Hagel Suggests Possibility Of Bush Impeachment

[El Minion]

One can only hope (http://thinkprogress.org/2007/03/06/hagel-impeachment/)

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<h2 class="title">Hagel Suggests Possibility Of Bush Impeachment: ‘He’s Not Accountable Anymore’</h2>
<p><img src="http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/hagel.jpg" alt="hagel" / class="imgright" />
According to a new report in Esquire magazine, Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) has suggested that Congress may consider the <a href="http://www.esquire.com/features/chuckhagel0407">impeachment of President Bush</a> before his term ends:</p>
<blockquote><br><strong>“The president says, ‘I don’t care.’ He’s not accountable anymore,” Hagel says, measuring his words by the syllable and his syllables almost by the letter. “He’s not accountable anymore, which isn’t totally true. You can impeach him, and before this is over, you might see calls for his impeachment. I don’t know. It depends how this goes.”</strong> </br>
<p>The conversation beaches itself for a moment on that word — <em>impeachment</em> — spoken by a conservative Republican from a safe Senate seat in a reddish state. It’s barely even whispered among the serious set in Washington, and it rings like a gong in the middle of the sentence, even though it flowed quite naturally out of the conversation he was having about how everybody had abandoned their responsibility to the country, and now there was a war going bad because of it. </p></blockquote>
<p>Hagel isn’t the only one frustrated. The desire for more accountability over Bush has led to increasing calls for impeachment from the <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003596868_impeach02m.html">Washington State legislature</a>, the <a href="http://origin.sltrib.com/ci_5332672">mayor of Salt Lake City</a>, and <a href="http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=6187341&nav=4QcS">town hall meetings in Vermont</a>.</p>
<p>Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) said pushing for impeachment would be counterproductive because it would break off efforts to recruit conservative support for changing the course of the war in Iraq. “We’re trying to get [conservatives] to vote against the war. They’re coming around. You don’t hear them singing the virtues of George Bush like they used to. But nothing will turn this into a partisan lockdown faster than impeachment.” Inslee added, “<a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003592835_danny28.html">Ending the war is what’s important now</a>.”</p>
<p><a href="http://digg.com/political_opinion/Republican_Senator_Suggests_Possibility_Of_Bush_Im peachment">Digg It!</a></p>
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<p class="filed">Filed under: <a href="http://thinkprogress.org?tag=Administration" rel="tag" title="View all posts tagged Administration">Administration</a></p>
<p class="posted">Posted by <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/author/faiz/" title="Posts by Faiz">Faiz</a> March 6, 2007 7:35 pm</p>
<p class="permlink"><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/2007/03/06/hagel-impeachment/" title="Permanent link to 'Hagel Suggests Possibility Of Bush Impeachment: ‘He’s Not Accountable Anymore’'">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/2007/03/06/hagel-impeachment/#comments">Comment</a> (136)</p>
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[Spider]

well if impeachment is a possibility . Bush better hurry up with the Libby Pardon .......... I wouldnt have a problem with Libby Pardon ......... Libby is a small guy , that got caught trying to protect his boss ......... A scumbag , but doesnt need prison ....... Cheney and Bush with Rove do though

[El Minion]

well if impeachment is a possibility . Bush better hurry up with the Libby Pardon .......... I wouldnt have a problem with Libby Pardon ......... Libby is a small guy , that got caught trying to protect his boss ......... A scumbag , but doesnt need prison ....... Cheney and Bush with Rove do though

I should be careful what I wish for, can you imagine Cheney as POTUS, his first act would be to nuke Iran. Then again Cheney is just as culpable, if not responsible, for Bush's policies.

Maybe a 2fer on both of them with Pelosi eventually becoming POTUS ROFL!

[Bronco Bob]

I should be careful what I wish for, can you imagine Cheney as POTUS, his first act would be to nuke Iran. Then again Cheney is just as culpable, if not responsible, for Bush's policies.

Maybe a 2fer on both of them with Pelosi eventually becoming POTUS ROFL!

