Why is it so hard to use the word 'liar'?

[quaoar]

This is from Sen. Boxer's statement during the confirmation hearing:

"And I will be placing into the record a number of such statements you made which have not been consistent with the facts."

Not consistent with the facts?

Is everyone just afraid to call a liar a liar?

[politicaholic]

1. A lie denotes intention, and proving an intentional lie is very hard.

It would be very easy for Barbara to call her a liar, but what happens is she puts A) the burden of proof on her shoulders, and B) puts her reputation on the line if she is unsuccessful with that endevor.

[quaoar]

2. Proof?

This isn't a court of law. It's the court of public opinion. What's Condi gonna do, sue for defamation? I'd like to see that.

[OrwellwasRight]

3. She can't even sue for that even if Boxer was wrong.

The Constitution gives lawmakers immunity for what is said on the floor so that they can have the freedom to say, "you, ma'am, are a LIAR," if it aids their rhetoric.

Article I, Section 6:

"and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place."

I understand not wanting to engage in ad hominem ("liar"), but one can still call an untruth a lie. A lie requires only that it be false, but Condi does speak to mislead so she has then intent to lie as well.

[politicaholic]

4. I know, you're right, but the moment she says "liar" the spindoctors...

start blazing.

What Barbara I'm sure is fully aware of is that the Repuke attack dogs are trying to dig up bones about her now.

Condi is such an easy target, I understand why you would want to see her get shot down. I would love to see that too.

But, oh god, who would replace her? Paul Wolfowitz?

:scared:

[quaoar]

5. So what? Let the spindoctors blaze away

Then the debate will be over whether Condi is a liar. Larry King and Hardball will devote numerous shows to "Is Condi a Liar?"

I think we win that one.

[MontecitoDem]

6. I disagree

If Boxer had more support, maybe. But as it stands, she'll be the topic of derision, not Condi. She's smart to be more careful unless she has more support from others.