BREAKING: White House To Block Testimony Of Former Rove Aide
BREAKING: White House To Block Testimony Of Former Rove Aide
Early last month, the Senate Judiciary Committee issued a subpoena to former Karl Rove aide and former Director of the White House Office of Political Affairs, Sara Taylor, for her involvement in the “unprecedented firings of several prosecutors and politicization within the Department of Justice.” Taylor — despite White House refusals to surrender documents related to her subpoena — agreed to testify before the Judiciary Committee as required on July 11, 2007.
Today, however, Taylor’s attorney W. Neil Eggleston, delivered a letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Pat Leahy (D-VT) explaining that Taylor expects that the White House will attempt to block her testimony, citing executive privilege:
Ms. Taylor expects to receive a letter from [White House Counsel Fred] Fielding on behalf of the President directing her not to comply with the Senate’s subpoena. These contrary directions undoubtedly create a monumental clash between the executive and legislative branches of government. This clash may ultimately be resolved by the judicial branch.…
[Taylor] is unquestionably loyal to and committed to the President and his agenda. …
Absent the direction from the White House, Ms. Taylor would testify without hesitation before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She has participated in no wrongdoing. She will assert no personal privileges.
[Taylor] faces two untenable choices. She can follow the President’s direction and face the possibility of a contempt sanction by the Senate, with enforcement through the criminal courts, an action that regardless of the outcome, will follow her for life. Or, she can attempt to work out an accommodation with the Senate, which will put her at odds with the President, a person whom she admires and for whom she has worked tirelessly for years.
In response, Leahy issued a statement:
The White House continues to try to have it both ways — to block Congress from talking with witnesses and accessing documents and other evidence while saying nothing improper occurred. I hope the White House stops this stonewalling and accepts my offer to negotiate a workable solution to the Committee’s oversight requests, as so many previous White Houses have.
You can read the full text of the letter HERE.
UPDATE: Raw Story has more.
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The Bush Regime just proves its guilt everytime it pulls such a stunt.
July 7th, 2007 at 5:55 pmElsewhere. . . Pakistan, our ally in the GWOT: http://www.nytimes.com/ 2007/ 07/ 08/ washington/ 08intel.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
July 7th, 2007 at 5:55 pm“Ms. Taylor expects to receive a letter from [White House Counsel Fred] Fielding on behalf of the President directing her not to comply with the Senate’s subpoena.”
Ah, so we’ll let the Supremes decide whether checks and balances are still in force under our Constitution…
July 7th, 2007 at 6:05 pmI gotta wonder under what authority Mr. Asshat Fielding is going to block her testimony. Can the president pardon someone in contempt of congress???
July 7th, 2007 at 6:06 pmNothing to see here…
July 7th, 2007 at 6:07 pmSTOP or I’ll SAY STOP AGAIN!
July 7th, 2007 at 6:09 pm“These are not the droids you are looking for”
July 7th, 2007 at 6:14 pmOne false move and the former Karl Rove aide and former Director of the White House Office of Political Affairs gets it.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:16 pm“Ms. Taylor expects to receive a letter from [White House Counsel Fred] Fielding on behalf of the President directing her not to comply with the Senate’s subpoena.â€
If this is true, we should burn the White House to the f—ing ground.
If Congress won’t remove this stain from our country, we must.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:16 pmComment by RUCerious
Blazing Saddles. I am impressed.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:17 pmWhen will some lawmaker go on the record and say that what White House officials and their supporters are doing is treasonous to the principles of democracy? They are traitors. They are undermining are security and they are getting away with it. Everything they do now is treasonous. I’m sick of it.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:19 pm“Ms. Taylor expects to receive a letter from [White House Counsel Fred] Fielding on behalf of the President directing her not to comply with the Senate’s subpoena.â€
Ah, so we’ll let the Supremes decide whether checks and balances are still in force under our Constitution…
Ahhh, so you mean the STACKED Supreme Court???
July 7th, 2007 at 6:19 pmThe Bush administration is all about saving their ideology, not the American ideal.The White House continues to lawyer their way through a failed and corrupt administration, and continues their arrogant stance against the American people.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:21 pmThis whole thing stinks to high heaven. This is why people recently have been suggesting that perhaps the Supremem Court Justices are the ones that need to be impeached first. I am not sure the justification, but I understand the necessesity. The fix is in and they have seriously covered their backs and opened the door to doing WHATEVER THEY DAMN WELL PLEASE with absolutely NO consequence or accountability and they honestly believe at this point they are UNTOUCHABLE.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:23 pmThis is a sad time for America. It is downhill from here if something doesn’t change quick.
We burned the White House down once before. That’s why it’s white. And you friggin’ Americans pretend you won that war. LOL.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:25 pmAbsent the direction from the White House, Ms. Taylor would testify without hesitation before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She has participated in no wrongdoing. She will assert no personal privileges.
It seems to me that if she no longer works for the president, she is not obligated to follow his instructions in this, which would not be legally binding any way. The Senate subpoena, on the other hand, is VERY legally binding.
IF she is smart, and IF she truly did nothing illegal, then she should testify, under oath, as scheduled. The president does not run the Legislative Branch. Not even Dick Cheney does that.
Out of curiosity, I was just wondering if Cheney will try to exert his “role” as “President of the Senate” and order Leahy to stop the hearings? I doubt the Senate rules would allow him to do that.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:26 pmI expect mass arrests in 2009 and everyone involved with this White House to go to jail. Bush will beat it to Paraguay. And Cheney will have a hunting accident.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:27 pmThe Bush Regime just proves its guilt everytime it pulls such a stunt.
