Search

Discusses the 2004 U.S. presidential election, which resulted in the re–election of President George W. Bush. Factors which contributed to the Bush victory, including his status as a wartime president and the importance of values to the American people; Response of the Democrats when they realized Bush was going to win Ohio; Importance of a new strategy for the Democrats; Statement that Bush was better at connecting with voters on an emotional level; Importance of moral issues to Ohio voters; Reflections on political perspectives in various swing states; Belief among Republicans that they have a mandate from the American people.

Reports on the reaction of the administration of U.S. president George W. Bush of criticisms of their record on terrorism by former counterterrorism czar Richard A. Clarke. Details of Clarke's testimony before the commission investigating the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; Details of charges made by Clarke against the Bush and Clinton administrations in his book, "Against All Enemies;" Report on the controversy surrounding national security advisor Condoleezza Rice's refusal to testify under oath before the commission; Speculation about whether Clarke's criticisms of Bush could raise doubts about his effectiveness as a wartime leader; Details of the media campaign by the White House to counter Clarke's charges and undermine his credibility; Response of Clarke and his supporters to the White House attacks; Potential impact of Clarke's assertions that the Bush administration failed to take seriously the threat posed by Al Qaeda prior to September 11; Potential impact of Clarke's sharp criticisms of Bush's decision to go to war Iraq; Details of the findings of the September 11 commission; Speculation about whether the CIA was serious about plans to assassinate Osama bin Laden prior to September 11; Details of testimony by CIA director George Tenet. INSET: THE TRAIL OF TERROR.

Profiles National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice and her role in the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. Criticism of how Rice failed to anticipate the major terrorist attack on September 11, 2001; Claims from former National Security Council counterterrorism chief Richard Clarke that he warned Rice about the dangers associated with al Qaeda in January 2001; Development of the National Security Council in 1947 by President Harry Truman; How Rice promoted a false report that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein sought out uranium in Niger for use to build nuclear weapons.