Plans to invade Iraq were already underway before President Bush went to the United Nations Security Council for support, famed journalist Bob Woodward said Monday, according to an Associated Press report.
However, Bush administration statements have consistently been to the contrary since before the war in Iraq.
Woodward's reporting on the Bush administration could be unearthing facts that voters need to know before the next election. Woodward, along with fellow Washington Post reporter Carl Bernstein, was largely responsible for uncovering the crimes that lead to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. Bush is, by no means, under fire to leave office, but the theme -- giving the public the truth -- remains the same.
Speaking to a crowd of about 800 at Franklin College, Woodward said as early as August of 2002, Gen. Colin Powell spelled out the risks and the possibilities of overthrowing the regime of Saddam Hussein, according to the report.
Although Bush went to the United Nations and spent months trying to win over members of the U.N. Security Council, war plans were already in the works, Woodward said.
Woodward plans to publish a book detailing Bush's decision to invade Iraq.
Woodward believes the Iraq war will hold a pivotal place in history, and made a comparison between Bush and President Abraham Lincoln.
While many doubted Lincoln's decision to set the slaves free, Lincoln had the courage to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. (There has been some debate as to why Lincoln did so -- many believe Lincoln reluctantly freed the slaves because of economic reasons.)
Maybe history will record that Bush was on the right track in the war against Iraq, Woodward said.
However, as long as both Saddam and his large cache of weapons remain unaccounted for, Bush's advance planning and drive to war could tarnish his administration and his chances of re-election. While he's still the odds-on favorite for the 2004 election, information is starting to come out.
Voters should keep in mind that this war was planned long ago -- regardless of public or international opinion -- and decide if that's the kind of candidate we need in office for another four years.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
