June 20, 2008
Posted: 11:00 AM ET
Scott McClellan testified before Congress Friday.
Scott McClellan testified before Congress Friday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — A former Bush spokesman said Friday he did not think the president knew about the leak of a CIA agent's identity, but refused to give the same assurances about Vice President Dick Cheney.

"I do not think the president had any knowledge" of the revelation of Valerie Plame Wilson's identity, Scott McClellan said at a House Judiciary committee hearing. "In terms of the vice president, I do not know."

McClellan said the White House is still concealing information about its role in the leak of a CIA agent's identity.

"This matter continues to be investigated by Congress because of what the White House has chosen to conceal from the public," McClellan said. "Despite assurances that the administration would discuss the matter once the Special Counsel had completed his work, the White House has sought to avoid public scrutiny and accountability."

Full story

Filed under: CIA Leak • President Bush • Valerie Plame


Here we go again...   June 20th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Oh for petes's effin sake! Congress already resolved this issue well more than a year ago when they affirmed that Joe Wilson's pants were on fire, and have been on fire for some time now.

"They revealed my wife's identity! (Oh what's that? We can pose for Vanity Fair?! Oh sure! Here, get my 'good' side.") Puhleeze.

Saad from NJ   June 20th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Because of my dislike for President Bush and for a fact knowing about our evil Vice President, I honestly thought this guy was real. But when I saw him in two appearances including one on John Stewart, I just get a very good feel about Scott. There is nothing unknown to us about what he is saying but the way he is saying is lacking the genuine and a sincere tone….

But then again, he was a part of this administration at one point. They all make me sick.

independent   June 20th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

nice to see a man of honor,like this ,speak the truth,when the whole nation seems to be against him.i hope he gets rich off of his book.im going to buy 10 copies and give them as gifts between now and nov.

Phil Proud Republic from MA   June 20th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

McClellan you are no better then the men you "accuse" of all these things. Its funny how you are profiting off of this with you new book and all.

As for all of you leaving these comments learn something about politics and war before making those stupid comments.

God bless our brave troops.

Bishop   June 20th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

I believe it. Bush knows NOTHING, obviously…

independent   June 20th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

put them in guantanamo,with the rest of the terrorists!

independent for O   June 20th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

he knew,he's just too dumb to know he knew.and to dumb to know the consequences.he's not guilty,by reason of mental retardation,but,cheney and the rest knew exactly what they were doing,and they should be jailed for endangering the cover of ms. plaime,former cia operative.bush should be put in a federal mental institution.g'itmo?

Christopher, Madison, WI   June 20th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

I love all the deniers on the right side of the aisle. Your President is a terrorist and liar! He stole from the American people and killed American families' children all for oil. Doubt it do you? Why look over there the oil companies that got booted out of Iraq 35 years ago are getting ready to move back in. Mission Accomplished! Now shut up while the adults on the left side of the aisle take control. It's time for the village idiot and his lemmings to take a hike!

Mike   June 20th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

It is amaziing how many angry, hate filled Democrats are on this blog.

Just amazing.

And 3/4 of them have no clue what they are talking about and what the facts really are.

They are like the 3 monkeys;
Hear no evil
See no evil
Speak no evil.

Yah, right.

Randy   June 20th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

charlotte being the elitist liberal i am sure she is….(obvious by her statement that suggests she is smarter than everyone else)…Clinton was impeached….you are impeached in the house (which he was) and then tried in the Senate. Thanks for the lesson though.

Loretta from California   June 20th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Let this be an example to all Journalist who aspire to be a press secretary, Truth, above all, Truth.

carepi   June 20th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Chenney is part owner of Haliburton right, uhmmm, let's start a war, use our company to make money while we are at it, then take over the oil and pretend that nothing happend…… WRONG!!!!!,
THEY SHOULD PAY DEARLY FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE!

AMW   June 20th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

GOD BLESS SCOTT McCLELLAN.
TOO BAD THE CONGRESS DOES NOT HAVE HIS COURAGE. WHY CAN'T BUSH AND CHANEY BE IMPEACHED? THEY OUGHT TO BE. THEY CERTAINLY NEED TO BE QUESTIONED UNDER OATH AND ON C-SPAN. ( DON'T EXPECT FOX TO COVER ANY STORY SEEKING THE TRUTH).

"CRUCIFY AND INNOCENT MAN"???? ARE YOU COMPARING BUSH OR CHANEY TO JESUS????? I SINCERELY DOUBT ONE COULD JUSTIFY THAT SCOTT IS A JUDAS. ABSURD ANALOGY BY A CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS STORY.

