May 09 2006
The Connections back to Watergate
Heard an interesting interview on Diane Rehm show of the author Barry Werth. He wrote a book that builds an very interesting narrative that retraces today’s conservative movement back to the Watergate days. Fascinating and very engaging. Reminded me of another book, Before the Storm.
The book is “31 Days : The Crisis That Gave Us the Government We Have Today”
Some interesting things:
1. Rummy ordered a review of WMD gap b/w the U.S. and the Soviets. The review claimed that the USSR spent almost all GDP on weapons and were on track to dominate in space, and so on. The project was headed by Wolfowitz and Feith.
2. Migdal mentioned that Cheney and Rummy weren’t like what they used to be (see also NYKr’s piece on Scowcroft, on not recognizing the old Cheney). This may not be the case.
3. Cheney’s provocative stance on the power of the president may be heavily influenced by his experience during the 31 days.
4. How subtle the promise of pardon was communicated to Alexander Haig (”do what you have to do”). Even politician at critical juncture with so much at stake chose to use ambiguity. Is ambiguity the norm or the exception in public communication?
5. Extension: censorship, ambiguity, Lisa Wadeen