Former Bush Aide: McClellan Is Getting Ripped For Telling The Truth

In response to his scathing memoir detailing the "propaganda"-filled run up to war and seedy political machinations behind the CIA leak case, Scott McClellan has received withering criticism from his former colleagues. A money grubbing, attention seeking, devoid-of-principles hack has been the description of choice; "this is not the Scotty we knew," the most popular quote.

One former Bush aide, however, is sticking up for McClellan, arguing that the former Bush press secretary is "getting savaged for saying what everyone knows to be true."

Mike Turk served as the eCampaign director for President Bush's 2004 reelection campaign. As such, his tenure corresponded with that of McClellan's. No longer connected to the administration, Turk is now one of the few (if any) voices with connections to that crowd who are saying, quite simply, that the book "What Happened" is steeped in little more than truth.

"After watching McClellan on Today this morning, I think the reception his book received exemplifies the point he was making," Turk told The Huffington Post in an email. "People had high hopes for President Bush to bring America together after his election and after the attacks on 9/11. They felt disillusioned by the Administration's adoption of the 'win at all costs' partisan mentality in this town. I think the bigger point of Scott's book comes from the lessons he learned while playing a part in the permanent campaign. It's an exploration of how that mindset can lead to some really bad choices."

Indeed, Turk notes, he himself has been on the receiving end of Bush-loyalist scorn. After the campaign and his tenure at the Republican National Committee, Turk criticized the party for not fully embracing technological advances. "As a result I'm already on the watch list for the GOP establishment for some of my own criticisms," he said.

Earlier in the day, Turk left a message defending McClellan on the online service Twitter, which was highlighted by Matt Stoller on the site OpenLeft.

And while he has only seen the major excerpts of the book, Turk predicted that, ultimately, McClellan would be looked at optimistically. He suggested the memoir may stand up better to history than the Bush administration itself.

"While Scott's going to weather a fierce storm for writing it, just as Matt Dowd did with his New York Times piece, I think it ultimately will be regarded as a very personal look into the modern political machinery that so many people are sick of," he said.

Comments

[hughbetcha]

My problem is that there is nothing especially revealing in this book despite the incredible hype and attention its getting. What are his revelations? Is it because he was the spokesman? That's a job low on the totem pole at the White House. If Rove or Libby or someone in the real inner circle said this it would be more explosive. And frankly, McClelland is a bore. He was dull as the press secretary and just as dull now that he's free to speak. I nearly dozed off a few times during KO's interview with him and felt KO went overboard (imagine that?) in his fullsome praise of the book, about it making history someday and being `poetry' in part. Jesus, get a grip Keith or read some Yeats. This dude is solely out to cash in and he's doing it BIG time by sucking up to the left. You don't really trust him do you?

[picodegallo54]

big deal. this guy writes a book about what a lot of us knew all along. now everyone else is astonished. kinda like driving on the freeway with your eyes closed, then acting surprised when they are cutting you out of the wreckage.

[drzoon]

you don't get it. we are all in the echo chamber. we sit here and scream at "us" everyday. But when someone who has been on that side of the argument comes to the same realization. then we have made progress beyond telling each other how smart we are.

that... is the big deal

[dattexas]

The point is that when their own turn on them, it creates much more press than when long time critics do it. We should welcome Repub traitors. Besides, everyone here bitches and bitches about that adminstration, then when one of them comes around, we bitch at them again.

[whatsmyname]

Great analogy...excellent point...........

[circusfifthfloor]

To the knuckleheads who continue their James Bond fantasy of what the secret world is about. This was my world and Valerie was covert, but she did not have a jet pack or a phone in her shoe. It's this kind of thinking(?) that this White House counts on to cover themselves Simpleminded featherheads. And Joe reported his findings after his assignment. Reported what he found and did not find, and the truth is swept away. You kids are not up to this. Keep watching the tube there, 007, and become more laughable...By the way, this is only the beginning of the flood of print headed your way shining a light on this dark period in this great nation's history...CFF

[truthyguy]

The only criticism I have is that he should have told this all sooner. But then again, if he did there are somethings he would not have been witness to in the period toward the end of his tenure as press secretary and we would possibly never have learned of them.

I don't care if there is only one hour left in Bush's term - he should be impeached, if for no other reason than for the world to see that the citizens of this country disavow him and what he had done.

