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Condoleezza Rice Testifies Before 9/11 Commission
Aired April 08, 2004 - 14:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
STARR: They are now saying that five additional U.S. troops have died in combat over the last two days in Iraq. They are telling us three of them are members of the United States Army who were killed in various attacks and two members of the U.S. Marines 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
Now those Marines, we are told, died in al-Anbar Province of Iraq while conducting security and stability operations. Here's what's interesting, Kyra. The military will not say whether those two Marines died in the operation around Fallujah, which is al-Anbar Province.
So far, the Pentagon has not been willing to say that any specific Marine has died in Fallujah but we do know that three Marines have died in operations in this general area. The simply will not say whether they have died in Fallujah.
Some additional news, the coalition is putting out a statement saying, clarifying whether or not the coalition is currently negotiating with the Mehdi Army for withdrawal from the city of Karbala. Of course, the Mehdi Army being the insurgent movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr.
There had been media reports that the coalition was negotiating with these insurgents for withdrawal from Karbala. The coalition now saying those media reports are absolutely false and they will continue to engage the Mehdi Army wherever they find them.
This is quite significant because earlier today General Sanchez, in Baghdad, said that the coalition is not in control of two cities in Iraq, one the holy city of Najaf and the other one the city of al-Kut, which appears by all accounts to be under the control of Muqtada al- Sadr's insurgents.
General Sanchez saying that it was imminent that the coalition would regain control of at least al-Kut. So, a very definite message on the part of the coalition, no negotiations, no discussions. They will continue to fight these insurgents -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Barbara Starr, live from the Pentagon, thank you.
A frightening new tactic for the Iraqi resistance. Insurgents kidnapped a dozen foreigners today to put pressure on U.S. allies in Iraq. Some of them have been released but the nightmare continues for a handful of them. We'll have more on that in a moment.
But first, CNN's Jim Clancy has the latest developments from the ground.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Battles in Iraq remain very much centered on Fallujah where U.S. Marines drove deep into the city. They continue to target specific individuals, specific locations. The Marines say they are getting some help from the local population warning them of impending ambushes.
Still, Marines are suffering casualties as they go in there. Iraqi civilians too suffering casualties. Their casualties are estimated to be in the hundreds, as many as 300 dead, another 400 wounded. Some of the statistics coming out of Fallujah Hospital and its medical director this day.
(on camera): Meantime, across southern Iraq, Muqtada al-Sadr's al-Mehdi Army continues to cause trouble in various cities. Kut and Najaf are said to be completely under the control of his militia.
At the same time, they are battling Bulgarian and Polish troops in the city of Karbala, where a large number of pilgrims are expected over the weekend. One hotel was set ablaze and members of the militia could be seen out in front of the hotel. General John Abizaid says the militia will be confronted head on.
GEN. JOHN ABIZAID, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND: Well, the situation sometimes is better than others and right now I'd say we have a challenge from the standpoint of ensuring that we defeat the Mehdi militia.
They have absolutely no right to be on the street. They have absolutely no right to be bearing weapons. They have no right to attack police stations. They have no right to attack innocent people in the streets and we won't allow that to happen. Where we find them, we will attack them and we will defeat them.
CLANCY: It's almost exactly one year since the statue of Saddam Hussein was brought down in the square behind me. With the continuing violence in the Sunni Triangle and Fallujah and across the south and now with hostage taking, many Iraqis are asking themselves if they are better off.
Jim Clancy, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: And let's find out how news of the kidnapping is playing out in Japan. CNN's Atika Schubert has the latest now from Tokyo.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ATIKA SCHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Harrowing video of three Japanese nationals held hostage at gunpoint and threatened with knives delivered to Al-Jazeera television with a written demand, withdraw Japanese troops from Iraq within three days or they will be burned alive. The hostages include a female relief worker, an 18- year-old peace activist, and a freelance journalist.
The Japanese government's reaction was swift, demanding their release and denouncing the hostage taking as unforgivable and that Japan will not withdraw its troops.
YASUO FAKUDA, JAPANESE CHIEF CAB. SECY. (through translator): The troops are there to provide humanitarian support. There is no reason the self defense forces should withdraw from Iraq.
