Two US officials embarrass Bush on Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20041006/ts_alt_afp/us_vote_iraq&cid=1506&ncid=1480

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Statements by two top US policymakers contradicting administration dogma on Iraq (news - web sites) provided new fuel to relentless Democratic criticism of President George W. Bush (news - web sites) that have jolted his re-election bid.


Paul Bremer, former civilian overseer of occupied Iraq, said the United States never had enough troops on the ground to establish control and was remiss in not stamping out looting and other violence after Baghdad fell.


Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld added to Bush's embarrassment by saying he had not seen any convincing evidence linking Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) and Al-Qaeda terrorists as claimed by the White House.


Bremer and Rumsfeld both issued clarifications of their remarks, made in separate speeches Monday. But Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry (news - web sites) wasted no time Tuesday in using them to score political points.

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[soothsayer]

1. what does bremer care now that he's got $8 billion in a swiss account

He can keep buying his $1000 italian suits and whatnot, and shoot off his mouth as much as he wants. He's a made man.

[pfitz59]

2. I understand he owns a villa in <GASP> France!

Pretty good for a career diplomat...

[soothsayer]

4. jeez they are so blatant

what a bunch of crooks

[truthisfreedom]

3. dear bremmer and rummy,

turning on the boy king now will not help you keep your jobs when Kerry wins. your asses are FIRED.

[Hello_Kitty]

5. Why do the terms "Bush" and "embarrassment"

occur together so frequently of late? Hmmmm......

[TheCentepedeShoes]

6. I smell a rampant

CYA

[anarchy1999]

7. I see a circular firing squad,

and rats jumping from a sinking ship.

[struggle4progress]

8. kick

:kick:

[Disturbed]

9. Bremmer back off somewhat..

Did he get a phone call from Porter Goss?

[MADem]

11. Yeah, he had a flack

...go out and whine to the press that Bremmer's remarks didn't count because they were supposed to be "off the record." Sorry, Paulie, there's no crying in politics...and no "do overs" either!

[Beetwasher]

10. These Stories Are Popping Up All Over Like Mushrooms In Damp Dark Room

I love mushrooms.

[tlcandie]

12. I guess this burning bush will not be the kind of old ..

it will be burning from going down in flames and embarassment? :shrug:

[Free2BMe]

13. war criminal

Please explain why given the facts released..this does not make the president a war criminal according to International law ???