GET OUT of TOWN   June 20th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Jeff D, South Bend……..Of course Bush didn't know. He has the IQ of my pet rock……….DITTO …………………..EXACTLY……….poor Mr Bush he wasn't aware of the PRICE of GAS @ a press conference …………………
BUT ………..(.CHENEY and THE Pillsbury Dough BOY KARL ROVE)

DJ, LA, CA   June 20th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

All the Republicans STILL are in denial! Wake-up.

It's pathetic that the Neo-Cons claim Clarke, O'Neill, Tenet and now McClellan are all liars, working for the Obama campaign or blame Democrats or some other excuse for similar accusations.

Sujith, NE   June 20th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

If you dare to compare the two, let me ask you - Now, who is running for the president again?

John McCain, March 13, 2008 "I didn"t really love America until I was deprived of her company."

Michelle Obama "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I"m really proud of my country"

Obama 08 !

carepi   June 20th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Bush, Cheney and their gang should be prosecuted for war crimes. we alway or the media counts how many of our brave men have died, but you keep forgetting that the death toll of iraquis, (inocent lives) is more than 5 times of our military, for what? so the big oil companies can profit from this?…. this is just a huge injustice, Genocide at it's best. Wake up people, look at the people you elected to misled this country for the last 8 years!. We are, as humans, "equal brothers". stop the killing, stop the treats.

is this the end of times?

obama/gore!

WisCon   June 20th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Charlotte, yes clinton was impeached, for lying under oath.

Steve Carreras   June 20th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

There are no facts presented in Scott's testimony, only his "I thinks" which shows nothing of substance. He needs to present evidence of the propaganda and show how it is only propaganda. He can't, because Scott is just selling a book — and himself to boot. Will this same Democrat-led committee ask Scott's boss while he was in the White House to substantiate or deny Scott's comments?

Jean   June 20th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

MC CULLEN COULD NOT HAVE SPOKEN UP FOR ANY THING IN THE POSITION HE HAD. TEXAS POLITICS DO NOT WORK THAT WAY. HE WOULD HAVE BEEN SMASHED LIKE A BUG WHILE EVERY ONE LOOKED THE OTHER WAY.

Art Menendez   June 20th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

…in other words, Scott really has no idea of all the facts. Who was it that made the 30 pieces of silver in old times to crucify an innocent man?

Crush Rush   June 20th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

At least two XL orange jumpsuits coming up,Rove and Cheney.

Bill   June 20th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

He doesn't know the truth-one way or another but that doesn't stop him. What kind of testimony is "I think'" and "I don't know"? That's just talk, not testimony. Doesn't prove or disprove anything.

john williams san diego, ca.   June 20th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Give McClellan a break..This guy is just like Congress—completely clueless about everything except their expanding egos.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   June 20th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

What a great American; Scott you are a national hero!

Sammy   June 20th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

One thing to remember….. Bush is nothing compared to Nixon. Love him or despise him, Nixon was smart and one of the most politically savvy presidents we ever had. He ran the administration. There is no way Bush could handle things as well even if he tried.

Also, right now nobody can point to any crime Bush himself committed. There is a lot of innuendo, suspicion and negativity. But the people around him are smart enough to make sure the law is on their side. Or at the least that the law is vague enough to allow for a favorable interpretation. Everything Bush does is because the house+senate gave him the power to do it. Keep in mind… Bill wasnt impeached for sex. It was stupid of him to do it and maybe even enough for him to resign. But despite what his opponents prayed for it wasnt a crime.

Charlotte   June 20th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Neither Nixon nor Clinton were impeached. Nixon resigned rather then face impeachment. His VP, Spiro Agnew resigned also. Clinton was charged but not convicted. Some people never seem to know the facts, they just spew hatred.

Why???   June 20th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Enough is enough!

Let’s clean up the White House. This is the only year I have gotten a clearer understanding of politic. Everything is being told and released. We have seen the candidates income taxes, heard about their medical condition and childhood report cards and etc. Oops my bag, where is your childhood report card McCain? I have been left in a loop for a long time, but this year is a time for change. I have never donated a $1 to the presidential fund by checking the box off on my income taxes. So, why should I fund this program when Uncle Sam wants me to pay every single dime that I owe him? If it just a penny, they want me make a money order for that amount. In my opinion, the money that has already been collected for the presidential fund should be used toward other worth while programs. I will continue to send my small contributions to Obama campaign, that way I know I have a voice.