SCHUBERT: Japan has more than 500 troops on the ground, part of a 1,000 strong contingent heading to Iraq for non-combat humanitarian missions. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi insisted that sending troops was not only necessary but a morale imperative to support the U.S. occupation of Iraq. Public opinion has been deeply divided, triggering fierce debate. Critics feared Japanese troops would be targeted.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): This is the last chance. Japan should reconsider the deployment of the troops. Japan should not be under the U.S. thumb anymore and I think the troops should withdraw from Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SCHUBERT: Kyra, it's now early morning here in Tokyo and the news has finally sunk in. Many here have expressed shock and anger at the video that they saw from Al-Jazeera and many here are now waiting for a statement from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
He has not made a public statement yet. No explanation as to when that will be. He's been in emergency meetings overnight but there is increasing pressure for the prime minister to explain what has happened and why hostages have been taken regarding his policies in Iraq -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Atika Schubert live from Tokyo, thank you.
Well, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice was in the hot seat this morning. She testified for the first time in public before the 9/11 commission, a topic of contention, one of the president's daily briefs.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARD BEN-VENISTE, 9/11 COMMISSIONER: Isn't it a fact, Dr. Rice that the August 5 PDB warned against possible attacks in this country and I ask you, whether you recall the title of that PDB?
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: I believe the title was "bin Laden determined to attack inside the United States."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: We're joined now by White House Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux. She's with the president in Crawford, Texas. What's the reaction Suzanne? SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, President Bush was actually watching all three hours of that testimony from his Crawford Ranch and administration officials overall very pleased with Dr. Rice's performance. They believe that she laid out the administration's case very well, saying that there really was no silver bullet that would have prevented the 9/11 attacks.
And from that clip just before you saw she really went after the main issue here. There was questions time and time again over the August 6 presidential daily brief. That was a page and half CIA analysis, essentially on the threat of al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. The big question here is whether the administration received information on impending threats and didn't do anything to react.
Dr. Rice saying quite flatly that this was a historical document. This was about what Osama bin Laden wanted to do but it did not include any type of imminent threat.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICE: There was nothing in this memo that suggested that an attack was coming on New York or Washington, D.C. There was nothing in this memo as to time, place, how or where. This was not a threat report to the president or a threat report to me.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We agree that there were no specifics.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: And that August 6 report, as a matter of fact, is something that the commission really wants to see declassified. They have asked that of the administration. We'll see if that changes. So far it has not been.
Dr. Rice also laid out the case the administration had a robust strategy to aggressively eliminate al Qaeda and she essentially blamed the communication problems. She said there were structural and legal problems between the FBI and the CIA that did not allow them to essentially share information before the September 11th attacks.
As I mentioned before, the president was keeping a close eye on all of the developments, so we got a read out from his spokeswoman Claire Buchanan who said, and I'm quoting here that: "The president thought Dr. Rice did a terrific job in articulating the administration's actions, responsible actions, prior to September 11th and the aggressive actions that the administration took after September 11th."
I should also let you know, Kyra, that Dr. Rice is not yet done with this commission. They have asked her to return, to come back in private to follow up and answer some questions -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Meanwhile the president's plans for the weekend Suzanne?
MALVEAUX: Yes, as a matter of fact he's going to Fort Hood, Texas. He's going to be visiting some troops there. He's going to be spending the holiday with his family in Fort Hood and as well at the Crawford ranch as he normally does. He's going to wish the troops well and then he'll be heading back to Washington.
PHILLIPS: All right, Suzanne Malveaux traveling there with the president there at his ranch. She mentioned Fort Hood.
We also want to remind you we are expecting about 2:15 Eastern time at Fort Hood there will be a news conference following the Pentagon's announcement that seven soldiers were killed in an attack in Iraq over the weekend and that they were all from Fort Hood's 1st Cavalry Division. We will take that live as soon as it happens.
Well, family members of 9/11 victims were watching Rice very closely. Did she say what they wanted to hear? We're going to talk with a woman who lost her mother on September 11th and see what she thought.
And virtual terror, messages on the web to rally al Qaeda. We're clicking on that one for you straight ahead on LIVE FROM.
ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICE: President Bush understood the threat and he understood its importance. He made clear to us that he did not want to respond to al Qaeda one attack at a time. He told me he was tired of swatting flies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: More revealing testimony from National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice before the 9/11 commission this morning.
