Thomas Daschle: “last week I spoke about the White House's reaction to Richard Clarke's testimony before the 9/11 Commission. I am…”

“last week I spoke about the White House's reaction to Richard Clarke's testimony before the 9/11 Commission. I am compelled today to rise again because the people around the President are systematically abusing the powers and the prerogatives of Government. We all need to reflect seriously on what is going on, not in anger, not in partisanship, but in keeping with our responsibilities as Senators, with an abiding respect for the fundamental values of our democracy. Richard Clarke did something extraordinary when he testified before the 9-11 Commission last week. He didn't try to escape blame, as so many routinely do. Instead, he accepted his share of responsibility and offered his perceptions about what happened in the months and years leading up to September 11. We can and should debate the facts and interpretations Clarke has offered. But there can be no doubt that he has risked enormous damage to his reputation and professional future to hold both himself and our Government accountable. The retaliation from those around the President has been fierce. Mr. Clarke's personal motives have been questioned and his honesty challenged. He has even been accused, right here on the Senate floor, of perjury. Not one shred of proof was given, but that wasn't the point. The point was to have the perjury accusation on television and in the newspapers. The point was to damage Mr. Clarke in any way possible. This is wrong--and it is not the first time it has happened.…”