As I said here, this “leak” of the NIE of April 2006 wasn’t anything more than a designed hit to stem the rise (didn’t work) of President Bush’s popularity, and have the maximum fire for effect during election season.

Clarice Feldman makes note of this in her article in American Thinker.

“As in the Plame case, selective leaks of the NIE appear long after the distribution of the document‚Äîin this case almost 6 months afterward‚Äîwith a clear intent of helping the Democrats in the upcoming election.”

We can pretty much ignore all this planned grandstanding by the Democrats including the “Irate Generals Parade” on Capital Hill today. Please. If General John R.S. Batiste had something to say and a pair to say it, and if it were even half assed correct, he should have had the balls to say it WHILE on active duty, not after he retired and secured his vittles.

Especially since just last year while in uniform he said during a official homecoming from Iraq during a ceremony May 16 at Harvey Barracks in Germany:

“Batiste reflected on what their year supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom has meant to the division.

“The Soldiers of this great division have once again carried on the legacy of the historic 1st Infantry Division,” Batiste said. “From intense combat operations… to stability and support operations, you did it all, and you did it in spades. Your focus on discipline and standards at every level was apparent. Big Red One Soldiers were renowned for their warfighting tenacity and, at the same time, just as proficient in the business of changing attitudes and giving the Iraqi people alternatives to the insurgency.”

Batiste also acknowledged the division’s partners during the deployment, the Iraqi people.

“Our successes over the past year were not achieved alone. They were achieved by establishing partnerships with the people of Iraq, most notably with the Iraqi security forces,” Batiste said. “Your mentorship, training, and equipping empowered Iraqi security forces, and it provided the foundation to help them defeat the insurgency and provide a safe and secure environment.

“Some of the most rewarding moments over the last year were defined by the courage and enthusiasm of the Iraqi people as they served their country.”

Batiste noted the advances and improvements in education, health, and public works that were accomplished due to the partnership between the 1st Infantry Division and Iraqis.

“You assisted Iraqi leaders in setting priorities for nearly 2,000 projects worth more than $1 billion, creating jobs for thousands of Iraqis,” Batiste said.

The greatest proof, the general said, was that thanks in large part to the division, Iraqis held successful national elections Jan. 30.

“The Iraqi people demonstrated that their future would not be held hostage,” Batiste said. “I will never forget the images of Iraqis celebrating and proudly displaying their ink-stained fingers.”

Batiste paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the division’s quest to bring self-sufficiency and democracy to Iraq.

“The division’s amazing success in Iraq did not come without a cost,” Batiste said. “We will never forget the 193 1st Infantry Division and Task Force Danger Soldiers who gave their full measure during both OIF I and II. On behalf of all the Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division and the people of our great nation, I want once more to acknowledge their service, sacrifice, and the example they set for all of us.”

My, my what a year and a boatload of bucks from Democratic 527’s will do for a ‘man’.