Former Press Secretary's Book Bashes Bush

SelectPlusFormer Press Secretary's Book Bashes BushFormer Press Secretary's Book Bashes BushThe Associated PressFormer Press Secretary Scott McClellan's new memoir is a blistering tell-all book about President Bush, who he accuses of manipulating the truth to sell the Iraq War. (May 27)It's a shocking indictment from a charter member of Team Bush. [Notes:Book zoom in] This new memoir by former Press Secretary Scott McClellan calls the Iraq War a mistake -- and has harsh words for the president who ordered it. [Notes:Graphic (over Iraq file footage)?]McClellan writes the war's been a "strategic blunder'' -- and was justified by a "political propaganda campaign" that sometimes shaded the truth. [Notes:Another graphic over Bush file footage?]And the president? He managed Iraq in a way that "almost guaranteed ... the use of force". [Notes:McClellan walkin shot]That's the polar opposite of what McClellan said from the podium. MCCLELLAN SOT: "If there was a credible and legitimate opportunity to resolve it peacefully we would have pursued it." (FONT: Nov. 6, 2003) [Notes:File footage Katrina and Rove or Valerie Plame]Meantime, the ex-spokesman bluntly calls the Hurricane Katrina response a "failure" ... and says he was deceived by top Bush aides in the CIA leak case. [Notes:White House stock]The White House seemed stunned by such language. [Notes:File footage Perino]McClellan's successor, Dana Perino, called him "disgruntled", adding this is not the Scott we knew. [Notes:To Fleischer]Bush's FIRST press secretary, Ari Fleischer, asks why the "sudden revelation"? FLEISCHER SOT: "MY QUARREL HERE IS, IS IT ACCURATE? BECAUSE SCOTT NEVER GAVE ANY INCLINATIONS THAT THIS IS WHAT HE THOUGHT" FONT: Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretaryBut the book's author was voicing no regrets. MCCLELLAN SOT: "SOT: I THINK THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF COMMENTS BUT PEOPLE HAVEN'T REALLY HAD A CHANCE TO LOOK AT THE BOOK. ITS GOT AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE THAT I THINK PEOPLE NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THAT." [Notes:Hunt thumbing through book]Still, reporters thumbing copies of the book were struck by the tone. HUNT SOT: (1:00) Scott was regarded as one of the most loyal of Bush loyalists and now he has completely turned on his former boss the president. (FONT: Terence Hunt, AP Chief White House Correspondent) KNOX: Very, very sizeable departure from what you hear from this White House even today. (FONT: Olivier Knox, White House Correspondent, AFP) [Notes:Bush at USAF Academy commencement]Indeed, though not commenting on the book, Bush used a commencement speech to again defend the war. BUSH SOT: "These successes will come -- and when they do, our nation will have achieved victory, and the American people will be more secure. (Applause.)" (FONT U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Co.) [Notes:Standup close]To the president's critics, this book comes as vindication -- portraying an unquestioning leader marching to a mistaken war. As to Bush loyalists, they're trying to project more sorrow than anger -- but right now there seems plenty of both.MS, The Associated Press, the White House

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[MyALL4U2C]

Here is The New York Times's Thomas L. Friedman writing on March 13, 2003, seven days before the Iraq invasion.

"Removing Mr. Hussein—with his obsession to obtain weapons of mass destruction—ending his tyranny and helping to nurture a more progressive Iraq that could spur reform across the Arab-Muslim world are the best long-term responses to bin Ladenism."

That is what Scott McClellan is talking about...

the liberal media failed us .

[fixinman]

The media is now bashing Scott McCellan is because they went along with the lies and never bothered to check any of them out because they desperatly wanted the war.

[geroldf]

It took a lot of courage for Scott McClellan to tell the truth about the Bush administration. He was part of the nasty charade, and covered for the crimes of Bush and Cheney, but this book will go a long way toward clearing his conscience.

Colin Powell is another one who has a lot to answer for. I wonder if he will confess?

Scooter? You feel like coming clean?

Truth is the best disinfectant for these cockroaches. Truth will make Bush and Cheney dissolve screeching.

[melloki76]

I think we'll see many more revelations after Bush's term is up.