Has this Ari-Wilson theory been spun already?

[wyldwolf]

Ari outed Wilson's wife. He was asked to resign so, if the story became public, Bush could say the Ari was no longer part of his staff - thus, in theory - escaping too much scrutiny

[LoneStarLiberal]

1. Out of a whole slew of junk,

This one sounds the most plausible.

[Imalittleteapot]

2. The thought crossed my mind.

Did Ari leave right after Wilson's wife was outed or after Wilson's
allegations?

[wyldwolf]

4. When was it in conjunction to Novack's story?

I think Ari left before...

[salin]

3. when did Ari announce his pending resignation, and when did

he actually resign?

What would the penalties be for a private citizen with access to classified information, leaking information to the press that compromised intelligence (and national security)?

[librechik]

5. The column ran on Ari's last day in office

interesting, huh?

[wyldwolf]

7. You're shittin' me!

how bizarre!

[greyl]

9. That's true. Is it also odd for Ari's last day to be a Monday?

I think so.

[salin]

8. May 19, 2003

MAY 20, 2003

WASHINGTON WATCH
By Richard S. Dunham

Ari Fleischer, Presidential Heat Shield
Bush's press secretary bows out, but only after giving 100% in the quest to protect the boss, no matter how hot the spotlight got

On the day of his resignation, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer wasn't going to abandon the iron-willed discipline and parsimoniousness with inside information that have been the trademarks of his three years on George W. Bush's payroll. Asked about his successor's identity, he responded, "As you know, I just don't speculate about personnel."

It was vintage Ari. As Presidential press secretary, he has frustrated the always-aggressive White House press corps by sticking to the company line. Yet Fleischer always did so with a smile, an occasional joke, and with a loyalty and seriousness of purpose that won the total loyalty of his boss. "My job is to represent the President," Fleischer told reporters on May 19, his first day as a lame duck. "And that's what I always remember when I come to this podium."

more: http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/may2003/nf20030520_8329_db015.htm

[Don_G]

6. It May Be Spun That Way

But don't forget that Wilson specifically mentioned Rove; Wilson has been in D.C. long enough to know who did what to whom and have concrete evidence when laying the blame on a particular individual.

I can't wait to see it!!!!

[NashVegas]

10. Ari Is But One Person

Novak said two.

Two senior officials.

[Must_B_Free]

11. Ari resigned so as not to tarnish Israel with Iraq

Remember Israel, they were just whistlin', looking the other way while this whole war to turn on their oil went down.

My theory is that pro Israel influences convinced Fleischer that they didn't want a Jew to be perceived as doing the lying for Bush.