Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush

[...] Dave Weigel at The Washington Independent: If Ridge really quit DHS because it became so politically rotten, good for him; his successor Michael Chertoff, however, somehow managed to hold the job for four years without issuing a conveniently timed alert. And it’s worth remembering that the idea that Ridge might do this was seen, in 2004, as political conspiracy-mongering. In a Sept. 4, 2004 Washington Post piece, Richard Morin cited the “politicized color code” worry to make fun of skeptical Democrats. [...]

[...] Coonsey in Uncategorized. trackback Tom Ridge Pushed to Raise Alert for Bush’s Re-election Ridge was never invited to sit in on National Security Council meetings; was “blindsided” by [...]

[...] Tom Ridge claims that Bush pressured him to raise the terror alert level to help win the 2004 election. [...]

[...] Continue reading here: The Washington Independent » Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise … [...]

Good for you Gov Ridge, and thanks for setting the record strait, as you may have guessed many of us suspected it for a long time. But all that aside, this is important enough that we should all just want to wring it out make sure there is once again a divide between certain profession and politics. Many will say too late, but I say thanks and this is something I hope we can put to use. Enjoy your retirement, you earned it working for Cheney.

Thanks for the article Mr Weigel.

joe fitz

I guess all those conservative Bloggers who “QUESTIONED THE TIMING” (Jeff Godlstein, Dan Collins, I'm looking in your direction) will be apologizing sometime soon, right?

Why do I suddenly hear crickets?

On July 8, 2004 Ridge held a press conference announcing that the summer months would be particularly dangerous, and implying that heightened terror alerts probably would follow. Ridge claimed there was solid evidence for that, which he could vouch for. He stated:

“Credible reporting now indicates that al-Qaeda is moving forward with its plans to carry out a large-scale attack in the United States in an effort to disrupt our democratic process.

[...]

While we are not raising the color-coded threat level today, we are constantly reviewing threat reporting and strengthening the nation's security.”

But when asked why he was making the announcement at that time, given that the 'information' was months old, Ridge fumbled around incoherently searching for an answer:

“Question: Why give all of these briefings at this particular point and time?

Secretary Ridge: Well, actually, we started this process several months ago, and I think there was a — I gave a speech to the National Association of Broadcasters some time ago. I thought that in the post-Madrid environment, it would be very important on a periodic basis to, frankly, just give Americans an update as to where we are and what we are doing, and you can fully anticipate that in the weeks and months ahead, we will ask you to convene again for another update.”

Here's the transcript:

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release…

Yeah, Tom, we know. It was pretty obvious at the time.

“Ever since Sept. 11, 2001, it has been an article of faith that the terrorism issue works to the huge political benefit of President Bush and to the disadvantage of the Democrats.”

Well, I have a hard time imagining a rational person could look at the 9.11.01 attacks, Bush's ridiculous resultant poll numbers, the complete lack of any consequences for anyone in charge, and the way the attacks (and the resulting wars they “justified”) were used to demonize Democrats and conclude otherwise.

But, then, I don't get paid to write fine journalismy stuff like:
'Two political scientists found that young people who watch Stewart's faux news program, “The Daily Show,” develop cynical views about politics and politicians that could lead them to just say no to voting.'
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar…

Or this:
“Naperville, Ill.: Why haven't you polled on public support for the impeachment of George W. Bush?
Richard Morin: This question makes me mad…”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/di…

Needless to say, Morin's kind of an…

[...] Weigel, writing for the Washington Independent, notes that in the past, Ridge has denied manipulating security information for political reasons. In 2004, for example, he said, “We don’t do politics in the Department of Homeland [...]

my recollection is he also denied this on the daily show with John Stewart. liar.

[...] Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush [...]

[...] The Washington Independent » Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise …This revelation from former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge [...]

[...] Weigel, writing for the Washington Independent, notes that in the past, Ridge has denied manipulating security information for political reasons. In 2004, for example, he said, “We don’t do politics in the Department of Homeland [...]

