Petrelis Files

WH Briefing: McClellan Obfuscates on Abramoff Donations

From today's White House press briefing:

> MR. McCLELLAN: Again, I think we're taking the appropriate steps in terms of this individual. It's similar to what we have done with previous individuals that may have been involved in wrongdoing that had contributed money, too. And I think in terms of others making those decisions, it's up to them, but there are certainly people on both sides of the aisle that ought to take a look at that.

> Go ahead.

> Q Scott, why would --

> MR. McCLELLAN: And I would remind you, too, that -- what I said yesterday, because this is an individual who has donated money from himself or his clients to Democrats and Republicans alike. That's based on press reports; press reports have shown that, that significant amounts have been contributed to both Republicans and Democrats alike.


Oh, that Scottie! So clever at conflating partial truths and obfuscating a clear picture of Jack Abramoff's personal donations to politicians, including Bush and Cheney. Nice how he says from "himself or his clients" instead of distinguishing Abramoff's personal giving from donations made by his clients. Sort of like putting 9/11 and Saddam Hussein in the basket?

In any event, how does Scottie know what he thinks is the case regarding Abramoff's donations? Why, he cites press reports to explain where he got his info. Um, can't the White House an underling or perhaps an intern to check actual Federal Election Commission files on who Abramoff gave money to, and their parties?

Maybe the White House can pull itself away from warrantless surveillance and cruise on over to any one of the many site tracking FEC donations, that is, if they want a dose of truth.