A pressed conference

[BobcatJH]

To watch President Bush's press conference Tuesday morning was to watch a man squarely at odds with reality. We saw Bush the defiant. Bush the angry. Bush the liar. Never has the man seemed less in charge of America.

Taking tough questions from the White House press corps, the president laughed in the face of a grim reality, blamed the media for the disaster in Iraq and boasted of progress that simply isn't there.

The long, slow march toward irrelevance is over. Bush is officially a lame duck. He doesn't matter anymore. Today proved that.

It was sad that the president couldn't even speak for a minute without blaming the media for the unmitigated disaster in Iraq. The last time I checked, Mr. President, the media wasn't responsible for more than 2,300 Americans dying in Iraq. The media hasn't operated secret prisons. The media hasn't violated human rights. The media hasn't used chemical weapons. You have, Mr. President. And no amount of spin can change that fact. No blame gaming can change the bottom line: This was your disaster.

When he wasn't blaming the media, he was confronting them. Perhaps the most heated exchange today took place between Bush and Helen Thomas. When she found his answers to her question about why he went to war unsatisfactory, Bush rudely glared at Thomas, repeatedly asking if he could finish. Thomas, apparently, had broken an unwritten White House rule under which no reporters are allowed to question the president when his lies set off their bullshit detectors. No moment better served as a metaphor for the Bush presidency than that callous dismissal of dissent.

Bush's departure from reality was no more obvious than when asked about his warrantless wiretapping program. No sooner had Fox News reporter Carl Cameron asked Bush to respond to the calls for censure than Bush erected a straw man of massive proportions. The president wondered aloud why Democrats hadn't simply come out and said that they didn't support spying on terrorists.

What he's missing, of course, is that no elected official is against tracking or fighting global terrorism. This isn't about that. This is about breaking the law when he didn't have to. This is about taking away civil liberties in the name of protection. This is about a program much larger than reported and with greater implications than previously known. This administration expects honesty from its citizens. Shouldn't we expect the same from the administration?

Bush's affect today was telling. He appeared defiant in the face of reality. He laughed uncomfortably when it wasn't appropriate. He scowled when challenged on assertions. It's clear that this president isn't used to being confronted with divergent opinions. It's also clear that he's uneasy when not asked scripted questions in staged situations.

Bush seemed as though he was responding to a world that doesn't exist. A world in which progress is being made in Iraq. A world in which he has a plan to succeed. A world in which everyone is to blame for what's going wrong except the people in charge, namely him. Today he created villains that don't exist, enemies made more out of rhetoric than reality. It was almost sad to see him attempt to tilt at those fictitious windmills. Almost.

If today proved anything, it is that America is beginning to tune out this president. He simply doesn't matter anymore. He is irrelevant now and the sooner we can move on from him and make this world better ourselves, the better. We must realize that we've been abandoned by our president. Help isn't on its way from the administration. It's up to us to fix things.

"I'm kind of stalling for time here," Bush said at one point, appearing as though he were in need of an escape hatch. On a day where answers were few and the half-truths came in abundance, no truer words were spoken.

[timber84]

1. Nice post

you should do it more often!

[leesfirstalso]

43. The Great Mistake!

THE GREAT MISTAKE!


A WORD TO THE UNWISE IS NEVER SUFFICIENT!


From the onset of the Iraq war, a “fixed policy” denied, poor intelligence compounded by cherry-picking, misrepresenting evidence, pressure, poor prior planning, ignoring dissenting opinions, lost respect of the world, and not enough armed forces suitably equipped, this Iraq War has been nothing but a GREAT BLUNDER!

An arrogant President continues to defend a policy that might have had a chance of being remedied once upon a time, but whose moment of reversal has passed long ago, despite false claims of benchmarks of progress! “Stupidity” is the name given to a “War Regime” who continues to beat a dead horse as slaughter and death takes their toll daily!!


Bush and his cronies are fools, who use domination and power indiscriminately in too many areas where it is not warranted, and they call it “making progress” but none as mistakenly as in the Iraq War!

[Radio_Lady]

82. Welcome to the DU, Bobcat! Your post was RIGHT ON!

Or maybe I should say LEFT ON!

In peace,

Radio_Lady in Oregon

[fooj]

85. Exactly...Welcome to DU!!!

use domination and power indiscriminately

Their arrogance will destroy them.

Peace.

[auagroach]

135. Sorry to jump the line but had to post this

March 21, 2006 -- Political observers in Washington are wondering why, a day after taking some unscreened questions from an audience in Cleveland and appearing unprepared to answer them, President Bush held an unscheduled press conference at the White House -- a rarity with this administration. White House handlers even allowed veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas to ask Bush a question, something that has been carefully avoided in past Bush news conferences.

