Karl Rove Under The Microscope

The Skinny: White House Political Operations Face Probe By Little-Known Office Of Special Counsel

(CBS)  The Skinny is Joel Roberts' take on the top news of the day and the best of the Internet.

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A relatively unknown federal investigative unit will launch a probe of the activities of one of the the best-known members of President Bush's inner circle, according to a report in Tuesday's Los Angeles Times.

The Office of Special Counsel, which usually focuses on the actions of fairly low-level government employees, is preparing a "broad investigation" into White House political operations under the purview of the president's top political strategist, Karl Rove.

The investigation will look at the U.S. attorney firings, missing White House e-mails and administration efforts to keep presidential appointees in sync with the Republican political agenda.

The probe "could create a substantial new problem for the Bush White House," says the Times.

What's potentially most troubling for the White House is that this inquiry comes from inside the administration – not from congressional Democrats. And it's a wide-ranging probe of the once-vaunted Rove political operation, unlike the probes of individual scandals being pressed by Congress.

The investigation will be led by Scott J. Bloch, head of the Office of Special Counsel and a presidential appointee. "We will take the evidence where it leads us," Bloch told the Times. "We will not leave any stone unturned."


Iraqi President Losing Support

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is losing support among "a broad range of prominent Iraqi lawmakers," according to a report in USA Today.

The newspaper says legislators from several Iraqi parties say they've lost confidence in al-Maliki's ability to bring the country's warring factions together.

A top Kurdish lawmaker who once supported al-Maliki now wants him to step down. "He is a weak prime minister," Mahmoud Othman told the paper. "This government hasn't delivered and is not capable of doing the job. They should resign."

The erosion of support for Iraq's leader came as the political battle over the war heated up in Washington, as congressional Democrats agreed to defy President Bush's veto threat and send him legislation that orders the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq beginning Oct. 1.

The New York Times called the looming showdown over Iraq "a test of wills between Mr. Bush and the Democratic majority on Capitol Hill."

The L.A. Times went further, calling the Democrats' move "the prologue for a week that could produce the most serious legislative challenge to a wartime president since the Vietnam era."


Boris Yeltsin: Burly Bear Who Buried U.S.S.R.

The death of Boris Yeltisn was front-page news in most of the nation's top newspapers, as befits someone the New York Times called a "towering figure of his time."

While he was remembered as the man who "buried" the Soviet Union and became Russia's first freely elected leader, the papers also used some colorful adjectives to describe Yeltsin's physique.

The Times called him a "burly provincial politician," while the Washington Post labeled him a "burly Siberian."

The L.A. Times echoed those words, describing the man who "struck the deathblow that shattered the Soviet Union" as a "burly, bearish peasant."


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[dallison7]

The investigation will be led by Scott J. Bloch, head of the Office of Special Counsel and a presidential appointee. "We will take the evidence where it leads us," Bloch told the Times. "We will not leave any stone unturned."

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE????
IS THIS AN ATTEMPT BY THIS CORRUPT ADMINISTRATION TO THWART ANY CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATIONS OF ROVE????

THIS SMELLS!!!

[booyaw_77]

Ya know? There's one thing that can be said about liberals that is an absolute truth. When they get kicked out of power legitimately? Ain't nothing you can say. And ain't noth'n you can do! Thats gonna convince them it ain't a conspiracy.

Now if that ain't a religion, I don't know what else is.

[l8c6]

How could an investigation within the administration have an interest in uncovering Rove's dirt?

[dallison7]

WHAT A DREAM COME TRUE FOR CRIMINALS!!

COMMIT THE CRIMES AND HEAD THE INVESTIGATION OF YOURSELF!!

[l8c6]

booyaw_77, I'll never understand people like you other than absolutely bizarre. You're type led by your furor are so divisive of the american people.

One thing is for sure, you can count on neo-cons to attempt to destroy our representative government and put in its place multinational corporate control led by sociopaths who have no vision other than increasing the efficiency of pocketing all the nations economic strength into their priviatized world. We are being taken over from within, and this nations biggest threat is from people calling themselves americans who have been working to destroy our government for the past 25 years.