PS – Who is this Uncle Sam? What side of my family did he originate from? Or is he related to the Republicans? I thought uncles should be giving their nieces and nephews money instead of asking us to send him some.

Carol, San Luis Obispo, CA   June 20th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Ignorance is not an excuse.

Especially if it's the President.

What an administration! That's all the President's long time friend and former press secretary can come up with to answer Congressional inquiry? The President was uninformed.

No wonder the White House didn't invoke privilege. They didn't need to.

This has to be one of the lowest points in the history of the US.

Jack Colson   June 20th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Scott M is like Richardson when he was Energy Secretary - a slightly dumb lazy person.
Obama is not the answer - he is a radical liberal w/Marxists traits.
Jack C
Oregon

Charlotte   June 20th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

This administration is guilty of treason. To reveal a undercover operative is an act of treason. Perhaps if Nancy Pelosi wasn't so busy trying to get Obama the nomination, she would have time to do her job and impeach Bush and Cheney….

Not fooled by distractions.   June 20th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Oooooo Scottie - you better get yourself some heavy security…

I wish you would have spoken up sooner, just to prove what the majority had already known. Funny, Scotts being painted as Benedict Arnold, and here Cheney is the actual scum bag. I find it hard to believe that any decent american could support cheney et. al in this. Shame on you.

Mr. Cardinal   June 20th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Puppets are usually left in the dark. Bush is nothing but a puppet.

President Cheney needs to be put on trial–as soon as he retires to his Dr. Pepper and hunting fenced in birds.

John   June 20th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Anything to sell a few books Scotty!

Sad part is, a bunch of un-educated democrats believed you!!

Bob Indianapolis, IN   June 20th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

None of these clowns would know the truth if it bit them on their large over-stuffed Reptilican butts! From Dumbya to Shotgun Dick to Gonzo, Rummy, Scooter…They are all corrupt and going the way of the Dodo bird..

It's a done deal   June 20th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

He is neither defending nor attacking anyone. He is telling the truth and letting the American people decide what to do with the truth. He'is a real Hero.

rbasquez   June 20th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

I think he is really brave to come out and stand up by telling the truth now. Better late than never. There is alot going and we should be told, we the public should verify everything to make sure we are getting accurate information.

TerryDo   June 20th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Bush was clueless–he allowed himself to be a surrogate President and a puppet of the powerful Cheney.

THIS IS THE EXACT SAME THING THAT WILL HAPPEN IF OBAMA IS THE PRESIDENT, HE WILL ONLY BE A PUPPET BEHIND THE "THRONE" CONTROLLED BY G.S. ET AL. DON'T FOOL YOURSELVES ALL YOU OBAMABOTS!

Come and Join: Puma Pac and get your senses back!

MLG   June 20th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

I'm glad each and everyone of you were in the White House and knew what this is all about. You weren't there so you no NOTHING!!!!!!!!

Yankee   June 20th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

GW is clueless and we all know who has really been running the show since the start.

Chris, Middletown, CT   June 20th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Isn't his 15 minutes of fame up now….??

Bushed Off   June 20th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

We already know that Bush's administration was a disaster. I don't want to spend any more time on this then we have to. Yes, we will have to clean up Bush's act for years to come, thanks to the Republicans, but Americans are resilient, we will do it.

Unfortunately that moron Bush will be playing golf in Crawford while young men and women are still dying thanks to him and the Bush henchment. That really makes my blood boil.

Now that the world knows he's a moron, he needs to just stop making decisions and sit down. Or, just go play golf, he knows that's what he wants to do anyway. Leave his problems at the door for someone else to clean up and go outside and play. Some leader.

Mark   June 20th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

What a waste of time and money.

The dems are doing the job we sent the to DC to do.

Time to end the war.
Time to make peace with al qaeda and leave Afghanistan.

Time to impeach Bush and send him to prison.

If Pelosi and her ilk can't do it it is time to form a new party that will give the american people the security and health they deserve!

Independent   June 20th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

I love this administration mostly because it pisses the liberals off to no end. Thus, I can see how stupid they really are.

It's really easy to criticise people when you're over here and not in the know. You ever wonder why almost every president in history goes into the White House with a full head of hair and comes out gray or balding?

Twenty years, this administration will be exonerated. Look at Carter, who drove this nation into a brick wall in four years. Employment and Inflation were double digits, the Iranian hostage crisis, giving away the Panama Canal…

Rodney   June 20th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I think Mcclellan was threatened; he needs to move to a safe location on a far off island

Patrick Henry   June 20th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

What a scumbag!!