Precisely. If anyone should be impeached it should be Cheney. Cheney
was the mastermind behind the Iraq fiasco. Cheney was the one who
intructed that Plame be outed. Cheney is the one who has his hand
up Bush's ass, ie the puppetmaster. Without Cheney, Bush might have
never went to Iraq, assuming Bush had even been elected in the first place.

[Rigs11]

Impeach his ass and send him to Guantanamo.

[Blueflame]

well if impeachment is a possibility . Bush better hurry up with the Libby Pardon .......... I wouldnt have a problem with Libby Pardon ......... Libby is a small guy , that got caught trying to protect his boss ......... A scumbag , but doesnt need prison ....... Cheney and Bush with Rove do though

Nothing would please me more than a Bush pardon of Libby. If it happens, then Libby can again be called to testify under oath in front of a grand jury... only with no "self-incrimination" to worry about (due to immunity given by the pardon), he would no longer be able to stonewall and refuse to tell all he knows about the involvement of higher-ups in the administration. Not only that, but a Libby pardon would create the public perception that the Bush administration has something to hide. History shows that Watergate wasn't about the eavesdropping; it was the coverup that led to Nixon's resignation.

[Spider]

Nothing would please me more than a Bush pardon of Libby. If it happens, then Libby can again be called to testify under oath in front of a grand jury... only with no "self-incrimination" to worry about (due to immunity given by the pardon), he would no longer be able to stonewall and refuse to tell all he knows about the involvement of higher-ups in the administration. Not only that, but a Libby pardon would create the public perception that the Bush administration has something to hide. History shows that Watergate wasn't about the eavesdropping; it was the coverup that led to Nixon's resignation.

I still dont think Libby will sing , Libby takes the hit gets a life time job in the Carlyle Group or becomes another olie North ..... Hell look at G Gordon Liddy ........But you are dead on Balls accurate about the looking like they have something to hide part ;D

[Blueflame]

I still dont think Libby will sing , Libby takes the hit gets a life time job in the Carlyle Group or becomes another olie North ..... Hell look at G Gordon Liddy ........But you are dead on Balls accurate about the looking like they have something to hide part ;D

Point is, if he's pardoned, I think Fitzgerald could force him to sing... and if he refused, the grand jury could come back with new charges of obstruction. In which case, what purpose would the pardon serve?

If Bush decides to pardon him, I don't expect it to happen until '08... perhaps a Christmas Eve "lame-duck" pardon like his ol' man did with Weinberger. I don't think Libby's legal team has grounds for an appeal, though... so he'd probably spend the time between now and then in prison, not a pleasant prospect for a wealthy, powerful guy like Scooter.

[Spider]

Point is, if he's pardoned, I think Fitzgerald could force him to sing... and if he refused, the grand jury could come back with new charges of obstruction. In which case, what purpose would the pardon serve?
Cant force him , now that the verdict is in , cant even question him ...... Pardon or not , what they can do is go to him and say , look you are looking at doing a bítch stint in club fed , what we can do is by pass this if you give up Cheney .....Chances are he wont , Reagan skated free , Clinton had Susan McDoogal ............

If Bush decides to pardon him, I don't expect it to happen until '08... perhaps a Christmas Eve "lame-duck" pardon like his ol' man did with Weinberger. I don't think Libby's legal team has grounds for an appeal, though... so he'd probably spend the time between now and then in prison, not a pleasant prospect for a wealthy, powerful guy like Scooter.
Depends on the Iraqi war funding , if the Repubs stab him in the Back , He will pardon Libby , making the next election a real bítch for the GOP ........
Bush sees this as a ace in the hole

[Blueflame]

Cant force him , now that the verdict is in , cant even question him ...... Pardon or not , what they can do is go to him and say , look you are looking at doing a bítch stint in club fed , what we can do is by pass this if you give up Cheney .....Chances are he wont , Reagan skated free , Clinton had Susan McDoogal ............


Depends on the Iraqi war funding , if the Repubs stab him in the Back , He will pardon Libby , making the next election a real bítch for the GOP ........
Bush sees this as a ace in the hole

They could definitely make a deal (perhaps for less or even no jail time) now that the verdict is in. I'm not sure that they couldn't re-question Libby... as a witness... about those who were really calling the shots (Cheney) if he's pardoned for the perjury and obstruction convictions. Fitzgerald has not yet announced that he's finished with his investigation and still has the full power to call witnesses to testify.

