Surely Rove knew
this was coming but hoped that Kerry had more to lose from a mudslinging over 'where were you in 1972?'. But, nonetheless, it's good to see these questions finally resurface:
* Why did Bush, described by some of his fellow officers as a talented and enthusiastic pilot, stop flying fighter jets in the spring of 1972 and fail to take an annual physical exam required of all pilots?
What explains the apparent gap in the president's Guard service in 1972-73, a period when commanders in Texas and Alabama say they never saw him report for duty and records show no pay to Bush when he was supposed to be on duty in Alabama?
Did Bush receive preferential treatment in getting into the Guard and securing a coveted pilot slot despite poor qualifying scores and arrests, but no convictions, for stealing a Christmas wreath and rowdiness at a football game during his college years?
The best response that the administration can muster is from presidential spokesman Dan Bartlett:
"The president has authorized the release of his records and we are complying with all requests. Some are taking longer than others, but all will be addressed." Four years after initial questions were asked this seems pretty damn flimsy.
The article goes on to stress the futile efforts that the press has made to obtain the records despite the reassuring words of the administration. Like Karl Rove, I'm not sure if these are going to stick- at this point we know what Bush is like as the President. However, any knock on his 'straight-shooter' image has to help John Kerry.
Finally, as much as I hate the tendency of the 'objective press' to cover 'he said/she said' disputes without evaluating the claims I applaud the press's kneejerk attempt to be 'fair' in this case.