Think Progress � Is Abramoff Shopping Photos of Himself With Bush?

Think Progress � Is Abramoff Shopping Photos of Himself With Bush?: "Is Abramoff Shopping Photos of Himself With Bush?

Over the weekend, TIME and the Washingtonian reported they’ve seen five photos of President Bush with Jack Abramoff. But, according to TIME, the source “refused to provide the pictures for publication.”

Why would someone approach two different news magazines with pictures and then not let them publish them? It appears that someone is shopping photos of Abramoff and Bush to different news outlets, looking for a payoff. (TIME reports “they are likely to see the light of day eventually because celebrity tabloids are on the prowl for them.”) Who would do this? The available evidence points to Jack Abramoff himself.

Consider:

– According to TIME one of the picture of Bush and Abramoff “bears Bush’s signature, perhaps made by a machine.” Who else would have a signed picture of Bush and Abramoff except Abramoff?

– The Washingtonian reports that, “Abramoff would tell prosecutors, if asked, that not only did he know the President, but the President knew the names of Abramoff’s children and asked about them during their meetings. At one such photo session, Bush discussed the fact that both he and Abramoff were fathers of twins.” How would they know that unless they’ve spoken to Abramoff or perhaps his lawyer.

– According to TIME, a sixth shot is of Bush, Hastert and Abramoff’s children. Who would retain this photo, except for Abramoff?

– U.S. News reports that “mounting legal bills forcing him [Abramoff] to sell off assets.”

If Abramoff is seeking one more payday, the White House is his enabler. TIME reports they appear to be official photos. If the White House would release the photos publicly, like it promised to do, they would be worthless."