[kaptainjack-2009]

Just when you think that the Bush administration could not sink any lower, they go to the bottom of the barrel and dig down 6 more feet. Rove is the most dangerous egotistical maniac since Hitler! His shield, "The Shrub" as he is sometimes referred to by other Texans here and beyond, might not be able to be further investigated for another 18 to 22 more months as a result of this political ploy. This will allow this maniac to continue to use his "W" puppet until their time is just about over.

Would the VP please take Rove out skeet shooting Please!!!! OH, Mr. Rumsfield, there is a bee on your ear please shoot it off before it stings you!!

[forthepeopl1]

anything and everything in this whitehouse smells like the peice of s/h/i/t/ they are. maybe its all the emails i have been sending to the ag office asking them why are they any differant than me or you. and sent them pages after pages of corrupt things and unconstitutionual things they have done and ask why this is happening to us americans..maybe?? i send at lease 10 times a day something on them...

[taddles-2009]

Oh puleeezzzzzz, a bush apointee (read: loyal Bushie) investigating slime-ball Carl Rove. What a sad crock of stinking cr4p this "adminisitration" is.

Impeach Bush/Cheney now!

[forthepeopl1]

and i also send them to the whitehouse so they know it being sent out all over to congress and the ag offices, asking why

[gkc99]

this is why impeachment of Bush and Cheney is so critical--the only chance to cross-examine these criminals under oath!

Sure is funny how all those dedicated patriots who thought it was right to impeach Clinton over supposedly lying about private *** are as quiet as little church mice now when the Bushits lie and lie and lie.

I guess the term "principled conservative" has been shown by the current crop to be one of those well-worn oxymorons.

[nyckate]

taddles - at this point one can only hope that the Special COunsel sees both the writing on the all and also learns from others mistakes not to place loyalty to Bush ahead of all else!

Even in the wake of Nixon's Watergate a rare few of his administration discovered they had real ethics - hopefully this is true in Bush White House as well.

[long_rider]

This should go no where fast. The chimp will step in. The chimp cannot afford to have his lies exposed, especially from the inner circle.

Besides, Rove will lie no matter what, just like the rest.

[barbaraf4]

"Rove is the most dangerous egotistical maniac since Hitler! His shield, "The Shrub" as he is sometimes referred to by other Texans here and beyond, might not be able to be further investigated for another 18 to 22 more months as a result of this political ploy. This will allow this maniac to continue to use his "W" puppet until their time is just about over."

Posted by Kaptainjack at 11:08 AM : Apr 24, 2007

Hitler had a "mentor". I can't remember his name, but he was right behind him, giving advice, up to the bitter end. It has been said he was the only person Hitler trusted.

[tejasdemo]

Rove, Bush, Cheney still scare me a helluva alot more than some crazies in Iraq. They always have.

[forthepeopl1]

ITS TIME FOR A AMERICAN REVOLUTION. IS EVERYONE READY?? MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS GREASED WELL, SO LETS START BY TAKEING OUT THE TRASH AT THE WHITHOUSE,THAN WE WILL GO TO THE CONGRESS THAN PENTAGON.

THIS WILL BE THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW AMERICA..

[dallison7]

Our nation is under the horrible control of a madman who MUST BE STOPPED!!

Whether it is the result of years of drug and alcohol abuse or something from his childhood or simply developmental problems, George W. Bush is unstable.

More and more people are becoming aware of this fact, and it appears that the more he is challenged by others in authority, the more his sickness surfaces.

This could become a very dangerous situation. Those in position should start looking at the different ways he can be stopped in the event of a total breakdown, for the safety of the world!

[rafterman1]

Karl Rove is a political consultant whose job is to give political strategy advice to Bush and the Republican party. Yet, he is paid by the taxpayers. So yes Democrats, you are paying part of Karl Rove's salary. Why is this legal? A good question...

[misha131]

This administration repeated a belief in allowing on numerous occasions the fox to guard the hen house. I hope this invetigation is in good faith. However, given this administration's reporting to date -- including numerous lost records -- any results will be subject to question regardless of the conclusions reported.

