Richard Clarke testifies
I agree with Daniel Drezner that Richard Clarke's criticisms of the Bush White House should not be ignored. His consistent advocacy for decisive action against al Qaeda throughout the Clinton years is a matter of record. In fact, Clarke was a useful source for conservative pundits in their efforts to blame Clinton for laxity in facing the threat from Islamist terror head-on. It seems a bit disingenuous that many of these same pundits are now discrediting Clarke as a partisan axe grinder and a shameless book promoter.
It is appropriate, however, to examine the motives behind Clarke's increasingly partisan tone, and some of his anecdotes should be viewed with skepticism.
What Clarke says on a book tour is one thing, but it will be fascinating to see how he testifies under oath before Congress.