Although legitimately criticized as a White House backflip, the decision to allow Condoleeza Rice to testify on 9/11 lets Karl Rove maintain control of the mainstream media "story." Clarke's damaging allegations were first derailed by frantic character assasination attempts. These have already fizzled into oblivion, but who cares? Half the US now thinks there is something untrustworthy about Clarke, and his allegations did not get all the attention they deserved at the time they were made. When Clarke hit back, the "story" became focussed on Rice's refusal to testify under oath. Now, by agreeing to testify, Rove ensures that the story goes to sleep again, for the time being at least.
Furthermore, Rove has ensured that this story will not be allowed to run on and on. The conditions for Rice's appearance include: "The commission must agree in writing that Dr Rice's testimony before the commission does not set any precedent for future commission requests, or requests in any other context, for testimony by a national security adviser or any other White House official."
So after Rice's appearance before the panel, public testimony from various aides who might be in a position to confirm or deny her claims is not an option.
Similarly, Bush has now agreed to meet privately with all 10 commissioners for an undetermined time limit, backing off his previous demand to meet only with the Chairman and Vice Chairman for just one hour. But again, the apparent retreat comes with conditions: Bush will not be under oath and can have Vice President Dick Cheney appear with him by his side.
So now the question is, why can't Bush testify alone and under oath? Is he too dishonest or just too stupid to remember the party line?
