inconvenient truth, that the intelligence community had the right answers on Iraq, but Douglas Feith, and the rest of your NeoCon naive cabal subverted that intelligence.
But that’s really funny that you would claim Carter was Naive, when Rumsfeld was the one that promised we’d be met with flowers. Chalabi really can sell ice to Eskimos, if the Eskimo happens to be a NeoCon!!!!
You really should eat another tic-tac aphrodite, your arguments get thinner and thinner on your low blood sugar. Slow day trading commodities? Does your boss know you’re cheating him out of work to blog on political topics you’re completely ignorant of, other than your disinformation training from Ann Coulter?
February 14th, 2007 at 3:09 pmThe word is more like “attack†then push. Ed Henry is a mouth-piece for the anti-American left. He’s a thugh just like that Christie I’m-a-whore.
Comment by Liberals Heart Terrorists — February 14, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
Yet, here you are, calling those that question authority anti-american. When your very act itself is as anti-american as it gets.
Now that you’re done smearing any journalist that actually does their job, care to justify the decades of support you conservatives gave to the terrorists in your crusade against the commies? If there’s any group that’s anti-american, and anti-democratic – it would be your group, Heartless Conservative Terrorist.
February 14th, 2007 at 3:12 pmNot about oil, about arms.
February 14th, 2007 at 3:12 pmSo they really are pleased that their products are getting such great advertising!
I suspect that the finding and armaments are coming from south of Iraq’s border and that is why it is not discussed by this administration.
Comment by Mark — February 14, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
Well, the Saudis already said that they will arm the Sunnis in their fight against the Shiites, if the US withdraws.
It has also been reported that Saudis are currently funding Sunni insurgents in Iraq.
It just so happens that Saudi Arabia is one of the Bush administration’s key allies in the “war on terror”.
Oh, what tangled webs we weave…
February 14th, 2007 at 3:13 pmSpudge – ur the brownshirt. I truly you would kill conservatives if you could get away with it.
Kay – you are called anti-American because YOU ARE anti-American. You have lobbed nothing but hate at the Commander in Chief during war for saying the same things about Sadam that your beloved Hillary has said. Your partisanship during a time of war makes you anti-American.
February 14th, 2007 at 3:20 pmI resent being called Anti-American just because I am a Lefty!!
Comment by Kay
Kay, the neocons call anyone with a position different from them at all as anti-american. They also believe in shreading the constitution. The conservative mantra has been to eliminate the government, to “drown it in the bathtub”, as Grover Norquist the “father of modern conservatism” has stated.
They are the ones that are truely Anti-American, because for years they have called for the destruction of the government of “We The People”
February 14th, 2007 at 3:21 pmWhen Bush (again) gets his way…and he will…he will be dooming the Republicans for decades. They deserve it. They have lied their way into disaster for our country and sent thousands of our best into battle to die for the administration’s immovable stupidity. (what THEY call “resoluteness”)
Unfortunately, many more will die needlessly before the carnage is over. I sure wish the Congress would move faster and pass laws that have teeth.
February 14th, 2007 at 3:21 pmSweet! Thanks for the brackets, TP! Let’s play Bush Administration Mad Libs! Any of these ring familiar?
“Ed, we know [Iranian weapons] are there.”
Now try…
[weapons of mass destruction]
[Iraqis with flowers and candy]
[the seeds of a vigorous democracy]
[the building blocks of a stable goverment]
They can’t even compose a new script! Somebody IMPEACH this idiot!
February 14th, 2007 at 3:22 pmThe United States of America was founded on principals that nowadays are attacked as “leftist”, here’s a few:
-free speech
-one man, one vote
-habeus corpus
-the right to assemble
-freedom from illegal search and seizure
And now, to be accused of being un-American, or unpatriotic, by right wing fascist extremists like valium venus who seek to do away with all of our civil liberties, in the name of being patriotic…… SUCKS.
February 14th, 2007 at 3:23 pmNot only was CHIMPya a draft-dodger and a responsibility shirker, he is STILL DODGING incisive questions to get to the TRUTH, which is an alien concept unheard of by CHIMPya’s jug-ears! CHIMPya should be sent over to fight in the front lines with the American troops so he can teach them how to “DODGE the bullets and IEDs’!” HAH!
