Republicans defending the indefensible

To those of us who have come to regret supporting the Iraq War, this sort of exchange is an object lesson in the Through the Looking Glass world that is the Republican spin machine's frenzied attempts to defend the indefensible. Don't dare attack Bush cronies for being war profiteers, or for derailing our efforts in Iraq with incompetence or pointless violence against civilians and allies. That sort of attack would make YOU a partisan!

from Crooks and Liars: "Rep. Issa makes a fool of himself during Blackwater hearing":

(guest blogged by Scarce)

Republican Darrell Issa (CA-49) continued his cheer-leading for disgraced controversial mercenary private contractor Blackwater USA yesterday at the House Oversight hearings. This time around it was the unintended comedic effect of Issa defending Blackwater from charges they are a Republican (r) company. As Chairman Waxman adroitly pointed out no one at the hearings had actually uttered those charges till Issa had brought it up but if the shoe fits…to laughs and guffaws from the audience.

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Issa: I think you’re exactly right. That in fact, being identified as [artisan Republican appears to have been what all companies do—ahhh—which is in fact operate to do the job they’re doing in a non partisan way and I would hope that this committee and the public takes note that labeling some company as Republican oriented because of family members is inappropriate and I would hope we not do it again. And I yield back back.

Waxman: Well the only one that’s done it is you. Maybe that’s why all the Republicans are defending the company…

Nonetheless, this was a step up from the depths Issa had sunk to in February when he attacked widows of four private security forces who had the temerity to accuse Blackwater of failing to provide promised protections for their loved ones, and do so in Congressional Hearings. Quite the piece of work is Darrell Issa.

John Amato: Rep. Issa just learned that It’s not a good thing to have rehearsed lines ready to go in a hearing and use them when they make you look like a laughing stock.