He had years to fess up to what he knew.
I'd like to define his loyalty and rehirability, suggested employment–but those words would not be suitable for view on a public forum.

If there is justice he will be defined as the Benedict Arnold of the 21st Century in our history–and given less credence due to his enormous pay-off.

KJ in Cedar Rapids   June 20th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Scott - If I were you I would decline that invitation from Cheney to go hunting this fall.

Independent LAWYER for Obama   June 20th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Translation: I don't think the people who run things in the White House, i.e. Cheney, would have told GW Bush, because he is essentially a human sock puppet with a goofy smile.

Billy   June 20th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Silly libs! It was Richard Armitage that leaked the information. It doesn't matter, Valerie Plame wasn't an active undercover agent at the time anyway.

Texas Trail Dog   June 20th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Well whomever leaked the CIA's woman's name is a traitor to United States of America. And as soon as he is found out. The American people should stand up and demand the death penalty for this individual. McClellan claims Bush didn't know. Maybe noT. But one thing is for sure Cheney did know and I certainly believe Bush did too, so he could get even with the woman's husband. If it is proven that they did or whomever did know then the American people need TO STAND UP AND DEMAND THEY BE TRIED AS TRAITORS TO THE UNITED STATES AND HANGED UNTIL THEY ARE DEAD. PERIOD. THIS LEAK WAS A VERY DARK DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY AND THE PENALTY SHOULD BE HIGH TO SHOW THE COWARDLY SONS-OF-A-PISTOL-EATERS THAT WE WILL NOT TOLERATE TREASON. SO THAT THE INCOMING PRESIDENT WILL GET A STRONG MESSAGE. NAMELY OBAMA. I DO NOT TRUST HIM AT ALL.

Brian   June 20th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Whether he knew of it or not is irrelevant…… The Buck stops with the president……. Everything that has happened since he took office he is responsible for! 9/11 never happened on a Democratic watch!

not obama   June 20th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

What is this CHANGE all you Obama people talk about?? He talks real good, but he really doesn't say anything. He has you all hyped up on CHANGE. I have read his website. He is nothing special except maybe a good motivational speaker. Think about it. What CHANGES will be made?

Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 20th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

They knew otherwise they would have never attempted to shut McClellan up.

DJ, LA, CA   June 20th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Poor innocent Bush tricked by Cheney? Oooh my, how convienient. If only Dick Nixon was able to do the same for Agnew maybe he could have been saved from Watergate and threat of impeachment.

Patrick Henry   June 20th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Bush was clueless–he allowed himself to be a surrogate President under his father–and his political cronies. Cheney et al–developed all the strategy and put all the pieces into place. If there has ever been a rubber stamp President–it was George W. Bush.

Do we really want the same thing to happen again with a McCain or Obama presidency?

Libertarian 2008

Let's fix the mess the other two major parties have gotten us into–by not listening to the majority–and only listening to the big doners and special interests that put them in office!!

Vote in Novemeber–without having to hold your nose!!!

Bill   June 20th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

"I do not think the president had any knowledge" - Exactly. About anything at all.

Upon Further Review   June 20th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Didnt Cheney have an interview on Meet the Press???

pam Eugene OR   June 20th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Congress, please get back to work. There is so much to do. If you wanted Bush you should have done something 2 years ago. It does not matter now and we have a host of critical issues to fix. Bush is a lame duck now so let him limp out of sight and fix what is broken in our country.
We don't have to have revenge but we do have to fix things that are broken. FOCUS please. Let history judge Bush.
Obama 08/12

Mcshame   June 20th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

slam Bush he deserves it!!!!!!!!!!

Brian From Knoxville has now transformed into Knoxville Operation Chaos   June 20th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

If you think ANYTHING went on in this war without Bush knowing, you're insane. Daddy Bush is still pulling the strings BIGTIME. IF W didn't know, you bet your 4 dollar Gas that George HW did.

Bush's presidency wasn't about him doing anything positive, it was an effective way for the Bush family and their cronies to LOOT all they could from the United States.

A Trillion dollars on a War? Who do you think that money went to? Iraq still looks like a piece of crap. Who got the contracts for the weapons, the oil contracts? Contracts for being "bodyguards"? How much of the money was lost under the table?

It was a SETUP from jump. Daddy Bush planted his son and got him elected when JEB helped steal Florida in 2000.

Does anyone think it's Ironic that the state that happened to be governed by BUSH's Brother was the state that made the determination?

LMAO. The Trilateral Commision strikes again….Now, they are trying to get their hooks in OBAMA.

Anita from Arizona   June 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

We all had our suspisions, so did his staff.