That "ace in the hole" could be trumped if serious, under-oath Congressional investigations yield solid evidence of impeachable offenses (example: the illegal wiretapping, signing statements, extraordinary rendition/torture, etc.) that this administration has initiated, condoned, and sanctioned.

[Spider]

They could definitely make a deal (perhaps for less or even no jail time) now that the verdict is in. I'm not sure that they couldn't re-question Libby... as a witness... about those who were really calling the shots (Cheney) if he's pardoned for the perjury and obstruction convictions. Fitzgerald has not yet announced that he's finished with his investigation and still has the full power to call witnesses to testify.
they can try requestion him , But if he tells them to **** off , there is nothing they can do , if Bush comes through with a Pardon , Libby doesnt even do Jail time , they win Just like Reagan did , Nixon stepped up , or Nixon skates also .........

That "ace in the hole" could be trumped if serious, under-oath Congressional investigations yield solid evidence of impeachable offenses (example: the illegal wiretapping, signing statements, extraordinary rendition/torture, etc.) that this administration has initiated, condoned, and sanctioned.
Just like Clintons pardons , While Bush is in office , he is pretty much untouchable , it is after he steps out of office they can nail him , Congress knows this , no way they can stop Bush's Pardons ...............impeachment is what it is .....

[Blueflame]

they can try requestion him , But if he tells them to **** off , there is nothing they can do , if Bush comes through with a Pardon , Libby doesnt even do Jail time , they win Just like Reagan did , Nixon stepped up , or Nixon skates also .........


Just like Clintons pardons , While Bush is in office , he is pretty much untouchable , it is after he steps out of office they can nail him , Congress knows this , no way they can stop Bush's Pardons ...............impeachment is what it is .....

It's looking like in the wake of the Libby guilty verdict, Congress is going to start investigating... and Fitzgerald has said he'll cooperate fully with a Congressional investigation. I don't think this is over by any means.

[Rohirrim]

Bush is not the man in charge. Cheney is. Look at Bush's entire life. He has never led in a single instance or in a single facet of his existence. He wasn't even the leader of his cheerleading squad at Yale. Bush has always been, and remains, the tool of more powerful operators. In a way, it's a shame we didn't employ some of the practices of the parlimentary system. If we had, the entire Bush cabal would be out of office already based on their poll numbers and we'd already be holding new elections. As it is, we have to sit through two more years of this meat puppet.

[TailgateNut]

Bush is not the man in charge. Cheney is. Look at Bush's entire life. He has never led in a single instance or in a single facet of his existence. He wasn't even the leader of his cheerleading squad at Yale. Bush has always been, and remains, the tool of more powerful operators. In a way, it's a shame we didn't employ some of the practices of the parlimentary system. If we had, the entire Bush cabal would be out of office already based on their poll numbers and we'd already be holding new elections. As it is, we have to sit through two more years of this meat puppet.

Although I would love to see the look on Georges' face if we put a big "BOOT" in his ass, I would prefer to see Cheney evicted. Akin to killing "two birds with one stone", we would rid ourselves of the true evil in the white house, and at the same time cut the strings on the puppet!

[Spider]

It's looking like in the wake of the Libby guilty verdict, Congress is going to start investigating... and Fitzgerald has said he'll cooperate fully with a Congressional investigation. I don't think this is over by any means.

I dont think it is over , but this will drag out or Polosi will sweep it under the carpet for a favor ..............Libbys appeal or new trial is still 1-2 years away , meanwhile he will be free on bail ...........

[Garcia Bronco]

Lmao

[W*GS]

It'll never happen.

[TailgateNut]

Lmao

WTF is funny. The war? The waste? The Lies? The Truths? The deaths? What?

[bendog]

Spider, I don't want to get into it as far as impeachment goes. The only thing important now is the troops. Hopefully, once they're out, someone will get to the truth ... though it's coming slowly to light. Some will never believe it, just as some still believe Nixon didn't do anything others didn't do. (elections get stolen all the time, but bugging the other party's natl headquarters!!?? Hello)

However, you're incorrect as to Libby's peril. Bushii could pardon him for all actions taken concerning passing information to the media. But Blueflame's right. He could still be called in by someone (congress) and be put under oath and asked about conversations with the media, Rove, bushii, anybody. Then, he'd have to sing because he couldn't take the 5th. Either he sings or he goes directly to jail.

