Karen Hughes' big mistake

Joel Mowbray wrote in Townhall One of President Bush’s closest confidants, Karen Hughes, on Friday addressed the annual conference of an organization whose primary purpose is the propagation of Saudi-sponsored Wahhabist Islam—and which has praised suicide bombers, whose president has publicly denied that al Qaeda was behind 9/11, and whose web site to this day sells a book that lavishes praise on Osama bin Laden. Not only did Hughes publicly endorse the Islamic Society of North America with her mere presence, but this was the first major public address in her new role spearheading outreach to the Muslim world.

She "addressed" them; could it be that she was telling them what the administration expected of them, if they wanted to remain here?

In the process, she undoubtedly sent a signal as to whom the administration does—and does not—support in the U.S. Muslim community.

If you want to reach those that oppose you, it is important to talk to them, not just talk about them to people that are already on your side.

Asked last week whether the woman who was instrumental in Bush winning the White House knew the true nature of the group she spoke to in Chicago, State Department spokesman Noel Clay responded, “Karen Hughes has been briefed on the organization.”