Woodward on Larry King (4/19/04)

[UNCjigga]

The segment where Prince Bandar was on the phone was quite interesting. He did not deny ANY of Woodward's claims, and in fact stated Woodward is an 'excellent journalist' and that 'most of what I've seen in that book is verbatim' [paraphrased].

About learning of the plan before Colin Powell, he said that he was indeed briefed on January 11th (which is before Powell knew details of the plan) but at the time no decision had actually been made to go to war. He did believe from the language at the meeting ("you can take this to the bank...when we start Saddam is finished") that war would start soon, however.

Also, about lowering gas prices before the election, he said that yes, this was asked and he did make assurances that the Saudi government would do its best to comply with the request. Funny, the White House just denied that this afternoon?? HOWEVER, he said that this is pretty much standard procedure, and that Clinton had asked the same in advance of the 2000 election, and that "if I recall correctly Jimmy Carter asked the same thing in 1979." He said it was in the Saudi government's best interest for American Presidents to be reelected because it made diplomatic relations easier if administration changes were fewer.

edit: Woodward will be on again on Friday's LKL.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Missed it, but I bought the book to read this week. Woodward if first rate. I think this book took Bush off guard since his last book was generally favorable to the administration in regards to Afghanistan

 

[UNCjigga]

The question that's been on my mind the whole time is why did the Bush administration give Woodward so much access? Even the Dems wouldn't let a Post journalist that far up the arsehole. Larry was thinking along the same lines, and asked "did Bush think the book would be a lot more favorable?" Gotta love Woodward's reply:

"Well Larry, I think they thought the WAR would be a lot more favorable..."

 

[UNCjigga]

Oh, and another bombshell dropped by Woodward:

Larry: "Do you think Powell will be back if Bush is reelected?"
Bob: "Not a CHANCE!"

So there you have it folks. If Bush/Cheney is reelected, the voice of diplomacy and the voice of reason will be gone from the White House.

And hearing Woodward say this with so much conviction, I can only assume he heard this straight from Powell himself.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: Jigga
The question that's been on my mind the whole time is why did the Bush administration give Woodward so much access? Even the Dems wouldn't let a Post journalist that far up the arsehole. Larry was thinking along the same lines, and asked "did Bush think the book would be a lot more favorable?" Gotta love Woodward's reply:

"Well Larry, I think they thought the WAR would be a lot more favorable..."

I heard an interview on NPR about this.

First Woodward is about the most respected writer in DC. It was thought that the book would vindicate Bush and his policy. Everyone has time to talk to this guy.

Second, Woodward has a style that people feel very comfortable with. They tend to open up to him when they will with no one else.

Third, as I said before Woodward wrote well about our actions regarding Afghanistan. I think they thought he was "their boy". Woodward called them as he saw them. We did well regarding the Taliban, but blew it with Iraq.

 

[conjur]

Originally posted by: WinstonSmith
Missed it, but I bought the book to read this week. Woodward if first rate. I think this book took Bush off guard since his last book was very favorable to the administration in regards to Afghanistan

It's replayed at midnight (Eastern)

 

[UltraQuiet]

Originally posted by: WinstonSmith
Missed it, but I bought the book to read this week. Woodward if first rate. I think this book took Bush off guard since his last book was very favorable to the administration in regards to Afghanistan

Did you read the first book? Rumsfeld would disagree with your "favorable" part. Many people called Woodward a friend of Bush (some on this board) after the first book because he wasn't overly critical of the admin. I guess a sober, factual writing style confuses the red faced ranters. Those same people will now, of course, be on the Woodward bandwagon if he is in fact critical of Bush in this latest endeavor. I'm ignoring the hype and will order a copy to see for myself. I have no doubt Woodward will have done his normal - - A soberly written factual chronology that is as close to the truth as any third party could ever hope to get. I look forward to reading it.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: Ultra Quiet

Originally posted by: WinstonSmith
Missed it, but I bought the book to read this week. Woodward if first rate. I think this book took Bush off guard since his last book was very favorable to the administration in regards to Afghanistan

Did you read the first book? Rumsfeld would disagree with your "favorable" part. Many people called Woodward a friend of Bush (some on this board) after the first book because he wasn't overly critical of the admin. I guess a sober, factual writing style confuses the red faced ranters. Those same people will now, of course, be on the Woodward bandwagon if he is in fact critical of Bush in this latest endeavor. I'm ignoring the hype and will order a copy to see for myself. I have no doubt Woodward will have done his normal - - A soberly written factual chronology that is as close to the truth as any third party could ever hope to get. I look forward to reading it.

To point out a fact, there are "red faced ranters" on both sides. I have already heard about that Bush hating traitorous Woodward because he was critical of Bush and Iraq. Frankly, I have little time for rants or people who rant about ranters. I dislike Bush and his policies for what I think is cause.

If you like, you can change "very favorable" to "generally favorable". In fact I will do it for you in my OP.

As for the rest, I think my analysis holds.

 

[LordMagnusKain]

Originally posted by: Jigga
Oh, and another bombshell dropped by Woodward:

Larry: "Do you think Powell will be back if Bush is reelected?"
Bob: "Not a CHANCE!"

So there you have it folks. If Bush/Cheney is reelected, the voice of diplomacy and the voice of reason will be gone from the White House.

And hearing Woodward say this with so much conviction, I can only assume he heard this straight from Powell himself.

Don?t ass-U-me, as when Powel sticks around for the second term you'll have cast quite the doubt the entire story.