The White House is defending George W’s statement this week that Tom DeLay is innocent of criminal charges, saying he was exercising “presidential prerogative”. What the heck is that supposed to mean? Should the (Republican) judge now drop all charges just because W has spoken?
The Prez isn’t big on consistency:
“We don’t typically tend to get into discussing legal matters of that nature. But in this instance, the president chose to respond to it,” White House press secretary Scott McClellan said. “Call it presidential prerogative.”
Bush and his aides have refused to answer almost any question related to a CIA leak case, saying it would be inappropriate.
Bush’s support of DeLay drew criticism from Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who told the president in a letter, “You were willing to break your stated policy of not commenting on pending investigations to express clear and unequivocal support for Tom DeLay.”
McClellan denied there was any inconsistency between the president’s remarks in the DeLay case and the White House’s “no comments” in the CIA matter, because the CIA case involves a continuing investigation affecting the Bush administration and the DeLay’s is further along in the legal process. McClellan also noted that the White House has commented previously on legal matters, such as charges against former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
Well, of course he comments on charges against Saddam Hussein. A guilty Saddam helps him politically. A guilty DeLay, on the other hand, makes the entire Republican administration look bad. So using a little “presidential prerogative” to influence the jury pool — that’s just good politics.
“Q–So the President is inconsistent?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, David, we put a policy in place regarding this investigation —
Q== But it’s hypocritical. You have a policy for some investigations and not others, when it’s a political ally who you need to get work done?
Q–Doesn’t it raise questions about his credibility…”
Well hell yeah! But when has a little inconsistancy or lack of credibility ever stopped this gang?
Their level of arrogance is astounding.
I actually feel a little sorry for Scott McClellan. He is not really fit for the verbal gymnastics he has to perform.