Comment by unbelievable — July 7, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
Please, do correct me if I am mistaken, but I seem to recall them trying to say about the USA PATRIOT Act (we should use its full acronym, since it is a very unpatriotic piece of legislation) that if we did nothing wrong, we have nothing to fear?
July 7th, 2007 at 6:27 pmAnd you friggin’ Americans pretend you won that war. LOL.
Comment by david — July 7, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
It was very kind of the French to accept Britain’s surrender on our behalf.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:31 pmThis is to protect the lying thugs of the Bush Crime Family, most importantly the chief thug, KKKarl Rove the biggest crook known to mankind. That is also why they keep the human slug, or empty suit, Alfonso Gonzalez around. They must defend the guy who has been running this crime family from having to answer to the law.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:31 pmThis may finally be it…the constitutional crisis that determines whether we are a republic or an empire.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:33 pm#15 -David
July 7th, 2007 at 6:34 pmRight. the treaty of Ghent was just a truce.
Just impeach the attorney general for god sakes.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:34 pmThis may finally be it…the constitutional crisis that determines whether we are a republic or an empire.
Comment by Tom3 — July 7, 2007 @ 6:33 pm
And the truly sad thing is that they are rooting for “empire”. And they call themselves “Americans”. And Bush, once he and his closest buddies are safe and secure in their Paraguyan retreat in South America, they’ll still call themselves “Americans”.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:35 pm“I expect mass arrests in 2009 and everyone involved with this White House to go to jail.”
Actually, I am expecting mass arrests in 2008, after Chimpy and Cheney declare martial law.
I like your version better.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:36 pmWayne- I hope that one day the word PATRIOT will be struck from the PATRIOT ACT and the word Homeland as well. Both strike me as a disengeous method to get a bill passed. If you vote against them you are seen as un-patriotic and not with the country’s home quarters.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:38 pmWe should rename it the Ashcroft Act and hang it around his neck like a millstone for eternity.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:41 pmWell this one will backfire just like the Libby clemency did.
This will drive Bush down lower in the polls by making him look even more guilty, as well as most likely turning more fencesitting officials and congressmen against him.
Clearly now the White House is trying to hide something.
The only issue is whether or not the stacked Supreme Court is going to defend Bush, or America.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:41 pmThe Bush administration is going to claim executive privilege for every one who has ever worked in their White House, down to the janitor. I wouldn’t be surprised if they claimed executive privilege for anyone who ever worked in the White House, regardless of administration.
Congress has to take this to court for any credibility at all, and they have to end this charade of “executive privilege” once and for all. The Supremes worry me, but I have to believe that Justice Kennedy would side with democracy over autocracy when it inevitably reached them. The four paleolithic judges are sure to support Bush/Cheney, of course, but I think Kennedy is a true “conservative” at least in regard to the separation of powers.
I hope.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:41 pmSo what happens when it becomes abundantly clear we are living in an empire and our republic disappears..? How could you possibly take over an entire nation with a population of 301,139,947 million (July 2007 estimate)people without ever firing a shot? Do they think people will just roll over? Honestly, what would happen in those circumstances???
July 7th, 2007 at 6:43 pmI know a lot of people are not caring enough to read about current events or get involved in any way because they think these guys will eventually be replaced and then things will go back to “normal” again. (At least that is what I have heard some people say out loud in conversation). What happens when you can’t pretend it isn’t happening any more, and these guys have changed everything for the very worse?
A point to consider: The adherence to law is neither qualitative nor qualitative; there is no continuum, there is either “you do or you do not.” The bushco has chosen not to adhere to the law hence they have broken the law. According to the Constitution the commission of a criminal act is grounds for impeachment. Why are the politicos fooling with these crooked bastards? There are sufficient grounds for impeachment because at this point it is “damned if they do or damned if they don’t.” Either they surrender the documents and be impeached for what they have done or they refuse to turn over the documents and be impeached for what they have not done.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:43 pm“Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism”
Yup, nothing to do with patriotism in the least.
It amazes me the lengths Republicans will go to to hide what they’re really up to.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:45 pmI’m not hoping much for the Supremes.
After all, the Supremes appointed Chimpy in the first place, and the current bench is much worse than then.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:45 pmby blocking her Testimony Bush admits he is criminally involved. not to mention more obstruction of justice from this Evil White House.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:45 pmalmost forgot, Bush blocking Testimony really hurts our troops and enables the terrorists.
This from the administration that used the old “if you’ve got nothing to hide, why hide it” chestnut to justify domestic spying. Once again, the rules apply to everyone but them—a textbook example of tyranny.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:46 pmNow how obvious is this getting? Expect to see further approval ratings drop.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:46 pmJust impeach the attorney general for god sakes.
Comment by the fly-man
Haven’t you heard? Nancy “Table Phobic” Pelosi is blocking any impeachment papers from moving forward. Even against Cheney ( which has 11 co-sponsors now)
July 7th, 2007 at 6:48 pmMakes one wonder if the D next to her name is a mistake, like is was with LIEberman. She honors her oath of office like a Republican.
How could you possibly take over an entire nation with a population of 301,139,947 million (July 2007 estimate)people without ever firing a shot? Do they think people will just roll over? Honestly, what would happen in those circumstances??? JG
July 7th, 2007 at 6:50 pmNever thought this country would be taken over with a bang. It will happen slowly and over time.
Makes one wonder if the D next to her name is a mistake, like is was with LIEberman. She honors her oath of office like a Republican.
Comment by Wayne — July 7, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
Got me there. I have no idea what she’s thinking. Apparently she does not want to be re-elected. And apparently she does want to be remembered in history as an appeaser, and a spineless enabler.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:51 pm#30 JG
Well said!
