Will the Kerry campaign hit Graham's revelation relentlessly?

[senseandsensibility]

Or will it just flutter away into the wind, as so many of the other scandals surrounding this administration?

For those of you who haven't heard,Senator Bob Graham revealed on the Sunday show circuit today that the pages blacked out of the 9-11 report contained a bombshell. It seems that Saudi Arabia financed 2 of the hijackers,AND THE * ADMINISTRATION TRIED TO COVER IT UP! Heck, they did cover it up, until Graham revealed it. To put it plainly, this administration showed more loyalty to the Saudis than to their own country.

This is serious, and very damaging to *. Have we finally learned to take advantage of the almost daily revelations against this evil administration? We've been handed another scandal, gift-wrapped and ready to present. After last week, have we learned to pounce yet?
:mad:

[salinen]

1. I'm looking forward

to the media reminding everyone what a kook Graham is, so no need to investigate the ravings of a madman.

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

2. Godsdamn..that IS a bombshell !

Holy shit..is anyone covering this?

[rsmith6621]

3. After last week, have we learned to pounce yet?

We need the POUNCERS......So Kerry can focus on our/the future.

This issue has to get out through the Grassroots otherwise it will look like Kerry is desperate.....

[bigtree]

4. Kerry Statement on Allegations Made in Senator Bob Graham's New Book

Kerry Statement on Allegations Made in Senator Bob Graham's New Book 'Intelligence Matters'

9/5/2004 2:23:00 PM
To: National Desk, Political Reporter

Contact: Mark Kitchens of Kerry-Edwards 2004, 202-464-2800; http://www.johnkerry.com

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 5 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Sen. John Kerry released the following statement today on allegations made in Sen. Bob Graham's (D-Fla.) new book:

"Sen. Graham is a respected member of the United States Senate and a former chairman of the Intelligence Committee. These are serious allegations being made by a well respected and informed leader. If the White House and the FBI did in fact block an investigation into the ties between the Saudi government and the 9-11 hijackers, then this would be a massive abuse of power. We need an independent investigation into these allegations immediately to determine if the very agencies charged with investigating the war on terror have been compromised by White House politics."

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=35678

[lovuian]

7. I think Kerry Needs to be a Bit more forceful

And Independant Investigation isn't possible in the Bush's Whitehouse

isn't that the 9/11 Commision

I think Kerry needs to Scream that the Ties of the Bush Family with the Saudi Government is incestuous and his releasing the Saudis flight during the No fly zone was criminal and Impeachable


That statement is a Wooze Kerry

[bigtree]

13. You act like the release I provided is the full extent of the response

I just provided it because folks like to act like Kerry won't respond and then knock him when he does. He will obviously expand on this. Why beat him down even when he is going your way? The poster acted like he wasn't going to act, like he was late in responding, now his response isn't good enough. Way to get behind our candidate.

[bigtree]

14. Saudi response- One example- Kerry hits it where it it affects us

Kerry-Edwards Campaign: Even Bush's Secret Saudi Energy Plan is a Failure

8/12/2004 1:30:00 PM
http://www.johnkerry.com

With oil prices hitting record highs, it is increasingly apparent that the Bush energy policy is failing. The only plan Bush seems to have is relying on his Saudi friends to boost their production. Journalist Bob Woodward told us in April that that Bush and the Saudis had a plan to lower oil prices before the election to help Bush's re-election chances. Even with the news of Saudi boosting production, oil prices continue to skyrocket, proving that even Bush's secret Saudi oil plan is a failure.

"Everyone is familiar with this White House's close ties to the Saudis. What's unfortunate is that even Bush's secret energy plan isn't doing anything to reduce these record high gas prices. It's surprising that an administration that's so close to the Saudi government still can't get the 'jawboning' done with OPEC," said Chad Clanton, Kerry campaign spokesman.

