Reply #19: I think I started this...

[benburch]

Back in early 2001 on the Malloy show I observed that the odd pauses and confusion in some of Shrub's press interactions could be explained by an earpiece radio giving him what to say. At that time it seemed to me that he never showed us one of his ears, I recall the left one, and I scanned some videotape until I found a frame that suggested something was in that ear.

Which was good enough to me to make the allegation. Let them deny it. At the time I was hoping some reporter might some day ask that question of Ari.

Actually, I suspect that the "bug" is a security appliance from the Secret Service, but that it is sometimes used for the purpose I suggest. Were I the Secret Service man in charge, I would want a way to give the President direct instructions and information even when he is in a noisy crowd. Being able to shout "Get down!" directly to the President might make all the difference some day.

His reactions to questions since then have continued to indicate that he is being either fed what to say or has a conflicting voice in his ear giving him other information while he is speaking. The "Peeance Freeance" stumble was especially indicative to me.

-Ben