February 14th, 2007 at 3:25 pm…ur a seik puppee, libelous heartdiseased terrorist…….
February 14th, 2007 at 3:27 pmnot to downplay Henry’s tough questions, its a breath of fresh air and all. but uh, isn’t this the least that he and other journalists should be doing?
February 14th, 2007 at 3:30 pm[...] Watch Video [...]
February 14th, 2007 at 3:52 pmKay – you are called anti-American because YOU ARE anti-American. Comment by Liberals Heart Terrorists — February 14, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
Says the anti-american troll that’s against political dissent. We can always count on the right wing-nuts for an unhealthy dose of hypocrisy.
You have lobbed nothing but hate at the Commander in Chief during war for saying the same things about Sadam that your beloved Hillary has said. Comment by Liberals Heart Terrorists — February 14, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
When did Congress ‘Declare War’ again?
Oh, and so now you condemn George Bush and the rest of the Republicans for the nasty things he said about Clinton, when we were at war in Kosovo, Somalia, etc.?
You right wing-nuts have such short memories, and even shorter fuses. Maybe that’s why you lose elections, and are seen as the party of hypocrisy and bad decisions.
Your partisanship during a time of war makes you anti-American.
Comment by Liberals Heart Terrorists — February 14, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
Says the partisanship that can’t tell the difference between war and a police action. If we’re at war, where’s the national sacrifice, the draft, and everything else that comes with such a serious state? You keep posting, but everything reads like blah, blah, blah, blame liberals for failures of conservatives…
February 14th, 2007 at 4:03 pmKay, the neocons call anyone with a position different from them at all as anti-american. Comment by Wayne — February 14, 2007 @ 3:21 pm
Yeah, so did Hitler. Ironic considering that most of the NeoCon leadership are Jewish. Wonder where they got the idea? Hitler would be proud of his creation – Jewish Nazis. Who would have believed it a generation ago? It’s one of the saddest evolutions of a political movement we’ve ever seen. When the surviving descendants of the Jewish Holocaust have more in common with Hitler and Terrorists than they do with liberal Jewish traditions. It’s just sad…
February 14th, 2007 at 4:06 pmYour partisanship during a time of war makes you anti-American.
Comment by Liberals Heart Terrorists
Pot, meet kettle.
Your screen name screams partisonship!
Don’t sh*t where you eat, my boy.
February 14th, 2007 at 4:06 pmSpudge – ur the brownshirt. I truly you would kill conservatives if you could get away with it.
Comment by I Heart Terrorists KaKa — February 14, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
Spudge is a UPS driver? Huh? Whodathunk?
And the rest of your gibberish shows you’re still learning sentence structure, thus you have, what, another 4 to 6 years before graduation?
Kay – you are called anti-American because YOU ARE anti-American.
February 14th, 2007 at 4:12 pmWell, there’s a fine argument if I’ve ever seen one!
You have lobbed nothing but hate at the Commander in Chief during war for saying the same things about Sadam that your beloved Hillary has said.
Who’s Sadam? What’s your point? That Hillary was given limited and later proven falsified information leading to this illegal invasion? Not sure where you’re going with this point. Care to clarify without painting broad strokes?
Your partisanship during a time of war makes you anti-American.
Your diswaying allience to a criminal makes you naive, a follower (definetly not a leader), an imbecile, a loser, but you’re still here in this country, able to post whatever you feel. You’ll never see me call anyone who is for or against this illegal invasion, un-american. Anyone who does cannot form a basis for reasonable debate, which you have proven time and time again.
Time to sign up, little boy, and quit playing wargames on your X-box!
HOW IN THE F*%$ DID THIS IDIOT GET ELECTED?? 59,000,000 DUMBASSES IN AMERICA. IF I COULD ONLY FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET THOSE IDIOTS TO SEND ME ONE DOLLAR I’D BE A RICH MAN TODAY.
February 14th, 2007 at 4:18 pmIs it me or did the duh-cider really seem off his meds? He’s trotting out the old exasperated and annoyed routine in hopes that the press will back off. Doesn’t seem to be working this time but what’s really interesting is that he thinks it does and just gets more and more annoyed when it doesn’t.
February 14th, 2007 at 4:22 pm?
