I disagree. I think when a lame duck claims responsibility, what he's asking us to do is to chalk the matter up to his personal record, and not blame his staff or other cronies who hope not to be punished in the next election.

Specifically, I think the way he worded it means, "I did it and you might not like it, but it was may call and I made it and it's OK with me if you don't like me-- but don't toss my clones out, or the people my handlers put up in my place, next time around. Blame ME, cuz I don't care WHAT you think of my priorities, cuz I am the Chief and I WILL wage my jihads as I see fit."

And now his underlings and handlers can deflect our accusations about their own responsibility-- they can safely blame him without fear of offending him-- cuz isn't that what lame ducks are FOR?

That's what I heard, anway.

~S~