THOMAS: I'd like to ask you, Mr. President -- your decision to invade Iraq has caused the deaths of thousands of Americans and Iraqis, wounds of Americans and Iraqis for a lifetime.

Every reason given, publicly at least, has turned out not to be true. My question is: Why did you really want to go to war? From the moment you stepped into the White House, your Cabinet officers, former Cabinet officers, intelligence people and so forth -- but what's your real reason? You have said it wasn't oil, the quest for oil. It hasn't been Israel or anything else. What was it?

BUSH: I think your premise, in all due respect to your question and to you as a lifelong journalist -- that I didn't want war. To assume I wanted war is just flat wrong, Helen, in all due respect.

QUESTION: And... .

Bush, both in Cleveland and at the White House press conference, was confused, flustered, and typically not well-spoken. These self-inflicted poor public relations demonstrations come at a time when Bush's poll numbers are plummeting. Some informed sources speculate that Bush's top handler, Karl Rove, has other things to worry about these days than ensuring Bush avoids tough questions and keeps to his talking points. There are strong indications that Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald is about to drop another major indictment in the CIA leak case.



Bush being pushed out to the public without special handling: Is Rove pre-occupied with other matters?

[kstewart33]

2. Good post.

I watched the first 10 minutes or so, and he behaved like he had just taken an upper. His assertiveness seemed forced. And when he said that he did not want war, I turned the set off. That was one lie I just could not stand to hear.

[xxqqqzme]

59. you are all braver than I.

Just now watching a snip on crooksandliars w/ Thomas I wanted to slap him...hard. I simply cannot watch the liar/pretender/bully. That crap about not wanting 2 go 2 war was unbe-f*cking-lievable.

[Justice Is Comin]

73. You and me both

I can't change the channel fast enough if I see that bastard. I may break my thumb pushing my mute button too some day. I don't want to see or listen to that repugnant dick for one second.

[brer cat]

83. There is an alternative....

don't have television at all. It works for some of us.

[medeak]

3. recommended n/t

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Thanks for this information!

Do you think they'll have the press conference online soon? And welcome to DU!

[MadMaddie]

5. Well said.....this is right on the money....

The majority of Americans were abandoned when he came into office......he never had any intention of looking out for the welfare of all Americans!!

<snip>
We must realize that we've been abandoned by our president
<snip>

Welcome to DU!!!

[coalition_unwilling]

124. No Iraqi left me on my rooftop to die! (n/t)

[global1]

6. Recommended For The Greatest..........

thanks for your post BobcatJH. Everyone should read it. To readers of this journal - click above on "Recommended For The Greatest" and then read the post under " a pressed conference".

[liberal N proud]

7. Good post

[Whoa_Nelly]

8. K&R

Welcome to DU, BobcatJH!

You write well. Hope you might consider submitting your writings to the DU homepage editorials!

[spartan61]

9. WOW!!! Your post is a keeper!!

[BrklynLiberal]

10. An almost perfect descripton of someone suffering from dry-drunk syndrome.

What is the dry drunk syndrome? "Dry drunk" traits consist of:

# Exaggerated self-importance and pomposity
# Grandiose behavior
# A rigid, judgmental outlook
# Impatience
# Childish behavior
# Irresponsible behavior
# Irrational rationalization
# Projection
# Overreaction

http://www.bodydharma.org/choices/Bush/vanwormer.html

You can find information about this syndrome anywhere on the internet.

EDIT: Excellent, informative post.Recommended

[electropop]

14. This is also known as Borderline Personality Disorder.

Recent thinking is that BPD causes the drinking, rather than vice versa. BPD is a very serious disorder, leading in the worst cases to domestic violence, murder-suicide, and a constellation of anti-social behaviors and thinking disconnected from reality.

[BrklynLiberal]

15. If this idiot hadn't beenborn with a silver spoon in his mouth he probably

would either be a homeless itinerent or on death row by now...or even a serial killer like Bundy.

[electropop]

18. He is a mass murderer, not a mere serial killer.

Bundy never dreamed of such success.

[BrklynLiberal]

21. I stand corrected. You are absolutely right.

[Pacifist Patriot]

49. He's both.

[Bridget Burke]

109. There's an even sadder possibility.

If he hadn't had that "silver spoon"--he might have grown. At some point, he might have realized he was getting into deep shit. Perhaps a teacher or a judge would have read him the riot act.

He might have gotten his act together well enough to have a fairly decent life.

[coalition_unwilling]

125. He might even have developed empathy, which is the

quality (besides honesty) I find most lacking in him.

[Lisa]

129. rather tragic ...

As he is now, he has some of the attributes of Kurtz in "Heart of Darkness" (and the "Apocalypse Now" adaptation) -- a good education, ambition, etc. -- though not as accomplished as that character, so Bush's moral fall is not as dramatic.