Randy   June 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

so the headline should read "Mclellan can't implicate Vice President" its funny how CNN reports….biased….no way

Texan for Progression   June 20th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

To those of you who will never vote for Obama, stop using ridiculous arguments (e.g., Obama flip-flopping on NAFTA) to support what is nothing more than suborned foolishness. Understand this, Obama has not flip-flopped on NAFTA. He has always said that it needed to be reworked because it didn't benefit blue-collar workers. He never said to scrap the entire agreement, so for him to now comment on good aspects does not necessarily contradict his original argument that it needs to be reworked. Of those who refuse to vote for Obama, there are a small few who will not based on their own personal LEGITIMATE concerns, but the overwhelming majority of you have not based your decision on fact. You have first made the decision to not vote for him and then, consequently, sought out the reasons why. This is the reason you accept the ridiculous, self-contradicting arguments like: he's a Muslim whose true name is Barry that attended the America-Hating "Christian" church for 20 years.

maria   June 20th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Even though he is testifying he is still just as guilty. This investigation is just a waste of time and money, these crooked politician aren't going to do anything. If the average American knows the criminal activity of the Bush Regime, surely they know all the offenses this administration has commited and haven't done anything in all this time, they aren't going to. Shame on them all
That Nancy Peolosi makes me SICK!

Jerry in Boston   June 20th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

The modus operandi of the Bush administration is deliberate Obfuscation and contrary to the received wisdom that they're all thick as pig poop, they're actually very good at it.

It wouldn't surprise me one bit if McClellan was asked to muddy the waters as part of the ongoing campaign to bamboozle the Amercan people.

You can't impeach someone if don't know what the hell is going on!

MD FOR OBAMA   June 20th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

From Bush:

" It depends on what the definition of knew is"
"Did I know or did I no?"

indiePA   June 20th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

What a surprise!!!!! What does he know?? And where does the buck stop???

WisCon   June 20th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

now he's lying? the last few weeks he was the golden boy that finally told the truth. Wasn't Richard Armitage the person that leaked the name. And he was never charged with anything because it wasn't against the law for him to do so. So what is this investigation about anyway. Maybe just a witch hunt. Hey dems why does you democrat congress keep funding this war if they are so opposed to it? Maybe they used that argument to get elsected in the 2006 elestion. Talk about suckers!

Ian   June 20th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

"Fool me once shame on me…shame on you…won't get fooled again"

TonyS   June 20th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Maybe we should impeach the American people who voted Bush into office twice. You are all so much smarter than the American people.

Nader/Gonzalez '08

Mike G- Ventura ca   June 20th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

McClellan may be right. The President "doesn't know" about MOST things that are going on in this country! 213 Days and COUNTING!

Crush Rush   June 20th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

The scariest part is seeing how much power a VP can now have.It just shows who was really the President. While George was reading "My Pet Goat",Cheney was already planning a war.

Timothy   June 20th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

If Republicans want to repay the American people back for allowing George Bush, the Worst President In History, to be our president they should never do the following:

Vote for another Bush in office. That includes Jeb, and all of his kids, and any other Bush who runs. They are poison, and America has had enough.

In fact, why don't we elect someone who isn't rich for a change. That would be a refreshing change. It could happen, especially since Barack has changed the way we finance presidential elections. We can do it America. Let's get someone who can really change things around–after Barack of course. No more Bushes–ever.

Rudy NYC   June 20th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

My gut says that Bush was either totally ignorant of what was occuring, or was totally cognizant but stayed his distance. I just hope Bush doesn't pull a Boris Yeltsin—recall the 2000 retirement at midnight out of Y2K fears—on the eve of the Inauguration.

Helene   June 20th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Is there anything that Bush knew during his presidency ? The worst president ever !

Independent-woman-4-Obama   June 20th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

OF COURSE BUSH KNEW! Weren't Nixon AND Clinton IMPEACHED FOR MUCH LESS??????????

Question is: WHY IS CONGRESS NOT IMPEACHING BUSH-CHENEY?

THEY LIED, TORTURED, TRASHED THE CONSTITUTION……. WHAT IS CONGRESS WAITING FOR?

Toni   June 20th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Teri,

I agree with you 100%. Bush was the worst thing that has happened to this country. He knows it, and his parents know it. They knew he was a slacker and should never have supported his candidacy. He should have been a one time mayor in Crawford, and called it a day. He couldn't run my neighborhood council.

He needs to step up to the plate now, now with photo ops of things he should have done a long time ago, but by admitting that he made several mistakes (putting it lightly). He is not a man of honor and our country can learn a lesson from 8 years of humiliation.

