Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Brian Williams) Report introduced.

(White House: David Gregory) The scathing report from the commission investigating US intelligence-gathering that is critical of pre-war intelligence on Iraq featured; excerpts quoted; details given of the panel’s recommendations. [President BUSH – says America’s intelligence community needs fundamental change.] [In January, 2003, BUSH – says Iraqi President Saddam Hussein possesses some of the world’s deadliest weapons.] [Commission on Intelligence Capabilities Laurence SILBERMAN†, Charles ROBB†- criticize spy agencies for not telling policymakers how little evidence they had; note the president’s responsibility.]

(Studio: Brian Williams) Report introduced.

(Washington: Andrea Mitchell) The fallout from the report and the role of misleading intelligence in the decision to go to war examined; details given of claims the administration wanted to attack Iraq and of intelligence missed by the CIA, including nuclear programs in North Korea & Iran. [Former National Security Council official Flynt LEVERETT†- states the WMD was useful in selling the war to the public.] [In February, 2003, Secretary of State Colin POWELL – testifies to the U.N. about Iraq’s weapons.] [Former U.N. weapons inspector David ALBRIGHT†, Senator John McCAIN – comment on the damage to US credibility.]