February 14th, 2007 at 4:23 pmTime to sign up, little boy, and quit playing wargames on your X-box!
Comment by DRxJ — February 14, 2007 @ 4:12 pm
Hey.. Don’t knock wargames. Maybe if Bush had played any he wouldn’t have made two BIG mistakes: 1) overextending his resources and 2) angering the home front…. sorry 3 mistakes: 3) not understanding your enemy…. wait wait… 4 mistakes 4) relying on bad intelligence … wait wait… 5 mistakes.. 5) not IDENTIFYING bad intelligence…
February 14th, 2007 at 4:28 pmwait wait… oh never mind.
Well, now, read this contradiction:
Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns went beyond what President Bush said this morning about official Iranian culpability for Iranian munitions used in attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq. Burns said:
I’ll resist the temptation to draw an organizational chart, for obvious reasons. They’re part of the Iranian defense and intelligence establishment. They’re a major part of the Iranian government. Therefore, the actions of that force are the responsibility of that government. If that force is supplying technology for Shiite militants, that government is responsible.
Does the right hand know what the left hand is doing?
February 14th, 2007 at 4:58 pmDoes this mean Bush&Co will be held responsible for Abu Ghraib and every atrocity we have caused in Iraq?
I believe that the best way to protect the troops is to bring them back home, Mr. President. Maybe the problem is that the president is not trying to protect anyone other than himself and his administration.
February 14th, 2007 at 6:04 pm#52
So where in the article does it mention the Iranians proven not to be involved with providing IEDs inside Iraq?
My question is even related to your comment.
February 14th, 2007 at 6:13 pm#57
“Actually many are disputing the Iranian involvement”
Who?…Other that the Iranian government themselves.
February 14th, 2007 at 6:15 pm#57
“Tracy, that link is totally unrelated to your claim.”
That was an FYI link about the IRGC that many here probably didn’t even know existed.
February 14th, 2007 at 6:17 pm#61
The link was FYI…not for proving anything.
February 14th, 2007 at 6:18 pm#61
Another FYI:
http://billroggio.com/archives/2007/01/the_karbala_attack_a.php
February 14th, 2007 at 6:28 pm#68 – “I thought Patriotism was speaking out even against one’s own country when you see soemthing wrong happening…..I resent being called Anti-American just because I am a Lefty!!”
No, patriotism is LOVING your country, whether you criticize that country or not. Speaking out when you see something you consider wrong is exercising your First Amendment Rights – nothing more, nothing less. Lefty’s might be able to lose the anti-American title when they find something they LOVE about their country – ’til then, you can thank the “blame America for everything” crowd for your resentment.
February 14th, 2007 at 6:32 pmSo where in the article does it mention the Iranians proven not to be involved with providing IEDs inside Iraq?
My question is even related to your comment.
Comment by Tracy — February 14, 2007 @ 6:13 pm
This post is a silly as those made by michael. You offer no proof, just a bunch of hot air. Then you expect people to disprove your hot air as though it’s real… What a sad exercise in propaganda.
February 14th, 2007 at 6:37 pmNo, patriotism is LOVING your country, whether you criticize that country or not. Comment by valiant venus — February 14, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
You’ve confused patriotism with nationalism – fascists often do.
Speaking out when you see something you consider wrong is exercising your First Amendment Rights – nothing more, nothing less. Comment by valiant venus — February 14, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
Actually, that’s an act of patriotism – whereas calling people to keep quiet, and not recognizing the role of speaking out is nationalism. One of the symptoms of nazi/fascism.
Lefty’s might be able to lose the anti-American title when they find something they LOVE about their country – ’til then, you can thank the “blame America for everything†crowd for your resentment. Comment by valiant venus — February 14, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
America wants us out of Iraq, which shows it’s you that is blaming America for the march to leave Iraq. Lefties don’t have an anti-american title, except in the circles of neo-nazi nationlists such as yourself. It’s why the majority of americans that are polled trust democrats with foreign policy over republicans.
Just as always aphrodite – your posts are divorced from reality. It must be because 30 calories a day aren’t nearly enough to support the level of hatred you spout out.
February 14th, 2007 at 6:41 pmThe link was FYI…not for proving anything.Comment by Tracy — February 14, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
Of course it was – because you don’t have any proof to back up your claims. You NeoCons never do, unless they come from Feith’s office or AIPAC!!!