[fairandbal]

In regard to investigating Rove: what on god's earth took so long for this to happen. a majority of folks have known for years he's been involved in most of the criminal activity coming out of the white house. WHY did it take all these years for th is to happen. I remember under Clinton, independent counsels were started at the very first hint of a scandal.

[oleander8]

I am cautiously optimistic....

[cornholio622]

Carl Rove is a decent and dedicated public servant who is the subject of a left-wing conspiracy to usurp this administration.

[getcentered]

Bush is just the puppet.

Rove is one of the puppet masters.

I trully believe that Rove thinks democracy is a bad thing.

[infidel_us]

"The probe "could create a substantial new problem for the Bush White House," says the Times."

Ooooooo.....I'm sure they're licking their lib chops at the prospect. Bring it on. If he did something wrong, send him to "big boy" prison. But I think this will be just another waste of my tax $$$.

[love2live1]

An investigation into Karl Rove%u2019s affairs and this president are long over due. Where and when are the impeached hearings? I don't believe anything this president or his cronies say! He has dragged the presidency through the mud. I don't like the "DECIDER OR HIS CRONIES."

[booyaw_77]

Democrats are demigods. And to beat a demigod you need a demigod. So don't look at Rove as this big monster lurking in the dark cave. Look at him as par for the course. Because make no doubt about it.. ain't nobody holier than a democrat.

[booyaw_77]

Does a boxer fight a wrestler? Does a basketball player score touch downs? Does a conan the babarian do the tango? No. To fight de cajun queens ya need de swamp witch. And dats what Rove is..

[antoniof123]

How many more days left till these idiots are out of office. I think the GOP will need to step a side for about 30 years for people to attempt to forget the mess they made.

[frankly6]

Don't start cheering yet. The chief investigator in this is a Bu$h apointee. And since Bu$h's main criteria for apointing anyone is loyalty and not honesty or competence, I am a little suspicious of this. It's a little like Bu$hco investigating itself.

[booyaw_77]

He's like de bullshyt bodyguard..

[clemenhagen1]

They removed the prosecutors so they could replace (without Senate confirmation) by fly-by-night Christian Law School nerds who would do Rove's partisan bidding without question. Yet more fascist behavior from the crew of crooks and cronies who have bankrupted the country while desecrating the constitution. Quite a sight to behold, my fellow patriots.

[booyaw_77]

If my dog.. had fleas.. I'd call Karl Rove.

[booyaw_77]

Self righteous.. Oh my gawd, self righteous like you wouldn't believe.. Self centered.. ****************.. sardonic.. "men of the world". Thats a democrat.

[vincan-2009]

Any and all hot water poured on Karl Rove is good work. Now if someone on the republican side will decide to committ Cheney to a mental institution for the criminally insane and dangerous it will be perfect. They can also have Bush report to the ranch for non-stop duty and forbid he ever leave the ranch again.

[walt1944-2009]

I hear that some congressmen are looking at impeaching Cheney. I still say that Bush will NOT obey any impeachment order coming from Congress no matter if its against Cheney, Rove, King George or all of them. Bushhead knows full well that Congress doesn't have the "muscle" to back up any impeachment against anyone; Congress isn't in charge of the military, Gonzo is in charge of "law enforcement", and Rove has to be in charge of anything else we don't know about. That is why Bush won't cave in on anything, he has all the guns in his corner! He is the bully with the big stick saying "What are you going to do about it!".

The only thing that Bush and his fellow "Bushies" respect is anyone who carries a "bigger" stick than they do, and right now, Congress only has a "wet noodle". Over the prior 6 years, the Republican Congress gave Bush all the muscle, and where does that put Congress and the American people now!

[afmca]

Their is only one reason for putting Rove under a microscope and that is to look for a backbone, a conscious, and a set of b a l l s! Good luck - hope you are using a REALLY powerful microscope.

[mcvet]

Has it been a whole week already. The Once a week Scandels of the Bush Administration! Gotta love them Southern Fascit and their brand of Good Ol Boy Fascism. This one may sink the losers though... They are talking about Federal Laws here...

[realpatriot1]

If Bush is impeached he no longer has control over the military. The military answers to the Constitution, not to an impeached President so try again Karl.