[...] Playing politics with terror was a relatively frequent occurrence in the Bush administration. In August 2004, the AP reported that even “some senior Republicans” privately questioned Ridge’s timing of a terror alert that came just three days after the Democratic National Convention. According to the AP report, “One top GOP operative, who works closely with Bush’s political team, said the White House appeared to overplay its hand, and voters may smell politics behind the warning.” David Weigel recalls this 2004 quote by Ridge: “We don’t do politics in the Department of Homeland Security.” [...]

So Dhiren Birot, the Kashmiri born terrorist, convicted of the August plot, and imprisoned in the UK is innocent then

using fear to score political points? say it isn't so.

A little late now isn't it Tom Ridge? you should be arreste along with the rest of them.

[...] “Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush” and related posts Read The Full Article…“Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush… [...]

[...] over. Dave Weigel, writing for the Washington Independent, notes that in the past, Ridge has denied manipulating security information for political reasons. In 2004, for example, he said, “We don’t do politics in the Department of Homeland [...]

This story has totally morphed from what Ridge actually claims: That Rumsfeld and Ashcroft were the ones pressuring Ridge to raise the alert status, AND THAT RIDGE REFUSED!

On Aug. 1, 2004 he only raised the alert status specifically for NY/NJ financial institutions. There was no general status raised for the whole country during the Aug-Nov. election cycle. So there's no issue about raising the alert status to help re-elect George Bush.

Also, the “sociologist” who found a correlation between the raise alert level and Pres. Bush's approval rating only found it to last one week, and didn't bother measuring when it fell off again. (Sell Al Kamen's Washington Post from Oct. 13, 2004).

Ridge is using the issue as his “epiphany” for why he had to leave government for a private sector job. In other words, he was shocked, SHOCKED that he was getting “political pressure” in a politically appointed job. Gasp! Who'd a thunk it!

Of course, one of those applying the “pressure” (Ashcroft) resigned after the 2004 election. And Ashcroft and Rumsfeld headed up the two departments that had significant intelligence operations and counter-terrorism responsibilities outside DHS. Hmm, gosh, the FBI and Defense Dept. are saying raise the alert level…and you ignore them? Especially when he admits to being out of the loop on intelligence briefings from, among others, the FBI?

Now if Ashcroft and Rumsfeld were really so ham-handed as to ask Ridge to raise the alert level to help re-elect George Bush, that's a decent story. I can almost guarantee that won't come out. Ashcroft will either deny the story or say that the FBI had reason to believe an attack might take place. Rumsfeld, as usual, will just ignore everyone.

To me it seems more of a figment of Secy Ridge's imagination. Gotta sell those books after all…not all pressure is political. Sometimes its financial too.

Wait, it gets better. It ends up Ashcroft and Rumsfeld believe they have intelligence showing a good reason to raise the alert level, but (in Ridge's retelling) he was asking HIMSELF is this for security or political reasons? AND he convinces the White House to not raise the security level because he says it might look like its politically motivated!

OK, so Ridge won a POLITICAL battle by playing the politics trump card with the White House…AND WON!!

But Ridge didn't have any proof it was politically motivated – and further, the ones with the political motivation (the White House) backed Ridge to not raise the alert level.

Meantime, it should be remembered that Ridge was first mentioned as a VP choice for George Bush in 2000, and then as SecDef after Bush was elected. In both cases conservatives shot him down. Rumsfeld gets the SecDef job, and essentially cut Ridge out when Ridge was forming DHS, as did Ashcroft when DHS wanted the FBI. Sounds to me like score-settling with Rumsfeld and Ashcroft.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09221/989665-176…

[...] Weigel, writing for the Washington Independent, notes that in the past, Ridge has denied manipulating security information for political reasons. In 2004, for example, he said, “We don’t do politics in the Department of Homeland [...]

“On Aug. 1, 2004 he only raised the alert status specifically for NY/NJ financial institutions.”

Did Tom Ridge predict the subprime real estate collapse?

[...] Weigel, writing for the Washington Independent, notes that in the past, Ridge has denied manipulating security information for political reasons. In 2004, for example, he said, “We don’t do politics in the Department of Homeland [...]

shame on Bush.

