On "The Charlie Rose Show" the other day, David Brooks was a guest and one thing he said absolutely jumped out at me.
He was asked about the Scooter Libby trial and whether it is a big deal or not. Brooks said no. I believe he answered framing the question around whether it is a current big deal to the rest of the country--that is, to people outside of D.C.
Granted, most people, other than the hardcore political junkies, are not following the trial but they will hear, know and remember what the verdict turns out to be. And this could be extremely damaging to the leaky life raft George Bush is currently paddling in circles.
If Libby is convicted, Democrats should use the entire Libby episode as a mantra. One that encompasses the blatant immorality of the Bush Administration but, more importantly, focuses on stressing the abuse of power in a manner that threatens our national security. That the Bush Administration had a choice and decided to out a national security agent, one working important on Iranian nuclear issues, instead of better protecting America.
That the personal selfishness and fixation of the Bush Administration in creating a foolhardy war, one that has wrecked our military, destroyed our treasury, alienated long-time friends and allies, lost thousands of American and Iraqi lives, created a living hell for many Americans and most Iraqis and worsened the Middle East, was made to happen at any and all costs, including the safety of this country.
This needs to become a Democratic meme, repeatable at all opportunities. Libby's conviction (which seems likely) should be the kickoff implementation of this. It is an episode that be concisely expressed, is easily understandable and makes for perfect fodder since a large number of high level Democrats are receiving presidential campaign coverage.
The Bush Administration chose themselves over country. Their interests over ours. Period.