Los Angeles Times: Abramoff Charged Malaysia for Meeting With Bush

[PhilipShore]

Los Angeles Times
Abramoff Charged Malaysia for Meeting With Bush
By Tom Hamburger and Peter Wallsten, Times Staff Writers
February 14, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-abramoff15feb15,0,5644434.story?coll=la-home-headlines

WASHINGTON -- When the government of Malaysia sought to repair its tarnished image in the U.S. by arranging a meeting between President Bush and its controversial prime minister in 2002, it did what many other well-heeled interests in Washington did: It called on well-connected lobbyist Jack Abramoff for help.

It was a tall order. The prime minister, Mahatir Mohamed, had been chastised by the Clinton administration for repeated anti-Semitic statements and for jailing his political opponents. But it was important to the Malaysians, according to an Abramoff associate who attended meetings with the Malaysian ambassador and Abramoff.

Abramoff contacted presidential adviser Karl Rove on at least four occasions to help arrange a meeting, according to an eyewitness to the activities.

Finally, this former associate said, Rove's office called to tell Abramoff personally that the Malaysian leader would soon be getting an official White House invitation.

[dubya_dubya_III]

1. Do the lies of this administration ever end?

I'm trying so hard to believe that they are just a little pregnant

[Tin Man]

5. corruption and credibility should be the focus for 2006, 2008

This administration is an opium den patronized by prostitutes, thieves, and liars. I just hope we've reached the "tipping point" (thanks, Rumsfeld, for permitting me to borrow from your vocabulary ;) )

[WhiteTara]

11. don't bother nt

[skids]

2. K&R

Good blog headline for the humpday.

[thebigidea]

3. what's a little anti-Semitism amongst friends?

what a douchebag. As long as the money is good, eh, Jack? I'm sure his father is REALLY proud.

[keopeli]

4. So, Rove was Abramoff's point man - but Bush doesn't know the guy

Yeah, right.

[skids]

6. another kick.

Hopefully this thread doesn't just fly away like a cage-raised quail.

[omshanti]

7. I didn't realize Malaysia had a 'tarnished image'.

Shame on my country. I can't believe they paid to meet with this moron.

[omshanti]

8. Hey, who gave me a star? thank you!

YAY!!!!!!
Thank you thank you! I didn't realize anyone cared about someone like me who doesn't post a lot.
Whoever you are, you made my day!
:-)

[sabra]

9. kick

:kick:

[wordpix]

10. WH: 'meeting arranged thru normal channels:' if you have $$millions, you

get in to see the preznit---that's "normal" access.

snip:It's not clear how central Abramoff was in arranging the Oval Office session. The White House says the meeting was arranged through normal channels.

But it was clear, the former associate said, that Abramoff took credit for it. His reputation for close relationships with the White House and congressional officials enabled him to charge stratospheric fees from his lobbying clients — and the president's meeting with Malaysia's prime minister enhanced that reputation.