Although some Republican leaders defended the White House and joined in denouncing Clarke,
others expressed concern that the former aide's accusations would compound a recent fall in Americans' perception of Bush's honesty that began with the flawed charges about Iraq's weapons and the understatement of the costs of Bush's prescription drug initiative.
Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) said he believes the White House has to respond directly to Clarke's allegations rather than question his credibility. "This is a serious book written by a serious professional who's made serious charges, and the White House must respond to these charges," he said
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Enjoy the Scott McClellan show if you can catch it. The Administration's line of attack is unsustainable. One the public realizes all they can do is attack good Republicans like O'Neill, Wilson, Clarke, McCain (defended Kerry)and Hagel (defended Kerry and Clarke), it's all over.
For those who worried about the headlines of Aministration blasts back, don't worry. That's a single news cycle. This is now the 9/11 show, and even though the administration has no intention of talking about individual responsibility, they don't control the agenda now.
And that's thanks to one Richard Clarke, showing how the bureaucracy game is really played.