[huskerarmy]

Rove will disolve under scrutiny like a terd blossom in a flood.

[condumism]

The "unreported" Republicon Platform:

1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
4. Supremacy of the Military
5. Rampant Sexism
6. Controlled Mass Media
7. Obsession with National Security
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined
9. Corporate Power is Protected
10. Labor Power is Suppressed
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
14. Fraudulent Elections
15. Vigorous DENIAL of all of the above!

[crater7]

White House, Office of Special Counsel;

Ok folks, dont get your hopes up. This is just another Karl Rove-Bush trick. We will investigate our own administration, find no wrong doing by Rove, and Gonzo, Rice, Gates, Rummy , Scooter, and of course Di#k Stright Shooting Cheney, and The Cowboy, himself, the White House dog, Cat. That should cover everyone.
Wa-la, no need for any more Hearings.

[dallison7]

The investigation will be led by Scott J. Bloch, head of the Office of Special Counsel and a presidential appointee. "We will take the evidence where it leads us," Bloch told the Times. "We will not leave any stone unturned."

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE????
IS THIS AN ATTEMPT BY THIS CORRUPT ADMINISTRATION TO THWART ANY CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATIONS OF ROVE????

THIS SMELLS!!!

[booyaw_77]

You snot nose perpetual complaining punks ain't got nut'n on Karl Rove. And its been like that for the past 6 years! Charge after charge.. law that never amounts to more than whining.

[vastr-wcon]

The head of the Office of Special Counsel, Scott J. Blochand, is a BushCheney appointee.

How stupid does one have to be to believe this will be a real investigation? It certainly will be "fair and balanced".

About 4 or 5 buckets of whitewash should do it.

[booyaw_77]

You're dealing with the big boys now. The guys who ain't afraid to go to war. The guys who ain't afraid to say whats politically incorrect, but necessary for the country's national security. These people spit fire and drink Jesus juice. You guys just complain. Wah wah wah..

*do'in me break dance*

[randalds]

I don't think Rove should be under a microscope. he should be under a magnifying glass. A really really big one like the kind little republicans use to burn ants up with on the sidewalks, except much bigger. About 10 feet above his bald head. On a really sunny day. Then follow the worthless as*s around all afternoon until the little insect is fried!

[realpatriot1]

booyaw,

I know the big boys,the big boys are friends of mine. You're no big boy.

[starleo146]

dallison7 you are exactly right this guy investigating is being investigated himself also he is a Bush appointee would you say it like sending the hen to investigate the hen house or something like that this is another cover up why can't we have a special prosecuter like they had over Clinton for 8 years I think they did away with that .

[starleo146]

You want to see a change make sure the Republican senators in now are gone we need 60 and can override any veto. I am sick of these duds they want to bring integrity to the white house isn't that what Bush said. Give me a break.

[misha131]

StarLeo -- FYI I believe there is a 2/3 requirement to override a veto 67 votes in the Senate. 60 votes is to force cloture -- to end a debate of fillibuster in the Senate.

[annabanana-1]

Scott J. Bloch, head of the Office of Special Counsel and a presidential appointee,

Scott Bloch is NOT the man for the job!:

Senate panel members of both parties admonished Bloch for his handling this year of an internal reorganization in which 12 career employees were told that they would be involuntarily transferred to new assignments in Dallas; Oakland, Calif.; and a soon-to-opened field office in Detroit. Bloch initially gave the workers 10 days to accept the moves or be terminated, and he extended the deadline only after receiving complaints from some lawmakers. Several employee advocacy groups accused Bloch of targeting workers who had been critical of his management style -

Special Counsel Scott J. Bloch is under investigation by the Office of Personnel Management's inspector general because employees said he retaliated against those who disagreed with his policies. (By Lois The probe is the most serious of many problems at the agency since Bloch, a Kansas lawyer who served at the Justice Department's Task Force for Faith-based and Community Initiatives, was appointed by President Bush three years ago. Since he took the helm in 2004, staffers at the OSC, a small agency of about 100 lawyers and investigators, have accused him of a range of offenses, from having an anti-gay bias to criticizing employees for wearing short skirts and tight pants to work.