[bendog]

WTF is funny. The war? The waste? The Lies? The Truths? The deaths? What?

I know, I thought it too. 3 guys blown up last night. No reports on how many wounded. On Sunday, my Priest said just in a passing, during a class on Lent and meditation/prayers which have to do with meditating on Christ's life and death, and how no death is good even when sometimes the suffering so bad it's sort of a blessing, "these poor soldiers who are wounded - they'd have been better off to have died."

I tend to get very, very angry with the bushclones.

[Bronco Bob]

WTF is funny. The war? The waste? The Lies? The Truths? The deaths? What?

It's all just a game for the right wingers. Hahaha, my side won, look at all those
lefties throwing a fit. They don't give a damn how many lives are ruined for
nothing or how screwed up the country gets. Just as long as their team comes
out on top, or even just how much it pisses off the lefties.

[TailgateNut]

I not only have lost any ounce of respect for those who fed us this ****, but I am also at a point where I can distinguish between those who voted for the idiot in charge and now realize what he has done and how he has betrayed our nation, and those who are just plain DENSE! There is no excuse for the ignorance!

[bendog]

well, I only voted for him the first time, and that was cause I thought Gore would put the US Army into the Israel/Pale conflict as peacekeepers. Upon reflection, that would have been less insane than invading Iraq. (-:

[Garcia Bronco]

WTF is funny. The war? The waste? The Lies? The Truths? The deaths? What?

the idea that the President will be impeached. It won't happen.

[Bronco Bob]

I not only have lost any ounce of respect for those who fed us this ****, but I am also at a point where I can distinguish between those who voted for the idiot in charge and now realize what he has done and how he has betrayed our nation, and those who are just plain DENSE! There is no excuse for the ignorance!

I'm not even sure it is just stupidity. It seems more like their hatred for
the left is so great that it blinds them to what Bushco is doing to the
military, the people, and the country. As long as Bushco can stick it
to the left, that is all they care about. It's like the man who cut off his
nose to spite his face.

[Garcia Bronco]

well, I only voted for him the first time, and that was cause I thought Gore would put the US Army into the Israel/Pale conflict as peacekeepers. Upon reflection, that would have been less insane than invading Iraq. (-:

I voted for Gore...and would not vote for a patsy like John Kerry and POS Edwards. The democrats basically threw the election.

[Garcia Bronco]

I'm not even sure it is just stupidity. It seems more like their hatred for
the left is so great that it blinds them to what Bushco is doing to the
military, the people, and the country. As long as Bushco can stick it
to the left, that is all they care about. It's like the man who cut off his
nose to spite his face.

Remember...when you point a figure at someone else...there are always three pointing back at yourself.

[Bronco Bob]

the idea that the President will be impeached. It won't happen.

The point of the article wasn't whether Bush will be impeached or not.
It is that one of the most right wing Republicans in Congress is calling
for Bush to be impeached.

[bendog]

I voted for Gore...and would not vote for a patsy like John Kerry and POS Edwards. The democrats basically threw the election.

I went Green or Libertarian in 08. I forget which. I'm registering DimoRat for 08, so I can vote for Obama ..... Though, if Rudi looks like he might beat McCain, I'll probably hang in there to vote for Rudi. But voting against Hill has such an appeal. LOL

[W*GS]

The point of the article wasn't whether Bush will be impeached or not. It is that one of the most right wing Republicans in Congress is calling for Bush to be impeached.

Re-read the article.

“He’s not accountable anymore, which isn’t totally true. You can impeach him, and before this is over, you might see calls for his impeachment. I don’t know. It depends how this goes.”

Where do you read that Hagel is "calling for Bush to be impeached"?

[Traveler]

If we don't at least investigate what these guys have done in the name of fighting terrorism, aren't we setting a precident?