Here to talk about it, California Republican Congressman Dana Roehrabacher, a senior member of the International Relations Committee. Sir, thanks for being with us.
REP. DANA ROHRABACHER (R), CALIFORNIA: Thank you.
PHILLIPS: Well, this testimony that took place today on behalf of Dr. Rice, was this a success for Republicans?
ROHRABACHER: Well, I think that she demonstrated that she is a very responsible government official and that she takes her job very seriously and she works for a president who takes his job very seriously.
If there's one thing that came out of this that is a little disturbing to me it's that during those 233 days that the Bush administration actually held power, and you know it takes three or four months before a new administration can even make its new policies felt, that there wasn't a rapid enough leaving behind the past administration's policies and the charting of a new course.
Now, for the Democrats who are listening that doesn't make any difference but to this Republican it is my belief that the central problem that caused 9/11 was the fact that during the Clinton years we permitted the Taliban to come to power and we offered a base which offered a base of operations for al Qaeda to attack the United States. It was that bad policy that led to 9/11 and it didn't seem that we went away from that policy fast enough for me anyway.
PHILLIPS: Well, shouldn't a new administration pick up if indeed it was a bad policy and pay even closer attention to that?
ROHRABACHER: Well, it was -- let me put it this way. I worked in the White House for seven years and I understand that it takes a while and there was an evolution going on in the administration.
I might note that I talked to Condoleezza Rice several times during those 233 days, along with other members of the National Security Council, about Afghanistan and about the various alternatives.
But the permanent government, the people in the CIA, the Richard Clarke's if you will, their momentum that they have or this inertia that they create for any change would have and did hamper the administration from considering new courses of action and sometimes it takes an event like 9/11 to speed up that process.
We live in a democratic society where foreign policy evolves from one administration to another instead of a revolution. In this case, we needed a revolution in policy a lot sooner than we got it.
PHILLIPS: Well, as we talk about allegations of bad policy let's go back to that exchange between Senator Bob Kerrey, heated exchange, and Condoleezza Rice with regard to swatting flies.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BOB KERREY, 9/11 COMMISSIONER: You said the president was tired of swatting flies. Can you tell me one example where the president swatted a fly when it came to al Qaeda prior to 9/11?
RICE: I think what the president was speaking to was...
KERREY: No, no, what fly had he swatted?
RICE: Well, the disruptions abroad was what he was really focusing on when the CIA would go after Abu Zubaydah.
KERREY: He hadn't swatted...
RICE: Go after this guy. That was what he meant.
KERREY: Dr. Rice, we didn't -- we only swatted a fly once on the 20th of August, 1998. We didn't swat any flies afterwards. How the hell can he be tired?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: That sounds like pretty bad policy on behalf of Republicans, Congressman.
ROHRABACHER: No, it sounds like a president of the United States who's got -- he's got his act together and that is he's going to take care of the basic problem. During the last administration they didn't take care of the basic problem. They let the Taliban establish a hold on Afghanistan, which gave a terrorist base to attack the United States.
This president of the United States has decided not only are we taking care of Afghanistan, which we have, but he has decided that it is vitally important that we make sure that the -- that in our battle against al Qaeda, meaning radical Islam that we establish a democratic alternative for the Islamic world and no better place to do that than eliminating the dictator in Iraq who hates the United States and thus establish Iraq as a democratic alternative to al Qaeda.
This is a strategic move. This is the type of long term planning that will make sure that after this president leaves office we have a more peaceful world as compared to when Bill Clinton left office. The 9/11 operation, the terrorist attack on the United States was already underway.
PHILLIPS: California Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, thanks for your time sir.
And Democratic Senator Bob Graham will join us shortly on LIVE FROM to critique Rice's testimony. You can hear what the former chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee has to say coming up in the 3:00 Eastern hour. Stay with us.
The 9/11 committee will hear from former FBI Director Louie Freeh, Clinton Attorney General Janet Reno, and Attorney General John Ashcroft on April 13th. Then on Wednesday, April 14th, the panel hears from CIA Director George Tenet and Robert Mueller appointed to the head of the FBI days before the 9/11 attacks. We'll have live coverage right here on CNN.
Condoleezza Rice testified this morning "we are safer but we are not safe." In fact, terrorists are lurking online, making plans and developing a killing network bent on death and destruction on their IM buddy lists.
