Kerry Flip-Flops, Dumps Berger

My, that was fast. Sandy Berger's fellow Clintonistas and Kerryites today kept insisting there was no reason to dump him from John Kerry's presidential campaign. Yet this afternoon that's exactly what happened.

Berger, as is usual in such cases, claimed he was withdrawing voluntarily. But it was clear he was getting the boot when Kerry's handlers started emphasizing that Berger was an "informal," unpaid adviser.

"Mr. Berger does not want any issue surrounding the 9/11 commission to be used for partisan purposes. With that in mind he has decided to step aside as an informal adviser to the Kerry campaign until this matter is resolved," said his attorney Lanny Breuer.

Kerry issued a statement that contained some identical wording. "Sandy Berger is my friend, and he has tirelessly served this nation with honor and distinction. I respect his decision to step aside as an adviser to the campaign until this matter is resolved objectively and fairly."

So, does that mean Berger will be back after "this matter is resolved"? Don't count on it. What you can count on: Berger's dream of being director of CIA under Kerry is not only dead, it's decomposing.

Hmm, think the equally disgraced New York Times will have room tomorrow to report Berger's ouster? After all, it boasts of offering "All the News That's Fit to Print" ... unless there's news that would embarrass some Democrat.

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
2004 Elections
9/11 Commission
Clinton Scandals
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Homeland/Civil Defense
Sen. John Kerry
War on Terrorism