Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Why, John?
There have to be reasons why John Ashcroft recused himself (December 30) as well as why he waited so long.
Trying to define the possibilities:
- Moral
- Ashcroft took a while to recognize the appearance of impropriety
- Internal maneuvering eventually resulted in Ashcroft recusing himself
- Situational
- The investigation turned up likely guilt which Ashcroft wanted to separate himself from
- The investigation showed that Novak's source was not an "administration official" or or an expendable administration official and for some reasojn, it was decided that someone other than Ashcroft was the best hatchet man.
- Over the last few months, tracks have been sufficiently covered so as to minimize the likelihood of the investigation turning up anything.
- Political
- December 26: [T]he White House is eager for the findings to emerge soon, or wait until after the November election. "The only fear I've heard expressed is that the investigation will be too slow or too fast and will kick into a visible mode in a way that is poorly time for the election," the Republican said. "If they prosecuted someone tomorrow, I don't think the White House would care. And they can do it in December 2004. They just don't want it to become an issue in the election." http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/1203/26cialeak.html
// posted by Erik @ 12/31/2003 01:55:00 AM
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