Login HereI
With The Path to 9/11, the right-wing propaganda machine took the opportunity to hijack popular culture and seed the narrative that the failures of the Bush Administration are all Bill Clinton's fault (and as part of an ongoing PR campaign by David Horowitz and others to shift the blame for 9/11 from Bush to Clinton). Whatever the actual legacy of the Clinton era might be, it has nothing to do with the incompetence, greed, stupidity, arrogance and lust for power that have fueled our national 6 year nightmare and brought us to the brink of economic disaster with an interminable, blundered war.
Is this a determined campaign strategy for November? You bet it is. As mcjoan said today:
The NYT is reporting that Bush and the Republicans are going to run against, get this, the Clinton years:
"The Democrats have made their position clear," Mr. Bush said. "I want you to remember the last time they had control of the United States Congress back in 1993, they passed a massive tax increase."Yep. Those 1990s were an economic disaster weren't they? 25 million jobs. Record budget surpluses. No military debacles. Who would want that?
Toward that end, Chris Wallace sandbagged the Big Dog today on Fox News today. Yes I know it's unfathomable to many that anyone would take Fox News at their word but there are actual rules of journalism that are usually observed in such cases, and when even an organization as disreputable as Fox News gives you their word that they want to interview you only about specific topics, and you agree to those terms, you sort of expect them to abide by it.
According to sources familiar with the negotiation, Chris Wallace reportedly used his slam of Path to 9/11 to lure Bill Clinton onto the show and promised to ask him only about the Clinton Global Initiative. Instead, the second question out of his mouth was "what my viewers want to know most is why you didn't do more about terrorism and Osama Bin Laden."
Clinton was evidently furious. All I can say is -- what took you so long? It was nice to see Clinton come out swinging after the blogs blazed the trail over the ABC fraudumentary, and I'm tickled pink he's decided to take a more agressive approach to keeping professional whitewashers of the GOP a bit more honest.
Wallace has carried GOP water before -- by trying to claim that Bush had never linked Sadaam Hussein and 9/11, by letting Administraion shills peddle disinformation without question, and by being an all-around apologist for torture. Remember this tactful quote about Gitmo detainees to Hugh Hewitt?
Excuse me? I mean, you know, Auschwitz? Bergen Belsen? The Soviet gulag? I think they would have been very happy to be allowed to defecate on themselves.
I remember Wolcott had a few nice words for some early career integrity Wallace may have once had. Even Wolcott now admits -- that time is long gone. Wallace just climbed down even further into the right wing sewer, just when nobody thought there was another rung on that particular ladder. At this point he'd have to look up to see O'Reilly's ass, and I for one can't wait to see Big Dog jamming his finger into Wallace's flabby, servile puddin' face on Sunday morning. That will be something to get up for indeed.
Update: Digby says they are showing the clip on Fox now.
Share This 
Spotlight
Fitz!
Boy, 8 years of peace & prosperity really sucked, didn’t it?
Fitz! Jane!
Good evening all…And so glad to see Zenn!!!
How do we DECLARE WAR on Pox News?
Who are their advertisers?
“We’re going to the mattresses.”
It’s a wonder Mike Wallace will even speak to his son.
Well, I read via Arianna on HuffPo that the Dems want to run on the economy, so it may be deja vu all over again.
So what are the odds that Pox news is actually going to run the part of the interview where Big Dog chews up the Wallace boner?
I’d love to see it, but I doubt they will show it.
Chris Wallace would be working at a convenience store selling Slurpees and stinky hot dogs if not for his famous old man.
All night shift.
Weekends.
Hey, wingnuts! By refusing to blame those who are actually responsible and make them fix their mistakes, you are endangering the country. Why do you hate America?
OT Your daily gas and oil prices
Average price for regular gasoline 9/22/06 in 50 states and DC
$3.00 plus 1 state
$2.90 plus 1 state
$2.80 plus 6 states
$2.70 plus 2 states
$2.60 plus 6 states
$2.50 plus 3 states
$2.40 plus 9 states
$2.30 plus 11 states
$2.20 plus 10 states
$2.10 plus 2 states
Average national price: $2.441, down $.019
Highest recorded national average price: $3.057 9/5/2005
Highest average price: Hawaii $3.207
Lowest average price: Missouri $2.159
http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/sbsavg.asp
Nymex Crude Future $61.59, down $60.55
Dated Brent Spot $59.08, down $1.18
WTI Cushing Spot $60.08, down $.96
Gasoline continues its Republican friendly fall. Oil continues to circle the $60 mark.