[4peace]

Dear truthguy, not only should bush and company be impeached they should catch a rendition flight to Den Hague to face charges for international war crimes and crimes against humanity.

[Vinca]

To 4peace: Ditto

[whatsmyname]

Criticize? No, because that would be too much like staring at the stove and saying, "...and if you give me some heat, I'll give you some wood." Scott, would have gone the way of Vince Foster, if he had taken your suggestion. Really, this is the best Gotcha, since Sock-it-to-me, Sock-it-to-me

[betharlene]

If Bush gets impeached, we would have President Cheney, which would be, if possible, an even bigger disaster. So I guess we have to ride out the rest of this term, and then Good Riddance to the worst president in our history. After that, I just hope that it's not too late for us to become the America we love again.

[tutmoo]

next to worst behind carter

[dartagnan]

It's interesting (and amusing) that the Repukelicans are attacking McClellan for "disloyalty" but not disputing the substance of what he says.

[Redrover666]

They can't dispute it because everything in the book is anecdotal, he said, she said and without supporting evidence. Additionally, he has insured that he isn't challenged by going on only the friendliest of venues to promote the book.

[1differentdrummer]

Redrover, cross over. Face it, the way I have had to, the Bush machine is crooked and deceitful. Once I was an R loyalist, a hard worker, but that was when I could believe what my party stalwarts said. That was then, this is now and I wouldn't believe without verifying that smoke rises, if told by any of the fools in the WH. I'm giving you credit for not being a paid troll, but, of course you may be paid to post. If so, understand this R has seen his party limping off into a dark brown right wing mist of bs and will now vote D, whoever runs. The Libertarians are a joke compared to giants like Goldwater.

[luckyoldson]

Yeah, that's it. It's ALL just his impression of what's been going on over the past 7 years...

Read much?

[Redrover666]

Can someone assist me?

I don't seem to see anything on Huffpost about the Rev. Michael Pfleger scandal.

If see it let me know.

Thanks

[izzat7]

Try the Fox News website.

[Redrover666]

Why isn't it here? I always come here to get the real news.

[1differentdrummer]

Paid to post.

[drzoon]

oh... FOX will always have that stuff when you need it. just go over there and hang out for a while... and it will pop up.

your welcome

[KarenZipdrive]

Okay, so now we have a witness to the treasonous act of outing a CIA agent where Karl Rove is fully involved. Get him on the stand under oath.

[1differentdrummer]

But, but, but, a couple of preachers said.....

[Bambleweeny57]

Mr McClellan's "Come to Jesus" moment has me quite taken aback, in that I find myself grateful and respectful toward a conservative. Quite disorientating because I am as genetically predisposed to despise Conservatives as they are genetically predisposed to being despicable.

It's heartening that one person in this clique has found the courage to stand up against those he had called his friends, to stand up for truth, to be counted as an American first and foremost. It's the hardest thing any person has to do and often the most important.

Many decry the late hour of his epiphany but I challenge them to cite where they themselves have have ever spoke up against powerful friends or sacrificed careers based simply on growing reservations. Just what would an earlier realization have changed? As merely a loyal water carrier, deliberately kept out of the loop, I doubt much at all. There are many others waiting to carry the torch, perhaps even more capable and mendacious.

I for one take him at his word that he hoped for the best of GW&Co and held onto loyalty and hope too long, just as most of us would. This is a great sacrifice. This book will nowhere match the lifetime of financial reward awaiting a loyal Bushie and BushCo are vengeful SOB's.

Yes, he's late.
Yes, we knew all this already.
None of this diminishes the magnitude of the personal courage required to make a move like this.
Thank you Scott.

[danoj]

ya ya ya, Scott wrote a book, but a book about what? Every sentence in that book was info we already have. Way to write a page turner Scott. Come back and let us know when you figure out the Earth revolves around the Sun.

[katsushin]

Yeah weve all known this stuff for a long time, but this is an INSIDER saying its all true. This IS a big deal and I hope it leads to more of the same. To me a good indication of how important this is is the response from the bush boys and their apologists.

[jaschrod]

The Bush administration is reacting vigorously because they are not used to the truth.

[Redrover666]

I was so taken aback by your comment that I began to weep. Then without realizing it I got out of my chair, turned to my picture of Nancy Pelosi and saluted (I cried even harder then). Thank you and god bless you and America.