Second question is why can't both Bush & Cheney be impeached at the same time if enough evidence is found against them?

[W*GS]

If we don't at least investigate what these guys have done in the name of fighting terrorism, aren't we setting a precident?

Since when have we ever investigated what the State does when it declares "war" on something, be it Iraq, or drugs, or whatever else it decides?

[Garcia Bronco]

For me Traveler, I don't have a problem with the general premise of fighting these jackass islamists over there. What I have a problem with is dragging it out for the purpose of politcal leverage and war profiteering. To me, that's why this has gone on as long as it has, but the justification to go clean their clocks was already there...WMD or not and Iraq was the easiest justifcation and it didn't matter about WMD's to me. All of them are a threat to our economy and world markets with a specific threat to energy.

[Blueflame]

the idea that the President will be impeached. It won't happen.
The point of the article wasn't whether Bush will be impeached or not.
It is that one of the most right wing Republicans in Congress is calling
for Bush to be impeached.

If the catalyst for the Congressional investigation is the information that came out of the Libby trial, it would seem logical to me that it's more likely the Vice President and not necessarily the President who is "under the cloud" of scrutiny. It's clear from trial testimony that Cheney was totally the one calling the shots in the whole "cooking the intel to support a war with Iraq" scheme.

[Spider]

Spider, I don't want to get into it as far as impeachment goes. The only thing important now is the troops. Hopefully, once they're out, someone will get to the truth ... though it's coming slowly to light. Some will never believe it, just as some still believe Nixon didn't do anything others didn't do. (elections get stolen all the time, but bugging the other party's natl headquarters!!?? Hello) this I agree with .....

However, you're incorrect as to Libby's peril. Bushii could pardon him for all actions taken concerning passing information to the media. But Blueflame's right. He could still be called in by someone (congress) and be put under oath and asked about conversations with the media, Rove, bushii, anybody. Then, he'd have to sing because he couldn't take the 5th. Either he sings or he goes directly to jail.
My point is , there is nothing they can do to libby now that the verdict is in , he doesnt have to answer anymore questions , right wrong or indifferent , libbys has been tried and convicted for his role ......... Libby can volunteer to help in exchange for a sentence reduction , but that is as far as it goes .......and if Libby gets a pardon ,he doesnt even go to jail ........His role is done either way

[Blueflame]

this I agree with .....


My point is , there is nothing they can do to libby now that the verdict is in , he doesnt have to answer anymore questions , right wrong or indifferent , libbys has been tried and convicted for his role ......... Libby can volunteer to help in exchange for a sentence reduction , but that is as far as it goes .......and if Libby gets a pardon ,he doesnt even go to jail ........His role is done either way

But Libby still has information regarding the involvement of other people that Congress and/or a special prosecutor might want him to divulge... his stonewalling (refusal to give the info) is the only reason he was prosecuted. If he's pardoned, then I think they could re-summon him to testify... except that then the 5th Amendment would not apply because there would be no risk of self-incrimination if he's already pardoned for his own role.

[Spider]

But Libby still has information regarding the involvement of other people that Congress and/or a special prosecutor might want him to divulge... his stonewalling (refusal to give the info) is the only reason he was prosecuted. If he's pardoned, then I think they could re-summon him to testify... except that then the 5th Amendment would not apply because there would be no risk of self-incrimination if he's already pardoned for his own role.
I have no doubt Libby has info , they can resummon all they want.......But double jeapordy, he doesnt even have to answer the summons ......Even though everyone knows Libby is hiding info and lying , he still deserves the same rights afforded by law to him ........ It sucks , but that is the way it goes .......Now if they can find a new crime separate for what Libby stood trial for , then they can do something ..........
but they cant retry him on hiding info

[Blueflame]

I have no doubt Libby has info , they can resummon all they want.......But double jeapordy, he doesnt even have to answer the summons ......Even though everyone knows Libby is hiding info and lying , he still deserves the same rights afforded by law to him ........ It sucks , but that is the way it goes .......Now if they can find a new crime separate for what Libby stood trial for , then they can do something ..........
but they cant retry him on hiding info

The one thing that really stood out in the trial testimony is that Libby was acting on Cheney's direct orders. In the recent trial, however, the charges Libby was accused of all related to his own involvement and he could stonewall claiming 5th Amendment protection. He can't do that if all he's being asked about is Cheney in front of another grand jury or by Congress... he could no longer scapegoat himself to protect his boss if he is pardoned.

