Daschle calls for an investigation into "the administration's role in the intelligence failures leading up to the war with Iraq." And in the wake of David Kay's comments asserting Saddam had no weapons of mass destruction, the administration appears to be hesitating from repeating some of its earlier assertions. ("Who are you going to believe? Me, or the weapons inspector I handpicked to prove myself correct but who instead says I'm flat wrong" is how Tapped's Nick Confessore puts it.)

Very interesting turning point, I believe. Kay, as a hawk former true believer who saw the facts, cannot be easily dismissed by the White House as just another political enemy -- as they painted Joe Wilson -- but has undeniable street credibility. Is he getting through, finally? Seems he may have had a meeting with someone at the White House. And perhaps yet another sign that the neocons' star is fading fast in the administration.

But the important question. What would Rove do? He knows Bush can't win this one. So how to back away? My sense? A prominent administration-affiliated neocon has to be sacrificed at the Bush altar.

Update: I've been asked by a magazine to write something related to the Kay comments. Informed comments, paid opinion, blatant propaganda, welcome.

Posted by Laura at January 26, 2004 08:12 PM