[...] Weigel, writing for the Washington Independent, notes that in the past, Ridge hasdenied manipulating security information for political reasons. In 2004, for example, he said, “We don’t do politics in the Department of Homeland [...]

wow thats crazy

[...] Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush - The Washington Independent [...]

I think whenever i do something wrong I'm going to say Bush made me do it too. Ridge and others like him were the ones who really ruined the Bush administration. Bush was a fine president who was unfortunate enough to be surrounded by imbeclies.

Sure, they exploited America's utter post 9/11 paranoia for the most base political reasons. Ridge's book is not news. The only thing newsworthy is the fact that someone who was in the know is finally admitting it. He should have written his book five years ago.

I knew what was going on in the hours leading up to the election of 2004. It was so freaking obvious, you had to be an idiot to miss it.

On the first posting on my blog on June 2, 2006, I wrote the following:

“PREDICTION: George W. Bush will be remembered in history, primarily, as the first (pray last) former chief executive to go to federal prison. Sound crazy? Stay tuned.:

I stand by those words.

http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com

Tom Degan
Goshen, NY

[...] Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush - The Washington Independent [...]

[...] WASHINGTON INDEPENDENT, 20.08.2009 Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush Fügen Sie diesen Artikel zu den folgenden Social-Bookmarking-Diensten hinzu: Diese Icons [...]

[...] Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush - The Washington Independent [...]

[...] Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush - The Washington Independent [...]

[...] Washington Independent: Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush. Yea, I have to agree with TomDegan (the first poster) … this really isn’t news to me! Bush’s [...]

[...] Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush - The Washington Independent [...]

Ridge verifies the depth of G.W.'s duplicity and lying nature. It's miraculous that Bush didn't blame Bill or Hillary for the Sept 11, 1991 twin towers disaster. Ah, but that would have been been “faulty intelligence.” The doltish electorate might have bough into that… After all, they elected the incompetent bastard twice.

[...] Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush - The Washington Independent [...]

[...] Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush - The Washington Independent [...]

[...] Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush - The Washington Independent [...]

Who in their right mind would be surprised to hear this about W?

This doesn't surprise me at all considering we are talking about George Bush.

Unless you can manifest subpoenas on what you have, just wish Gov. Ridge well. He gave us a ton more than what we had, even if its a semi-ton less than what we already knew.

May your grandchildren and you be happy, and what you have written might depoliticize our national threat meter soon. Go! be fruitless and not multiply!.

[...] Tom Ridge: I Was Pressured to Raise the Terror Alert to Help Bush - The Washington Independent [...]

That's batcrap, no potus is going to prizon. Cut the shit. Are you feeling like the whole country when you wish that? or a charged minority?

You're an idiot, no he wasn't. Gov Ridge is trying to tell you something important about the politiciation of our security. Stop pretending to be patriotic while you whitewash such a revalation.

I'm not saying you're wrong about alot of stuff Tom, I'm just saying the majority of Americans will not accept it no matter how lucidly the case could be expressed. A POTUS in irons goes far past what we have sofaras capability to envision, and as long as another army is not in our country predominant to ours, it will remain one we don't have to believe either. I'm not calling it right, just saying that's how it is.

We have to work this the other way.

If you're joking at least put a smiley face there or something, absent that it's probably the most retarded t hing ever posted on this site.

My understanding is that most of the people who read this site now, suspected it all along.

There's only two plays with Ridge, either charge him (with what?) and give him immunity to tesify, OR thank him for the news and adjust our security appropriately. Anything else?

[...] come out to the effect that indeed some manipulation, at least of the also-contested 2004 election, did indeed go on, as admitted by Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, who “was pushed to raise [...]

[...] Weigel, writing for the Washington Independent, notes that in the past, Ridge has denied manipulating security information for political reasons. In 2004, for example, he said, “We don’t do politics in the Department of Homeland [...]

Of course they exploited America's utter post 9/11 paranoia for the most cynical political reasons. Ridge's book is not news. The only thing newsworthy is the fact that someone who was in the know is finally admitting it. He should have written his book five years ago. He should have resigned at that moment. Shame on him for not doing so.