[Spider]

The one thing that really stood out in the trial testimony is that Libby was acting on Cheney's direct orders. In the recent trial, however, the charges Libby was accused of all related to his own involvement and he could stonewall claiming 5th Amendment protection. He can't do that if all he's being asked about is Cheney in front of another grand jury or by Congress... he could no longer scapegoat himself to protect his boss if he is pardoned.

the guilty verdict gives him a pass even in front of congress , cant even touch Libby now , and with a pardon he admits guilt but is free from punishment , this is how Reagan walked , he had people around him to take the hit over Iran contra affair .............in away this guilty verdict is a death nail in the case , now if another aide speaks up , then Cheney and bush are in trouble , the Libby case can be used , but not libby unless he volunteers.........

[bendog]

Saddam was toothless, nor did he have operational ties to al queda. Saddam was one of the tools of the West that gave rise to al queda. If you're buying that "let's fight them over there" bs, you missed it. Even Blair had to admit that Iraq is fueling terrorism. We haven't been hit again simply because "our" Muslims don't tend to be fundamentalist.

Iraq is sort of a fusion (like food). The neo-cons had long advocated occupying Iraq for the oil. There's an uber-zionist element coupled with a go-it-alone-they-all-hate-us cold war ferver that distained BushI's NWO, and Clinton's tacit go along with that. Coalitions are for sissies. Nato should sit down and shut the **** up.

9-11 came along, and then even the NWO guys were saying, "OK sanctions may, just may, have contained Saddam, but now we have to get inspectors back in, and in the meantime we better use any intell we have to find out what he's got.

Suddenly, the disaffected millionaire dissidents had clout. These guys had been laughed at by WJC, and even Poppy. But the neocons asked "what's saddam got." And the answer was framed to please, "OMG he can destroy the world." Exactly what the neocons wanted to hear.

And the picture that the dissidents, who went into exile before sanctions, painted was exactly what the neocons wanted to hear. They longed for the image of the pre-sanctions Iraq: computers, universal literacy, decent health care, a small biz capitalist middle class with western values. However, the sanctions had destroyed that middle class. The generation growing up with sanctions is illiterate, unskilled and oriented towards either syria or iran.

And the NWO realists, like Powell, conceeded that we had to change politics in the ME. The real solution in Palestine will only come when the Muslims stop playing their corrupt little games. BushI knew that. However, the only reason to invade that they would buy was a threat to the US that couldn't be solved diplomatically.

So ..... bushii lied. He even lied to Powell.

We invaded, but suddenly, things went in the ****ter. The young shiaa simply don't want to make nice. They don't want to open internet cafes and buy Kinko's franchises. They want fundamentalist rule. The sunni bitterly resent losing power.

So, the dreaded notion of "nation building" came up. We sent Powell hat in hand back to the UN, and said, "we need to nation build." In comes Sergio Vieira de Mello, who is promptly blown up. The UN says, "you're doing a heck of a job Georgie, but you're on your own."

And today's March 8, 2007, and three guys got killed last night.

[bendog]

this I agree with .....


My point is , there is nothing they can do to libby now that the verdict is in , he doesnt have to answer anymore questions , right wrong or indifferent , libbys has been tried and convicted for his role ......... Libby can volunteer to help in exchange for a sentence reduction , but that is as far as it goes .......and if Libby gets a pardon ,he doesnt even go to jail ........His role is done either way

He is done on lying about Plame. He's free game on anything bushii told him. Fitzgerald didn't go down the road of "where the hell'd you get the idea saddam had womd." That wasn't what he was appointed to look into.

[Blueflame]

the guilty verdict gives him a pass even in front of congress , cant even touch Libby now , and with a pardon he admits guilt but is free from punishment , this is how Reagan walked , he had people around him to take the hit over Iran contra affair .............in away this guilty verdict is a death nail in the case , now if another aide speaks up , then Cheney and bush are in trouble , the Libby case can be used , but not libby unless he volunteers.........
While Libby can't be called again as a suspect, he most certainly can still be subpoenaed to testify as a witness and no doubt will be in the Wilsons' civil case.

