MSNBC played the tape twice at 1:00 pm (PDT). USN&WR reporter Ken Walsh pointed to the contentious and he said-he said nature of the exchange, concluding that it left the situation open to interpretation.
I disagree -- I think the tape is devastating. Craig sounds like a weasel who is gradually realizing the seriousness of the situation he is in. I am sure this tape will be played many times in the next few days and everyone will reach their own conclusion.
When the police officer reaches the end of his patience, his impatience and irritation ring true to me.
I've worked with vice officers a few times. The Potty Patrol is an assignment loathed by most of them, except for the ones who like to intimidate or even beat up gays.
The best comment I've heard on this whole situation came from an Idaho transvestite speaking on NPR who (my phrasing) said that Senator Craig has chosen a very difficult life for himself by putting himself in the public eye and having such a secret.
Sad as the entire situation is (Craig's inability to be truthful about himself, the harm to his family), it is difficult not to be please at the wonderful random justice of it all.