However, I totally agree with your observation that he may have had the potential for growth, Bridget. I've read numerous accounts of his youth, and even the critical ones point out that there were times, especially in his early teens, when he felt lonely and vulnerable, and was concerned enough about other people to be kind, even when it wasn't entirely to his advantage -- such as when he invited some of his nerdier and less-popular classmates at Andover to join his stickball league. And for a while, he was engaged to a young Jewish woman, and didn't dump her when his family expressed disapproval.

I've also wondered what might have happened if his baby sister Robin had survived childhood, because he seemed to be rather fond of her. I suspect that he may have acquired the habit of bullying, when his mom (still depressed about Robin's death) gave him the job of keeping his younger brothers in line -- and from an early age, he began to associate discipline, rather than nurturing, with "being in charge". (My own father was in a similar situation, but because he had to care for sisters as well as brothers, he had to learn gentler ways of being the head of the household.)

[Ganja Ninja]

119. I've worked in construction for a lot of years and every time I see ...

this guy I think painter. If he hadn't been born rich and well connected he would be painting a building somewhere in texas most likely on work release for numerous DUI's.

[Pacifist Patriot]

47. I think I'd diagnose Bush with NPD instead of BPD.

His reactions strike me as more in line with Narcisstic Personality Disorder than Borderline, but perhaps in him they are co-morbid? *shrug*

Diagnostic Criteria

* A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

* has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)

* is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love

* believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)

* requires excessive admiration

* has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations

* is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends

* lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others

* often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her

* shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

More information about NPD:

http://www.halcyon.com/jmashmun/npd/dsm-iv.html#npd

and I think this is key, "NPD is commonly diagnosed with other personality disorders, namely the histrionic, borderline, paranoid, and antisocial. The personal style of those suffering from NPD should be distinguished from the personal styles of patients with other "cluster B" personality disorders. The narcissist is grandiose, the histrionic coquettish, the antisocial (psychopath) callous, and the borderline needy."

I don't see "needy" in Bush. I see grandiose and callous.

[janetle]

57. I don't know anything about psychiatric disorders but.....

...fom my observation as a lay person, the man is scary nuts. If this man was a member of my family or a friend or co-worker, I'd be talking to people about getting him some help and relieving him of his work duties for a long long sabbatical.

And I am serious! I watched the entire press conference and it is positively frightening that he is in charge of anything--let alone the United States.

[electropop]

58. Good call. There is a cluster of disorders, with overlap.

but NPD seems a better fit. I have a lot of experience with a BPD family member, and it's no fun either, but the needy vs grandiose thing makes the distinction.

[montana_hazeleyes]

89. I may be wrong,

but just from my true crime reading I've seen where many times when you have duo serial killers there is a strong psychopathic "leader" who is teamed up with a borderline who will go along with the sort of "controlling' psychopath.

I always thought Eric Harris was a psychopath and Dylan Klebold was a borderline under his influence.

I could be way off base on all of this because it's just my own thinking. I'm not trained at all in any of this.

But I think it could shine some light on this administration.

[electropop]

11. Excellent discussion.

You're very clear.

I have 2 suggested memes:

Bush is not a lame duck, he's a dead duck. He will be impeached.

It's not just warrantless spying, it's unwarranted spying. History will reveal that the reason Bush hid his spying is that it's not about terrorism at all. It's about spying on his political enemies (the 60+% who oppose him).

[Dhalgren]

12. Great post! Excellently written! K&R!

Welcome to DU! Please post more often - it was very well done!

[wtbymark]

13. good post and Welcome to DU!

[BobcatJH]

16. Thanks, everyone

Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad to be here! I've actually had about ten articles on DU before, as my real name is Joseph Hughes. My most recent was "Power and powerlessness." If you liked these, feel free to stop by my blog, Hughes for America (now in full fundraising mode, kind progressives). I plan on being here and posting here for the long run. You guys are great!

[RedEarth]

17. good post

[rock]

19. Great post!

Welcome to DU

[C_U_L8R]

20. Right On .. and Welcome !!

Bush's numbers must be worse than we all know
for him to come out like this. I don't think he served
himself well in that regard. He yelled.... he lied...
he was impatient... he twisted facts.
No this was not a man in control at all.
This was a very desperate man flailing on a global stage.
Pathetic really.

[0007]

22. Welcome Home Bob! And thanks for your well written post that

is good enough for all America to read or hear. It was super. I nominated it!

Isn't junior always accusing Washington of playing the "Blame Game?"

