"I'm still waiting for replies to my question..."

I'd be inclined to believe Clarke; he's been a staunch Republican, he's been good enough for three presidents, two R's & 1 D, and, oddly enough, because he looks like he wouldn't be much fun at a party. I don't necessarily agree with his opinions, but I don't think he's fudging the facts. And I've heard similar stories from other sources of Bush's tendency to demand that facts support his stand - political or scientific -instead of basing his stand on the facts.

But that's a judgement. It's time to find some of those independent witness to the conversations. Or similar ones.

clint