Spinning Saddam in Desperation

In some crazy coincidence Saddam's verdict and sentence will be handed out Sunday, 2 days before the election. Tony Snow admits the political spin factor. This is another "benchmark" that in reality changes NOTHING. Americans and Iraqis will continue to die in Bush's Bloodbath with no end in sight. From The Center For American Progress: Trials and Tribulations On Sunday, the nine-month trial of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and his seven co-defendants is expected to conclude, with the court delivering its verdict. Should Hussein be convicted, it will be an historic and welcome development for the Iraqis who suffered under his rule. But already, the White House is trying to make it into a political spectacle. Yesterday on CNBC, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said the verdict would "absolutely" be "a factor" in Tuesday's midterm elections and proof that the "Iraqi government that has been doing what the president has said all along." Snow portrayed Sunday's decision as yet another turning point for Iraq, calling it "a benchmark episode." Snow's spin matches President Bush's rhetoric when Saddam was captured. Bush said his capture marked "the end of the road...for all who bullied and killed in his name" and predicted "Iraqis can now come together and reject violence." But that was three years ago. Since that time, violence in Iraq has spiraled out of control as the country edges closer to complete chaos. WHAT'S HAPPENED SINCE SADDAM HAS BEEN CAPTURED: Saddam hasn't been a threat in Iraq since December 13, 2003, when he was captured. Since that time, 2,385 U.S. troops have died and more than 18,000 have been wounded. Attacks in Iraq have increased 400 percent even though there are 22,000 more U.S. troops on the ground. Saddam's anticipated conviction is gratifying but will not end this cycle of violence.