Keep your chin up, sooner or later we'll get those nasty conservatives back one way or another.

[LadyAva]

I understand your sentiments, but people died needlessly! Perhaps if he'd spoken out sooner, a few American and Iraqi lives could've been saved.

[katsushin]

History says no. ANYONE that came out against what they were doing just got the "business." You really think if he had spoken up bush & co. would have said "yeah you got us...ok stand down"? These people just don't care about anything but doing exactly what they want, period!

[surrytops]

I really like this post. :-)

[karela]

"It is unpatriotic not to tell the truth whether about the president or anyone else."
Theodore Roosevelt

http://www.crisispapers.org/Editorials/patriotism.htm

[thecanadian]

Good post Karela but if that fits with the Bush Administration why hasn't the media covered the absolute horrors, corruption and fraud of the Clintons? Even the MSM should be able to use Google if their own research team has a higher IQ than 5! . There is so much there under the Clinton Chronicles that they probably just clicked it off. Now when McLelland steps forward and tells some of the truth he gets bashed by the media.

I have always been a huge fan of the printed word but in the past year and more particularly, the last 3 months have realized that if it hadn't been for the Internet and specifically the Huntingtonpost, we would never have been shown, & allowed to question anything.

[Nofoolhere]

Will the culpable parties pay for their crime?

WHAT THE FEDERAL LAW SAYS ABOUT OUTING A CIA COVERT AGENT

United States Code Title 50 (War and National Defense), Chapter 15 (National Security), Subchapter IV, Section 421. Protection of identities of certain United States undercover intelligence officers, agents, informants, and sources... FindLaw. (U.S. Code... 01/02/01.)

The Act
Although the act is identified as the "Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982," its short title is the "Covert Agent Identity Protection Act":
"(a) Disclosure of information by persons having or having had access to classified information that identifies covert agent. Whoever, having or having had authorized access to classified information that identifies a covert agent, intentionally discloses any information identifying such covert agent to any individual not authorized to receive classified information, knowing that the information disclosed so identifies such covert agent and that the United States is taking affirmative measures to conceal such covert agent's intelligence relationship to the United States, shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
"(b) Disclosure of information by persons who learn identity of covert agents as result of having access to classified information. Whoever, as a result of having authorized access to classified information, learns the identify of a covert agent and intentionally discloses any information identifying such covert agent to any individual not authorized to receive classified information...

[Procrustean 250 word limit does not permit citing the rest of the law]

[blueskybigstar]

Just post the rest with a Part 2.

[Nofoolhere]

Part 2: WHAT THE FEDERAL LAW SAYS ABOUT OUTING A CIA COVERT AGENT

"(b) Disclosure of information by persons who learn identity of covert agents as result of having access to classified information. [Continued] ...knowing that the information disclosed so identifies such covert agent and that the United States is taking affirmative measures to conceal such covert agent's intelligence relationship to the United States, shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
"(c) Disclosure of information by persons in course of pattern of activities intended to identify and expose covert agents. Whoever, in the course of a pattern of activities intended to identify and expose covert agents and with reason to believe that such activities would impair or impede the foreign intelligence activities of the United States, discloses any information that identifies an individual as a covert agent to any individual not authorized to receive classified information, knowing that the information disclosed so identifies such individual and that the United States is taking affirmative measures to conceal such individual's classified intelligence relationship to the United States, shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
"(d) Imposition of consecutive sentences. A term of imprisonment imposed under this section shall be consecutive to any other sentence of imprisonment."

Source:
http://www.sourcewatch.

[danoj]

No, nobody is going to be held to account for anything. I know everyone wants to see Rove and company locked away, but it is never ever going to happen. After the first of the year it will be over and done with. No matter how big a margin the Dems have in congress and no matter who is in the White House nobody will be prosecuted for anything in Scotts book. Besides the fact it is info we already knew.

[dartagnan]

You don't get it, Nofool. This is America. We don't prosecute public officials for breaking the law. We only prosecute them for getting blowjobs.

[1differentdrummer]

It takes a D administration to do that. Do you think w will prosecute himself?

[Popsforza]

McClellan’s book confirms the charges that have been leveled at the President and his cabal. It confirms that this is an administration focused on legacy and a cult of personality to the exclusion of fall else. One need only read the Bush minions' statements to note the plethora of character attacks and the dearth of disputation concerning the content of the book.