FYI folks, from the previous thread. Spotlight is happy again. (Had a little trouble with the one post. Nothing major.) Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thanks Mark.
So, will the Big Dog keep on the attack??? He needs to be out on the campaign trail for Dems reminding everyone about those 8 years of peace and prosperity — and asking the Reagan question ” are you better off now than you were then?”
Also, what the hell — isn’t anyone going to sue ABC?! American Airlines, Albright, Berger, Big Dog??? You can still get an injunction against any DVD release and damages… right? You can damn well make a nasty fight of it — it would be on the news, you know how the tabloid press loves them some cat fights — it would hijack the news agenda that Rove is alwasy spinning and that the press is always buying into… am I wishing in vain?
It was cloudy here today. I blame Clinton.
All this bullshit is stinking up the country. Somebody build a waste processing plant. Please?
“The Democrats have made their position clear,” Mr. Bush said. “I want you to remember the last time they had control of the United States Congress back in 1993, they passed a massive tax increase.”
Putting their money on the fact that apparently. The average American, has the attention span of a flea…on crack.
Hugh @
14
He had 8 years to do something about the fucking weather, and he didn’t do squat. See if I ever vote for a Democrat again.
Bustednuckles @ 16
And when has that ever been an incorrect assumpt- Look, over there! A missing white woman!
drunkenhausfrau @ 13
As much as I’d like to see ABC/Disney brought to justice, IMO we already hurt them plenty with our work.
I think it’s time to pick our battles wisely, and any work on P2911 would be better spent doing positive things for our candidates.
Oh, and of course digging up new dirt that can hurt.
Hey, I just had a thought. Jane’s a blonde white woman - if one of us kidnapped her, and then released weekly or even daily video statements from our “captive”, the progressive viewpoint would get media coverage like it’s never had before.
I would totally volunteer, but my apartment’s a mess…
John Casper @ 12
Thank you for bring the problem to my attention!
Balrog @ 19
PS That doesn’t mean I’ll give one cent to any ABC or Disney ventures. Embargo ON!
Would love for Clinton to respond with something like, “Chris, you wouldn’t be hiding behind your viewers, would you? Your dad would just be honest and say that he wants to know the answer to that question…no, I take that back. Your dad would have done the research and wouldn’t have to ask, so if your viewers are asking that question, all I can take away from that is that it says a lot about how litle factual information this network is gving them. That’s really a shame, Chris, because here we are, 5 years after the 9/11 attacks, and MY question is, why hasn’t Bush found bin Laden? Why didn’t they pick him up in Tora Bora? Why did they disband the unit that was looking for him? Why did they stop looking for him for almost three years, and just suddenly get interested again, a couple of months before the elections? Yeah, those are my questions. Say, how is your dad, anyway? He’s such a fine journalist. Please give him my regards, and tell him I sure wish there were more like him in the media today.”
Well… OK… Balrog, you are right — time to focus our energies on taking back the House and Senate. BUT, when we do, I’d like to see some payback on Disney/ABC! And, of course, war profiteer investigations, impeachment hearings, etc.
And I’d still loke Big Dog to be on the attack from now to November — every time they blame him or disparage him, he should smack back — remind people what it was like when we only had to worry about sexual indiscretions…
Eli @
18
Deep, dirty desperation. They’ve got nothing left.
Clinton was evidently furious.
All I can say is, thank goodness Wallace succeeded where the leading lights of the progressive blogosphere (apparently) let us down. Bill Clinton channeling his intellect through a blast of righteous fury is a peak experience like Magic Johnson leading a fast break, or Tiger Woods on the back nine of the final round. (Jim Murray, RIP.)
I was sorely disappointed after the Clinton blogger lunch that no one had managed to provoke an explosion, or at least not one that anyone mentioned. I mean, really, Aravosis was there, and nothing?!?
So, as slimy as he may be, I am a little bit pleased with Chris Wallace for sacrificing himself for our viewing pleasure.
What would I’d really like to see? Senator H.R. Clinton get “evidently furious”. That’s what! What’s taking the Senator “so long?” We need leadership, Senator Clinton! Now! Like in “vast right-wing conspiracy”.
Given his hand-holding with 41 and some other stuff, it’s hard to have faith in ole Bill, but generally I feel about him the way I feel about Fitz. You know he’s got it in him and he is easily often at his best going off-the-cuff ; he also has his (real) record to throw back in that idiot’s face. He knew where he was and what the possibilities were. I look forward to seeing the tape of his response, but unfortunately it is a tape now, not live and who knows what the Faux lunatics will do via editing?
Frankly, I have very little doubt that Clinton didn’t completely expect Faux to break their “agreement.” But you know what else? I think Clinton also could give a shit whether they did or not. If Wallace thought he was “sandbagging” Clinton, he’s a bigger idiot than I think he is. Unlike our current moron-in-chief, Clinton can handle himself anytime, anywhere, on any topic. And he’s even better when he’s a little riled up.
BTW, I fully expect this segment to never make it on the air.
dave @ 29
My guess was that it’ll make it on the air, but with Clinton’s response edited to incoherent shreds.
Oh, Please!!! STFU!!! Faux “news”
Even though Bill did some things I disagreed with, he did a hell of a lot more than Saint Duhhh!bya
Clinton’s record
Given that there is so much to be angry about, I think the absence of anger diminishes our cause. The hell with “anger management;” we need to see some anger. And the first reporter who suggests that any of the women take a pill ought to be the first one decked.
People registered at kos, Mary needs recommends:
Mary @ 33
If you are not registered, get over there and sign up. It will take 24 hours but then you can help amplify fdl people who post for a large audience. Thx.
Swopa @
26
Swopa- I had a question about that phrase- as in, where and when was “Clinton evidently furious”- on the air, after the fact in private conversation?? It’s a good beginning, but unless it makes the airwaves….
Arianna jumped the gun on her post apparently. Via Atrios, the American Prospect goes digging.
http://www.prospect.org/weblog.....tml#010038
Brooks and Shields on the NewsHour both say that the “maverick” Senators won over torture. Idiots. Three words guys: No habeas corpus. Brooks: Senators got that no change in the Geneva Conventions and then goes on to say that President can interpret them. Rough stuff still OK but no waterboarding. Hypothermia, sleep deprivation, forced positions, anyone? Brooks doesn’t say because well the specifics sound so much like torture, don’t they?
If this Wallace interview is what it takes to shake up Bill Clinton a bit and see what kind of people we are dealing with, I am all for it.
I am actually amazed that Clinton, who has been wrestling with the vile Republican noise machine for over a decade now, still seems somehow oblivious to the amoral, take-no-prisoners nature of the modern Republican party.
Clinton needs the scales to fall from his eyes pronto, and I am all in favor of anyone who can accelerate this process.
If Wallace helps to facilitate Clinton’s political awakening with his lizardly interview stunt, then more power to him.
Brooks and Shields on the NewsHour both say that the “maverick” Senators won over torture.
“Brooks-Shields” always makes me snicker just a little bit…
If Fox News wants a good rant, can we send Christy or Mary or Looseheadprop?
I am actually amazed that Clinton, who has been wrestling with the vile Republican noise machine for over a decade now, still seems somehow oblivious to the amoral, take-no-prisoners nature of the modern Republican party.
But that George H. W. Bush seems like such a nice man…
Good report, Jane.
Eli - I believe Clinton probably believes that.
Is there any way to get through to Clinton?
He could be the most tremendous ally the blogosphere ever had, if he could only understand what we are doing battle against, and also that the battle is not one we have chosen, but one that has been thrust upon us.
I want Democrats with guts! If we don’t get some soon, we’re going to lose again in 2008. American’s crave strong, truth-telling statesmen and women. People who aren’t afraid to say what they think, regardless of elections.
egregious @
33
Done. It’s a good diary — no surprise.
Dave at #29 is correct: Wallace off-spring versus Bill Clinton is really no match.
Bill is the Muhammed Ali of politics. You’re not gonna land a solid punch on the guy, you’re just not.
Chris Matthews absolutely laughed Tony Perkins off the set regarding Perkins’ claim that because Israel said it was so, that was proof enough that Saddam had WMD’s.
I agree with Walcott. His daddy must see the little shit head and despair that he didn’t use a rubber. What a waste of his seed.
Also, agree with OFG. If Dems don’t grow a pair,I think I’ll move. Venezuela maybe?
yep and Tony came back from the break lookin glum and wishing he had a new infusion of kool aide or sumthin’!
“hey tony, how’s ralph reed and pat and jerry doin, man?”
What’s really revolting is that Rove and the rest are now saying that if Democrats are elected, then they will raise taxes. The Republican solution to not raising taxes is to simply print “funny money”. Unbelievable!
Oklahoma kiddo @ 49
I suspect there are a lot of voters for whom this is their single issue. They don’t really care what the government does, they just don’t want to pay for it.
Slothrop @ 45
But Bill C. still has triangulation problems. He still doesn’t realize that Lieberman, for example, is part of pollution, not the solution.
everything most people are doing right now in govt is revolting. I am waiting (too patiently…..) to see an actual revolt! Are we really gonna have to go grab a pitchfork, link arms and scream and holler and march?
In case you aren’t aware of it, Fox actually went to court and got a ruling that it was not illegal to falsify the news.
http://www.projectcensored.org.....05/11.html
Kewalo @ 53
Why ever would they need to do that? Why, that’s like a president trying to legalize torture and warrantless wiretapping.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 49
I wish it were as simple as just printing more money. We are currently borrowing over $1B a day. Over $500B last year, much of it from Asia. It’s pretty scary in my opinion. They are the borrow and spend administration.
The non star-struck KO coming up with Bill Clinton this hour…
GO Keith!
angie @ 52
I hear there is a sale on pitchforks at the local seed and hardware store. Jus’ sayin’.
‘Rather huge-dog’ coming up on Keithermann.
Kewalo @ 55
Politically speaking, borrowing is better than taxing.
Economically and fiscally speaking, well… not so much.
Morris Sheppard @ 57
I’ll break the piggybank and buy a passel right now !
Hugh @ 36
I was furious at Shields for that. Has he been asleep all day? Lost his glasses and can’t read? Head up his ***? VERY disappointed in him as he usually at least gets some of what’s going on.
Sheesh.
angie @ 56
A bit of a comedown, I suppose, but I’m sure Jane is too busy to appear every day of the week, so Keith has to fill the time with someone…
In passing, the House on Sept. 20 passed HR 4844 the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 aka another voter suppression bill 228-196 on a nearly party line vote with only 4 Democrats voting for and 3 Republicans against. The bill requires that voters present a photo ID to vote and that the ID require proof of citizenship for its issuance. First, there is little evidence that voter impersonation is much of a problem. Second, while the bill throws a few crumbs to the indigent, it essentially creates a hurdle for poor voters requiring significant expenditure of time and resources that they don’t have and further requiring documentation that they may not have and could have difficulty in getting.
The people who will buy the raising taxes mantra are the ones who think their hard-earned money is going to buy armor for the troops and useful defense. They don’t seem to understand that it was their 9B that mysteriously disappeared, that it was their hundred dollar bills that were sitting around in suitcases in Baghdad, along with the guns, and that it is their cold hard cash that gets multiplied by factors of 10 every time Rummy hires mercenaries with no oath of honor. Why doesn’t somebody talk to theRepubs about that when they threaten this nonsense. Even if taxes were raised, at least with Dems you might see it on Main Street, not watch it go up, literally, in a puff of smoke.
Swopa @ 62
OMG, Swopa, did Jane go on KO? are you kidding me???
Swopa @ 62
ha! right and spot on Swopa!
Kewalo @ 55
Printing money IS, in a sense, raising taxes, on our children’s children as far as one can see. The bottom line is that it’s money we do not have. Taxes will have to one day be raised hugely to cover for our gross irresponsibility. The Republicans are supposed to be deficit hawks. That’s the way they advertise themselves. More broken Republican promises. Broken promises: a litany of the GOP.
zennurse @ 65
zenn,
Great to have you back. You can see Jane with KO here
Hugh @ 63
This is republicans pretending that they understand how to “do” homeland security. This and the brilliant wall. I heard a sheriff from Laredo last night saying he thought the wall was the stupidest thing he could imagine.
Clinton got rolled. What an idiot
to go on Fox.
Doesn’t matter if it was a dirty trick.
They won the round. Got that it is
all Clinton’s fault out in front
again.
All the media is in the tank.
Someone needs to buy a network or it
will always be like this.
xyz @ 37
Couldn’t agree with you more. Am very frustrated with Clinton. When will he get a clue - if not for himself, then for the American people?
I think at the bottom of all his “issues” is the need to be liked. It’s his fatal flaw. Well, that and…
zennurse @ 65
It’s true!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koJrAQrBofM
Is it me or does the Big Dog not look or sound well? He seems a bit spacier than I recall at least in his demeanor, not in the quality of his answers.
Hey, Deb, how are you? Been thinkin of you. Left a note re: my absence last thread, got full moon and fibro here. Ought to be better now.
big hug, you kath and selise.
dab from CT @ 71
The need to be licked?
zennurse @ 65
zenn…take a look at the YouTube.
zennurse @ 74
Big {{{{hug}}}} back. I’m not around as much since work has started up again. Damn, it really gets in the way of my blogging.
oh please help us Jon Turley!!!!!
pleasssssse.
He does’t look well. Could be his heart condition.
O/T but this is pretty good - I was reading today that the Montana Broadcasting Association has taken extreme issue about a new DSCC ad against Conrad Burns using Burns’ own words.
Senator Conrad Burns - Too Foul-Mouthed For Television
The hypocracy these idiots is getting so thick its becoming difficult to wade through it. So I had to blog about it.
zennurse,
I agree the photo voter ID is atmospherics because I don’t think it will go anywhere in the Senate. For me, it just goes to show how much time the Republican House is willing to waste on non starters and what a bunch of yahoos they are.
Turley: this legislation means you may not be able to go early medieval, but you can go late medieval.
The world will not accept this.
He’s been doin’ the tour o’media again. he looks tired and old. I think he’s the model for the energizer bunny.
More importantly (for me) than what Bill is going to say or do, is what Senator Clinton is saying (or not saying) and doing. Right now the Senator is the ONLY game in (the Democratic) town.
Cozumel @
72
zennurse — here’s the fdl link:
http://www.firedoglake.com/200.....-was-fast/
After you’ve seen the video, you are required to answer the question: “How was my hair?”
Turley sounds completely disgusted…
this legislation is trash and worse.
let’s march.
thank you Professor Turley. We are a rogue state and a pariah.
After you’ve seen the video, you are required to answer the question: “How was my hair?”
Her hair was perfect and she knows it… She was just fishin’ for compliments! :)
If you want to get a true sense of how conservative Chris Wallace is, listen to him each Friday being interviewed by WABC radio host John Gambling.
Turley is Excellent. This video needs to be front paged and then spotlighted to every senator and congresscritter along with every “reputable” news source out there, if there are any left.
I too do not think it was wisdom at it’s finest for former President Clinton to elect to appear on Fox.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 67
I wasn’t disagreeing with you, just adding to your thesis about the republicans and the lies they tell.
I always wanted grandchildren, now I am almost glad I don’t have any. Things are such a mess it just makes me feel sick and overwhelmed.
james @ 89
Does Bill Bennett ever co-host?
Is this Chris Wallace interview on the net yet? if so, can someone point it out? And if not, when is its eta?
Swopa @
26
Swopa rules!
Never thought I’d see Jim Murray’s name on an FDL thread. A site with some of his greatest quotes, I’ve listed some examples below
so, I got a question… if this nonsense within the new compromise torture
bullbill is passed, then does Lindy England and that big thug boyfriend of hers walk out of jail free?Kewalo @ 92
Very respectfully understood. I knew you were just adding some things to what I forgot to say. And I like that!
angie @ 87
I agree.
KO is likely as smart as Bill…
OldCoastie @ 96
Good question! After all, the point was to make legal torture retroactive to cover the torturers’ asses.
motherlowman @ 100
apparently, it is retroactive to 1997… so the time period works for those two…
Moe99—Atrios says it will air on Sunday.
By the way…nice article at SRP.
OldCoastie @ 101
How and why did they come up with 1997, I wonder.
OldCoastie @ 96
Nah, they are only enlisted personnel.
President Clinton says on Olbermann a few minutes ago, that with respect to terrorists; they have an ideology and therefore terrorists know all the answers, and that facts are meaningless to them. Does this remind us of anyone else?
there are some interesting posts over at Col. Lang’s blog that are written by people with long experience in the interrogation business. The most successful techniques never involve torture.
http://turcopolier.typepad.com....._tyrannis/
All of this is just one more bone thrown to the red meat crowd for the purpose of holding on to power. The Republican base likes torture. Bush likes talking about it because it revs up the base. It doesn’t matter that America goes down the drain. The only thing that matters is that these Republican criminals retain power.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 105
yes