Guest: Rich Lowry, National Review
"If the USA fights the war on terror the way the committed left wants to fight it, we might as well surrender right now. The anti-Bush crew, led by the New York Times and the ACLU, wants civilian trials for terrorists, no coerced interrogation, and on and on. The Times and other committed left media believe the Bush administration, not the terrorists, is the primary danger to this country. While most Americans are outraged that the Times and other papers would 'out' top secret anti-terror programs, the anti-Bush media is closing ranks, saying the administration doesn't deserve the nation's trust. There is no question that a critical mass has been reached. According to one source, thousands of people have cancelled subscriptions to the New York Times. I don't want to see the editor and publisher of the Times prosecuted because the case is going to be too weak. Far better is for the Bush administration to go after the leakers, and in the process put the anti-Bush media on trial in the court of public opinion. There comes a time when Americans must take a side, and that time is now. Who do you trust to protect you against terrorists - the Bush administration or the committed left media backed by anonymous leakers. You make the call."
Fox News Video: FoxNews.comThe Factor was joined by Rich Lowry of the conservative National Review, who argued that the New York Times must pay a price for damaging national security. "There should be something immediate, tangible, and real that affects the Times. There should be two steps - revoke their press credentials and go after the leakers. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales could open an investigation tomorrow - let's see that happen."
The Factor questioned the effectiveness of Lowry's prescription. "If you revoke their credentials you create sympathy for them. It would be far better for the President to get serious about the leaks, but the Bush administration has never been a confrontational crew."