A Question for Mr. Ahmadinejad

I attended President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s press conference at the National Press Club yesterday. I arrived early and sat in the front row in an attempt to submit a question to the moderator, Buffalo News’ Jerry Zremski, who accepted potential questions on note cards. Sadly, my question didn’t make the cut.

My question was: What’s being done to locate missing American Robert Levinson who was last seen March 8th, 2007 on Kish Island off the southern coast of Iran?

Mr. Levinson’s wife, Christine, has been petitioning the Iranian govt thru our State Dept’s diplomatic channels for assistance or information regarding the whereabouts of the father of seven. So far, little has been done to help her cause and Mr. Ahmadinejad was unwilling to meet with her in New York to discuss this important case.

But here’s an interesting thing – Mr. Ahmadinejad was the first ever “video conference” guest in the National Press Club’s 100-year history. And while there has been much hoopla over Columbia University’s controversial invitation to allow Ahmadinejad to speak there, at least Columbia President Lee Bollinger was willing to call the “petty and cruel dictator” for what he truly is.

So I have to wonder why NPC chose to accommodate Mr. Ahmadinejad as their first video conference guest – and then treated him with far kinder handling than the reception he got from Bollinger?

Perhaps, we in the media could stand to be a little more courageous in challenging the preposterous statements and facts of Mr. Ahmadinejad’s rule.

No Justice

There really is no justice in the $54 Million Pants Nightmare.

As we learned this week, the owners of Custom Dry Cleaners who were sued by Judge Roy Pearson for losing a pair of his pants, have sold their once profitable business citing emotional and financial toil as the reason for folding tent. The Chungs will maintain their other dry cleaning business across town, but for this case, they simply decided that they had had enough despite winning the case against him. Pearson’s appeal to the DC Appeals Court will finally be heard sometime in 2008.

So I felt compelled to confront Judge Pearson once again last night, chasing him without comment up to his apartment where he expectedly slammed the door in my face. Although, this time, he actually called the POLICE on me. So I didn’t stick around for long.

But just to get a snap shot of what Pearson is really like, one of his immediate neighbors told me that when they moved in, Pearson harassed them over “trash can lid compliance” with DC codes.

So it’s fair to say that this is a guy who simply relishes in tormenting others unreasonably. And the real travesty here is that he is STILL EMPLOYED as a DC Administrative Judge – performing non-judicial tasks, but collecting a $100,000 paycheck nonetheless.

The panel that employs Pearson has sent him a letter that they are not likely to re-appoint him – but I really think in the name of justice, DC should fire him immediately.

Give a Book a Home

A word about the importance of books...

Today I had the task of what to do with hundreds of books from my previous life as Tony Snow's Radio Show producer. Here at FOX News Radio Washington, we are expanding our operation and growing by the day. And so space needs to be made for future operations.

But what is one to do with hundreds of books? I figured eventually I will donate what isn't being used to a military hospital or charity; but I also wanted to see if anyone still reads books in this electronic age where virtually anything can be viewed or read on the Internets.

I put out a simple email that asked my fellow co-workers to "Give a Book a Home." After all, they aren't puppies, kittens or orphans. They don't require walking, feeding or baby-sitting. And they won't poop on your floor.

I was pleasantly surprised to have a packed office all day with almost all of my colleagues taking the majority of the books home for their own edification - or perhaps gift giving.

Regardless of the intent, it is very reassuring that people still want books around. They are, after all, a written history of our time - fact or fiction. So next time you're about to toss a book out to make space for that new lamp at home - think twice - and give a book a home.

Here We Go Again...

Move over Britney, the OJ Show just came back to town… or at least Las Vegas!

Here’s what’s being reported:

OJ was in Vegas for a friend’s wedding. He met some guys at a cocktail party, somehow he has learned that an auction dealer has several items of his personal sports memorabilia at a Casino Hotel – and the next thing you know, he’s being questioned by the Las Vegas cops for breaking into a hotel room and “taking back” these items. A witness claims the Juice did so at gunpoint.

Simpson told the AP that it wasn’t a robbery, that no guns were involved, and that he was simply conducting his own personal “sting” operation.

Here are a few quotes the Juice gave to the AP:

“Everybody knows this is stolen stuff.” / “No one got roughed up” / “We walked into the room… I’m the last one to go in and when they see me, it’s all ‘Oh God.’”

