Duck and Cover

The ad hominem attacks on Richard Clarke are not surprising. Dick Cheney going on the Big, Fat Idiot's show and saying that Clarke, the administration's senior anti-terrorism guy was "not in the loop," merely underscores how disfunctional the Bush White House must be. And how pathetic and desperate the administration's response to Clarke's accusations are.

What is interesting, though, is the GOP response. Or lack thereof.

"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."

Unfortunately, not entirely silent. Bob Nickles was full of oratorical flourishes.

"Although many Republican lawmakers were conspicuously silent on the matter yesterday, Sen. Don Nickles (R-Okla.) took the Senate floor to defend Bush and criticize Clarke. 'Maybe, for whatever reason, he has a vendetta against the current president. . . . I'm not sure if he wants to sell books or he's looking for a job or what his efforts are,' Nickles said."

Par for the course. Lie and prevaricate. Blame someone else for the problem. Attack when cornered. Learn nothing. That's the Bush prescription for successful governance.