Like a Bandit

ON August 10, in a speech before the Democratic National Committee’s summer meeting in Las Vegas, party chairman Terry McAuliffe demanded that President Bush make public records of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s investigation into his sale of Harken Energy stock more than a decade ago (a probe that found no wrongdoing on Bush’s part). “If you have nothing to hide, then release the documents,” McAuliffe roared as the crowd cheered. “To paraphrase a Republican hero—Mr. President, tear down this stonewall!”

The two appearances, just hours apart, highlight a dilemma McAuliffe is facing more and more frequently these days. He is perhaps the most aggressive and public critic of George W. Bush’s record in business—just a few days before the Las Vegas speech, he urged the president to “set an example by coming clean on your past business dealings”—yet he faces continuing questions over his own business affairs. And the questions extend far beyond his $18 million windfall.

About the Author

Byron York

Byron York is a former White House correspondent for National Review.

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ON August 10, in a speech before the Democratic National Committee’s summer meeting in Las Vegas, party chairman Terry McAuliffe demanded that President Bush make public records of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s investigation into his sale of Harken Energy stock more than a decade ago (a probe that found no wrongdoing on Bush’s part). “If you have nothing to hide, then release the documents,” McAuliffe roared as the crowd cheered. “To paraphrase a Republican hero—Mr. President, tear down this stonewall!”

The two appearances, just hours apart, highlight a dilemma McAuliffe is facing more and more frequently these days. He is perhaps the most aggressive and public critic of George W. Bush’s record in business—just a few days before the Las Vegas speech, he urged the president to “set an example by coming clean on your past business dealings”—yet he faces continuing questions over his own business affairs. And the questions extend far beyond his $18 million windfall.