February 14th, 2007 at 6:41 pmAnother FYI:
http://billroggio.com/ archives/ 2007/ 01/ the_karbala_attack_a.php
Comment by Tracy — February 14, 2007 @ 6:28 pm
That’s called ’speculation’, not ‘evidence’. You know, like the speculation that Iraq had WMDs.
Smart people learn from their mistakes – then there are the NeoCons.
February 14th, 2007 at 6:43 pm#99
I was responding the the claim by the poster that his article proved that Iran wasn’t involved. I wasn’t trying to prove or disprove anything. Pay attention.
February 14th, 2007 at 7:02 pm#102
Do you know what FYI even means? Again, I didn’t offer it as proof.
February 14th, 2007 at 7:06 pm#102
“Smart people learn from their mistakes – then there are the NeoCons.”
Kinda like BJ Clinton didn’t learn anything about hunting down and shutting down terrorist training camps during the 1990s.
February 14th, 2007 at 7:08 pm[...] you’d like to see the video, check out Think Progress here. Here’s the transcript: QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. President. I want to follow up on Iran one [...]
February 14th, 2007 at 7:23 pmI had one thought when I heard the Bush administration start making this claim:
BUSH: Ed, We know they’re there. We know they’re provided by the Quds Force. We know the Quds Force is a part of the Iranian government. I don’t think we need who picked up the phone and said to the Quds Force, Go do this, but we know it’s a vital part of the Iranian government.
We know the Bush administration provided information to the media on Valerie Plame that ended up outing her as a CIA agent. We know those people are part of the U.S. government. I don’t think we need to know who picked up the phone and said to the media, “Here’s the information”, but we know it’s a vital part of the Bush government.
So, he’s clearly admitting that they are just as guilty as Iran of doing something wrong by that standard and should be punished.
February 14th, 2007 at 7:23 pmTracy: “So where in the article does it mention the Iranians proven not to be involved with providing IEDs inside Iraq?”
Hey, we know Saudi Arabia has been providing weapons and arms to Sunni factions. Sunni insurgents have killed more Americans than Shiite insurgents. Tracy, should we bomb Saudi Arabia?
February 14th, 2007 at 7:34 pmKinda like BJ Clinton didn’t learn anything about hunting down and shutting down terrorist training camps during the 1990s. Comment by Tracy — February 14, 2007 @ 7:08 pm
You say Clinton, but you describe Bush. Bush was the one that halted the effort to catch and stop Bin Laden until 9/11 happened. He was too busy fighting the ‘drug-war’, I suggest you look at his speech just a month before 9/11. No Terrorism, just a lot of anti-drug rhetoric.
So thinks for pointing out the incompetence of Bush – you should update it to say CokeSnorting Bush instead of referring inaccurate to Clinton though.
Like I said, there are those that learn from their mistakes, then there are you NeoCons.
February 14th, 2007 at 7:40 pm#99 I was responding the the claim by the poster that his article proved that Iran wasn’t involved. I wasn’t trying to prove or disprove anything. Pay attention. Comment by Tracy — February 14, 2007 @ 7:02 pm
So you just made an inaccurate claim, and posted an irrelevant link that was unrelated to your claim.
Nice way to explain your incompetence.
#102 Do you know what FYI even means? Again, I didn’t offer it as proof. Comment by Tracy — February 14, 2007 @ 7:06 pm
Yet your claim still persists, without proof. Why would you bother to try to prove something that isn’t proven – when it’s so much easier to make vague references about mushroom clouds and potential threats.
Like I said, there are those that learn from their mistakes, then there are you NeoCons. I would say you’re not the smartest bulbs, but that would imply that you have the capacity to be lit up – a false premise.
February 14th, 2007 at 7:42 pmThe most pathetic thing on this thread is Mighty Aphrodi-ERRRRRR-Valiant Venus trotting out the tired old “Clinton said there were weapons…” cannard. When will todays cowardly conservatives take responsibility for the catastrophe they have caused?
February 14th, 2007 at 7:43 pmTracy, should we bomb Saudi Arabia? Comment by Bluedog49 — February 14, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
Yeah, it’s funny but the Iranians are charged with supporting and sending weapons to the same Shiite groups we support.