The problem will arise when the current administration does not go away. Can it happen? Absolutely. Will it happen? Probably not but the possibility does exist and exists simply because there are those people that are so self centered and wishy-washy that they will just stand by and watch it happen. When their six pack is reduced to a four pack and it costs $10 per can then they will take action: they will blame the bloggers, the activists, the liberals, the Jews, the illegal invaders, their ex-wives and/or ex-husbands or their mothers-in-law.
Just remember: Time may pass but it sure beats the shit out of us as it goes by.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:52 pmWe don’t need to flood the White House with calls or letters anymore.
They don’t listen anyway.
We need to FLOOD Pelosi and Reids offices with ENDLESS calls and letters, day in and day out.
Pelosi and Reid need to hear from all of us.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:53 pmUnited States v. Nixon [1974]
They don’t have a leg to stand on with this “executive privilege” claim.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:54 pmShe honors her oath of office like a Republican.
Comment by Wayne — July 7, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
Good one. You should write her and tell her that.
http://www.speaker.gov/contact/
July 7th, 2007 at 6:56 pmWayne
“Usurping the will of the people and Screwing America by Prying Accusations and Taking Rights, Intemidating Obstructing justice and Threatingâ€
July 7th, 2007 at 6:58 pm“Do they think people will just roll over?”
Yup, they expect us to to to roll over just like doggies.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:58 pmThats good research Wayne.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:58 pmWe need an impeachment to get this country on the correct track again. Whether the votes to convict are available in the Senate is beside the point. The thing to do is impeach starting with abu gonzo. There is enough evidence to impeach him, given his own words and those of the former aides. He doesn’t have to be charged with murder or theft in order to be impeached. I would agree to start with cheney instead.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:00 pmThe only way to compel anyone in the White House to testify before the U.S. Senate will be to conduct impeachment hearings, which are justifiable because the warrantless wiretapping “program” is, by definition, illegal. I know that impeachment will fail because all the Republicans, plus Lieberman, will vote “not guilty,” no matter what information is uncovered. But the hearings can and should be held because it’s the only way to get the information the public deserves–not only on wiretapping, but also the firing of the U.S. attorneys, Plamegate, and Republican election fraud.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:01 pmSpeaker Pelosi……?
.
.
Speaker….?
.
.
Nancy…?
.
.
.
Um, Nancy……….?
SPEAKER PELOSI, FOR F*CK’S SAKE!!!
July 7th, 2007 at 7:02 pmHere’s what I just sent off to Speaker Pelosi at the website I linked to earlier:
July 7th, 2007 at 7:05 pmPoor Ameristan… buggered daily by the BushCheneyNeoReThugLieCon Mafia as the MilitaryIndustrial Lite Party looks, but does nothing except threatening to “censure”. Yes, the Sheeple have truly got the government they deserve, but pity the rest of the world.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:06 pmGood one. You should write her and tell her that.
http://www.speaker.gov/contact/
Comment by Wayne A. Schneider
I sent a snail-mail a couple months ago and got a nice, little, standard, regurgitated letter in reply which did not even address the subject of my original letter. Much like what I recieve when I write my Republi-lemming Senators here in Texas.
Then somehow I got on her campaign contribution list and started getting more mail, LMAO
July 7th, 2007 at 7:07 pmIf there is nothing to hide, what are they hiding?
July 7th, 2007 at 7:07 pmZooey,
I never get a response from Pelosi.
Here’s Congresswoman’s Davis response:
Thank you for contacting me again. It was good to hear from you.
Impeachment is one of those issues about which you and I are simple going to have to agree to disagree. However, I again want to be clear with you that I do not believe that impeachment is the only way to hold this administration accountable for its misguided actions.
You may be interested to know that I have been chosen to serve on the newly reconstituted House Armed Service Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. On this panel, we will be able to subpena witnesses and get to the bottom of much of the wasteful spending and poor planning that have put our nation in such jeopardy. This subcommittee’s efforts are just one piece of the Democratic leadership’s overall effort to hold this adminstration accountable while holding our country together and working to climb out of the hole into which the former majority’s leadership sunk our Congress and our nation. I can assure you that I will ask extremely tough questions as a member of this subcommittee.
Once again, thank you for your message.
With warm regards,
Susan A. Davis
July 7th, 2007 at 7:08 pmMember of Congress
In otherwords “we ain’t gonna touch impeachment”. -Davis
July 7th, 2007 at 7:09 pmThats good research Wayne.
Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 7, 2007 @ 6:58 pm
Thank you. Among the many books I keep handy in our new computer room is one called “The Living U.S. Constitution”, Third Revised Edition, by Jacob W. Landynski and the late Saul K. Padover. I remembered there being something about the Nixon White House tapes case being in there. It was an 8-0 decision, with Rehnquist recusing himself because he worked in the White House before becoming a Supreme.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:09 pmComment by leftcoast — July 7, 2007 @ 6:58 pm
LOL. Good one. This could become a fun new party game. What do the letters in the USA PATRIOT Act really stand for?
July 7th, 2007 at 7:11 pm#56:”…books I keep handy…is one called “The Living U.S. Constitution  - - I think Bush had that one euthanized.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:19 pmI know that impeachment will fail because all the Republicans, plus Lieberman…
…thus legitimizing everything that Bush administration has done. Is that what you want?
July 7th, 2007 at 7:22 pmHowever, I again want to be clear with you that I do not believe that impeachment is the only way…
Why are they dead set against it?
July 7th, 2007 at 7:23 pmSusan A. Davis
Member of Congress
Comment by leftcoast
Sounds like the crap I get from Senator Craig (Bast*ard-ID)
July 7th, 2007 at 7:25 pmWhy are they dead set against it?