[bleever]

23. A very warm welcome to DU. First class post.

[understandinglife]

24. Excellent post. Welcome to DU. Recommended.

Be The Bu$h Opposition - 24/7

[DemReadingDU]

25. K&R

[Vinnie From Indy]

26. Salute!

Well written and on target!

[donkeyotay]

27. Thanks! K & R

[Jacobin]

28. This would make a great column in a newspaper of record

Welcome and thank you for putting into words so eloquently what I was thinking while I was kicking the TV and cursing this morning.

[w8liftinglady]

29. Great post-welcome to DU!

[evermind]

30. Just to add my voice to the chorus..

.. a fantastic piece. Hope you can find a published outlet for this.

[Ranec]

31. You are so right. Bush is failing.

This is why we need to tie the Republican congress to this failing president. If the next round of congressional elections is a referendum on W, then maybe Democrats can pick up enough seats to stop the clearly desperate policies that are coming. As Bush feels more and more out of control and useless, the more likely he is to try something rash (Hello Iran!)

Now is when we need to push a censure vote to tie this lame duck around the neck of all the Republicans in Congress.

[wicket]

32. K & R

[Strawman]

33. Excellent Post

[fooj]

34. Well said. Welcome to DU!

Peace.

[glitch]

35. Well done and welcome to DU!

Although a good portion of the corporate media has collaborated with his criminal acts by not reporting them to the battered and dulled populace.

[ms liberty]

36. A truly excellent post. Welcome to DU! K&R... n/t

[BobcatJH]

37. Thanks

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words!

[Lugnut]

38. K&R

And bookmarked. That is a keeper. Welcome to DU!

[Inland]

39. His base loves the anger.

It's pretty much the entire us vs them culture war ethos that Bush and his ilk have spawned.

That it's undeserved is hardly even the point with the hardcore, thirty percent of America that will back bush as he takes the country right down the toilet.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Inland/14

[Vektor]

40. Great post, and welcome to DU!

Nice way to join the club - with a HIGHLY recommended post!

[MichiganVote]

41. Last I heard the media wasn't faring so well in Iraq either..murder..

kidnappings..holed up in hotels and unable to get out to report any news..criticism from republicans for not risking their lives to go out and report on a school opening..traveling with military convoys and being blown up..

[Jack Rabbit]

42. Welcme to DU, Bobcat

I've got news: He's never been in charge of anything, least of all what we think.

[zippy890]

44. good insights, thanks

and kickeroo

[Up2Late]

45. Well said. This could be a record for...

...lowest post total to make the DU Front page, and you might have already topped the "Greatest" page too.

Congratulations! And Welcome to DU

O.K. fess up, you're a professional writer, right?

[BobcatJH]

53. Thanks

I'd say I'm an amateur right now, because don't you have to be paid to be a professional? It's what I went to school for, though. I've got plenty of time to post now, because I became a victim of the Bush economy last week. I have written for DU before though, under my real name, Joseph Hughes.

[ninkasi]

65. Great post!

and it doesn't matter if you use your DU handle, or your real name, I'd love to read more of what you write. Welcome to DU!

[renate]

75. so glad you're here!!!

Although I'm very sorry for whatever happened last week to give you this free time.

Good luck!

[Kare]

122. Great Article

Hopefully you can replace some of the media who are
too scared to speak out. Good Luck

You aren't the only victim of the Bush economy,
it gives alot of us time to speak out.

[LiberalinNC]

46. I guess Carl Cameron is the new Jeff Gannon!

Great post, btw!!! Thanks!

[TankLV]

48. Most excellent post. Wonderful read.

It was "Domestic Spying" that we object to, (mr.) pResident - you fucking lying asswipe! It has NOTHING to do with "spying on terra-ists"!

I nearly kicked the TV in when he said that, as well when he was insulting Helen Thomas and wouldn't let her finish - noticed that the puke media controllers turned off her microphone when she as well as others tried to ask pointed relevant questions.

Noticed how he always referred to his "democrat" opponents/ congress/ traitors, not "democratic" - typical REPUKE/republiCON spin.

DISGUSTING is Tank's opinion of it all.

[DUBYASCREWEDUS]

50. Did any of you

catch the Cleveland press conference on Monday when Dumbya was asked if Iraq was the apocalypse? Oh the live feed of that exchange is priceless. The Dumb shit had no idea what was being asked of him! What a pathetic piece of worthless shit he is! I love Helen Thomas! She tells it like it is and has the balls to stand up to President Incompetence! You go, Helen!

[Uncle Joe]

51. It is ironic to the 10th power,

how this administration so hell bent on keeping everything but the time of day secret from the American People, believe we should have no rights to our own privacy, except what "mighty leader" determines we should have.

[Donailin]

52. you need to cross post this at Daily Kos

if you haven't already.

Excellent summary. Excellently composed.

