TIME Publishes Bush/Abramoff Photo
By Justin Gardner | Related entries in General Politics, MoneySee, here’s the thing…
I don’t really care that much about the Abramoff/Bush connection. Why? Well, I don’t think Presidents are involved with money-based corruption anymore. Somebody tells them “This guy brings a lot of money into the party,” and the President takes pictures with them. That’s the extent. Any actual corruption bubbles up through lower politicians and he has no knowledge of the pay-for-play beyond the assumed state of political contributions. And sure, there’s increased consideration, but that’s just politics. Let’s not kid ourselves here.
In any event, there are many layers of protection to keep the President safe from any kind of charges, even though the opposing party continually tries to charge them.
But let me be absolutely clear. I DO care about the Abramoff scandal. But I’m not interested in a photo. Well, honestly, the only reason this story is slightly important is because the administration tried to deny a connection. That certainly has me rethinking Bush’s importance in this controversy, but I’m still leaning towards my original thoughts about Presidents and pay-for-play.
In any event, check out this story from TIME and check out the photo.
And do tell me what you think.
This entry was posted on Sunday, February 12th, 2006 and is filed under General Politics, Money. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
February 12th, 2006 at 1:40 am
He didn’t just bring a lot of money to the party in general, he was a Bush Pioneer.
February 12th, 2006 at 1:50 am
Understood. But I still stick to my original position. I don’t think the corruption filters up as much as we think.
February 12th, 2006 at 2:41 am
Justrin –
The facet of this that bothers me is the apparent reflex to lie.
The case could easially be made that Abramoff didn’t have the direct influence with G.W. that some claim (however, that “Pioneer” status does bring in some questions), but this denial just makes this presidency less creditable.
February 12th, 2006 at 2:49 am
Sure, it may make him less credible, but this really won’t lower any sentiment. At least that I can see.
Thoughts?
February 12th, 2006 at 6:40 am
One fact not taken into account by Justin’s post: Susan Ralston moved directly from being Abramoff’s personal assistant to being Rove’s personal assistant at the White House.
February 12th, 2006 at 10:03 am
And just to Abermoff’s left, you can barely make out Forrest Gump’s forehead. Amazing.
Seriously, it’s amazing how politicians will make blanket claims like Bush did, knowing quite well it’s a matter of time before they’re proved wrong.
February 12th, 2006 at 10:58 am
It is obvious that Bush lied. I think that is a problem. He lies even when he doesn’t have to. He could have said “sure Jack was a pioneer, I know all my pioneersâ€Â?, everyone would have thought “sounds right to meâ€Â?. But he didn’t, he said something that everyone in their gut thinks is very unlikely, but will also, almost assuredly be found out. That’s pathological. Pathological lying is not in the DSM-IV by itself, but pathological lying is part of antisocial personality disorder. If he hadn’t been born to a rich and powerful family, his ability to get along with others would be, in my opinion, would be limited.
Believe it or not, I was not very interested in politics before this nutjob became president.
Not sure what you are saying here; lower what sentiment?
It won’t make him less credible to his fans, they are blind. He can’t get any less credible to the reality based community.
February 13th, 2006 at 11:44 pm
“..won’t lower any sentiments..”
Aside from snide comments about Diebold getting out the vote, the degree that the GOP faces all tag themselves onto G.W.’s coattails, with this more and more blatant dishonesty, wil hurt them in the eyes of “moderates,” who are still the audience to reach.
February 14th, 2006 at 12:36 am
I think if all of this turns out to be dishonest, it will indeed hurt them. And that’s certainly what it seems like right now, given the information we’re presented now.