23?
DEARBORN, MI -- Rudy Giuliani just said the United States has disrupted 23 terrorist attacks against the United States since 9/11/01. That number seems high. Even if you count attacks that were disrupted in their infancy, there have not been more than a dozen that were targeting the United States.
A quick check of homeland security experts found some bafflement at the 23 number. Maybe Giuliani knows some things we don't, which would be surprising considering he has not held a public sector job since 2001
More on 23:
Another terrorism expert, speaking on anonymity, also said he was not confident in the idea of 23 thwarted terrorist attacks. He points out that Pres. Bush declassified aspects of several thwarted terrorist plots in May, but mentioned only about a dozen. He notes that it would have been in the White House's best interest to discuss more if there were so many others.
One knowledgeable source reminds us that 23 is also the number of tax cuts Giuliani has claimed to have provided as New York mayor. Did he trip up on the numerals?
It's also Don Mattingly's retired number, FYI [MATT BERGER].
Join the Discussion
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus