The Political Chase

The Decider’s Integrity

In March 2003, George Bush was emphatic that no decision had been made to go to invade Iraq. Instead he said his administration was employing its now infamous diplomatic efforts to pursue peace.

This is what the Decider said in a March 6, 2003 press conference from the East Room in the White House

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, we’re still in the final stages of diplomacy…we must work together to defeat terror.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, I hope we don’t have to go to war.

PRESIDENT BUSH: We’re calling for [a U.N. Security Council] vote. We want to see people stand up and say what their opinion is about Saddam Hussein.

PRESIDENT BUSH: I’ve not made up our mind about military action. Hopefully, this can be done peacefully.

How odd, because only days earlier, the Spanish newspaper El Pais reveals in a transcript of a meeting between President Bush and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, Bush had already made up his mind to invade Iraq, regardless of what the United Nations Security Council said.

Saddam Hussein is not disarming. We must get him right now. We have shown an incredible degree of patience until now. There are two weeks left. In two weeks’ time we will be militarily ready.

Like any responsible leader, the Spanish prime minister told Bush to “have a little patience.” Emphasizing the importance of international support, the prime minister said, “it would be good to count on the maximum number of people possible.” Disagreeing the Decider replied, “my patience is exhausted. I don’t intend to go beyond mid-March.”

Today, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino danced around the issue, but did not issue a denial.

If you can read Spanish, the transcript is here and an English translation of the transcript is here.

About eight years ago, then Texas Governor George W. Bush and presidential candidate told the American people, “If elected, I pledge to usher in a new era of integrity inside the Oval Office.” Moreover, his nominee for Vice President, then CEO of Haliburton, told the American people, ““On the first hour of the first day [of his administration], George Bush will restore decency and integrity to the Oval Office.”
I suppose its all a matter of what the Decider’s definition of integrity is.