So Tracy, doesn’t that make Iran our allies, if they’re supporting our friends against the rebel Sunni faction? Or are you going to pull an emperor Vader on us and just say that everyone is an enemy of the Empire?
February 14th, 2007 at 7:45 pmTracy: “Kinda like BJ Clinton didn’t learn anything about hunting down and shutting down terrorist training camps during the 1990s.”
Tracy, do you remember what your repub friends in congress said when Clinton DID try to kill bin Laden? It was only 8 years ago. I’m sure you can recall something to the effect of “WAG THE DOG!!!” Do you remember how your repubs accepted Clinton’s proposals on fighting terrorism? Look it up. You may be surprised.
February 14th, 2007 at 7:46 pmThe most pathetic thing on this thread is Mighty Aphrodi-ERRRRRR-Valiant Venus trotting out the tired old “Clinton said there were weapons…†cannard. Comment by Bluedog49 — February 14, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
When you’re as skinny as a Matzah cracker, you don’t have enough strength to come up with legitimate arguments. Propaganda talking points are cheap, much like her dressing habits on her myspace page.
February 14th, 2007 at 7:47 pmBluedog49, when Clinton attacked Bin Laden, this is what the GOP said:
So Tracy, have you Republicans always been anti-american and anti-military, or do you just turn it on and off for partisan attacks?
February 14th, 2007 at 8:04 pmKinda like BJ Clinton didn’t learn anything about hunting down and shutting down terrorist training camps during the 1990s.
Welcome to the 20th century…errr.
February 14th, 2007 at 8:52 pm‘No, patriotism is LOVING your country, whether you criticize that country or not. Comment by valiant venus — February 14, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
You’ve confused patriotism with nationalism – fascists often do…….’
Comment by Jason, the Venus wannabe
From the American Heritage Dictionary,
“patriotic: – Feeling, expressing, or inspired by love for one’s country.”
Jason/Ryanne/btruthful, MORE proof that your opinion is baseless – and a majority of the Left are NOT patriotic. Listening to intellectual elitists from Berkeley to Columbia worry about offending those who might not want to see an American flag waving after 9/11 was enough to make me want to throw up. I haven’t been able to decide which the Left despises more:
a.) capitalism, with it’s winners and losers.
– OR –
b.) the United States, with it’s freedom AND responsibilities.
Dinnertime…….
February 14th, 2007 at 10:00 pm#116 – “Patriotic: Feeling, expressing, or inspired by love for one’s country.”
Jason (AKA Venus wannabe) Patriotism does NOT fit the definition the hapless, yet proud Lefty, Kay ascribed. So you and Kay are wrong again.
February 14th, 2007 at 11:53 pm[...] CNN’s Ed Henry Presses Bush On Contradictions In Iran Intelligence [...]
February 15th, 2007 at 12:42 amDanny doesn’t live here anymore Mrs. Torrence.
February 15th, 2007 at 2:17 amW. is GONE.
I see Bush’s policies as hurting and even killing the US. His policies are wrecking something I care about and feel attached to. I wouldn’t be angry at Bush if I didn’t love my country. I don’t want this administration to screw up the country and change it into something I don’t like. Call me sentimental.
February 15th, 2007 at 5:24 am#120 – By definition, you are a patriot, as love of country is your underlying motive for your opposition to GWB or his policies. Unfortunately, a fair of leftists despise the US – those people embolden our enemy by giving aid and comfort to that enemy.
February 15th, 2007 at 10:37 amUnfortunately, a fair of leftists despise the US – those people embolden our enemy by giving aid and comfort to that enemy.
Comment by valiant mighty venus aphrodite — February 15, 2007 @ 10:37 am
(yawn)
still using that same old strawman (and trying to get the last post before the thread gets pushed outta site)?
Please cite “a fair of leftists” and use examples of giving aid and comforting the enemy.
February 15th, 2007 at 1:06 pmAnd eat a friggin’ cheeseburger, for gawd’s sake!!!
#124 – For starters: Ramsey Clark, Howard Zinn, Ward Churchill,
Cindy Sheehan, Brian Becker, Ed Asner, Malik Rahmin, Bob Avakian, Gloria La Riva, Debra Sweet, Medea Benjamin et al. For a comprehensive list, scroll throught the endorsers over at International ANSWER. This should keep you busy and oout of trouble for a while.