Oil Prices Skyrocketing...The price of oil closed at $44.80 a barrel in New York, up 28 cents yesterday. The record price at the end of the day was set this past Monday at $44.84 a barrel. According to the New York Times, "Prices within pennies of $45 have been seen during trading several times this week." (New York Times, 8/12/04)

...But Bush Plan Does Nothing to Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil. According to the New York Times, "Bush said soon after taking office that his goal was to reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil, to increase domestic production and to make energy cleaner and more affordable for all Americans. None of these things has happened. The country still imports nearly 60 percent of its oil, close to a record. American oil and gas production have remained flat, gasoline and heating fuel prices have been high, and renewable fuels still account for less than 4 percent of American consumption." (New York Times, 2/23/03)

Saudis Announce Increase in Oil Output. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest exporter, announced that it would increase output by one million barrels a day in recent months, to more than 9.3 million barrels a day, and had the ability to do more. (New York Times, 8/12/04)

-- Saudis and Bush Had Plan to Reduce Gas Prices Before 2004 Election --

Bush Had Secret Deal With Saudis To Lower Gas Prices Before 2004 Election. According to the book "Plan of Attack" by Bob Woodward, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the U.S., has promised President George W. Bush the Saudis will reduce oil prices before this November's election to help the U.S. economy and lower gas prices. In an interview with "60 Minutes", Woodward said oil prices are "high, and they could go down very quickly. That's the Saudi pledge. Certainly over the summer or as we get closer to the election they could increase production several million barrels a day and the price would drop significantly." (CBS News, 4/18/04; Bloomberg News, 4/19/04)

Saudi Ambassador Promised to Lower Gas Prices to Stimulate Economy. According to an excerpt of Woodward's book "Plan of Attack", "According to Prince Bandar, the Saudis hoped to fine- tune oil prices over 10 months to prime the economy for 2004. What was key, Bandar knew, were the economic conditions before a presidential election, not at the moment of the election." (Woodward, "Plan of Attack", p. 324)

McClellan Admitted that Bandar Vowed to Keep Oil Prices At A Certain Price. White House press secretary Scott McClellan admitted that Prince Bandar "expressed his views out at the stakeout to you all that Saudi Arabia is committed to making sure prices remained in a range, I believe it's $22 to $28 price per barrel of oil, and that they don't want to do anything that would harm our consumers or harm our economy." (White House Press Gaggle, 4/19/04)

Bandar Admitted That They Tried to Lower Gas Prices, Wanted Bush Re-elected. On CNN's "Larry King Live," Prince Bandar stated "We hoped that the oil prices will stay low, because that's good for America's economy, but more important, it's good for our economy and the international economy...So yes, it's in our interests and in America's interests to keep the prices down." Bandar also admitted to wanting Bush to be re-elected "We always want any president who is in office to be re-elected, Larry, but that is the American choice." (CNN, 4/19/04)

_____________________________________________

Kerry Urges Bush to Stand Up for Working Americans and Press Saudis on Lower Oil Prices

4/22/2004 2:29:00 PM

"If you ever needed reassurance that continuing our efforts to live in a world where our air and water are cleaner and where we are less dependent on foreign oil-then this was your week. On Sunday, Bob Woodward revealed that Prince Bandar received a private briefing from the President about his Iraq war plans. According to Woodward, in that meeting Prince Bandar also talked about oil-increasing production in time for the fall election to make the economy look good for the President.

"Whether it was a secret deal, a pledge, or a friendly conversation amongst friends -- the fact remains the same -- it was another bad deal for hard working Americans. They are spending $24 billion more this year because of higher gas prices. They are doing everything they can to come up with those extra dollars to pay for gas so they can get to work.

"The American people need a president who won't have a friendly talk when times are tough. They need a president who will look out for them. They need a president who will stand up to those OPEC nations and say, 'The American people are struggling turn on your spigots.' They deserve a president who will live up to his campaign promise to jawbone OPEC to reduce gas prices. And they need a president who can also say, 'Enough.'

"It's time for us to be less dependent on foreign oil. It's time for us to use our might and muscle to lead the world toward more energy efficiency. And it's time we had a president who understands that when you work toward this goal you're looking out for the American people, our economy, and our national security."

http://www.johnkerry.com
___________________________________________

Kerry on Impact of Gas Prices on Middle Class and Saudi Gas Pledge

4/19/2004 5:03:00 PM

Today Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry was joined by Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman on the campaign trail in Lake Worth, Fla., where the two Democrats discussed the new direction Kerry offers middle-class families squeezed by the out-of-touch economic policies of George W. Bush. The Democrats noted that working families across the country are struggling to keep up with rising costs like health care and college tuition, while also seeing jobs disappear, wages stagnate and family debt rise. Kerry pledged that help is on the way for the middle class under a Kerry administration.

