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Bush changes his story about firing Rove. Bush also caught lying in 2003



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Bush today has now changed his story about the leak investigation. Previously he said he'd fire anyone involved in leaking classified information. Today he changed his story and is now saying he'll fire anyone involved in committing "a crime."

Per AP a few moments ago:

Bush said in June 2004 that he would fire anyone in his administration shown to have leaked information that exposed the identity of Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame. On Monday, however, he added the qualifier that it would have be shown that a crime was committed.

Asked at a June 10, 2004 news conference if he stood by his pledge to fire anyone found to have leaked Plame's name, Bush answered, "Yes. And that's up to the U.S. attorney to find the facts."
Isn't that convenient that Bush's story has now changed. Now that Bush's top political aide has been proven to meet the Bush test for being fired, Bush moves the goal post.

Even more troubling, Bush has now been found to have lied about another matter:
In September and October 2003, McClellan said he had spoken directly with Rove about the matter and that "he was not involved" in leaking Plame's identity to the news media. McClellan said at the time: "The president knows that Karl Rove wasn't involved," "It was a ridiculous suggestion" and "It's not true."
So, back in 2003 Bush authorized McClellan to say that Bush "knew" that Rove wasn't involved. McClellan didn't just say Karl wasn't involved, he said "the president knows that Karl wasn't involved." That was a bold faced lie from the president himself.

And finally, Bush and McClellan say they can't comment until the investigation is over. Bush just commented. He said today that he'd only fire Rove if he committed a crime. Then it is now fair game to ask the president why his story has now changed, why before he said he would fire anyone who leaked, and why now he's moved the goal post in order to protect Rove, who either lied to Bush two years ago or who Bush has been protecting for two years.

If Bush wants to comment only when he's going to lie and move the goal post, then the media and the American people have the right to demand Bush explain why he lied to the American people two years ago when he said he's fire anyone involved in the leak.

Apparently "W" stands for William, as in William Jefferson Clinton.

UPDATE: The DNC has just released Bush's former quotes on the topic:
McClellan: "If anyone in this administration was involved in it [the improper disclosure of an undercover CIA operative's identity], they would no longer be in this administration." [White House Press Briefing, 9/29/2003]

Bush: "If somebody did leak classified information, I'd like to know it, and we'll take the appropriate action." [President Bush, Chicago, Ill, 9/30/2003]


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