You’re welcome.
P.S. I hate cheeseburgers.
February 15th, 2007 at 3:09 pm#111
“So you just made an inaccurate claim”
No, his claim was inaccurate. I was just pointing it out.
“I would say you’re not the smartest bulbs”
I would say the same for you considering you keep trying to say that that the link posted in #38 proves that the Iranians aren’t involved. The link doesn’t even mention the Iranians.
“Yet your claim still persists, without proof.”
What claim?
February 15th, 2007 at 7:21 pm#109
“Hey, we know Saudi Arabia has been providing weapons and arms to Sunni factions.”
The Saudi government is doing this?
February 15th, 2007 at 7:23 pm#113
“Yeah, it’s funny but the Iranians are charged with supporting and sending weapons to the same Shiite groups we support.”
We don’t support al Sadar’s death squads. Al Sadar might be a Shiite but he is not in support of the Iraqi government’s demands that the militas inside Iraq disarm. Why do you think that he just fled to Iran recently?
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-02-13-al-sadr-iran_x.htm
February 15th, 2007 at 7:30 pm#114
“It was only 8 years ago. I’m sure you can recall something to the effect of “WAG THE DOG!!!—
It has to do with the timing of the air strikes in Afghanistan to try and get bin Laden, not the air strike themselves.
February 15th, 2007 at 7:33 pm#116
Right it was about the TIMING of the attacks. Thank you.
“So Tracy, have you Republicans always been anti-american and anti-military, or do you just turn it on and off for partisan attacks?”
No that would be Democrats when they vote for something then try to distance themselves and blame others for their own lack of due diligence with respect to research before the cast a vote.
February 15th, 2007 at 7:35 pmI won’t be surprised that Ed Henry will be sidelined for being too ‘independent and intellegent’ in questioning the Iran anonymous sources to the born-again President. American press has allowed itself to become a lapdog that will only bark when the GWB raised his hands. The similarity between what has happened in this great country to that of another country (in Europe) in 1930 is eerily close. The constant fear mongering by the media and lawmakers on Islamaphobia evokes similar themes on another minorities in Europe six decades ago. People should now understand why the citizens of that German Nazi did nothing to stop the madness that was perpetrated in their country. It was the media complicity that turned ordinary citizens into followers of hatred. Now it is happening in front of our own eyes under the name of “War of Terror”.
February 16th, 2007 at 3:50 amLet’s assume, for purposes of debate, that the Iranian leadership is involved in supplying Iraqi insurgents with an explosive detonator capable of disabling an Abrams tank. How is that materially distinguishable from when the Carter and Reagan administrations, through the CIA, supplied the Muhahideen with Stinger missiles used to shoot down Soviet helicopters in Afghanistan?
It would have been an act of insanity for the U.S.S.R. to attack the U.S. over Stinger missiles, just as it would have been insane for the U.S. to invade either the Soviet Union or China because they supplied North Vietnam with MIG 21s and AK-47s during the Vietnam war. Then again, when one considers the openly-stated, regime changing, world dominating goals of the neoconservative Project for a New American Century, perhaps insanity is precisely what we are dealing with.
February 21st, 2007 at 10:39 amI’ m sure that Reagan’s arm’s for hostages have killed some Americans. There are a few still around, I would think. But if our precious American fighters were here at home the issue would be moot.
February 21st, 2007 at 12:07 pmhere we go again wepons under the bush again why cant he stop looking for wepons look for ben ladin how bout that
February 24th, 2007 at 10:25 amA the critical moment Henry gave in, he failed: When Bush said ‘we know there are weapons from Iran in Irak’ Hernry should once more have insisted ‘HOW DO YOU KNOW?’. Thes same we Bush says these wapons come fron Quds, Henry should have asked again ‘HOW DO YOU Know for sure – WHO TOLD YOU – WHO GOT YOU THIS IFORMATION, I HOPE NOT THE CIA?’ But Henry didn’tand Bush got away … a golden opportunity missed by Henry.
Another question to ask Bush: Don’t you think there are enough weapons left in Irak from the Saddam period for 100 years? Do you think the iraki insurgents really need a few iranian weapons?
February 24th, 2007 at 5:43 pm