The big question in my mind is what will Libby do now? The way the trial was conducted, I don't think they have valid grounds for any appeals. If he's looking at actually going to prison, then he will have to weigh the impact of that on himself and his family versus continuing to be the fall guy while other equally-guilty administration officials remain protected.

[bendog]

You don't think Carlyle Group will take care of him and his family after he gets out?

[Blueflame]

You don't think Carlyle Group will take care of him and his family after he gets out?

Oh, absolutely, they would. One has to look no further than the scapegoats of other Republican political scandals (Oliver North, for one) to see that. But if he begins to see that there could actually be some prison time (away from his wife and kids) in his future, then that might give him some pause and make him at least consider making a deal with the prosecutor.

[Spider]

While Libby can't be called again as a suspect, he most certainly can still be subpoenaed to testify as a witness and no doubt will be in the Wilsons' civil case. yeah as a hostile witness ......... but Iwould be leaning on someone under Libby . Shít rolls down hill , besides hammering someone lower on the rung of the ladder makes more sense , these people are lower cause they are not as strong , easily shaken up .......

The big question in my mind is what will Libby do now? The way the trial was conducted, I don't think they have valid grounds for any appeals. If he's looking at actually going to prison, then he will have to weigh the impact of that on himself and his family versus continuing to be the fall guy while other equally-guilty administration officials remain protected.

simple doesnt matter about who has what grounds now , the paper work will fly like a **** storm , they will hammer out paper work left and right , the Judge and prosecution will be up to their eyeballs in paper work , only thing that is difference Libby out on bail ......... Normaly people spend time in jail or house arrest until the appeals are done .......

[mhgaffney]

The only thing important now is the troops. Hopefully, once they're out, someone will get to the truth ... though it's coming slowly to light. Some will never believe it, just as some still believe Nixon didn't do anything others didn't do.

What makes you think we are about to pull out? The neo cons -- as we speak -- continue building military bases. If we leave the Bu****es swallow a total defeat. They lose control over the oil. And it isn't only Iraq we are talking about.

A US pullback means relinquishing our hegemonic goals throughout the region. This is why the Democrats have been so lame on the war issue, and why Hillary will not apologize. The truth is that the Democraps are almost as bad as the Repukes.

There is no good outcome. We just have to get our troops out of there -- before this blows up into WW III.

BTW, we should impeach Bush and then indict both Bush and Cheney for war crimes. They deserve to spend their final years rotting in prison - staring at four walls.

Let Bush commune with Yahweh all he wants in a place he can do no more harm. Let the spooks take him.

[Bronco Bob]

Re-read the article.

“He’s not accountable anymore, which isn’t totally true. You can impeach him, and before this is over, you might see calls for his impeachment. I don’t know. It depends how this goes.”

Where do you read that Hagel is "calling for Bush to be impeached"?

So why is one of the most right wing Republicans even talking about
impeachment? Why bring the subject up in the first place? It would
seem a bit disingenious to be talking about it if he didn't think it should
happen.

It's like saying "Maybe OJ should have been convicted, but I'm not saying
I would have voted guilty if I were on the jury."

[W*GS]

So why is one of the most right wing Republicans even talking about impeachment?

Hagel is saying that others may call for Bush's impeachment. He himself isn't saying that he supports doing so - and that he mentioned it only shows that Hagel is aware of the chatter.

It would seem a bit disingenious to be talking about it if he didn't think it should happen.

Talking about impeachment is not the same thing as "think it should happen".

You've got to engage in some serious wishful thinking (more like delusion) if you believe that Hagel is on your side, and thinks Bush should be impeached. You're reading waaaaay more into those comments than is warranted.

[mhgaffney]

No, as usual W*gs has it wrong.

I saw Hagel on CSPAN recently and it's obvious he is very very unhappy with Bush and the neo cons.

In fact he is so unhappy he crossed the aisle to commiserate with Democrats opposed to the war. That took some guts.