I'm still waiting for a Republican to apologize to me for voting for this clown. I voted for Gore and Kerry. I did the right thing and I have nothing to be ashamed of–anyone who voted for Bush once, owes the country an apology.

zivo24   June 20th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

There's a reason why Cheney is the first vice-president in generations to not run for the White House when the president was term limited or retiring.

He's been the puppet master for eight years. He enjoys hiding the devious little man behind the curtain, pushing buttons and pulling strings for a visage of a wizard.

He knows that if he comes out from the curtain everyone will see what a small and powerless man he really is without all the smoke and mirrors.

NoMcSame   June 20th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Ralph who? That old skelitoid needs to go back into the hole that he hides in for 3.5 yrs. This snake sticks his undercover republican head up just to help them. Obama has the money and now they want to tie his hands. I will send him money every payday so that I can be more of a part of the change that is going to come. The hate will come out for all to see just like it did with Bill and Hillary. The use of code words just to say that we are one of you but Obama is not is the way they do it. He is more of us all than John McSame or Ralph Who.
Obama08 with or without you.

Anthony   June 20th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

"According to a recent study by the Center for Public Integrity, top Bush Administration officials told at least 935 lies about Iraq on 532 separate occasions. These included 259 lies by Bush, 254 lies by Secretary of State Colin Powell, 109 lies by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, 109 lies by Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, 56 lies by National Security Advisor Condi Rice, and 48 lies by Vice President Cheney."

Nothing more needed to be said about how corrupt the Bush adminstration is, change is coming and Obama is man for that job.

GO OBAMA!! 08′

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   June 20th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

I doubt Bush knows much of anything like his father did with Iran Contra. I would have hoped that McClellan's testamony would help clear this up quickly. It doesn't seem like that is going to happen as quickly as I would like.

clarence virginia beach va   June 20th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Most of you people on this blog , voted for Bush twice. Why he was a good old guy, you can sit and have a beer with. You get what you deserve, and while the HRC supporters vote for Mcsame. I'll just hunker down and try to survive. They do it all the time in third world countries.

becky   June 20th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Oh sorry, on this issue… Please we do not need a book to tell us we got screwed over and lied to about this war and anything else that goes on in Washington. Not only from Bush but the whole lot of them. That does include McCain.

ABB   June 20th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

"Matt"and cronies:-you win the prize for the stupidest comment of the week.."Democrats hate honesty"..seriously, an idiotic statement. …
I do believe, though, that Bush might have been left in the dark by his handlers, I think that is a distinct possibllity…but, he still looks happy as hell with himself…ignorance is bliss to your current president…has been for over 7 years….

William, from Cali   June 20th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Look, this is 'olde' news; let's move on…….What does it matter now? The damage has been done; the "Cat" has been let out of the bag, and it wasn't klilled……….move on! Now, for those that are concerned now; where was you, "back then"? What are your "true" motives, in enlightening the rest of us, now?

BR   June 20th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Let's see, I don't know, I am not sure. But hey, if you Kool-Aid drinking libs think that is earth shattering testimony that Bush is a crook, then keep the tin foil hats on. Seriously, we are in a world of trouble with you people.

Reality Check Richmond Virginia   June 20th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

I believe him, Dubya does strike me as someone who has no idea whats going on……..why should this be any different?

teri   June 20th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

It was Bush's responsibility to educate himself in all issues impacting Americans. The buck stops at his desk! Perhaps, he was ineducable.

Not only should "the worst president in U.S. history" be impeached, he should be tried for war crimes. He isn't just a horrible president, he is a criminal. He will go down in history as the worst president in history on all environmental and ecological issues that impact the entire globe. Indeed, is there one positive to be said about this pathetic homo sapien!

rightytighty   June 20th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Anybody out there actually want to own up to buying this fools book?

yardstylze   June 20th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Dan Abrams showed footage he uncovered of a Fox News interview with John McCain on March 13, 2008, in which McCain said, "I didn't really love America until I was deprived of her company."

Abrams thinks McCain's comments could undermine the "right wing's steady attacks against Michelle Obama."

Chad, Wisco   June 20th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Go ahead and impeach Bush. If you dont remember, we impeached Clinton. I even think Jefferson might have been impeached back in the day. That doesnt do anything. Dont post things you dont understand.

Pam   June 20th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Of course he didn't know. His handlers only tell him the bare minimum they think he needs to know.

Darth Vadik, CA   June 20th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

They must have threatened his life.
Don't drive your car Scotty, the brake lines might have been cut.

