ConfirmThem

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Starr is denying the accuracy of a recent CBS broadcast that purported to show him condemning efforts of GOP Senate leadership to obtain up-or-down votes for judicial nominees. We previously mentioned the CBS interview, and provided a link to it. Here's the link again: PHONY CBS STARR INTERVIEW.

Rush Limbaugh today read aloud an email from Ken Starr. According to Starr's email, CBS took his answer from a question about whether judicial nominees should be examined on their judicial philosophy as opposed to their qualifications, and made it seem as though it were an answer to a question about the so-called "nuclear option." CBS is now refusing to give Judge Starr the entire transcript of the interview.

Hat tip to the Iron Teakettle. Power Line comments here. Rush Limbaugh comments here. Courtesy of The Corner, we quote Starr's criticism of CBS below the fold.

UPDATE: Mickey Kaus is all over this brouhaha. Ramesh Ponnuru responds to Kaus here.

"In the piece that I have now seen, and which I gather is being lavishly quoted, CBS employed two snippets. The 'radical departure' snippet was specifically addressed -- although this is not evidenced whatever from the clip -- to the practice of invoking judicial philosopy as a grounds for voting against a qualified nominee of integrity and experience. I said in sharp language that that practice was wrong. I contrasted the current practice . . . with what occurred during Ruth Ginsburg's nomination process, as numerous Republicans voted (rightly) to confirm a former ACLU staff lawyer. They disagreed with her positions as a lawyer, but they voted (again, rightly) to confirm her. Why? Because elections, like ideas, have consequences. . . . In the interview, I did indeed suggest, and have suggested elsewhere, that caution and prudence be exercised (Burkean that I am) in shifting/modifying rules (that's the second snippet), but I likewise made clear that the 'filibuster' represents an entirely new use (and misuse) of a venerable tradition. . . .

"[O]ur friends are way off base in assuming that the CBS snippets, as used, represent (a) my views, or (b) what I in fact said."