Because if the Senate fails to convict, Bush can claim that he’s been investigated, indicted and found not guilty of any wrongdoings. Effectively it would mean that Congress has approved his actions.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:27 pmFine. If she won’t testify, give her an M16 and send her to Baghdad.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:28 pmWell this one will backfire just like the Libby clemency did.
This will drive Bush down lower in the polls by making him look even more guilty, as well as most likely turning more fencesitting officials and congressmen against him.
…
Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 7, 2007 @ 6:41 pm
Yes Bart, my first thought exactly. The people are taking notice, finally. This is the same shit that took down Nixon, and it will take down BushCo as well.
I sent my letter to Nancy Pelosi, more strongly worded than ever — no naughty words — telling her I expect her to uphold her oath of office immediately, and that she can be replaced.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:28 pmAt least you guys get responses..
July 7th, 2007 at 7:29 pmThe only person who has responded to me was Darlene Hooley. They are always typical basic pat responses.
and that she can be replaced.
Comment by Zooey — July 7, 2007 @ 7:28 pm
…by a table that has “impeachment” written all over it.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:29 pmJG,
I don’t consider them responses. I consider them FUs. :)
July 7th, 2007 at 7:30 pmSon of A B****
July 7th, 2007 at 7:32 pmWe have to stop this slip sliding away administration!!!!!
I’m sincerely afraid of what I will hear from them and their supporters tomorrow!!!!
I’m sure it will be senseless and bad, but I worry about catastrophic!!!
…by a table that has “impeachment†written all over it.
Comment by Wayne A. Schneider
Whatever it takes, my friend. :)
Like Mr Bruce Willis said in his latest movie, “Yippee Kiyay, motherf*cker!!”
We’re on our way…..
July 7th, 2007 at 7:32 pmI know this is parody, but damn is it close to truth LMAO
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/38905
July 7th, 2007 at 7:34 pm#62 Because if the Senate fails to convict, Bush can claim that he’s been investigated, indicted and found not guilty of any wrongdoings. Effectively it would mean that Congress has approved his actions.
Comment by KrissKross
July 7th, 2007 at 7:36 pmFear of failure to impeach should be their response to us then.
Failure is not as bad as not trying. And we need to send a signal to the rest of the world that we ARE a nation of laws and that we TRY to uphold them.
WHat the fukc is going’ down
In Lefty town?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
July 7th, 2007 at 7:37 pmHey Leahy!
…
…
…
Go Fukc Yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 7th, 2007 at 7:38 pmAh, so we’ll let the Supremes decide whether checks and balances are still in force under our Constitution…
Comment by RUCerious — July 7, 2007 @ 6:05 pm
——
Except with two bush lap dogs in thee court - that ought to go real well
July 7th, 2007 at 7:39 pmComment by Zooey — July 7, 2007 @ 7:32 pm
Like Mr Bruce Willis should have sang in the closing credits of his latest movie:
Oh, the Bush White House is so frightful
And the hearings so delightful
But if Nancy won’t make it so,
Make her go!
Make her go!
Make her go!
Too bad Bruce Willis is a Republican. I like a lot of his movies, and he has a good sense of humor.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:40 pmI Goggled USA PATRIOT ACT and found out what it stands for:
You may find it curiously honest.
Uneducated
Substance
Abusing
President
Acting
Treasonously
Regardless
of
Immutable
Objections
Touted
by
American
Citizens
Tirelessly
see? they were telling us something years ago. Cleaver, aren’t they
July 7th, 2007 at 7:40 pmOut of curiosity, I was just wondering if Cheney will try to exert his “role†as “President of the Senate†and order Leahy to stop the hearings? I doubt the Senate rules would allow him to do that.
Comment by Wayne A. Schneider — July 7, 2007 @ 6:26 pm
Under the Constitution, the only role open to Cheney as “President of the Senate” is to break tie votes. He cannot order hearings to begin or stop. That doesn’t, of course, mean that he doesn’t use his influence with his supporters in the Senate in order to push or pull legislation, hearings, etc. Of course, he does that.
Also, the President doesn’t have any legal “executive privilege” argument over someone who has left employment, unless there is classified information involved (national security). Taylor could testify, and should. If she doesn’t, she faces contempt of congress and criminal charges. She’s very young, and if she’s foolish enough to value her loyalty to Bush more than her own life, than frankly, she deserves whatever charges she runs into. I hope she has parents or someone older and wiser that can advise her that she listens to, for her own sake.
What happens when you can’t pretend it isn’t happening any more, and these guys have changed everything for the very worse?
Comment by JG — July 7, 2007 @ 6:43 pm
Read the Declaration of Independence. That’s what needs to be done.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:40 pmI think this new development will be the impeachment straw which will break the camel’s back!
How many times does it take to flagrantly obstruct justice before a formal “obstruction of justice” is the rationale for impeachment? Our constitution places the responsibility clearly in the hands of The People to remove from office any government which no longer represents them.
If we’d impeached these two when we should have (when the new congress came into power), we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.
And neither would all of the recent damage have occurred. Two wrongs never made a right, Nancy Pelosi! Taking impeachment off the table in January HAD BETTER HAVE MEANT that impeachment was not on the table “at that time”…..but since then, of course, new developments and additional “articles of impeachment” are now obvious.
