Kerry Nails Bush: President Fails to Explain Why He’s Above the Law

[kerrygoddess]

John Kerry Nails Bush: President Fails to Explain Why He’s Above the Law
January 23rd, 2006

In a statement responding to Bush’s speech today, which he used to defend his domsetic spying program, John Kerry nailed Bush (again) saying Bush “spoke for nearly two hours, but failed to explain why he considers himself above the law”…

“One of the few things I enjoyed hearing in Judge Alito’s confirmation hearings was his statement that no one, not even the President, is above the law. If only the man who nominated him for the Supreme Court took those words to heart. Today the president spoke for nearly two hours, but failed to explain why he considers himself above the law. The president has yet explain why the secret FISA courts are not good enough or fast enough, or tell Congress what changes need to be made in the law. It’s time for a real investigation to get to the truth.

“What we know beyond any doubt is that Osama bin Laden was wanted ‘dead or alive’ four years ago, but he’s still alive and threatening America. The President says keeping weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists is our top priority, but the independent 9-11 Commission gave his Administration a D for their efforts. He says he will treat countries who harbor terrorists like terrorists, but Iran has been the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism every year of his presidency and he has done virtually nothing about it. When it comes to our national security, hollow rhetoric will not make America safe.”

Bush called the domestic spying program a “terrorist surveillance program” today, and said with his usual snide smirk and trademark chuckle…

“You know, it’s amazing that people say to me, ‘Well, he was just breaking the law.’ If I wanted to break the law, why was I briefing Congress?” Bush said with a chuckle.

As I posted here on the 19th, James Risen explained Bush’s briefings with Congress in his book State of War.

MORE & LINKS - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=1724

[MH1]

1. Ooohh, excellent! (Again!)

One thing I really like is that he offers a rational alternative: bring your case to Congress and we'll see if we can adjust the law. Not just "Bush is wrong." If there was any sanity in our media, he'd be getting huge kudos from the pundits for his rational but firm position. Ah well, I won't hold my breath.

[ProSense]

2. Does Bush believe

that his stupid statements are cunning?

[ginnyinWI]

3. it revolted me more every time I saw it!

:puke: I cruised around the news and ended up seeing that statement three times--it ended with a little "heh!" What a creep. If we were in high school together (and I remember this type well) I would avoid him at all costs.

Good slap-down by Kerry: Leahy was on Newshour after Gonzales tonight and said basically the same points--looks like they're coordinated--good!

[jillan]

5. The sheeple believes him.

Bsh can do no wrong in their eyes.
Amazing what happens to one's brain if one watches Faux.

[zann725]

4. Why should he explain why he's above the law> Monarchs,thugs, & gods are.

Simple as that.

[TayTay]

6. So sad Zann, so sad.

I agree, btw. * does think he is far above petty things like obeying the law. Sad.