[FighttheFuture]

54. Poor Bush-baby... wishing for Jeff Gannon's tender touch!!

If it weren't so tragic to our country and the world, it would be funny. Still, quite amusing watching the pResident sociopath-n-chief squirm on the hot-seat of his countless lies.

[NanceGreggs]

55. GREAT POST!

Welcome to DU, BobcatJH - only fourteen posts in, and you've already proven yourself to be a valuable addition to the family!

[AussieDave]

56. Excellent post and good arguments - BUT

I believe the true telling point of Shrub's irrelevance will come in November. IF people are truly "tuning out", if Americans are truly moved by the disasters laid so bare for so long before their very eyes - they'll be sufficiently motivated to turn out at the polls and throw Republicans out of office in Congress.

Sitting back and waiting for January 20, 2009 isn't enough - nowhere near it. The end of this long national (and may I say international) nightmare has to come on the first sitting day of the next Congress in January 2007. Democratic majorities in both houses will truly derail this lunatic and his dangerous allies - he will have to deal with a Congress that will force him to justify his every move, and he will have the threat of impeachment hearings hanging over his head every day.

I'm normally pessimistic when it comes to things like this, and quite frankly I'm not hopeful of the great mass of Americans finally waking up from this trance they seem to be under. There's much more work to be done, and I'll believe the miracle when I see it.

When a man like this has an approval rating of 34% (or 36% or 37% - whatever) - fully one in three Americans approve of this idiot - that speaks volumes. His approval ratings should be 5% to 10% - nothing but the lunatic fringe.

(BTW - welcome to DU - you've made a great impact !!!)

[ginnyinWI]

60. He's living in a world he constructed--out of lies.

He likes it in there--he gets to be the boss and say what's so and what's not so. He thinks all the rest of us poor slobs just don't understand--his understanding is so superior to everybody else's, that he has to explain it--repeatedly--sounding out his words carefully so that we will understand. If we can't understand, then we'd just better trust him--cause he's our president-king, and he'll watch out for all of us poor slobs who just don't get it.

And I thought Nixon was nuts...

[Loge23]

61. Helen Thomas - The Last Journalist

She is incredible! She is consistently the only member of the press to challenge the BS.
Someday, there should be a monument for her courageousness and passion for freedom.

[pacalo]

62. \/\/ ( ) \/\/ ! ! !

Welcome to such an impressive new DUer.

[Katherine Brengle]

63. I found his almost-constant smile most disconcerting--

it was never clearer to me how little he understands the reality which surrounds him...

And welcome to DU!

[high density]

64. 9/11! 9/11! 9/11! 9/11! 9/11! 9/11! 9/11! 9/11! 9/11! 9/11! 9/11! 9/11!

God what a lunatic this guy is.

[Higans]

66. Yo, Bush! you dumb ass, The Dem's do support spying on Terrorist.

They don't support spying on Americans on American soil with out a warrant. get a clue you idiot. Or are you asserting that Americans are terrorist? I would say "unbelievable" but....



Nice post.

[dragonlady]

97. This is apparently the framing they've all adopted

On a public radio program today, a couple of the right-wing callers went through an elaborate criticism of Russ Feingold, how he objects to surveillance of the terrorists, and how can you censure a president when he's just trying to find the people who want to hurt us, blah, blah, blah. They can't think of anything else to say about it.

[Higans]

103. ridiculous that the host let them get away with that.

[dragonlady]

106. Sorry if I left that impression

The guest did refute what they said, in various ways, during the hour.

[EST]

67. So, in layman's terms...

This squirrel is fucking nuts and somebody had better throw a net over him and get him away from those "mass suicide" buttons, FAST!
He needs to be installed in a rubber room to boast of being president and lie to himself. He's had a personality disorder since youth as (what is the name of the author of a tell all book about him? Kitty Kelley, I think.
Remember how, in a fit of pique, he rode his bicycle (he was in his twenties, after he deserted from the guard) swerving from side to side, in front of a limo, preventing them from passing. IIRC, he was drunk and drugged out at that time.
He was a nut case, then, and for the next twenty years, he tried to dive down the neck of a whiskey bottle.
WTF are we going to do to handle the equally insane bastards who installed this challenged dope in the white house?

This stupid basket case is going to get us all killed!

[DinahMoeHum]

68. The ravings of a cheap clown were out there for everyone. . .

"...do you hear laughter, Pharaoh?..."

[Selteri]

81. Mommy, why is that idiot naked on the TV calling himself an Emperor? NT

[dennis00]

69. Remove him from office?

Can Bush be judged unable to carry out his duties as (p)resident and removed from office? He appears to be suffering from more than NPR. I would guess out of control and nearly psychotic.