The people will no longer tolerate this flagrant disrespect for the rule of law and the use of executive privilege to exonerate those further up the food chain who, clearly, are the ones responsible for the crimes.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:41 pmMr. President, you really should stay away from that bottle of Bourbon. You know you’re an angry drunk and the president can’t afford to be one.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:42 pmI can’t wait to read the headline: “Firing Squad has assembled on the whitehouse lawn and is awaiting orders”
July 7th, 2007 at 7:43 pm#75 LOL
July 7th, 2007 at 7:43 pmI can’t wait to read the headline: “Firing Squad has assembled on the whitehouse lawn and is awaiting ordersâ€
Comment by Bob Loblaw
Now that is a show I would pay to see.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:44 pmThis was sent to a friend of mine by Claire McCaskill of MO. I wonder what circumstances she feels impeachment should be used. I await her response to his query. What a bunch of hooey!
Thank you for sharing your views regarding the impeachment of the President and Vice President. I appreciate hearing from you.
Like many Americans, I am disappointed with the direction that the Bush Administration has taken our country. The Administration has repeatedly misled Congress and the American public on issues critical to the safety and prosperity of our nation, such as using false intelligence to lead us into war in Iraq. At the same time, Congress over the last 6 years has failed to uphold its Constitutional duty to provide proper oversight of the Executive Branch.
Yes, this administration has made some serious mistakes and has lost credibility with the American people, but impeachment should be used in only the rarest of cases. Only twice in the history of our nation has Congress carried out impeachment proceedings in attempts to move a President from office, and in both cases the President was acquitted. This country was founded on the principle that the democratic process is the best means of choosing leadership - and that is done through the American people and their right to vote. American voters recently expressed their desire for a change in leadership by voting a Democratic majority into Congress. We now have much important work that must be done for America and impeachment proceedings would consume most of the time, resources, and energy of Congress with little likelihood of success.
As your Senator, I will continue to work with my colleagues to provide stronger oversight of this Administration. Since the 110th Congress began in January under Democratic leadership, already dozens of oversight hearings have been held on everything from the war in Iraq to the botched Federal response to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
I will keep your thoughts in mind as Congress continues its important oversight role. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.
All best,
July 7th, 2007 at 7:45 pmSenator Claire McCaskill
ROVIE!!!
My man!!!
Actually, I haven’t been drinking!!!!
HAVE YOU????????????????????????????
July 7th, 2007 at 7:45 pmI’m sorry. Firing is too quick and too easy. I want them to be put on display to Americans and publicy humiliated first. ;-)
I think it is outdated, but what is so bad about putting them in stocks in front of the White House on display and let people throw rotten eggs and tomatoes at them.. Just for a few days before they get thrown in prison or face a firing squad..
Well… sounds appropriate punishment to me for all the damage they have done, and all the lives they have shattered or destroyed.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:47 pmIf this is true, we should burn the White House to the f—ing ground.
….
Comment by willyloman — July 7, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
July 7th, 2007 at 7:48 pmYou are an Islamo-Stalinist enemy of the US!
They are undermining are security and they are getting away with it. Everything they do now is treasonous. I’m sick of it.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:49 pmComment by Vincennes — July 7, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
Slam down a few bottles of cough syrup like the rest of the Leftists!!!
All best,
Senator Claire McCaskill
Comment by MsJoanne
July 7th, 2007 at 7:49 pmJust like mine received back from Susan Davis. MORE IMPORTANT WORK!? Upholding our laws is their duty, not some political choice. If they don’t get that from their Oath of Office then they should be impeached as well.
#84
July 7th, 2007 at 7:50 pmI’m all for letting them suffer also but they’ve wasted enough of this countries time…
You are an Islamo-Stalinist enemy of the US!
Comment by Mr. President — July 7, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
This is so tired
July 7th, 2007 at 7:50 pmThe White House is no longer part of the US. or haven’t you been listening to the VP?
July 7th, 2007 at 7:50 pm> You are an Islamo-Stalinist enemy of the US!
My Stalin-and-Saddam-inspired beart twitters in anticipation!
July 7th, 2007 at 7:51 pmNow that is a show I would pay to see.
Comment by willyloman — July 7, 2007 @ 7:44 pm
They could probably raise enough money to pay off the national debt. Of course, they would have to let foreigners buy tickets, too. We don’t have enough money among all of us to pay off the staggering amount of debt this administration (and its lapdogs in the all-too-compliant Republican Congresses) has dumped on us.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:52 pmThe Vice-President is not in the Executive or Legislative Branch. He’s in the Bunker Branch.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:52 pmComment by Mr. President
Go peddle your Islamocycle down to the enlistment office.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:53 pmCHENEY 2008!!!
July 7th, 2007 at 7:53 pmCoverup. Obstruction of justice. Spitting on the Constitution. Imposing a corrupt, one-party fascist state. Trolls love it. Moral bankruptcy.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:54 pmAnd you friggin’ Americans pretend you won that war. LOL.
Comment by david
As for myself I never for one moment thought of our actions as a
July 7th, 2007 at 7:54 pmwar. Maybe a US led illegal invasion on an already war torn third country with half the population under the age of 16 years. This was no WAR but only exploited as one for fear tactics to manipulate our population for political and monetary gain. And for this horrific deed we did we will pay dearly… all of us.
“He’s in the Bunker Branch.”
Comment by leftcoast
Like hell he is!
July 7th, 2007 at 7:55 pm> Like Mr Bruce Willis said in his latest movie, “Yippee Kiyay, motherf*cker!!â€
Wasn’t that in the first “Die Hard” movie. With fake terrorists on top..
July 7th, 2007 at 7:56 pm#96: No. It’s realpolitik for saving this country from itself.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:56 pmYou are an Islamo-Stalinist enemy of the US!
Comment by Mr. President
This is so tired
Comment by dbadass
He is a child, he has less mental maturity than an 8 year old.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:57 pmVeritas, #77- I hope you’re right.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:58 pmShe’s such a little hottie. Just look at her. How can any real man not feel like rescuing her.
July 7th, 2007 at 7:59 pmNo. It’s realpolitik for saving this country from itself.
