Daily Kos

The Buck Must Stop with New President

by jimrice

Mon Feb 02, 2004 at 02:02:19 AM PDT

More and more it appears that Bush will use the same defense with Intelligence-Gate as he has with the Yellowcake Business: he will blame his subordinates. He will plead credulity, ignorance-- "it wasn't me, it was someone else."

The other Democrats must start saying, again and again, "It my administration, the buck will stop with me: I will take responsibility for the actions of my administration, not leave the tough thinking to others, whom I can blame afterward if a mistake is made."

(Then, of course, he should follow through with this claim. But first things first.)

PS. For the Senators who voted for the war, this would involve some gutsy stumping: they'd need to say "I want to get to the bottom of this, because it was my vote, too, that took us to Iraq, and we must be better prepared to face such challenges in the future."

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Permalink | 6 comments

  •  Bush can ALWAYS plead ignorance... (none / 0)

    ... beause it's ALWAYS true.

    by Bob Johnson on Mon Feb 02, 2004 at 02:06:25 AM PDT

    •  That's a mistake (none / 0)

      You know as well as I do that the entire war situation was a calculated move on their part.  They knew full well what they were doing.  Don't give Mr. Bush that way out.  If we let the media keep letting him play this "Aloof" fool type person, then they'll have an easier time convincing the Americans he isn't to blame for this.

      by balta1701 on Mon Feb 02, 2004 at 02:09:05 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  No he can't. (none / 0)

      I know your comment was made as a joke, but the grim reality is that the US Presidency is a paid position where that person is paid because of the responsibility he has towards the nation on behalf of him and his staff. If anyone on his staff fucks up, it's still the President's responsibility technically. Personal liability is another issue, but in cases such as this, there's no question that the issue of "responsibility" will (or should I say should) pop up. He can't pleade ignorance, it makes him officially stupid. Not that it matters to most people, but trust me, the worlds diplomats and politicians know bullshitting when they see it. Remember, "don't kid a kidder".

      So, in this scenario, you have a dual loss. Not only do you lose the credibility worldwide, but you also set a dangerous precedent as far as liability is concerned. Future presidents will no doubt be delightet to be able to use the "I didn't know diddly squat" argument.

      by Coug on Mon Feb 02, 2004 at 02:43:03 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Bucks/Potatoes (none / 0)

    "In my administration the buck, to use Harry Truman's words, will stop at my desk in the Oval Office; unlike the current inhabitant of the White House who's motto seems to be, 'Toss the hot potato!'"
    --Future words of Democratic nominee Howard Dean (?)

    *John McCain is aware of the Internet*

    by MichaelPH on Mon Feb 02, 2004 at 02:36:16 AM PDT

Permalink | 6 comments