OH REALLY? – AT 8:27 A.M. ET:  The Muslim Brotherhood has just issued a statement in Egypt:

Cairo, Egypt (CNN) -- The Muslim Brotherhood said Wednesday it will promote democracy in Egypt but does not intend to field a candidate for president.

"The Muslim Brotherhood are not seeking power," Mohammed Morsi, a member of the group's media office, said at a news conference. "We want to participate, not to dominate. We will not have a presidential candidate, we want to participate and help, we are not seeking power."

The Islamist umbrella group also sought to dispel fears that it would push for an Islamic state in a post-Hosni Mubarak era.

"We reject the religious state," said Mohammed Katatny, former head of the Muslim Brotherhood's parliamentary bloc. "We are not responsible of the speeches and statements of external forces. The regime have been using the Muslim Brotherhood scarecrow to tell the world that the regime is the only one who can safeguard the country, but this is wrong and it is their way to try to ignore the people's demands."

COMMENT:  If you believe this, I have a used car to sell you.  It's a very fine car.  Wonderful transmission.  Smooth ride, once we get it off the wood blocks.  You can't go wrong.  Best offer accepted.

This looks like the kind of statement issued to deflect attention, and nothing more.  One of the senior members of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood said just last week that Egyptians should prepare for war with Israel. 

For a group like the Muslim Brotherhood to say that it's not seeking power has about as much credibility as Barack Hussein Obama Jr. saying that he idolizes Ronald Reagan.  But, of course, the usual suspects in the Western press – Christiane Amanpour and all the little Pours – will seize on this statement to prove that the Brotherhood is just another political party, not to be feared.

And dont take that man with the little mustache and the armband seriously.

That same Ronald Reagan said it best:  "Trust, but verify."  I can't even get to the "trust" with this one.

February 9, 2011