Comment by Mr. Rove
And it’s working well. We have you guys down to 23%.
Congrats.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:00 pmDo the Democrats really want to grab the steering wheel, as the car drives over an Iraqi cliff???
July 7th, 2007 at 8:01 pmBush’s poll numbers, and the coming election will just about insure that his evil powers have been neutralized. No one is going to go along with another escalation in Iraq. His domestic agenda is in tatters, with the failure of the immigration. His traditional Tax Cut bromide is out of the question. The only real power he has is the power to pardon his way out of jail. Hopefully he’s not crazy enough to attack Iran.
I know its hard to Imagine what evil this administration is capable of, But this is now totally Bush’s war..and a huge anchor on the Republicans political chances.
We need a democratic president and a fillibuster proof congress to fix the mess were in. Impeachment won’t deliver this.
Doing the right thing is not always popular. History will be much kinder to us than you, our contemporaries.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:02 pmAnother Bushie that puts party over people. This no longer reminds me of the America I grew up in. As a former republican I find this appalling to say the least and it directly reflects why I could not stay a member of the GOP. They have it all wrong; the idea that they need to cover their tracks to this extent should open the eyes of all Americans. The republican party will further implode with this kind of political mayhem going on.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:03 pm“History will be much kinder to us than you, our contemporaries.”
Comment by Mr. Rove
And democracy will spring up in Iraq, making it a shining beacon of moderation in the middle east…
And the war will pay for itself…
And once Saddam is overthrown, we’ll be greeted with flowers…
And, well, you know the rest..
July 7th, 2007 at 8:06 pm#96: No. It’s realpolitik for saving this country from itself.
Comment by Mr. Rove — July 7, 2007 @ 7:56 pm
You’re damn right Mr. Rove, even if you were trying to be sarcastic.
These Lefties have their priorities all mixed up.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:07 pmMr. President,
You should take a deep breath and get the hell out of this conversation and the hole your digging yourself. You are just proving the obvious!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:08 pmMr. Rove:
July 7th, 2007 at 8:08 pmSo your best hope is that your boy will follow the path of former president and respected humanist Carter? I’m no oddsman but I would hesitate to put any chips in this pot. Better to cash in and depart but it’s up to you of course.
I’m not hoping much for the Supremes.
After all, the Supremes appointed Chimpy in the first place, and the current bench is much worse than then.
Comment by Tom3
As far as the Supremes go we are screwed…. unless we can begin impeachment proceedings on a few after we stack the Senate. After all they did appoint the pres in ‘00, Alito and Roberts misled the Senate - LIED to be confirmed….
July 7th, 2007 at 8:09 pmComment by seasonednsomber — July 7, 2007 @ 8:08 pm
Or, I could say…
Go Fukc Yourself, you Stalinist Fukchead!!!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:09 pm“These Lefties have their priorities all mixed up.”
Says the troll who hates himself so much, he takes the name of the president he hates so much.
Right.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:09 pmWe need a democratic president and a fillibuster proof congress to fix the mess were in. Impeachment won’t deliver this.
Comment by Badger
This shows thqat you along with the Democrats that arebalking at impeachment learn nothing from history.
If Bush & Co get off scott free, like it appears will happen, mark my words, in 8 -12 years after this next election we will have another Neocon Republican in the white house and all the current criminal Cons will be back in the white house doing this sh*t all over again.
History repeats itself again and again.
Nixon ( watergate), Ronnie Raygun ( Iran Contra ), Bush ( total disregard for the Constitution )…. Which will be the next criminal in the white house?
July 7th, 2007 at 8:09 pmThe Bush Cabal will no longer have it “both ways”. Their gig is over.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:11 pmComment by Mr. President
Someone’s unhappy with the fundamentalist theocracy his tax dollars have purchased. Buck up, little neocon. The worst pain is yet to come…
July 7th, 2007 at 8:11 pmAnd I suspect the mass arrests of the Bush Cabal which everyone is now looking forward to have taken on a life of it’s own and is being brought to reality as we speak.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:12 pmMr. Pee: Buck up, buffo - indeed!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:12 pmBuck Up?
What the hell are you talking about?
July 7th, 2007 at 8:15 pmCHIMPeach, Ronnie Rayguns, CHIMPeach, Ronnie Rayguns, CHimpeach.
Ahh… you Lefties are too much!!!!
LOL!!!!!!!!!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:16 pmAnd exactly what is the White House going to do to her if she testifies voluntarily? Are they going to have her arrested? For committing what crime. She is a private citizen and if she wants to testify she can.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:17 pmKatie,
If I were her I would get on any airplanes. Frankly, I would have them (Congress) put me into protective custody until I testified. They aren’t going to let her talk, even if she wanted to.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:18 pmAny ladies here interested?
July 7th, 2007 at 8:19 pmKatie,
Don’t provoke Mr. Presidentl you don’t know what he might do?
July 7th, 2007 at 8:19 pmWayne…why wouldn’t George W. be vulnerable to prosecution for high crimes and misdemeaners after he leaves office. I doubt that a new democratically controlled congress will just drop the issue. Didn’t the courts rule that Clinton would be liable for his alleged sex offenses after he left office??
July 7th, 2007 at 8:20 pmTimes have changed. Reagan was wildly popular (not with me) and he greatly enhanced the Republican’s success with the voters. Bush has, in 6 short years, completely undone what Reagan accomplished.That’s why all the GOP candidates mention Reagan, and not Bush.
