My debate advice - just one thing - okay, maybe two . .

(I know you've been waiting for it.)

Kerry ought to say that leadership isn't just about where it takes the country, but also how well the President leads his own administration. Kerry will demand accountability from his advisers and Cabinet, he will hold staff responsible for mistakes and when it is required, will replace them. He will listen to experts/advisors and, while he will be the decision-maker, will never penalize anyone for disagreeing with him. The only people who've been fired/resigned/forced out from the Bush administration (Clarke, O'Neil, Shinseki) aren't the ones who screwed up, but the ones who disagreed but were ultimately proven RIGHT. Yet Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, etc., who have been wrong so many times we've lost count, are still in place and still influencing the direction of the war in Iraq.

Why is it that overworked teachers and adminstrators of crumbling buildings are held responsible for failing schools, but the Bush administration will not hold anyone accountable for their more massive and serious failures?

Throw that whole "accountability/responsibility" thing right back in his face.

eileen from OH

Seriously, I don't know how to answer that one without nuance.

So what is it? Is Bush* a liar, or did he think Tenet did a superb job?
-----------------
President Bush Commends Tenet
Remarks by the President on the Resignation of CIA Director George Tenet
The South Lawn

10:26 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Today, George Tenet, the director of the CIA, submitted a letter of resignation. I met with George last night in the White House. I had a good visit with him. He told me was resigning for personal reasons. I told him I'm sorry he's leaving. He's done a superb job on behalf of the American people. I accepted his letter. He will serve at the CIA as the director until mid July, at which time the deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency, John McLaughlin, will serve as the acting director.

George Tenet is the -- is the kind of public service you like -- servant you like to work with. He's strong. He's resolute. He served his nation as the director for seven years. He has been a strong and able leader at the agency. He's been a -- he's been a strong leader in the war on terror. And I will miss him. I send my blessings to George and his family. I look forward to working with him until the time he leaves the agency. And I wish him all the very best.

Thank you.

END 10:28 A.M. EDT