Bottom Line: the police are investigating the incident because it was called in as an alleged armed robbery and Simpson was implicated.

Ironically, Simpson’s controversial unpublished book “If I did it” was published yesterday under the new title “If I did it: Confessions of the Killer” by the Goldman family who had been granted the book’s rights by a bankruptcy judge.

I’ll never forget watching that low-speed white Bronco chase on a Friday night much like this one thirteen years ago. But who knew there was another chapter left in this low-life’s saga?

Quote of the day from OJ Day One:

“The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is very committed and very focused on conducting a thorough, biased, and competent investigation.” – Capt. James Dillon

BIASED?

A Great Loss

America lost one of her greatest allies in the fight against Al Qaeda in Iraq with the news today that Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Risha was killed by a bomb near his home in Ramadi, the capital of the Anbar province.

Sheik Abdul Sattar was a Sunni Tribal leader who has been credited with establishing the Anbar Salvation Council – a movement also known as “The Awakening” – which sought to partner Sunni leaders with US allies to drive Al Qaeda from the province.

The White House issued this statement this morning:

“We condemn today’s assassination of Sheik Abdul Sattar. His efforts, and those of his fellow tribal sheiks, to take the fight to Al Qaeda and bring peace and security to Anbar and other regions of Iraq exemplify the courage and determination of the Iraqi people. The President recognized this courage in his recent meeting in Anbar with Sheik Sattar and other leaders.”

Pentagon Spokesman Geoff Morrell, who has met Sheik Sattar, had this to say about the tragic loss:

“When many Sheiks under the rule of Al Qaeda in Anbar fled to Jordan and Syria, he (Sattar) stuck around at great personal peril. He lost many members of his family, 3 of his brothers were killed at the hands of Al Qaeda and yet he decided enough was enough. He was going to stand up to end Al Qaeda’s murderous ways in Anbar. He sought out Marines there and went knocking on their doors to ask what he could do to help combat this. This began the relationship between the Marines and Sheik Sattar.”

One of those relationships was with Army Captain Travis Patriquin who was killed last year in Ramadi. Sheik Sattar and his tribal leaders made a very bold statement by attending the memorial service for Patriquin in Iraq.

Travis’ father, Gary Patriquin, shared his thoughts on the Sheik’s death with FOX News Radio’s Mike Majchrowitz in an exclusive interview.

“I felt like I knew this man, like he was part of my family, because of the concern he had for my son.”

When Oliver North made his eighth trip to Iraq last year, he was able to meet Sheik Sattar in Ramadi. Sheik Sattar told North that the “sons of Al Anbar” are “friends of the United States” and would continue to fight against Al Qaeda.

That was the case in Ramadi, as well as what I witnessed in Fallujah last November, and it is the key to the successes that you hear about in Anbar from the President and General Petraeus. Without Sheik Sattar and others like him, we have a very daunting challenge to hold the peace regardless of a troop increase or reduction. Let’s hope those after him will have the same courage and determination of Sheik Sattar.

Hamlet Goes to Washington

Petraeus and Crocker have been offering some very significant statements on the situation in Iraq for the last two days now. But what we haven’t been hearing are a lot of probing and pertinent questions.

I think we are hearing that there are solid indications that the security situation in Iraq is improving and the “surge” is serving one of its main purposes – thus we can expect to draw the surge down by next summer. However, more time for the overall mission is needed.

More concerning, I believe we are hearing that that there is minimal progress on the issue of national reconciliation – due largely to the sectarian fighting.

And interestingly, I think I am hearing them say that we are ultimately fighting Al Qaeda on the ground in Iraq – which certainly hits home in light of today’s unforgettable anniversary of the events of 6 years ago.

But I’m having a hard time getting the full picture because of the distracting soliloquies of the very folks who are supposed to be listening and asking useful and purposeful questions.

Honestly, I’m growing long in the tooth listening to the innermost thoughts of our members of Congress on the war in Iraq. You’re there to ask questions, not grandstand for the cameras.

I think we should limit their respective “opening statements” to sixty seconds and require them to ask at least 2 questions in the remaining span of 6 minutes (members are granted 7 minutes total).

Is that too much to ask? Sen. Boxer spoke for her entire time allotted barring Petraeus and Crocker from ever uttering a single word after admonishing them to take off their “rosy glasses.”

I really wish just one time I could watch a witness interrupt one of these self-aggrandizing speeches with:

“Excuse me, Senator. Is there a question?”

