Ari Fleischer: ‘I’ll be proud to testify if I get a subpoena.’

[babylonsister]

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/04/30/fleischer-subpoena/

Fleischer: ‘I’ll be proud to testify if I get a subpoena.’


Today during a panel discussion for the Independent Film Channel, former Bush press secretary Ari Fleischer argued forcefully against launching an in-depth investigation of the Bush administration's torture program. However, he said that if it does happen, he's ready for them to bring it on:

He argued that neither Congress nor anyone else is up to the task, and that any investigation would “lead to acrimony and blame-gaming” and “devolve into the worst type of partisanship.” While noting that “no one likes to get a subpoena,” Fleischer said, “I’ll be proud to testify if I get a subpoena. I’m proud of what we did to protect this country.” Those wanting to see Fleischer—or at least some of his former colleagues—on the witness stand include his fellow panelists Noonan, who called for a 9/11 Commission-style investigation, and Tina Brown, who quoted Senator Patrick Leahy’s contention that “before you can turn a page, you want to read it.” When moderator (and Media Project host) Gideon Yago brought up the idea of a special prosecutor, Fleischer sternly pointed out that “that assumes a crime has been committed.”

Today, Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) also demanded an investigation into Bush's torture program. "To continue to ignore the mounting evidence of clear wrongdoing is a national humiliation," writes Byrd.

[rosesaylavee]

1. That's nice.

I'll also be proud when our Justice Dept. throws these criminals behind bars.

[walldude]

2. I'm proud to be an asshole!

Bet your mom is proud too Ari...

[wtbymark]

3. Dude, even Byrd gets it!

Don't dissappoint the man, get him a subpoena! Let him foam at the mouth for a few hours, then indict him. It's quite simple really.

[tridim]

4. Ari, so arrogant and proud that he'd rather go down with the ship than just tell the truth.

[annabanana]

5. IIRC he lawyered up early during the Plame affair..

He was also early to Fitzgerald's office..

edit: I suspect he's been rehearsing ever since.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

6. Goeth before thy fall Ari.

Pride first.

[JuniperLea]

7. Blame gaming my ass...

How about book throwing?

Yes, you dipshit! Crimes, plural, were committed.

Is it me, or is this shades of Ollie North? “I’ll be proud to testify if I get a subpoena. I’m proud of what we did to protect this country.”

[Critters2]

8. I'm so amazed at how frightened these grown men were.

They were so terrified that they would do anything, even torture, to feel safe. I can't imagine going through life that way.

[tanyev]

9. Remember, Ari, in times like these "people have to watch what they say and watch what they do."