Here's Diana Muriel's eye-opening investigation.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
Aired April 8, 2004 - 14:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
STARR: They are now saying that five additional U.S. troops have died in combat over the last two days in Iraq. They are telling us three of them are members of the United States Army who were killed in various attacks and two members of the U.S. Marines 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
Now those Marines, we are told, died in al-Anbar Province of Iraq while conducting security and stability operations. Here's what's interesting, Kyra. The military will not say whether those two Marines died in the operation around Fallujah, which is al-Anbar Province.
So far, the Pentagon has not been willing to say that any specific Marine has died in Fallujah but we do know that three Marines have died in operations in this general area. The simply will not say whether they have died in Fallujah.
Some additional news, the coalition is putting out a statement saying, clarifying whether or not the coalition is currently negotiating with the Mehdi Army for withdrawal from the city of Karbala. Of course, the Mehdi Army being the insurgent movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr.
There had been media reports that the coalition was negotiating with these insurgents for withdrawal from Karbala. The coalition now saying those media reports are absolutely false and they will continue to engage the Mehdi Army wherever they find them.
This is quite significant because earlier today General Sanchez, in Baghdad, said that the coalition is not in control of two cities in Iraq, one the holy city of Najaf and the other one the city of al-Kut, which appears by all accounts to be under the control of Muqtada al- Sadr's insurgents.
General Sanchez saying that it was imminent that the coalition would regain control of at least al-Kut. So, a very definite message on the part of the coalition, no negotiations, no discussions. They will continue to fight these insurgents -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Barbara Starr, live from the Pentagon, thank you.
A frightening new tactic for the Iraqi resistance. Insurgents kidnapped a dozen foreigners today to put pressure on U.S. allies in Iraq. Some of them have been released but the nightmare continues for a handful of them. We'll have more on that in a moment.
But first, CNN's Jim Clancy has the latest developments from the ground.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Battles in Iraq remain very much centered on Fallujah where U.S. Marines drove deep into the city. They continue to target specific individuals, specific locations. The Marines say they are getting some help from the local population warning them of impending ambushes.
Still, Marines are suffering casualties as they go in there. Iraqi civilians too suffering casualties. Their casualties are estimated to be in the hundreds, as many as 300 dead, another 400 wounded. Some of the statistics coming out of Fallujah Hospital and its medical director this day.
(on camera): Meantime, across southern Iraq, Muqtada al-Sadr's al-Mehdi Army continues to cause trouble in various cities. Kut and Najaf are said to be completely under the control of his militia.
At the same time, they are battling Bulgarian and Polish troops in the city of Karbala, where a large number of pilgrims are expected over the weekend. One hotel was set ablaze and members of the militia could be seen out in front of the hotel. General John Abizaid says the militia will be confronted head on.
GEN. JOHN ABIZAID, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND: Well, the situation sometimes is better than others and right now I'd say we have a challenge from the standpoint of ensuring that we defeat the Mehdi militia.
They have absolutely no right to be on the street. They have absolutely no right to be bearing weapons. They have no right to attack police stations. They have no right to attack innocent people in the streets and we won't allow that to happen. Where we find them, we will attack them and we will defeat them.
CLANCY: It's almost exactly one year since the statue of Saddam Hussein was brought down in the square behind me. With the continuing violence in the Sunni Triangle and Fallujah and across the south and now with hostage taking, many Iraqis are asking themselves if they are better off.
Jim Clancy, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: And let's find out how news of the kidnapping is playing out in Japan. CNN's Atika Schubert has the latest now from Tokyo.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ATIKA SCHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Harrowing video of three Japanese nationals held hostage at gunpoint and threatened with knives delivered to Al-Jazeera television with a written demand, withdraw Japanese troops from Iraq within three days or they will be burned alive. The hostages include a female relief worker, an 18- year-old peace activist, and a freelance journalist.
The Japanese government's reaction was swift, demanding their release and denouncing the hostage taking as unforgivable and that Japan will not withdraw its troops.
YASUO FAKUDA, JAPANESE CHIEF CAB. SECY. (through translator): The troops are there to provide humanitarian support. There is no reason the self defense forces should withdraw from Iraq.
