Holding Their Feet To The Fire

Bob Woodward seems to think that he’s been tough on the Bush administration:

WOODWARD: But you know, I would never compromise. You know, if I may, I brought some headlines in “The Washington Post.” These — do these make any sense?

KING: Hold them up a little.

WOODWARD: Yes, OK.

KING: So we can read them.

WOODWARD: This is — yes, OK. This is November 2002 before — as the Bush — word came out about the war in Afghanistan. “A Struggle for the President’s Heart and Mind.” Struggle. It explains in great detail how Powell had different positions, there was a mass tension and difficulties in the war council. Let’s see. This is the second part of that series. “Doubts and Debates Before Victory over the Taliban.” Doubts and debate. Now, anyone who knows anything about the Bush administration, they’d rather keep doubts and debate off stage. I bring them on stage in this book.

I’ve — you know, I don’t want to go on, but “The New York Times,” front page, when the book, “Plan of Attack,” came out last year, “Airing of Powell’s Misgivings Tests Cabinet Ties” and the book jolted the White House and aggravating long festering tensions in the Bush cabinet.

“Airing of Powell’s misgivings.” “Doubts and Debate before Victory.” Man, that must have really freaked out the White House!

The Bushies never gave a shit about Powell and they were thrilled to portray Commander Codpiece treating the great General like a lackey. It’s quite clear that Woodward doesn’t understand why he is given all that access.

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