I knew what was going on in the hours leading up to the election of 2004. It was so embarrassingly obvious, you had to be an idiot to miss it.

On the first posting on my blog on June 2, 2006, I wrote the following:

“PREDICTION: George W. Bush will be remembered in history, primarily, as the first (pray last) former chief executive to go to federal prison. Sound crazy? Stay tuned.:

I stand by those words.

http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com

Tom Degan
Goshen, NY

Republicans using political fearmongering ….

Everything old is new again.

See:

http://notionscapital.wordpress.com/2009/08/23/…

Cool sites…

[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

Links…

[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]…

Websites worth visiting…

[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]…

[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]…

[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]…

Visitor recommendations…

[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

You should check this out……

[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]………

Visitor recommendations trackback……

[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]………

Faned and bookmarked……

[...] Just so you know, I linked to this well researched blog on my site[...]……

The best website………

[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]………

[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……

[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……

Related……

[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……

Links…

[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

Read was interesting, stay in touch……

[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

Websites worth visiting…

[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

Awesome website…

[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……

Websites we think you should visit…

[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……

Links…

[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

Websites you should visit…

[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

Awesome website…

[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……

Websites we think you should visit…

[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……

Gems form the internet…

[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

Online Article……

[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

Recent Blogroll Additions……

[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

Very good Blog…

Though nobody will most likely read or like this. . It was worth an attempt anyways:). . I’m from Sydney and my name is Destiny Smith.. . After years related with singing, I began writing songs. Now I actually covers on Youtube? :). . I understand we a…

Recommeneded websites…

[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

Read was interesting, stay in touch……

[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

Awesome website…

[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……

Recent Blogroll Additions……

[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

Visitor recommendations…

[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

Gems form the internet…

[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

You should check this out…

[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……

You should check this out…

[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……

Related……

[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……

Recent Blogroll Additions……

[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

Websites worth visiting…

[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

Check this out…

[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……

Website trackback Link…

[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……

Cool sites…

[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

Read was interesting, stay in touch……

[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

Visitor recommendations…

[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

Links…

[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]…

Superb website…

[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……

Cool sites…

[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

Read was interesting, stay in touch……

[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

Links…

[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]?…

Online Article……

[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

Websites you should visit…

[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

Superb website…

[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……

Websites you should visit…

[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

Websites worth visiting…

[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

Websites you should visit…

[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

Superb website…

[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……

Websites we think you should visit…

[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……

Read was interesting, stay in touch……

[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

Visitor recommendations…

[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

Websites you should visit…

[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

Websites worth visiting…

[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

Websites we think you should visit…

[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……

Sources…

[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……

Websites you should visit…

[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

Links…

[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

Websites worth visiting…

[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

Links…

[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

Check this out…

[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……

Cool sites…

[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

Websites worth visiting…

[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

Recommeneded websites…

[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

Superb website…

[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……

Related…

[...]just beneath, are numerous totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are surely worth a visit [...]……

Visitor recommendations…

[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

Cool sites…

[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

Gems form the internet…

[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

Visitor recommendations…

[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

Gems form the internet…

[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

Links…

[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

Recommended websites…

[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

You should check this out…

[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……

Visitor recommendations…

[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

Read was interesting, stay in touch……

[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

Read was interesting, stay in touch……

[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

Check this out…

[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……

You should check this out…

[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……

Cool sites…

[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

Sources…

[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……

Recommeneded websites…

[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

Recent Blogroll Additions……

[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

Read was interesting, stay in touch……

[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

Read was interesting, stay in touch……

[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

Online Article……

[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

4931513 beers on the wall. sck was here

Joyful…

Great blog here! Also your web site loads up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol…

What I find troublesome is to find a blog that can capture me for a minute however your weblog is different. Bravo.

You ought to essentially take into consideration working on developing this weblog into a major authority in this market. You evidently have a grasp deal with of the topics everyone is trying to find on this website in any case and you might actually even earn a buck or two off of some advertisements. I would discover following current matters and raising the quantity of write ups you place up and I assure you’d start seeing some superb focused visitors in the close to future. Just a thought, good luck in no matter you do!