GOP sees post-Fitzmas Rove as a mystic with increased stature

[Human Torch]

Associated Press
Rove Has Unparalleled Influence With Bush
By NEDRA PICKLER , 08.29.2006, 03:28 AM



http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/ap/2006/08/29/ap2978817.html

Rove fell under a legal cloud after a grand jury, starting late in 2003, began investigating the leak of a CIA officer's identity to reporters. He learned in June that he would not be indicted. With that threat behind him, Rove is back to his old playful self - sporting Elvis sideburns on a recent trip to Memphis with the president and traveling around the country for lucrative storytelling to GOP donors.

The Republican base never flinched at suggestions that Rove tried to smear administration critic Joe Wilson by revealing his wife's role as a CIA operative.

Publicity surrounding the case may have increased Rove's stature among Republicans and contributed to an almost mystical view of the longtime Bush strategist among the party faithful because he came out on top. At a recent presidential fundraiser near Bush's Texas ranch, a line that formed for photos with Rove was nearly as long as the line waiting to see the president.

Rove is an impressive fundraiser himself, bringing in $10.4 million in 75 events this cycle, more than any other Republican official besides the president, first lady and vice president.

[stepnw1f]

1. That Pretty Much Sums Up the GOP Cult Mentality

They worship everything bad in America.

[Human Torch]

2. Yep. He "came out on top."

Really, really admirable. He's a winner. Let's all line up for Karl's autograph.

:banghead:

[Phredicles]

3. A winner like OJ...

[Human Torch]

4. EXACTLY.

:applause:

Now that the nasty Plame mess is behind him, Rove can return to the golf course and his search for "the real killers."

:patriot:

[leveymg]

5. He'll end up like this mystical figure:

And, the Bush family like this dynasty:

[movonne]

6. Yesterday on the Huffington post, I saw that most Americans have

a low opinion of KKKrove....so what kind of crap is this...