SCHUBERT: Japan has more than 500 troops on the ground, part of a 1,000 strong contingent heading to Iraq for non-combat humanitarian missions. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi insisted that sending troops was not only necessary but a morale imperative to support the U.S. occupation of Iraq. Public opinion has been deeply divided, triggering fierce debate. Critics feared Japanese troops would be targeted.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): This is the last chance. Japan should reconsider the deployment of the troops. Japan should not be under the U.S. thumb anymore and I think the troops should withdraw from Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SCHUBERT: Kyra, it's now early morning here in Tokyo and the news has finally sunk in. Many here have expressed shock and anger at the video that they saw from Al-Jazeera and many here are now waiting for a statement from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
He has not made a public statement yet. No explanation as to when that will be. He's been in emergency meetings overnight but there is increasing pressure for the prime minister to explain what has happened and why hostages have been taken regarding his policies in Iraq -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Atika Schubert live from Tokyo, thank you.
Well, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice was in the hot seat this morning. She testified for the first time in public before the 9/11 commission, a topic of contention, one of the president's daily briefs.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARD BEN-VENISTE, 9/11 COMMISSIONER: Isn't it a fact, Dr. Rice that the August 5 PDB warned against possible attacks in this country and I ask you, whether you recall the title of that PDB?
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: I believe the title was "bin Laden determined to attack inside the United States."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: We're joined now by White House Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux. She's with the president in Crawford, Texas. What's the reaction Suzanne? SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, President Bush was actually watching all three hours of that testimony from his Crawford Ranch and administration officials overall very pleased with Dr. Rice's performance. They believe that she laid out the administration's case very well, saying that there really was no silver bullet that would have prevented the 9/11 attacks.
And from that clip just before you saw she really went after the main issue here. There was questions time and time again over the August 6 presidential daily brief. That was a page and half CIA analysis, essentially on the threat of al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. The big question here is whether the administration received information on impending threats and didn't do anything to react.
Dr. Rice saying quite flatly that this was a historical document. This was about what Osama bin Laden wanted to do but it did not include any type of imminent threat.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICE: There was nothing in this memo that suggested that an attack was coming on New York or Washington, D.C. There was nothing in this memo as to time, place, how or where. This was not a threat report to the president or a threat report to me.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We agree that there were no specifics.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: And that August 6 report, as a matter of fact, is something that the commission really wants to see declassified. They have asked that of the administration. We'll see if that changes. So far it has not been.
Dr. Rice also laid out the case the administration had a robust strategy to aggressively eliminate al Qaeda and she essentially blamed the communication problems. She said there were structural and legal problems between the FBI and the CIA that did not allow them to essentially share information before the September 11th attacks.
As I mentioned before, the president was keeping a close eye on all of the developments, so we got a read out from his spokeswoman Claire Buchanan who said, and I'm quoting here that: "The president thought Dr. Rice did a terrific job in articulating the administration's actions, responsible actions, prior to September 11th and the aggressive actions that the administration took after September 11th."
I should also let you know, Kyra, that Dr. Rice is not yet done with this commission. They have asked her to return, to come back in private to follow up and answer some questions -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Meanwhile the president's plans for the weekend Suzanne?
MALVEAUX: Yes, as a matter of fact he's going to Fort Hood, Texas. He's going to be visiting some troops there. He's going to be spending the holiday with his family in Fort Hood and as well at the Crawford ranch as he normally does. He's going to wish the troops well and then he'll be heading back to Washington.
PHILLIPS: All right, Suzanne Malveaux traveling there with the president there at his ranch. She mentioned Fort Hood.
We also want to remind you we are expecting about 2:15 Eastern time at Fort Hood there will be a news conference following the Pentagon's announcement that seven soldiers were killed in an attack in Iraq over the weekend and that they were all from Fort Hood's 1st Cavalry Division. We will take that live as soon as it happens.
Well, family members of 9/11 victims were watching Rice very closely. Did she say what they wanted to hear? We're going to talk with a woman who lost her mother on September 11th and see what she thought.
And virtual terror, messages on the web to rally al Qaeda. We're clicking on that one for you straight ahead on LIVE FROM.
ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICE: President Bush understood the threat and he understood its importance. He made clear to us that he did not want to respond to al Qaeda one attack at a time. He told me he was tired of swatting flies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: More revealing testimony from National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice before the 9/11 commission this morning.
Here to talk about it, California Republican Congressman Dana Roehrabacher, a senior member of the International Relations Committee. Sir, thanks for being with us.
