Bremer Then and Bremer Now

Paul Bremer, Feb. 26, 2001:

“The new administration seems to be paying no attention to the problem of terrorism. What they will do is stagger along until there’s a major incident and then suddenly say, ‘Oh, my God, shouldn’t we be organized to deal with this?’

“That’s too bad. They’ve been given a window of opportunity with very little terrorism now, and they’re not taking advantage of it.”

Pau Bremer today:

“Criticism of the new administration, however, was unfair. President Bush had just been sworn into office and could not reasonably be held responsible for the Federal Government’s inaction over the preceding 7 months … I regret any suggestion to the contrary. In fact, I have since learned that President Bush had shared some of these frustrations, and had initiated a more direct and comprehensive approach to confronting terrorism consistent with the threats outlined in the National Commission report.

“I am strongly supportive and grateful for the President’s leadership and strategy in combating terrorism and protecting American national security throughout his first term in office.”

And no. I didn’t embellish the more recent quote (both quotes in this story.) Is there anyone — besides Richard Clarke — that the administration does not have compromising photographs of?

AB