http://americanpolitics.com/20040523punditpap.htmlWe caught the first half of Rupert Murdoch's phony political discussion show where, to our surprise, their top story was the allegation that Gen. Ricardo Sanchez may have been present during prison abuse at Abu Ghraib. Chris's first two guests: Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
Chris asked Sen. Clinton about the June 30 deadline and her suggestion that it's about politics; Sen. Clinton said that we're locked in for better or worse, and the hope is that on July 1 there will be an entity that can rule Iraq. We are in trouble, and it all hinges on what happens on July 1.
Sen. Graham said that more troops are needed -- and were needed last year. Combat commanders told Rummy there were enough, so what could he do? Graham said we need more boots on the ground sooner rather than later, and Sen. Clinton agreed with him, adding that the US needs a larger active duty military. How many more? Sen. Clinton said that at this point, Abizaid has asked for more troops; some will come from Korea; "That's fine, but it's a little late" -- and she said she had heard a message from the top of the Pentagon not to ask for more troops. The ones that are there in Iraq are doing their best -- but more are needed.
Chris then read Nancy Pelosi's scathe of Bush and his gross incompetence. Sen. Graham said that it does no good in time of war -- but then admitted things are a mess (citing Abu Ghraib) and "both sides" (translation: Republicans) must "knock it down a notch." Chris then quoted Sen. Clinton ("A pattern and practice"... "incompetence"), all but chiding her for saying such a thing about a Commander-in-chief "in wartime" -- but Sen. Clinton said that questions now must be asked. She reminded Chris that she had voted to give Bush authority to wage war in Iraq, and he did not make good decisions. Chris tried to blast Pelosi for bearing the burden of dead American soldiers. Clinton's bottom line: the buck stops in the Oval Office, and both sides of the political fray have to reach out to address the threat of terrorists out to kill Americans.
Chris then recounted Sen. Graham's statement that the Abu Ghraib abuses shouldn't be hung on just privates and sergeants. Sen. Graham hypothesized that the sophisticated plan to interrogate Gitmo prisoners was sent to Abu Ghraib -- but was botched by inexperienced people at all levels. He said that the US has to show particularly to the Arab world that the rule of law applies. Sen. Clinton said she could not have said it better -- and praised Sen. Graham for his experience, ideas and service. Both extremes -- blaming the bottom and the top -- are wrong, and the actions of the entire chain of command have to be aired and justice must be done, because "that's what we are fighting for" (i.e. for justice and the rule of law). Sen. Graham said the vast majority of our servicemen are honorable people; the photos are out there, and he will not let the lower ranks bear the burden alone.
Sen. Graham then turned to a major issue for Guard and Reserve members -- lousy health coverage. Sen. Graham wants to give them the same coverage as the full-time. Chris, obviously under orders from Ailes to embarrass the Senator from New York (but not too much), mentioned that Graham had been a prosecutor at her husband's impeachment trial. Sen. Graham, to our great surprise, defused Chris's stink bomb by saying that they had lost! Sen. Clinton completely blew off the issue before putting in her support for giving Guard and Reserve members better health coverage.
(This did not appear to be a sort of ersatz "make nice for the camera" routine. Word in the Beltway is that Sens. Graham and Clinton buried the hatchet early in their Senate acquaintance. Moreover, he has reportedly had it with the Clinton-haters and enormously regretful that he cast their lot with them -- and with so many of them now disgraced, gone from the Beltway or leaving, he wants to establish not only a credible but genuine distance from the character-assassin wing of the GOP.)
Chris mentioned that Sen. Joe Biden "wants" Kerry to have McCain on the ticket -- can you accept a "pro-life" candidate on the ticket? Sen. Clinton said McCain has said no, but it's Kerry's call -- he needs someone who would help him win, and she'll support him. Chris: Even if the running mate is "pro-life?" Sen. Clinton reminded Chris that there are pro-life Democrats. Sen. Graham got the laugh of the week: "When you see me drafted by the NBA," then you can worry about McCain running with Kerry -- and that's a complement to McCain! This, he said, is an example of putting aside the petty -- and if I can work with Clinton to make things better off, we can get things done.
Chris tried to bring up those "vast right-wing conspiracy" comments of the past, along with Hillary agreeing with Kerry's comment about "liars" in league with the Bush campaign. Sen. Graham, much to his credit, said he wishes there are some things he had not said too.
Looks like one southern Senator has learned a thing or two about growing up in public -- and Chris went amazingly easy on Clinton. It looks to us like they're practically begging her to be a more regular guest on Fox News Sunday.
Translation: their ratings are hurting since Tony Snow le
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