REP. DANA ROHRABACHER (R), CALIFORNIA: Thank you.
PHILLIPS: Well, this testimony that took place today on behalf of Dr. Rice, was this a success for Republicans?
ROHRABACHER: Well, I think that she demonstrated that she is a very responsible government official and that she takes her job very seriously and she works for a president who takes his job very seriously.
If there's one thing that came out of this that is a little disturbing to me it's that during those 233 days that the Bush administration actually held power, and you know it takes three or four months before a new administration can even make its new policies felt, that there wasn't a rapid enough leaving behind the past administration's policies and the charting of a new course.
Now, for the Democrats who are listening that doesn't make any difference but to this Republican it is my belief that the central problem that caused 9/11 was the fact that during the Clinton years we permitted the Taliban to come to power and we offered a base which offered a base of operations for al Qaeda to attack the United States. It was that bad policy that led to 9/11 and it didn't seem that we went away from that policy fast enough for me anyway.
PHILLIPS: Well, shouldn't a new administration pick up if indeed it was a bad policy and pay even closer attention to that?
ROHRABACHER: Well, it was -- let me put it this way. I worked in the White House for seven years and I understand that it takes a while and there was an evolution going on in the administration.
I might note that I talked to Condoleezza Rice several times during those 233 days, along with other members of the National Security Council, about Afghanistan and about the various alternatives.
But the permanent government, the people in the CIA, the Richard Clarke's if you will, their momentum that they have or this inertia that they create for any change would have and did hamper the administration from considering new courses of action and sometimes it takes an event like 9/11 to speed up that process.
We live in a democratic society where foreign policy evolves from one administration to another instead of a revolution. In this case, we needed a revolution in policy a lot sooner than we got it.
PHILLIPS: Well, as we talk about allegations of bad policy let's go back to that exchange between Senator Bob Kerrey, heated exchange, and Condoleezza Rice with regard to swatting flies.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BOB KERREY, 9/11 COMMISSIONER: You said the president was tired of swatting flies. Can you tell me one example where the president swatted a fly when it came to al Qaeda prior to 9/11?
RICE: I think what the president was speaking to was...
KERREY: No, no, what fly had he swatted?
RICE: Well, the disruptions abroad was what he was really focusing on when the CIA would go after Abu Zubaydah.
KERREY: He hadn't swatted...
RICE: Go after this guy. That was what he meant.
KERREY: Dr. Rice, we didn't -- we only swatted a fly once on the 20th of August, 1998. We didn't swat any flies afterwards. How the hell can he be tired?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: That sounds like pretty bad policy on behalf of Republicans, Congressman.
ROHRABACHER: No, it sounds like a president of the United States who's got -- he's got his act together and that is he's going to take care of the basic problem. During the last administration they didn't take care of the basic problem. They let the Taliban establish a hold on Afghanistan, which gave a terrorist base to attack the United States.
This president of the United States has decided not only are we taking care of Afghanistan, which we have, but he has decided that it is vitally important that we make sure that the -- that in our battle against al Qaeda, meaning radical Islam that we establish a democratic alternative for the Islamic world and no better place to do that than eliminating the dictator in Iraq who hates the United States and thus establish Iraq as a democratic alternative to al Qaeda.
This is a strategic move. This is the type of long term planning that will make sure that after this president leaves office we have a more peaceful world as compared to when Bill Clinton left office. The 9/11 operation, the terrorist attack on the United States was already underway.
PHILLIPS: California Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, thanks for your time sir.
And Democratic Senator Bob Graham will join us shortly on LIVE FROM to critique Rice's testimony. You can hear what the former chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee has to say coming up in the 3:00 Eastern hour. Stay with us.
The 9/11 committee will hear from former FBI Director Louie Freeh, Clinton Attorney General Janet Reno, and Attorney General John Ashcroft on April 13th. Then on Wednesday, April 14th, the panel hears from CIA Director George Tenet and Robert Mueller appointed to the head of the FBI days before the 9/11 attacks. We'll have live coverage right here on CNN.
Condoleezza Rice testified this morning "we are safer but we are not safe." In fact, terrorists are lurking online, making plans and developing a killing network bent on death and destruction on their IM buddy lists.
Here's Diana Muriel's eye-opening investigation.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
