More On Politics Of Spying

I've been thinking about this in the week after the NY Times domestic spying story. This story was certainly groundbreaking, especially when the secret nature of the information included in the story is considered. To think that (presumably) somebody or several people within the scariest, most secretive organization in the country, the NSA, leaked that type of information to reporters is amazing. Furthermore, the way that this story instantly changed the news cycle is a testament to its magnitude. FISA courts and wiretaps have become worthy of water cooler conversation. While the scope of the story is interesting, one cannot be that surprised that this administration has been involved in this type of power grab. This a great example of an executive vs. legislative/judicial power struggle that will certainly be studied further.

That being said, I have to suspect that Republicans are furious that they have been put into a position where they have to defend the administration's actions. Republicans in Congress have already begun to show their willingness to break with the administration on some domestic issues; Republicans who are generally skeptical of the administration or those who live in vulnerable districts are now finding themselves being identified with the president and/or having to defend unwarranted domestic wiretaps. While the president had shown signs of recovering from the approval rating rock bottom of his presidency, he is once again stuck in a partisan mud throwing contest with Democrats. Aside from any one issue, Democrats will now begin attacking the entire philosophy behind his presidency and certainly his leadership style/capabilities. '06 Republicans need to separate themselves from this president and define themselves to their constituents; they must appear to be above the Republican culture of abuse, corruption, and power hunger.