Bush: the UNREAGAN
Again ‘Executive Privilege’ was the reason given by White House Counsel F. Fielding in his attempt to stop Ms. Taylor from testifying before the Congress.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:23 pmThe White House needs to come clean on this scandal. If they have nothing to hide then they should have no problem with letting Taylor testify under oath in front of both Judiciary Committees. Neither should Rove, Miers or anyone else involved in connection with this scandal. If the law was broken it must be investigated. If as the White House claims that the firings were routine then why have 7 Justice Department officials resigned? Why have so many prominent republicans asked Gonzales to resign? Gonzales need to tell the truth. If he lied under oath that he didn’t discuss his testimony with anyone else who was involved in this scandal but in fact discussed and tried to find out what Goodling was going to say then he broke the law and needs to step down. If he tried to influence what she was going to say then he lied under oath and should be charged with perjury.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:24 pm#125, seasoned, yeah, like piss his pants…
July 7th, 2007 at 8:24 pmComment by Katie — July 7, 2007 @ 8:17 pm
That information is Treated As: Top Secret/SCI
July 7th, 2007 at 8:24 pmWe need a democratic president and a fillibuster proof congress to fix the mess were in. Impeachment won’t deliver this.
Comment by Badger
We need a congress that will SEEK to uphold the law; that demonstrates to the rest of the world that the people of the United States wish to TRY to respect the laws of our Constititution. Impeachment may not take away the president in handcuffs, but it will free the rest of US. No one really wins with Impeachment, except the Constitution.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:25 pm#125, seasoned, yeah, like piss his pants…
Comment by RUCerious — July 7, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
Hardy Har Har!!!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:25 pm#130, yeah, so it can only be leaked by Darth Veeper, or KKKarl Rover.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:26 pmIt would benefit the entire nation to have some “interrogation” of the sort allowed at Gitmo to get at the bottom of this mess. Extended ground rules could include anything that doesn’t leave a scar or kill them, as I recall?
July 7th, 2007 at 8:28 pmAnyone have a comment web address for Harry Reid? I haven’t found one.
Actually, all Nancy has to do is to say that she is putting Impeachment on the table for possible use in the future. As long as she declares it is off the table, Bush & Company are going to continue to thumb their noses at congress and “we the people”.
I know the reason why the Democrats don’t want to impeach Bush. If they impeach Bush, then Chaney is our President. If they impeach Chaney then Bush is still our president and he will try to appoint a new VP. If they impeach both Bush and Chaney, some people (meaning the right wing talking heads) will say that the Democratic party is trying to make Nancy Pelosi president by impeaching the president and vice president.
The problem is that people are now saying that the Democrats are once again acting like spineless wusses. So, which would be worse. Personally I would rather stand up for what is right (impeachment) and let the chips fall where they may.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:29 pmComment by RUCerious — July 7, 2007 @ 8:28 pm
Those detainees are enemies of the USA.
On top of that, they are not recognized as members military force by any other nations.
They have no rights.
They will rot.
They will die.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:30 pmYarina is starting (Second gig) in DC Live Earth. GO SEE THEM. They are GREAT!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:31 pmIf I were her I would get on any airplanes.
Oops.. I meant to say I WOULDN’T get on any planes…
July 7th, 2007 at 8:31 pmThey will rot.
They will die.
Comment by Mr. President
Like your brain.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:31 pmThey have no rights.
Mr. President
Of course they do you foolish person
July 7th, 2007 at 8:33 pm#134 It would benefit the entire nation to have some “interrogation†of the sort allowed at Gitmo to get at the bottom of this mess. Extended ground rules could include anything that doesn’t leave a scar or kill them, as I recall?
Comment by RUCerious
July 7th, 2007 at 8:34 pmYes, we will call them Political Illegal Non-Combatants (PINC’s). We will do our rendition of rendition.
“I know the reason why the Democrats don’t want to impeach Bush. If they impeach Bush, then Chaney is our President. If they impeach Chaney then Bush is still our president and he will try to appoint a new VP.”
Comment by Katie — July 7, 2007 @ 8:29 pm
If the president is impeached he still has to be convicted in the Senate. So the House could impeach him but if not convicted in the Senate (it’s likely as the democrats don’t have the votes with a 51 majority), he would still serve out his term. If Cheney is impeached he would still face a trial in the Senate where again the democrats don’t have the votes to convict. He too would serve out his term. Impeachment would send a strong message. I wish the democrats would file articles of impeachment against Bush. They can start by investigating the Downing Street memo.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:36 pmKatie
July 7th, 2007 at 8:36 pmhttp://reid.senate.gov/contact/
Comment by dbadass — July 7, 2007 @ 8:33 pm
Fine,
they have the right to breath until they die.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:37 pmThat’s why all the GOP candidates mention Reagan, and not Bush.
Bush: the UNREAGAN
Comment by Badger
And each one of the GOP candidates are pushing the same polices that Bush has been implimenting, with the exception of Ron Paul.
Torture, keeping habeus corpus banned, etc.
What we need is people in congress that will uphold rule of law and impeach when needed to force lawbreakers out of office.
GW Bush is a person the impeachment clause was written for. If impeachment is not the right thing for such a blatent abuse of office, then when should it be used at all? When a president goes on a roid-rage and murders his family?
Maybe if he gets caught with a dead girl, or a live boy?
Or is that just for blow jobs in the oval office?
Like I said, too many do not learn goddamn thing from history.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:37 pmComment by seasonednsomber — July 7, 2007 @ 8:31 pm
Did Goracle III bring the doobies?!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:37 pmI souldn’t be redundant, but chill out and see and hear Yarina!!
http://entimg.msn.com/ i/ ExperienceData/ p1-7/ en-us/ x.htm?sh=LiveEarthLive&g=66c1432a-484b-4d50-9061-556fe103de1f
July 7th, 2007 at 8:38 pmDOOBIES, Goracle III, DOOooOOOOOooooOOOOooOOBies!!!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:40 pmAnd each one of the GOP candidates are pushing the same polices that Bush has been implimenting
Comment by Wayne — July 7, 2007 @ 8:37 pm
That has GOT TO BE the theme of the 2008 Campaign.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:41 pmThey will rot.
