Limbaugh Demagoguing Clark Based on GOP Truth Twisting... Using a set of distortions released by Ed Gillespie of the RNC and the embellished writing of Matt Drudge, Rush takes statements out of context and demagogues Wes Clark (again). 1/21 : BEGIN TRANSCRIPT This is going to drive the liberals nuts, because they absolutely hate "neo-conservatives" like Perle. Clark: "I think there's no question that even though we may not have the evidence, as Richard Perle says, that there have been contacts between Iraq and Al-Qaeda. It's normal; it's natural." END TRANSCRIPT This is not what Clark said. It was jerrymandered by either Ed Gillespie or Drudge.. probably both. Perle made a statement about terrorists working together. It is indisputable that sometimes they do as Clark offered specifics regarding the IRA and terrorists in Columbia. Perle's generalization is obviously what Clark was responding to. Here is Clark's actual statement... Representative Saxton, if I could just tag along on that, I think there is no question that even though we may not have the evidence, as Richard says, that there have been such contacts, it is normal, it is natural. These are a lot of bad actors in the same region together. They are going to bump into each other. They are going to exchange information. They are going to feel each other out and see if there are opportunities to cooperate. That is inevitable in this region. And, I think it is clear that, regardless of whether or not such evidence is produced of these connections, that Saddam Hussein is a threat. So, I think the key issue is how we move from here and what do we need to do to deal with this threat? But, I think what is also clear is the way you deal with the threat from Iraq is different than the way you deal with the threat from al Qaeda. My contention is we need to look at different means for dealing with these threats. We need to take advantage of all the resources at our disposal, not just the military. Drudge and Gillespie also conveniently and intentionally ommitted the following.... "As far as I know, I haven't seen any substantial evidence linking Saddam's regime to the al Qaeda network, though such evidence may emerge. But nevertheless, winning the war against al Qaeda and taking actions against the weapons program in Iraq, those are two different problems that may require two different sets of solutions." Here Clark is stating cleary that he has seen no evidence of links between Sadam and Al-Queda. In fact, Clark in his testimony was taking the position against a quick, incomplete unilateral invasion of Iraq. He urged that we use every measure to work with our allies in dealing with Iraq. Reading his entire testimony is quite informative. You can read it here... transcript of Clark's congressional testimony Clark clearly was not making the claim or taking the position Gillespie and Drudge were claiming that he did. Rush is not a stupid a guy. He is certainly capable of seperating truth from propaganda. But yet again, he is using unfounded allegation and distortion to profit himself. Rush is misinforming his listeners. It is unfortunate they think this is ok.
To learn about the company behind Rush, be sure to visit Premiere Radio Networks