During the town hall meeting, Kerry made the following statement in response to reports that Saudi Prince Bandar pledged to wait to boost oil production and lower gas prices until before the November election.

DETAILS:

"But they are possibly even taking steps and have taken some steps that make it worse. Last night on 60 minutes it was reported by one of America's most respected and reputable reporters, that in the Oval Office discussions around whether to invade Iraq, that the President, the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense made a deal with Saudi Arabia that would deliver lower gas prices. But here's the catch. Here's the catch. The American people would have to wait until the election, until November of 2004, the presidential election, until the Saudis lower those prices. Now if this sounds wrong to you, that's because it is fundamentally wrong and if, as Bob Woodward reports it is true, that gas supplies and prices in America are tied to the American election then tied to a secret White House deal, that is outrageous and unacceptable to the American people."

WINDOWS:

http://www.johnkerry.com/audio/041904_Florida_TownHall.asf

REAL:

http://www.johnkerry.com/audio/041904_Florida_TownHall.ram

MP3:

http://www.johnkerry.com/audio/041904_Florida_TownHall.mp3

[demosincebirth]

16. I think they'll let it slide just like...

the rest of the shit they should have hammered Bush with.


Our motto should be "take no prisoners!"

[bigtree]

24. Rest of the shit?

They've hammered plenty on the issues and they responded immediately to this. I've got the evidence in my post above. Where's yours?

[Joylaughter]

5. Not seeing any news coverage yet

Becasue Bushco owns media. Graham will be "debunked" or he will have an accident. He is a real hero in my book.

[senseandsensibility]

6. They always

make fun of his diary entries and try to make him look like a kook, but he has proof of what he's saying. I think it will get some coverage if Kerry and Edwards mention it on the stump.

[rndmprsn]

8. meet the press

i was looking forward to a good debate on graham's new book, but russert only talked about the "alleged saudi coordination" for about the last 20 seconds of the show.

but...it was a good show, iraq for real has finally entered the public debate. in fact it was pat buchannon who went after bush the hardest, lashing out @ the neo-cons and saying iraq is a complete failure and our problems began in the first gulf war and by stationing troops in the holy land AND hammering bush for no WMD's and how that has seriously effected the how we are going to fight the war on terror, intelligence etc... newt gingrich was on the defensive for the whole show, getting it from the left and the old guard right.

god i think its weird but i find myself agreeing with pat on alot of select things these days.

but anyhow...it barely got mentioned in between all the back and forth.

[mourningdove92]

9. I think we can count on Olbermann to bring it up.

And go after it.

Kerry is handling it right for now.

[John_H]

10. Surrogates? Surrogates? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? Anyone?

Dudes. Ya know how like, the GOP surrogates treat like every question no matter what it's about as an excuse to like hit whatever like talking point they're supposed to like hit? And like they like never worry about answering the question itself, like? Can we like, tell our surrogates to do that?

[senseandsensibility]

11. LOL

That's funny, in a sad sort of way.

[seabeyond]

12. like wow man, like what a really groovy, like idea

i think this will get play

[Democat]

15. Surrogates like Alan Colmes?

Maybe some Democratic Surrogates need to get off their asses and get out into the press. Spread the fucking word! Where are our talking heads when we need them?

[kwolf68]

17. Time to get Graham on the stump

Senator Graham is proving himself to be a most important American hero.

[senseandsensibility]

18. Great idea!

Bob has tremendous courage to go against the administration like this. I am so glad he did so before the election.

[DeepModem Mom]

19. kick

[Julien Sorel]

20. Isn't Graham himself a surrogate?

Isn't he the logical person to be out talking about this, seeing as it's his book? Presumably he's going to be doing a book tour, which would, in this case, be almost like campaigning, since he'll be making the rounds of the talking head shows and the like.

Of course, there's no reason other people can't talk about it as well.

[sampsonblk]

21. I hope so!

This falls right into the plan of attack that Pres. Clinton suggested.

Now pound, pound, pound!

[TexasSissy]

22. I haven't heard this on the main news. This is big news.

So where's the coverage?

[rullery]

23. Bob Graham is retiring from the Senate

for those who may not know this. Consequently there is little that the Republican spinmeisters can do to harm or discredit him.

