Flip-Flop This

Via Josh Marshall, we have to ask -- does this count as a flip-flop?

"We have a clear vision on how to win the war on terror and bring peace to the world."

Pres. Bush, July 30, 2004

"I don’t think you can win [the war on terror]. But I think you can create conditions so that the — those who use terror as a tool are — less acceptable in parts of the world.”

Pres. Bush, August 29, 2004

And despite the reluctance of major news organizations to do any objective research on the 527 issue, I think it's quite obvious that this counts as a major flip-flop.

From Friday's Washington Post:

The president said he wanted to work together [with McCain] to pursue court action to shut down all the ads and activity by these shadowy 527 groups," White House press secretary Scott McClellan told reporters on Air Force One after Bush spoke to McCain by telephone from the presidential jet Thursday morning.

Odd; considering that in 2000, when the ads being produced by independent groups worked largely in the President's favor -- especially those attacking his then primary-opponent, John McCain -- Bush had this to say.

In my state that’s the way it is. People can give any amount they want to give so long as there’s disclosure. That Supreme Court case was [too] liberal an interpretation of the Constitution. I believe in freedom of speech. I understand there’s going to be limits and I’ll live with them. But I believe the best policy is to say individuals can give and then have instant disclosure on the Internet.

So in other words, Bush wants to shut down free speech. Right?