Phil, FL   June 20th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

And some of the "blue collar uneducated" want McWarmonger to be elected.

Four more wars - oops - for more years of the same idiocy?

KMAN   June 20th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Just goes to show what a shameless lame moron we have masquerading as a president! It is to America's great shame that such a talentless stupid boob could steal the WH twice in a row!

Brian   June 20th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Incompetent criminals. There's little doubt Bush was kept in the dark while Cheney broke the law. That pretty much sums up the past eight years.

DM, Arlington TX   June 20th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

IMPEACH BUSH NOW

Michael Lorton, Virginia   June 20th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

It looks like another understudy of Nixon, with one exception…..Bush is going to leave office honorably….to late…..to soon.

Darth Vadik, CA   June 20th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Matt and Andy,

After 7 years of this crap, to even hear you say that makes me sick to my stomach.

GROW UP BOYS.

The Bush Twins : George and John   June 20th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

There are alot of things Bush had(has) no "knowledge" of, and considering he's the president, that's just not a good thing. He should know what his people are up to. It's pretty obvious the man just hasn't been on top of things the way he should (be) have been. As far a Cheney goes he should definitley be charged with crimes against the people. But he'll get away, they always do.
And then they wonder why people are so "bitter".
.

Chad, Wisco   June 20th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

All this proves is…. NOTHING!!! All you conspiricy freaks need to chill out. I believe he wrote the book for money, but I wont discount anything he's saying because I wasnt there and dont know. Everyone needs to quit complaining about how horrible it is here now, if its so bad move to another country. Americans are still better off than 99% of the world, if we are truly so spoiled to not be satisfied with that, then move.

Raymond Duke   June 20th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

This is a waste of time. He is just going to get publicity for his book to improve the sales. I agreed with Bush on Afghanistan except for the way he fought it and trying nation building. He should have let the soviets have it but we got involved and ended up getting paid back by Osama. Bush should have destroyed afganistan and most of the inhabinates with it. The hell with nation building. The reason for war is to conquer and oversee or to destroy a threat. I say use the most effective means you got and destroy. "kill them all and let God sort out the good ones".Most americans with a brain know that Iraq was mothing but a corporate move by this administration.

Tom Eyemdaman   June 20th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

You Democrats make me laugh. You're ready to believe him when he tells you something bad about the White House, but you won't believe him when he says something that isn't.

You're a bunch of hypocrites.

Loretta from California   June 20th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

While watching the hearing, I noticed how the Republicans on the panel were throwing darts at McClellan.

Why are the Republicans so defensive? No need to protect the Bush Regime now. .

BUSH: I am not a CROOK.

Joe Regis   June 20th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

The Republicans took the campaign to my

home town today, Ottawa, Canada.

Nobody knows the repubs are here.

Obama 08 & 12!

ProundToBeADemocrat   June 20th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

I beleive Scott McClellan when he said Bush did not Know about this. His admistration is run by cheny, Rove,libby and many other crocks, Bush is a symbol his IQ is lower than my dog.

Chris P   June 20th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

@Jeff D

I agree wholeheartedly Jeff. Bush was the puppet and now McCain is also!!! These boys want to start the oil drilling around here because that's what oilmen do … keep the liquid gold flowing for generations and get them in control of whatever oil remains out there… I have just one question. "How much money/power is enough for these guys?" God help us all!

Matt: honestly   June 20th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Republicans love honesty. They were so honest about WMDs. They were so honest about Al Quaida being in Iraq. They were so honest with Halburton, oil investments etc. Republicans are about as honest as a pathological liar.

Bruce   June 20th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

McClellan needs to get off the fence. He wants to imply that deceit was the modus operandi at the White House, but doesn't want to actually accuse anyone of anything. They lied about the content of their tax package in 2000, lied about the cost of the medicare reform bill that was packed with goodies for the pharma companies, lied about Iraq being a threat to us, about Iraq being tied to 9/11, lied about permanent tax brekas helping a) the housing prices, b.) the mortgage crisis, c.) the economy. Now they are pretending that coastal and Alaskan drillng will bring gas prices down. Are they ever honest about anything?

Jerry in Fresno   June 20th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Buyer beware!

Double agent, sinner, or fool.

Why buy anything this pathetic creature is peddling?

Daniel, WA   June 20th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

This is the charade from democrats to show public that they are doing a good job in their investigation. They are just using our money and their time for such political purpose and to score points.