I have to say -- I like Hagel -- even if he is a Republican. He is a straight talker and knows just how bad the situation is.

I think Hagel is one of the Repukes who will vote to impeach.

[Bronco Bob]

No, as usual W*gs has it wrong.

I saw Hagel on CSPAN recently and it's obvious he is very very unhappy with Bush and the neo cons.

In fact he is so unhappy he crossed the aisle to commiserate with Democrats opposed to the war. That took some guts.

I have to say -- I like Hagel -- even if he is a Republican. He is a straight talker and knows just how bad the situation is.

I think Hagel is one of the Repukes who will vote to impeach.

So basically W*gs is delusional if he thinks Hagel is on his side.
That was the point I was trying to make to W*gs. A guy following
the party line isn't going to even bring up the "I" word in the first place.
If Hagel isn't considering it, Hagel isn't going to be talking about it.

[bendog]

I hate it when I agree with Wags. There's just a growing frustration, even in the gop, with Bushii's arrogance. "I'm the decider."

[Garcia Bronco]

I hate it when I agree with Wags. There's just a growing frustration, even in the gop, with Bushii's arrogance. "I'm the decider."

Well he is the decider. Most of our porblems in this country right now have more to do with congress than the executive branch. congress spends the money, authorizes pork barrel, earmarks, makes the laws, and sets taxes.

[Garcia Bronco]

So basically W*gs is delusional if he thinks Hagel is on his side.
That was the point I was trying to make to W*gs. A guy following
the party line isn't going to even bring up the "I" word in the first place.
If Hagel isn't considering it, Hagel isn't going to be talking about it.

Actually Wags is right based off the article in the post.

[bendog]

No, the constitution does not provide the potus "is the decider." Bushii acts as though it does, and that's the rub.

[Garcia Bronco]

No, the constitution does not provide the potus "is the decider." Bushii acts as though it does, and that's the rub.

He's the decider within the scope of his jurisdiction. Now if gray areas haven't been define by Congress...that squarely falls on the shoulders of Congress.

[Cito Pelon]

Hagel was particularly singled out by Cheney about 3-4 weeks ago. Cheney said about Hagel, "I believe in Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment - thou shalt not criticize a fellow Republican."

[mhgaffney]

Well he is the decider. Most of our porblems in this country right now have more to do with congress than the executive branch. congress spends the money, authorizes pork barrel, earmarks, makes the laws, and sets taxes.

Did you sleep through the last 6 years? Here are some facts to wake you up.

The day before September 11, 2001 Sec of Defense Rumsfeld admitted in a press conference that $2.3 TRILLION (with a T) in pentagon appropriations was unaccounted for.

The very next day, on the eveing of 911, Rummy went before Congress and berated Sen Carl Levin for not providing adequate funding for the military.

The shakedown worked like a charm. Soon after, Congress voted a special $40 billion appropriations bill for the quote War on Terrorism. And stampeded by the dire threat of fanatics lurking behind every tree and rock, Congress has since given Bush and the neo cons just about every cent in appropriations money they have asked for.

Why? Simple: The Dems are afraid of looking weak or unpatriotic -- so they have coughed up hundreds of billions of $$$$$$$ --- for the US military. Our military industrial complex has prospered as a result -- though the US economy as a whole has faltered. One problem with building weapons and high tech armaments is that they don't produce anything. Meanwhile US jobs went off shore, part of Bush's scheme to make his cronies filthy rich at the expense of the average American

And what did Bush and co. do with all of that military appreporations money? Why, they flushed down the toilet in their mad scheme to impose a global empire.

This is what's actually been happening in our nation these last 6 years. Time to wake up!

[Bronco Bob]

Well he is the decider. Most of our porblems in this country right now have more to do with congress than the executive branch. congress spends the money, authorizes pork barrel, earmarks, makes the laws, and sets taxes.

Ahhh, excuse me, but Congress does NOT spend the money, the executive
branch spends the money. Congress only authorizes the money. And as far
as pork barrel, earmarks, taxes, Bush can always veto it. Though oddly
enough the only Bush veto was for expanding stem cell research, something
most of the country is for. Most of our problems are due to The Decider's
inept decisions.