A wise man once told me: you’d be amazed how much you can learn if you simply learn to listen.

Maybe our esteemed Hamlets should follow the same – they might learn something.

History in the Making

It’s days like today that I consider it a real privilege to live in Washington and work in the media – for today is truly an historical moment for America.

General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker began testifying before Congress today offering a sober and collective assessment of the situation in Iraq. Despite whether you agree or disagree with the overall assessments that they are making – most notably that more time is needed in Iraq – Petraeus and Crocker are the men in charge.

Perhaps the most overriding aspect of these hearings is the undeniable reality that Main Street America is divided over our mission in Iraq – not just Washington. And the debate that will follow in the coming months will undoubtedly shape the policy and future of the mission as well as our nation's legacy of what we did there.

Looking ahead, I would offer a couple of observations:

1. While the demeanor of today’s hearing in the House (despite repeated outbursts by Code Pink protesters) was calm and respectful, I think Petraeus and Crocker should expect a different treatment from the Senate. Four of the first five senators who get to question them are: Biden, Dodd, Kerry and Hagel. Both Biden and Kerry were assailing the anticipated testimony this past Sunday on the talking head shows – and Hagel is a man with nothing to lose after announcing his retirement in 2008. The real showdown begins tomorrow.

2. The Democrats’ efforts to end the war in Iraq have often been jeopardized by special interest groups who attack them for a lack of progress. But the full page ad in the NYT today by MoveOn.org calling Gen. Petraeus “General Betray Us” crosses the line between tough-love and real damage. Gen Petraeus has an incredibly difficult job and has made it abundantly clear that he is not doing the WH’s bidding on the war. To assail his character is something that I believe greatly undermines the Democrats’ position on Iraq and they should seek to distance themselves from such a campaign.


I believe we will look back for years to come on the testimony of what Gen Petraeus and Amb Crocker have to say – pay attention and draw your own conclusions.

The Shaved Muppet

What did you think of the debate? Did you watch? Did you like our webcast?

If you any ideas, please send them to griffsnotes@foxnews.com for our future endeavors.

Here was my ABSOLUTE favorite comment by one of the blogosphere’s best – Stephen Green over at www.VodkaPundit.com. Green was drunkblogging for Pajamas Media…

6:49pm First martini down. Going to run upstairs to pour a second one before things get started. Seasoned political pros claim that Steve has already watched too many debates.

6:51pm FNC found some kid wearing a tie in the spin room, and handed him a microphone. He’s doing everything but spittakes to seem Daily Show-worthy. Is this what it’s come to already?

6:54pm The kid’s name is, apparently, “Griff.” I’m pretty sure he’s a shaved Muppet.

I later contacted Green and thanked him for the compliment – because for a guy in his late 30s with two kids, you have a heightened appreciation for comments like “kid” and “shaved muppet.”

(Note: Please DO NOT write me in search of the Fountain of Youth. I am not at liberty to reveal its location.)

NH SHOWDOWN

1115 ET - University of New Hampshire

I'm at the site of tonight's GOP Debate and there's an incredible buzz in the air. Romney comes in as a favorite having visited NH more than 20 times so he has the upperhand. Giuliani is the perceived closest challenger so expect sparks to fly tonight between these two. McCain will be a fun one to watch as well because he is in desperate need of injecting some life into his campaign. (Humorously, he called some kid a "jerk" yesterday because he asked McCain if alzheimer's would be an issue if he became President).

And hopefully, we are attempting to walk thru with Huckabee - Can't get enough of Huckabee!

So be sure to go to www.gretawire.com for behind the scenes video AND TUNE IN TONIGHT AT 8:30P ET ON FOXNEWS.COM!!

Greta will be in Washington, I'll be in the SPIN ROOM in NH... And you'll be logged on to the best political coverage in America!

GAME ON

Well, summer's over. I apologize for the long weekend hiatus - there were so many things to do before summer ended (including my daughter's birthday).

But it's GAME ON today - the official start of the 2008 Presidential Race.

I'm at Reagan Nat'l Airport bound for Manchester, NH - the site of tomorrow's GOP debate.

I'll be covering the behind the scenes for Greta's webcast tomorrow beginning at 8:30p ET. She'll be in DC, I'll be in NH - and you'll be logged on from all points beyond!

Let the Campaigns Begin!