ProundToBeADemocrat   June 20th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

What makes me sick is the people who voted for this Idiot for two terms and still thinking to vote for Mccain this year. This Suckers need to be educated, this nation can not afford to have republican party anymore we need to eliminate this people very soon before they totally destroy our country. Karl Rove is a potato head crock and fat pig he needs to be arrested and put in jail for good.

NoMcSame   June 20th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Out of office and into JAIL for Cheney. Cheneys first name is so fitting for him.
PUMA people Hillary is still waiting for you to send her some money to help her with her bills. Come on and show us Obama supporters how much you love her and send her your money. Your lip service is not helping her at all. We don't fear you as you can see. Obama doesn't care about you as you can see so help the one that you CLAIMED stood up for you. MONEY is what she needs.
Obama08 with or without you PUMA people

larry buchas   June 20th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

I believe him. Bush was too stupid to see these thugs running circles around him. He's been Deadeye Dick Cheney's puppet for 8 years.

This has been an administration run by a wooden-headed puppet.

Tejano   June 20th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Congress has more important matters on their agenda than to revisit old bones, just for political gain.
They are also investigating the death of a race horse.

How about tackling these issues.

1. Illegal Immigration
2. Oil Independence
3. Mortgage foreclosures]
4. Insurance and Stock Fraud on Wall Street
5. Veterans hospitals
6. Military spending
7. Balancing the budget
8. IRS Reform
9. Judicial intervention (legislating from the bench).
10. Election reform (closing 527's)

MD FOR OBAMA   June 20th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Enough already of Bush and his terrorist organized criminals in the white house!

Oh God please don't let him step foot inside the door when the Saudis negotiate how they plan to release more oil. I do not trust Bush to make any good decisions for this country.

Bill   June 20th, 2008 11:56 am ET

This guy "doesn't think" and "doesn't know". So why is he "testifying"? If he doesn't know, etc., how can he say the White House is concealing or not concealing anything? This guy's just got an axe to grind and the House is happy to accomodate him. No biz like showbiz.

Daughters over party   June 20th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Guess the Bush Admin made "the Call"..too bad i was starting to like this guy

independent for O   June 20th, 2008 11:55 am ET

bush was well aware of everything going on at that level.we'll never know who did what ,when,because that's the way this administration works.plausible deniability.this entire admin. should be prosecuted for war crimes.

Chipster   June 20th, 2008 11:55 am ET

John Diulio wrote a 5-page scathing report when he left the Faith-Based Initiative office, accusing the Bush Administration of using every agency as a political tool. He called them "Mayberry Machiavellis. In no time at all, he was retracting and dropped off the map.

Paul O'Neill wrote a critical book and boldly said on one of the morning news shows that he was old and rich so there was nothing they could to him. Hmmmm, never heard much more about him. Again, dropped out of sight and I wonder if he even finished his book tour.

I don't know what power they have but they obviously have it - kinda scary.

Jeff D, South Bend, IN   June 20th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Of course Bush didn't know. He has the IQ of my pet rock.

Darth Vadik, CA   June 20th, 2008 11:54 am ET

It was always the price of darkness himself Cheney

Franky   June 20th, 2008 11:53 am ET

To be honest guys, I don't know what to believe anymore. This Administration is one of the most unusual Administrations I have ever seen in my lifetime….

To be honest, I don't know what they believe in….

Andy J, NY   June 20th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Matt-
i was going to say the same thing. Couldn't agree more.

demwit   June 20th, 2008 11:51 am ET

But what does CNN think!!??

Matt   June 20th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Good to see our congress is wasting more of our time and money on a non-issue.

Now watch the dems claim he is lying now.

Last week they were carrying him around on their shoulder for being an honest whistleblower, now that he is under oath, and the truth comes out, he'll be the enemy of democrats once again.

democrats hate honesty

Texas   June 20th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Yeah right!

me   June 20th, 2008 11:48 am ET

this administration is full of criminals

White House Hiding Stuff…Oh My   June 20th, 2008 11:47 am ET

The White House keeping stuff from the public is this really new info. I am not surprised one bit.

NickNas   June 20th, 2008 11:45 am ET

LOL Looks like he got " That" Call. He is remembering these guys can make a person Disappear!

Bush is going to get away with robbing this country blind and killing thousands of our kids for no reason. You can BANK on it.

THIS is what you people voted for so YOU share the blame.

Tori   June 20th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Just goes to show how much of an idiot is the president.

Kenneth M   June 20th, 2008 11:44 am ET

THEY MUST HAVE GOT TO HIM. JUST WATCH HIM START TO RETRACT EVERY THING HE HAS SAID SO FAR.

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