[Matilda]

70. Thank you so much for your excellent post.

Condi Rice has just been in Australia, pushing the same line as Bush - everything going wonderfully
well in Iraq - and not one reporter called her on that issue. Not one! Made me wish I had a press
pass just so I could ask her to explain the numbers of civilians who die each day in democratic
Iraq, even if I'd got thrown out for asking.

[BadgerKid]

71. He's gone insane

Hope he's not sitting too close to the red phone.

Excellent post.

[bush_is_wacko]

72. My thoughts exactly but what about his sheeple?

Are they STILL buying his crap? I never know what to expect from these irrational and seemingly ignorant people. Every time I think he's licked I read or hear something from one of them that just blows my mind.

Are the informed and fed up to the point of insanity really the majority yet?

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, let it be so.

[racaulk]

74. So why do you hate America?

Sorry, I had to do it!

Excellent, I say excellent post! You have absolutely made my day! Thank you for posting this for us, and welcome to DU!!!

[MellowOne]

76. Welcome to DU

"I'm kind of stalling for time here," the whole thing was like that.

[sellitman]

77. We should be greatful.....

How many times during Dim Son's rein of terror has the serial liar taken unscripted questions from the audience? not many if my memory serves me. Now we see why. When he is out of his protective bubble he is lost, utterly and completely.

Yes today was a good day. A little light was shone on the bald faced liar some call their leader. Inept is too kind of a metaphor.

[beltanefauve]

94. Meanwhile,

Don Gonyea on NPR this morning breathlessly talked about Bush's "Bold, new strategy" of engaging with folks in unscripted sessions. He was absolutely giddy about it.

I probably scream at NPR as much as those of you who watch TV do.

[coalition_unwilling]

126. I don't call it "National Pentagon Radio" for nothing. (n/t)

[Cleita]

78. I just saw it and he seemed like he high on something.

He seemed very disengaged talking about it that it was "hard work" when I'm thinking he's hardly working. Big doofus comes to mind if he wasn't so dangerous.

[Historic NY]

79. Shame on you Mr. President, have you no decency.........

you blame the media, well Mr. Bush 70, of them have been killed while trying to inform the public, 70. That number alone says a lot about the stability of the country and our own military to even protect non-combatants. You complain they don't publicize your version of the wondrous works the military has done......notice I said has done. The country today is in worst shape that before our invasion, incursion, or liberation whatever term you would like to use. What good the early days made have been long ago wasted in blood. There is less water, less electric, less safe opportunity for innocents to congregate in church's, mosques, marketplaces or even schools. The daily the drip of innocent human blood ripples out from Iraq, around the world. Common sense people feel the unchecked violence being perpetrated on innocents because of tribal or religious affiliations. Mr. Bush it is your direct fault for all the deaths and injuries. You cannot escape your failure and the slaughter of thousands......the blood will wash your hands forever. Blame the media, hell you people tried to be your own media.....planting favorable stories to improve appearances. I ask you is that ethical or is it immoral. Mr. President today and for the remainder of your term I will consider you a nothing, deserving of no respect, worship or even to be spoken kindly of. I will consider you a germ a virus on the American soul. You supposed, the next President will be stuck with Iraq and it will be him that will withdraw troops. Again you have lied to the American people. Mr. Bush you have no shame and apparently have no decency either.

[muse]

80. I didn't watch, but this is ALWAYS how he is

He acts like this at every single press conference about every serious issue. You only have to watch one press conference one time and then you really don't have to watch again.

[jaysunb]

84. Great post & welcome !

I'm a former " Bobcat"....OU,1964

[BobcatJH]

90. Nice!

OU '01 and '03! Go 'Cats!

[BlueJac]

86. Way to go, what a post!

[Joey Liberal]

87. I thought Bush seemed mentally unbalanced

And I'm not just being partisan here. I really think Bush is nuts. When I watched that press conference, I couldn't help but wonder just how in the hell this guy is our President.

[janetle]

114. We saw the exact same thing!

See my post #57 above.

[Joey Liberal]

130. Hey, we DID see the same thing!

I am convinced that Bush is a crazy man.

[Turbineguy]

88. Wall Street seems to agree

"The long, slow march toward irrelevance is over."

There was a time when the market went down when Bush spoke.

[Maestro]

91. Great post and nice blog

I am assuming that was your blog. Either way, excellent nearly first post. Welcome to DU.

[lildreamer316]

92. WHO are you?

Damn!
I get this sneaking suspicion that we are in the presence of a journalist of note.
Wonderful; right on the money; recommended; and welcome. Your voice is needed.

On edit; I saw you id'd yourself upthread Joseph; but nevertheless my statement stands. Glad to have you (again).

[bagimin]

95. Wow!

you read my mind....

