Scott Mcclellan's Book "What Happened" . . . To Content

I admit that I haven't read McClellan's book, not while I'm in the middle of a Harry Dresden file. I should probably also admit that I don't intend to pick up a copy even after I've finished Butcher's fourth wacky wizard romp. What Happened just doesn't seem that interesting to me. Oh, I know that Keith Olberman has soiled himself talking about the novel . . . I mean, "book," but Olberman has been soiling himself for years over contrivances (which is probably why he forgets to pay all those silly taxes). For me, I just haven't seen a take on the book that has given me any motivation to pick up a copy. In fact, I think Dick Morris' blog says it all:

[T]he fact is that McClellan’s book doesn’t have anything in it. It is not really derogatory and makes no important new revelations. It says Bush was negligent on Katrina. So that’s news? That he used “propaganda” to convince us to invade Iraq - well, what was the Gettysburg address but propaganda to encourage us in wartime. That’s what a president is supposed to do. And it says that Karl Rove and Libby conspired to conform their testimony in the Valerie Plane affair. Who cares? This is a scandal that shouldn’t ever have happened. The special prosecutor revealed that no crime was committed when her name was leaked because the guy who leaked it didn’t know she was handling covert material. And the guy who was convicted — Libby — wasn’t the guy who leaked it. So what difference does it make.

As Morris pointed out during an appearance on FOX, this is only news because left-wing media types are looking to influence the upcoming election. Fortunately, that left-wing media charge is being led by the Olbermann's of the world so pardon my lack of concern.

Of course, not everything about this book has bored me to apathy. I certainly did appreciate that it inspired Bob Dole to write an e-mail to Mcclellan, one that I happily set aside Summer Knight long enough to read. Lord, but I love cranky old guys.

Scott,

There are miserable creatures like you in every administration who don’t have the guts to speak up or quit if there are disagreements with the boss or colleagues. No, your type soaks up the benefits of power, revels in the limelight for years, then quits, and spurred on by greed, cashes in with a scathing critique.

In my nearly 36 years of public service I’ve known of a few like you. No doubt you will “clean up” as the liberal anti-Bush press will promote your belated concerns with wild enthusiasm. When the money starts rolling in you should donate it to a worthy cause, something like, “Biting The Hand That Fed Me.” Another thought is to weasel your way back into the White House if a Democrat is elected. That would provide a good set up for a second book deal in a few years.

I have no intention of reading your “exposé” because if all these awful things were happening, and perhaps some may have been, you should have spoken up publicly like a man, or quit your cushy, high profile job. That would have taken integrity and courage but then you would have had credibility and your complaints could have been aired objectively. You’re a hot ticket now but don’t you, deep down, feel like a total ingrate?

BOB DOLE