[senseandsensibility]

25. good point

Now we just need the corporate media to pay attention. Needless to say, everything Sen Graham is claiming is backed up by solid proof unlike the swiftboat liars, so what's their excuse? Oh, I get it...Sen Graham's info is actually relevant and important...we all know the mediawhores aren't interested in THAT.x(

[lanparty]

26. Only from the lying standpoint ..

... pointing out that Bush repeatedly lied about his guard enlistment is probably the best tactic. People have this notion that Bush is an "honest" man through careful grooming. Bush is NOT an honest man. He is a devious, deceiptful man.

The surrogates can then take over and point out that some other MORE DESERVING person was pushed into the draft because Bush was promoted to the top of the heap despite only testing 25/100 on his pilot aptitude test.

The Kerry campaign should also make ads that show Bush's incredible series of failures throughout his life and attach them to his failures in the White House

* Poor grades at Andover
* WASP affirmative action to gain Yale admittance
* Poor grades at Yale
* Bush becomes an alcoholic at Yale
* Poor grades on pilot aptitude, again Bush is admitted through WASP affirmative action
* Bush is given non-merit promotions to 2nd Lieutenant and 1st Lieutenant breaking all the rules for someone who hasn't gone through ROTC or academy training.
* Bush performs unsatisfactorily by failing to report for a flight physical. He lies and says that he couldn't see his family physician when it's clear that he must see a flight surgeon for such an examination. Bush is grounded from flight for failure to take a physical. Again Bush lies about these points.
* Bush goes AWOL and is unaccounted for over nearly a 1 year period. Bush shirks his sworn duty to our nation's homeland defense in favor of helping his nascent political career.
* Bush does a community service stint in Houston while he is supposedly "unable" to appear for guard duty because he's working in Alabama. At this point a transfer back to the "champaign unit" is 100% possible.
* In fact Bush rents a plane while his pilot status is suspended and takes some operation PULL members joyriding. He stalls the plane on takeoff and scares the life out of his passengers.
* Bush again gets affirmative action out of a court martial for failure to do any drills even in a unit that meets only once a month. Again, Bush lies about this and claims that he drilled. No record can be found that he appeared for anything other than a dental exam (still no flight examination).
* Bush gets an affirmative action honorary discharge when he is clearly absent for a years time. Commanders in Houston file paperwork saying they cannot evaluate him because he hasn't appeared on base.
* Bush is rejected for admittance to the University of Texas law school. The institution funded by taxpayer dollars finds GW totally unworthy of admittance.
* The PRIVATELY funded Harvard University finds GW Bush 100% acceptable since he is a blue blood that can attract funding.
* One of GW's business profs at Harvard is shocked and aghast while the man sits in the back chewing tobacco. He is further aghast by his 1930's era thinking, total disrespect for the poor and underpriveleged, and completely confabulatory and deceiptful nature of class discourse.
* George W starts an oil drilling company and drives it into the ground. He emerges a millionaire from the transaction when his father's business connections bail him out.
* George W runs for Congress in Midland and his COMPLETELY rejected by locals pointing out his Northeast accent and childish swarthy demeanor.
* George W runs ANOTHER oil drilling company into the dirt. Once again, Daddy's friends bail him out and make him a millionaire failure.
* George W ostensibly "buys" the Texas Rangers. In truth, George buys nothing, Daddy's friends buys the team in connection with a multi-million handout for the Texas statehouse and a multi-million dollar land swindle that takes land for the stadium and surrounding infrastructure in the hands of the Rangers for little or nothing in return.
* George W and Laura are both filmed picking their noses in public ;-)
* George W runs a dirty and deceiptful campaign against Ann Richards.
* George W runs for reelection and promises to stay in office all four years while criticizing elected officials who left mid-term to seek higher office.
* George promises prosperity, security, and dignity. He delivers NOTHING!!!!! George is so badly divisive that he drives a moderate Senator into being an independent and throws Senate control briefly to the Democrats.

Bush's resume is a piece of work. He's a millionaire fuckup who simply isn't allowed to feel his own failure.

Oh yeah, and surrogate groups should also take swipes at Laura for running down and killing her ex-boyfriend in her car. I'm sure they can find some instance of "shoot from the hip" Bush talking about vehicular homicide.

[madfloridian]

27. We never got the Sunday morning shows in Florida.

All the networks in Central Florida carried the hurricane coverage. We have not seen anything but that, if we were lucky enough to have power and cable or satellite.

Most Floridians never saw Graham and don't know about it.