[JDPriestly]

93. Great Writing!

Clear Thought! Welcome to DU.

[DianaForRussFeingold]

96. Welcome to Liberated Iraq Bush's world vs.real world

Thank You so much for your clear and accurate assessment.Welcome to DU. The following are the remarks of Dr. Entissar Mohammad Ariabi, a pharmacist from Yarmook Hospital who is part of an Iraqi women's delegation touring the United States, organized by CODEPINK and Global Exchange. She spoke on March 18 in West Palm Beach, Fla.
"I came on this speaking trip to the U.S. because when I was home in Baghdad, I watched on TV what President Bush was telling the American people about democracy, freedom, security and the help that the U.S. is giving the Iraqi people, and I couldn't believe the lies. So I decided to take the risk to come to the U.S. and share with you what's really going on. I do not represent any political organization or ethnic group. I come only as a mother of five, a pharmacist and a human being". http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/33771 /

[area51]

107. Welcome to DU, DianaForRussFeingold. (n/t)

[mzmolly]

98. Excellent post. DO share your thoughts more often.

Bush's affect today was telling. He appeared defiant in the face of reality. He laughed uncomfortably when it wasn't appropriate. He scowled when challenged on assertions. It's clear that this president isn't used to being confronted with divergent opinions. It's also clear that he's uneasy when not asked scripted questions in staged situations.

The President is surrounded by "yes men" - that is clear. As you said, he isn't accustomed to being accountable - to anyone.

[Kablooie]

99. You are right BUT...

You have a thinking mind. Most Americans don't seem to have one anymore. My take is that Bush's poll numbers will get a little BOOST from this. The lemmings will all think, "Oh, he's so resolute in the face of impossible odds that he MUST be right."

Sorry. He's just helped himself stay in a bit longer.

[DemInDistress]

100. Sorry Bobcat...but your loss...is

DU's gain...

[omega minimo]

101. Today answered the question, "What are they afraid of?"

as in the Congress, the media, the federal employees, everyone who is complicit in supporting this deadly charade. The danger revealed in his hopped-up hostility and arrogance of unchecked power did not seem "irrelevant."

Brilliant post.

[Usrename]

102. outstanding take on the whole affair

He thinks he was tough with Helen. How pathetic.

[Tsiyu]

104. Sweet!

Welcome to DU

[Binka]

105. Sorry About Your Job Loss Nice To See You Here! Hey DU Support His Blog!

http://hughesforamerica.typepad.com/hughes_for_america/...

This kid has TALENT!

[Raster]

108. ninety-two. Welcome to DU!

"Help isn't on its way from the administration. It's up to us to fix things." No truer words.

[kegler14]

110. This is all true, but

at least there's no evidence he's ever had a BJ from an intern. Or lost money in an Arkansas real estate deal. What more do you want from a president?

[dcTsarina]

111. bush press conference

I check in on DU regularly, and usually smile or sigh and move on. This post was just too good to pass up, although I recognize the futility of offering any differing opinion.

I would just respectfully offer the observation that, as I cruise all sorts of blogs, I find virtually no honest intellectual discussion going on here at DU, no willingness to engage in vigorous--but civil--discussion. I suppose that might be due to the fact that the opposition party is out of power right now. But I've been around a long time, and I have never seen the kind of mindless hatred and mudslinging that I encounter on this site.

I don't doubt that the response to my comments will be something along the lines of "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the fire", which I will gladly do. But I do so hoping that someone who spends too much time on this site, and not enough time getting any differing opinions will listen to this:

What you are doing isn't working. What you are doing will never work. This kind of hatred is sad and reflects badly on you.

Now I will sigh and move on. After all, my team is winning. And if it doesn't win in the next election, I will be civil and restrained, and work to change the election after that. That, my friends, is what this country is really about.

[mtnsnake]

115. If you REALLY don't think what we're doing is working, then

why on earth would you want to see us change? I suspect that the reason is that deep inside you're worried about us. Perhaps you're worried because what we're doing here IS working. Otherwise, wouldn't you just stay mum and let us continue doing what "isn't working" instead of advising us to stop doing what you suggest is bad for us?

BTW, speaking of how "this kind of hatred is sad", who is your side to talk about giving any advice about hatred?

[Raster]

118. Pickles, honey, is that you?.... seriously, take a good, long, hard look

at what you wrote. Go ahead, sigh and move on. Your nick speaks volumes. A Tsarina, eh? Royal and above the fray, or at least the commoners. Missy, you think whatever you need to to help you make it through the night and pass the next mirror without gagging. Mindless hatred? Obviously you haven't watched the fox network <snicker> lately. And finally, your team is winning? Your team can't win an election honestly and fairly and you know it. The only way for your "team" to acquire power is to steal it. And don't look now, oh aristocratic one, but your "team" has lost the faith of the American people. Very soon your "team" will be exposed for what it is, hateful power-mongering corporate elitists with no anchor in reality. Be gone. You have no power here.