Still, I can not shake T. S. Elliot: “The last temptation is the greatest treason: to do the right deed for the wrong reason.”

Perhaps he had an epiphany that compelled the publication of this book as an exorcism of his complicity.

But it is troubling that he makes it a point to describe those he has exposed for their duplicity, their ego and their intellectual and ethical shallowness as “good” people, with “integrity” for whom he still has “an enormous amount of affection.” If they lied to him and used him and abused him (and our country, our military) , and if he has concluded that his judgment about what they were doing and how they were achieving their goals was flawed and in error, then how can he continue to have any affection for, or positive feelings about, any of them.

His motives will remain suspect. From now until January 20th we should focus on Congress and how it protects us from the last, desperate, gasps of this hell-bent for war band of zealots and their Thugee quest for “coercive democracy”.

[dartagnan]

"But it is troubling that he makes it a point to describe those he has exposed for their duplicity, their ego and their intellectual and ethical shallowness as "good" people, with "integrity"

Many people -- and McClellan apparently is one -- confuse being a "nice guy" with being a good person.

[surrytops]

OMG. I could write a book about what you just said. Here in the South, it is one of our biggest flaws. We totally confuse the two. I'm sure the people McClellan writes about were "nice" to him, but unethical in their decisions. It is kind of like: The guy who is nice to you, but rude to the waitress is not a nice guy.

[Raymondf]

The only thing is 2/3 of the stuff in his book, is old news, and when he goes on the Bill oreilly show next week, he's going to have to have proof about whats in the book, I understand Ari Flecher is going to be on the same show, and Bill said tonight, he was going to try to get Karl Rove on also, should be interesting. even though they all won't be on at the same time.

[joefazio]

Scott McClellan, the latest of ex White House employee
to suddenly find a conscious.

To bloggers and talking heads the revelations in his "show me the money
book" is a story line straight from scores of sequels before it.

Anything new here. No! We've heard it all before from one source
or another. All right, what's so sensational about
McCellellans book? Bottom line, he was one of "the guys" that
conned, lied and manipulated the American people for years.

He was one of "the guys" that put this country in the
proverbial crapper for many years to come.Yes, he was part
of that group of power hungry, manipulative and unconscionable
people that has driven this country to its virtual knees.

Now, now he's going to expose those seated in the highest
places of government, why? It's not terribly complicated
as to his reasons. Here are a few of them. CASH! CASH! CASH!
And let us not forget, the best reason of all. Revenge!

Yeah, revenge! They swept poor Scott McClellan out the big
door of national politics. Suddenly he found himself at the
local taco stand, rather than the White House Mess.

McClellan did not reveal anything we did not know.
He merely took a package of deceit and put a fresh
wrapper around it.


Politicians are like kids set loose in a candy store.
You can judge them for what they paid for...and what
they left with.

[letsmakesense]

Who pays you to write this crap. McClemman was not part of a manipulative group. He was manipulated. Yes for pay so what? Just like the rest of us.. That the corporate media whines "why did it take him so long?"
It took him a year to grow the balls.
And a year to write it.
So there MEDIA , stop whining about what took him so long, do your job and keep reporting, investigating so we can jail these crooks.

[jaschrod]

The media is still in cover up mode. We know what has taken place with the Bush administration, and so do they. They are guilty of cover up. Katie Couric was the only one with balls enough to state that their news was controlled. I personally have never cared for Katie, but at least she had more guts than Brian Williams, and Charles Gibson.

[mathme]

"scores of sequels before it"

What?

[gardenbookie]

By the time all the Bush/Cheney clones tell the "truth", the collection will be the size of the Encyclopedia Brittanica. And that will just be in the alpha section that is labeled GWB.

[dixychik]

He should have told the truth when it would have mattered. He deserves everything he gets, and then some.

[1differentdrummer]

So should Gen. Powell and any number of people, but late is better than never, in my book.

[mollysgran]

dixychik, do you really think anyone would have paid ANY attention if he had told the truth during the run up to the war? Not on your life.

He would have been treated just like all of the MANY others who were telling the truth back then -- with total disregard and disdain.

The timing of his book is much better in the present political climate. I am glad he did it, and I am glad he did it NOW.