They will die.
Comment by Mr. President
Like the way England treated the prisoners of the Revolutionary War?
July 7th, 2007 at 8:43 pmThey stuck them in the hulls of prison ships and barely fed them letting them rot till they died.
One of the reasons for our Constitution explicitly stating that habeus corpus should not be done away with, you foolish, illiterate child.
No one really wins with Impeachment, except the Constitution.
Comment by leftcoast — July 7, 2007 @ 8:25 pm
And that’s THE most important thing of all. Without the constitution, we’re nothing.
So they MUST impeach to “preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States.”
July 7th, 2007 at 8:43 pmBOOBIES, Goracle III, BOOooOOOOOooooOOOOooOOBies!!!
Comment by Mr. President
That’s what he’s really thinking, the poor, sexless freak.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:45 pmContact info for ALL your congress men and women:
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
Just click on your state for your reps.
Pelosi - California
July 7th, 2007 at 8:45 pmReid - Nevada
And that’s THE most important thing of all. Without the constitution, we’re nothing.
So they MUST impeach to “preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States.â€
Comment by Wayne A. Schneider
July 7th, 2007 at 8:46 pmMy point exactly.
http://www.petitiononline.com/agdgw/petition.html
Sign the petition to see Al Gore defend his claims!!!!!!!!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:46 pmComment by Wayne — July 7, 2007 @ 8:43 pm
I already told you.
Those detainees do not have rights, they are terrorists, not enemy combatants, they are not recognized by any nation!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:48 pmSign the Petition to make Mr. President change his diaper!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:49 pmI see someone already got that link for you, Katie. For future reference, here’s the US Senate’s webpage telling you how to get in touch with any Senator:
http://www.senate.gov/ general/ contact_information/ senators_cfm.cfm?OrderBy=state&Sort=ASC
July 7th, 2007 at 8:49 pmdoobie…
July 7th, 2007 at 8:49 pmAh… two bottles of codeine sulfate goodness.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:52 pmSo they MUST impeach to “preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States.â€
Comment by Wayne A. Schneider
Right on the money.
The Congressional Oath of Office
No where in the oath does it give a pass for, “Bush is not worth it” or “what if impeachment fails”.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:52 pmThose in Congress not pushing impeachment are Oathbreakers, all.
There was a day when Oathbreakers were ostricized from civil society. Now we pardon and commute their sentences.
Talk about f*cked up.
Reply to:
155
http://www.petitiononline.com/agdgw/petition.html
Sign the petition to see Al Gore defend his claims!!!!!!!!
Comment by Mr. President — July 7, 2007 @ 8:46 pm
*****************************************************
You are so misguided and lost. Get your head in a higher position and breath some fresh air as long as we have it and try to learn something and quit smoking that negative unfruitful doctrine that has led you so astray.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:52 pmUh-oh… look out everyone — Mr. Pee is going off topic again!
And he’s got exclamation marks and he knows how to use them!!!!!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:52 pmListen to the numbskull rant.
This clown is cut from the same cloth that persecuted Capernicus and Galileo and any of the great thinkers of our time. (no, I’m not comparing Gore to Galileo, I’m talking about the world scientific community), Any knowledge or science that goes against their “belief systems” they decry.
They find souless soothsayers posing as scientists to try to appear as if theirs is an “opposing view”, but its not. Its just wishful voodoo and crap.
Fortunately their time of being listened to is coming to an end. Mankind is growing smarter, and no amount of religious conservatism is going to keep man from using the brains God gave them.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:55 pmComment by seasonednsomber — July 7, 2007 @ 8:52 pm
Do you have the doobies?
July 7th, 2007 at 8:56 pmAnd the reason their time is coming to an end, is because of their own miserable performance while leading the greatest nation in the free world for the last 7 years.
And fortunately they keep making them.
Like Bush invoking executive privlege, right after giving clemency to a crook he was involved in.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:57 pmImpeach?
Why?
On what grounds?
July 7th, 2007 at 8:57 pmSilly little Lefties!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:58 pmWhat exactly is your obsession with the doobies. Is that a reference to the band, to the slang term for smoking? You need to go to bed and sober up!
July 7th, 2007 at 8:58 pmAll invoking Executive privlege is going to do is shine a brighter light on the Bush administration.
They can stonewall, but they can’t hide the truth forever. Bush WILL be impeached.
So will Cheney.
July 7th, 2007 at 8:59 pmDo you have the doobies?
Comment by Mr. President — July 7, 2007 @ 8:56 pm
Yeah but you’re the kid nobody ever wanted to invite to the sessions
July 7th, 2007 at 9:00 pmI found some very important words spoken from a “founding father” that seems pretty good advice for today.
James Madison (considered to be the father of the Constitution) said:
“The accumulation of all powers legislative, executive and judiciary in the same hands, whether of one, a few or many…may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny”.
“No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare. ”
“If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.”
“The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.”
“We are right to take alarm at the first experiment upon our liberties. ”
He was a pretty smart guy…
July 7th, 2007 at 9:00 pmseasonednsomber,
Goracle III said he was gonna hook it up, but all I have is one skinny little jay, I wouldn’t even call it a doobie.
:(
July 7th, 2007 at 9:02 pmThank you Comment by JG — July 7, 2007 @ 9:00 pm
#172
Read it Mr. President, Then shut up and think!