[PhilipDC]

120. dcTsarina

dcTsarina,
But you didn't actually offer a differing opinion--just a slam on the posters here. Please enlighten us as to how the original post was wrong. Did you find the press conference effective?

[dcTsarina]

133. Do I think Bush's press conference was effective?

I do. But before I get to the press conference, I have a couple of personal observations to offer. I think they're relevant, but then I'm old, so my perspective may require more patience than you have to spare.

I grew up with a deep sense of what it means to be in minority--and not care. I knew what it felt like to have others around me openly tell me that I--and all I believed in--was (take your pick) incomprehensible, just too strange for words, sick, or--occasionally--just plain evil. I was taught to accept such opinions with as much patience and dignity as I could muster. And since my family moved often, my older brother and I got plenty of chances to experience these slings many times. It didn’t matter, because somehow our parents managed to inspire and challenge us to be true to ourselves and our beliefs--but not before we fully understood, accepted, and could defend those beliefs. It was great practice.

When I grew up and married I ended up living in a place where, strangely, almost everybody around me believed in the same things I did. I learned, then, that while being surrounded by others who embrace the same beliefs can be wonderful and comforting, particularly when navigating the responsibilities of new parenthood, there are real dangers, one of which is that the comfort can lead to complacency, and on to intellectual--not to mention spiritual--laziness.

In other words, if you spend most of your time surrounded by others who mostly agree with you, who mostly approach issues the same way you do, it’s easy to be lulled into the sense that this is the way everybody--or at least everybody who matters--thinks, believes, and lives.

Then it becomes easier to simply shut out the differing thoughts, opinions, and beliefs of all those OTHERS out there because, well, your thoughts, opinions, and beliefs are right, after all.

Then comes the easy slide into ignoring the building blocks, the foundation, the logic, behind your beliefs. As others around you introduce new ideas, how easy it is to accept them without really examining them. After all, these other guys are right, just like you. Pretty soon emotion becomes an easy substitute for rigorous thought and analysis.

So here we are on the democraticunderground. What should be honest, vigorous discussion of ideas between grownups becomes nothing more than the equivalent of a second-grade school yard scrap, with dirt clods flying, and bragging about how you hit him harder and faster than he could hit you.

Well, a few years ago my husband and I descended right into the middle of the political landscape. We lived in Oakton, Virginia--right in the heart of Affluent, Conservative, Fairfax County. Then, after stints in Bethesda, Maryland (where I can guarantee there are still some “Kerry for President” signs stubbornly planted in a window here, a yard there) and--oh, my gosh, TEXAS--we moved right into Washington DC (where planting “Bush for President” sign in the yard was an absolute act of courage).

While living in Oakton we attended church with Orin Hatch. Yup, that means I’m Mormon. Senator Hatch taught an adult Sunday School class, but on those frequent weeks when he was unable to attend, his substitute was one of the most outspoken Democrats I’d met. They loved each other.

When we moved into the District we found ourselves attending church with Harry Reid. (Yeah, I’m sure he’s not swinging Left enough for you, but there are a lot of Utahns who think Orin isn’t nearly as conservative as he should be.) Another gracious and devoted man.

So, kids, this is a little nudge to grow up, be good, and for pete’s sake, learn to play better with others. The stakes, as you’re all constantly harping about, are too huge. Too huge to be silly, mean, and intellectually sloppy.

Oh, yeah, the press conference. See, here’s the deal. Bush has some goofy mannerisms. He’s not smooth. He’s rarely articulate. But when I compare the substance of the arguments against him (he lied, then he lied some more, then he told half-truths, and then he lied some more) with the information supporting him; when I look at what the man says and does, right there before my eyes; when I look at all the information out there about what was believed about WMD by the whole world; when I see the wealth of information coming in from Iraq, from sources that aren't agenda-driven, I come down on a different side from you guys. And, by golly, I just like the man.

I could go on, but I recognize that our sources are worlds apart. I trust mine, in part because of the approach to analysis of information. Many of these sources are critical of, for example, mistakes made in the War in Iraq, faulty intelligence, poor implimentation of plans, etc. But the objective of these critiques is to learn. The sources I see on your side of the fence are almost always emotion-driven, and that emotion is almost palpable hatred of George Bush. (And Dick Cheney. And we mustn't forget Haliburton.)

Well, kids, George Bush isn't running for anything anymore, so it seems like such a waste of time and energy to keep running after him, trying to hit him with dirt clods.


(And by the way, whoever said dcTsarina makes me sound like someone who must be royally condescending, touche. