
Some quick hits:
Senator Leahy says Rove is subpeona bait. UPDATE: I realize the Senate Judiciary Committee likes to follow certain procedures and methods, and Rove is still, to riff off a phrase, a "person of interest" to the Committee, but then again, let's not get cold feet, Senator Leahy. Don't wait too long.
Sidney Blumenthal has a super discussion of how Rove is clearly at the black heart of the plan to politicize DOJ. Here's his conclusion (emphasis added):
If the Democrats hadn't won the midterm elections last year there is no reason to believe that the plan to use the U.S. attorneys for political prosecutions -- as they have been used systematically under Bush -- wouldn't have gone forward completely unimpeded. Without the new Congress issuing subpoenas, there would be no exposure, no hearings, no press conferences -- no questions at all.
The replacement of the eight fired U.S. attorneys through a loophole in the Patriot Act that enables the administration to evade consultation with and confirmation by Congress is a convenient element in the well-laid scheme. But it was not ad hoc, erratic or aberrant. Rather, it was the logical outcome of a long effort to distort the constitutional framework for partisan consolidation of power into a de facto one-party state.
This effort began two generations ago with Richard Nixon's drive to forge an imperial presidency, using extralegal powers of government to aggrandize unaccountable power in the executive and destroy political opposition. Nixon was thwarted in the Watergate scandal. We will never know his full malevolent intentions, but we do know that in the aftermath of the 1972 election he wanted to remake the executive branch to create what the Bush administration now calls a "unitary executive." Nixon later explained his core doctrine: "When the president does it, that means it's not illegal." Karl Rove is the rightful heir to Nixonian politics. His first notice in politics occurred as a witness before the Senate Watergate Committee. From Nixon to Bush, Rove is the single continuous character involved in the tactics and strategy of political subterfuge.
The ComPost reports on, and Atrios picks up on, some details of the Abu Gonzales operation to cover up the Republican putsch of DOJ.
Jonathan Singer at MyDD sniffs out the stench of the search for sacrificial lambs by the administration to insulate Bush and Rove from public accountability. You can smell it yourself over in the ComPost article.
David Broder does some more GOP fluffing cheerleading. I admire consistency, but oh, how that jaw must ache!
Shorter unnamed administration officials on progress in Iraq: we're full of shit. Well, duh.
If you pray, pray for Steve Gilliard. While you're on the line, add a note for Jane's continued recovery. She begins post-operative, precautionary chemo today. Surgery was successful, but this is just completing the treatment process.
Rahm Emanuel is strong arming Democratic freshman in the House to dial for dollars, hew to the right "center" and stay off Colbert's show. Good thing he's not DCCC Chair anymore and the new Chair, Chris Van Hollen, is a strong, progressive voice and influence for real democracy over corrupt insider political money machines. As a result, the freshman don't really need to listen to Rahm anymore: Van Hollen is calling the reelection strategy shots. Oh, wait, I'm getting an update in my earpiece. . . Um, yeah. Ah, scratch that last bit.
UPDATE: Stoller has a must read reflecting on the state of the Democratic Party on ending the occupation in Iraq, related to my post this morning on Senator Clinton. Shorter Stoller: Clinton's not alone, and we have a lot more work to do.
UPDATE II: Murray Wass reports that Gonzales knew he would be a target in an investigation into wireless wiretapping Bush successfully shut down.
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So sorry about Jane, and I hope Steve gets better soon.
That said, I can’t wait for Leahy’s subpoena’s. Wonder who will be served first?
Pach!
Jane!
Stay off Colbert’s show?? Am I not remembering that the “better known” reps did pretty well in the ‘06 elections?
Jane, hang in there. Please don’t overtax yourself-chemo can be a bitch.
That Fitz was for all the Canadians who are still tuned in to Lord Black of Crossharbour’s attempt to get acquitted by a jury of someone else’s peers.
LJ/Aquaria @ 1
Where do I look for news of Jane? Is she not OK?
OT–but related:
Fitz says he can’t say much to Congress:
Be strong Jane! (Alison - she starts chemo today)
I guess the previous commenter was feeling bad about Jane’s chemo, not that there is more news.
I am rooting for all those nasty drugs to do their job well. I’ve mentioned it to God, per the request above.
Alison @ 5
I’ve only heard about it recently myself (major network/router problems that took forever to fix!). Others probably know more details, so I’ll leave it to them to explain them all.
My mom, who has had cancer three times and has been cancer-free for about fifteen years now, says Jane will be just fine. She adds that prayer helps anyway, though…
{{{Jane}}}
Jane, be careful what you eat or drink after you get the chemo. Conditioned aversions to flavors are common so eat/drink stuff you might not mind never eating/drinking again. Good luck.
Yeah, chemo is terrible. I took care of my brother when he had a very rare form of cancer, and the worst of it to him was the chemo. As he put it, he felt fine until they gave him that. At least he didn’t lose his sense of humor through it all. He went to a Halloween party…as a punk chemo patient, what was left of his hair spiked and spray-painted purple.
Rove….
Now that’s a Big Fish!….
Yeah!….
FDL’s Hugh scoops the NYTimes.
About six weeks ago or so, Hugh in a long post talked about the tendency of BushCo to speak in the passive tense. Well, yesterday, the NYTimes finally plays catch-up, but typically, the GrayLady extends this tendency to other administrations:
Thanks so much for this Pach.
[[[[[[[Jane]]]]]]]
Morming all,
Hope Janes feels better soon. Chemo is tough but so is she. Take care of yourself Jane!!!
A little O/T but I have to ask - Does anyone know which CSPAN the Waxman hearings will be on and when?
you (guys and gals) are on fire!
I am not a kook!
Stay positive Jane.
Nothing but good wishes sent your way.
Jane, take good care of yourself. We’ll be here when you get back.
GPB’s Chemotherapy musical suggestion - a heavy dose of Delbert McClinton. Ol’ Delbert can make anybody feel better.
LBrowne @
4
Oh, but that article tells us that “Last year, as the House Democrats’ chief election strategist, Emanuel engineered the party’s takeover of the House.” How can they NOT listen to such a miracle worker?
/snark
Another item I noted in this piece was this:
Is there any way to haul Emanuel’s staff out for lessons on how to handle the White House?
Biodun at 8:11 am
Great catch, thanks.
OT:
White powder mailed to Edwards’ campaign headquarters, not anthrax.
http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/553709.html
LBrowne @
4
It didn’t seem to hurt Democratic Congressman from NY’s 19th, John Hall. Who can forget his harmonizing with Colbert on the national anthem!
Seconded.
I hear poodles have amazing healing powers.
Thoughts, prayers and all that is good and positive for ya Jane.
Jane is a fighter and she’ll definitely pull through on this one.
Go Jane!
The contrarian M. de Plume says that this USA/ABU Gonzales/Rove thing in Justice is what is going to bring BushCo down, because the few “good” Rethugs will lead the charge, like in Watergate. He likes to poopoo all my blog reports, but he does follow KO. And now his morning newspapers have convinced him.
Ed*ard Teller @ 11
Awesome, that is just awesome to hear!
And of course, (((Jane)))
Alison @
6
In one of the posts yesterday, she said that she has 4 weeks to undergo of chemo therapy followed by additional surgery, so she didn’t know how she’d feel. This was in response to a lot of begging for an FDL gathering similar to yearly Kos.
(((Jane)))
Biodun @ 15
The Chicago Tribune’s The Swamp blog takes Gonzales’ press conference one step further in their coverage:
It’s Yoda meets the Media.
Read the whole thing for a good punchline at the end.
LJ/Aquaria @ 13
Laughter goes a looooong way.
mc @ 21
Nothing terrifies this postal worker more than having a letter with anthrax jam in a machine. Many of these jammed pieces tear open, and there I am, with this stuff one foot from my face. When I’m pissed off about somebody using an envelope to mail a pen or Hershey’s kisses or bookmarks or necklaces or wrenches or headphones (guess how I know all this), I remind myself not to lose my temper, because it could have been anthrax.
Is Colbert actually a comedy show?
I’m positive BushCo is hoping Khalid Shaikh Mohammed’s “confession” will blow the Gonzales–USAttorney fiasco off MSM.
We just cleaned that floor!!!! Rahm’s an oozing, slippery worm. Somebody step on him before he slimes up the place. And better get some new shoes.
Good wishes to Jane from the great northwest. I bet there’s a good vibe coming from every corner of the country.
I grew up on politics in the Watergate era, watched the proceedings as they unfolded. I don’t remember Karl Rove as a witness. What a delightful surprise.
mc @ 23
Coulter’s at it again.
I lived in Connecticut for 6 years in the 70’s. I always hated springtime until I moved to Connecticut. It was a time of grey snow, mud and rain in the mountains of Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
But Connecticut was full of crocuses, tulips, narcissus, forsythia, lilacs and wisteria.
I hope that the flowers of Connecticut’s springtime make Jane’s recovery all the quicker and sweeter.
Breaking News:
Khalid Sheik Mohammed has confessed that Al Gore was his control officer.
Alison @ 6-
Friends in Toronto & Montreal noted yesterday that the Black trial is yet to garner much interest here, although avidly being followed up there. We agreed that may change when the juicier testimony begins.
Some CA news sources recommended that we perhaps are not aware of down here:
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/index.html
MacLean’s magazine, which has covered Black extensively in the past- www.macleans.ca
For humour, there was a CA made-for-TV movie with Lara Flynn Boyle as Lord Black’s wife, Barbara Amiel. Supposed to be quite a hoot.
Sending a purple cloud of healing for Jane and Steve and Christy. Also copious amounts of virtual green tea to flush thru Jane’s chemo. And warm wishes and prayers for Steve. And a warm snuggly blanket of tender hugs for Christy.
Take care, all our dear ones.
Ann in AZ at 8:17 am
Thanks, I missed that.
Pet Wrecker @ 18
When is a door not a door?
Guitar_Playing_Bastard @ 20
I’m thinking puppies, laughter and an impeachment or two might do the trick.
ccmask @ 35
The fact that it’s on Comedy Central channel might give some clue!
Breaking News:
Khalid Sheik Mohammed has confessed to the Lindbergh kidnapping.
Biodun @ 36
You know it.
Good morning Robin.
God Bless Jane.
OT–will we ever get our little red “new” markers back on comments? Pleeeeeaaaasssseeee.
Mandrake @
46
Yeah, but only one of the three might be in the cards for that…and Delbert is a damn good choice if you’re feeling down.
Jane, don’t worry about us. We’ll be o.k.
Jane is the essence of grace. After her surgery she went to DC to cover the Libby trial. There was not a hint of self concern or anxiety in her reporting. This wonderful woman is not only intelligent but focused. I have every confidence that she will do what is necessary to take care of herself and get through the Chemo with the least trauma possible. Jane you know we’ll all be thinking about you - we’re all the worse for it when you are unable to post. Sorry to hear Steve is still so unwell, and am hoping to hear of progress for his return to health.
Biodun @
36
Yeah, and the good news is that the GWOT is over, because he’s responsible for all of the terrorist acts that ever happened…
Keep the Goodbye Gonzo pressure alive!
Ed*ard Teller @ 41
That’ll be the next Repuglican meme.
Mandrake @ 29
{{{{{ Mandrake }}}}} Sending some healing going your way, too.
OT, but maybe not. In terms of demonstrating our rage, actual pitchforks and torches are out.
However, pictures of pitchforks and torches drawn on signs are not.
Remember, “ceci nes pas une pipe” (title of a picture of a pipe by Magritt)
Hugh, if you’re out there, I have a question for you. If I’m not here when you reply, pls leave a note at me blog (click my name).
Ann in AZ @
24
Actually, Ann, Hall was the CHALLENGER for the seat against a Republican incumbent. I’ve seen where he credits his win partly to his appearance on Colbert.
Biodun @
7
He can’t discuss material he needs to use in an ongoing case (Libby’s appealing). He did, however, let Waxman know that there is lots and lots of material in the publicly-released information that can and should be discussed in hearings.
John Casper @
48
And to being the Easter Bunny.
The punchline Peterr @ 32 referred to in his link is a beaut:
Geez, any rep who can’t keep Colbert from laughing at him/her as opposed to with him/her almost doesn’t deserve to be in Congress. I mean, really.
Jane has called me twice from the hospital already. She’s on the bed with the tube in her arm. Talking politics.
Heh.
Give her our love, Pach.
That’s our Jane!
Is she back home in CA or in CT?
Phoenix Woman61 and John Casper 48,
Isn’t torture amaaaazing!
Pachacutec @ 64
Heh indeed! Wishing her cute interns to look at.
LS @ 66
Yeah. Jose Padilla was going to confess too, but they did such an effective job over the past five years with him that he’s no longer capable of coherent speech.
She’s in CT, and was lurking in the morning post from her Treo.
Hey Pach…… putsch???
My mom would be impressed.
Pachacutec:
Maybe you can post a little more extensively on Emanuel, his connections and his biography, and shed a little more light on why he might not be the best person to have a say in a party that should be dedicated to ending the war in Iraq.
OT - CNN New sanctions against Iran agreed upon by 6 nations.
John Casper @ 48
I curse the ET. I stopped by the library to do a series of “Breaking” posts about KSM.
He’s confessed to:
*Nicole Simpson’
*Natalie Holloway
*The Great Chicago Fire
*The Black Dahlia
*Planning the hit on Julius Ceasar
-GSD
Phoenix Woman @ 68
Someone needs to blog about this aspect of Gonzo’s policies, so that their attempt to “change the subject” actually enlarges the subject. Back at them.
I mean JC.
-GSD
RE: Gonzales–Senator Pryor was on C-SPAN 2 this a. m. and had the smoking guns that he read and discussed on the floor. I hope YouTube gets his statement ASAP.
Alberto Gonzales is a little putschy.
-GSD
I know the plotting goes well before ‘06, but it always seemed to me that Karl/Bush was lashing out at the meddling prosecutors for their role in making corruption one of the reasons the Repubs lost the mid-terms. If the Dems hadn’t won, I wonder if they would have gone to the trouble of the purge.
Ann in AZ @ 47
But do Republicans know?
brendan @ 71
Your best bet on that is to go through archives at DownWithTyranny, and also to use the search function on the left side of this page with the word “emanuel.”
Leahy just announced he’d back off the subpoenas of Rove for the time being. WHY? WHY? WHY?
Thanks Pach @ 69– it’s good to know where to send my thoughts. I used to work in a CT hospital and there is very good cancer care available in that state…
Witney– my guess is he’s gonna invite the worm first. Give him the opportunity to refuse the invite, then kerpow!
(ps– Pach it’s subpoena)
uncle toby @
78
Um, yes. They always try to destroy their political opponents. Even if they happen to be God-fearing Republicans like Iglesias.
Witney @ 81
Link?
Witney @ 81
Because the Whitehouse(Rove) are going to offer a sacrifice to the Democrats….Alberto Gonzales on a pike.
The Democrats never want to appear too partisan you know.
They can’t have Gonzales and Rove…..that is too greedy.
-GSD
I hate Rove as much as anyone but, I am getting oh so tired of all these allegations not being followed up with action. It’s hard to continue getting worked up over any of this if representatives in Congress aren’t going to TAKE ACTION. If crimes have been comitted let’s throw the whole lot of them in jail but, let’s stop wasting bytes and ink on outrage without teeth.
Nevermind, here’s a link.
This is actually consistent with the earlier story, which I summarize as Rove being subpoena “bait.”
Also warmest thoughts to Jane and Steve Gilliard.
-GSD
ccmask@79
No, the Repugs don’t know Colbert is a comedy show. They’d have to have a sense of humor to know that.
Question from the WAPO blog…please weigh in wrt John Sununuuuuuu.
snip
So, for today’s Wag the Blog question, we ask Fix readers whether lawmakers like Collins, Coleman and Smith — and perhaps other Republican senators in potential peril in 2008 — will follow Sununu’s lead in calling for Gonzales’s head. And, if they do, will it accomplish the desired result of putting distance between them and their party’s less-than-popular president?
http://blog.washingtonpost.com.....ununu.html
From the cnn.com main page:
“Admitted 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed told a U.S. military tribunal he personally beheaded Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002, the Pentagon revealed today.”
Maybe so, but there’s video, and I don’t remember the ringleader being quite as, um, hefty as Mohammed is.
Prayers and good wishes for healing:
((((((((((JANE))))))))))
Prairie Sunshine @ 43
That’s a really nice message. the good vibes just increased my serotonin levels! Best wishes to you Jane.
Pachacutec @ 64
Great attitude! Keep up the good work, Jane. We’ll all be pulling for you.
I updated the Rove/Leahy stuff on the front page anyway. Thanks for the heads up.
I’m not clear on one thing. How did we get the emails? Who released them and why weren’t they scrubbed first? Could there be more email that Rove and others already destroyed or hid?
Finally, is the releasing of the paper trail the mistake that Bush and Abu keep referring to??????
Khalid Sheik Mohammed has positively confessed to being the one who first leaked classified info about Valerie Plame.
Ringleader #3 just captured. Admits acting as body-double for Ringleader #2 on numerous locations. Ringleader #2’s replacement (#2 #2) sought.
Confessions expected shortly.
LJ/Aquaria @
2
I am thinking, “Billions and billions served.” And it makes me happy!
We have always been at war with The Ringleader. We have always hated The Ringleader.
GSD @ 75
I’m glad you clarified that. I went looking to see what Edward Teller did!
Ann in AZ @ 94
I expect thet she’d be more impressed if you’s said that we’d be “puking for her”! I would if I could Janie!
Frank Probst @ 91
…Maybe the CIA used the dreaded doughnut-boarding technique to extract all these confessions from him
GSD @ 77
Alright punaise, er, um, I mean GSD!
Prayers and best wishes for Jane. Hope the hearings will provide adequate surprises and delights to keep you distracted.
It’s scapegoat time! Save the brain and jettison the ass!
Frank Probst @ 91
KSM is the Haley Barbour of Al Qaeda.
-GSD
Would this blog do? blog an end to america’s use of torture. Amnesty International/stanford
Jane, take care of yourself.
Ann in AZ @ 104
A quip, wrapped in a pun, surrounded by a double entendre.
-GSD
I think I may comment on Hillary, later. Perhaps not.
As to Rove? Well…
uncle toby @ 78
You would think so, but they said this was in the works for two years. I wouldn’t believe them, but their competency level doesn’t seem to indicate they could have pulled this massacre together quite that fast (Nov. 7 to Dec. 7). It would stretch the imagination too far to credit them with that much evil ability, although I wouldn’t want to underestimate their ability to do evil. It seems more likely that they were trying to get the most competent legal eagles out of office in preparation for filling the courts with mediocre yes men.
Apt word. BushCo tries to subvert its own government from within.
egregious @ 92
a double-firepup Ditto…