We agree on that Clint.

"More importantly, Strick -- why did he deny that he had ever said it?"

pdc, I only see him denying what people imply he said. I've belabored the point already, but, heck, look at this and see if it helps. It's essentially the same statement Rumsfeld made but on a different topic.

Some people say that Bob is taller than Bill,
but I say Bill is taller.

Can we accept that there's no difference between the "er" ending and "more" except grammar? Does it say I think either person is tall in any absolute sense? Is this statement any less true if neither Bill nor Bob are over 4' 6" tall and don't have the slightest chance of playing for the Lakers?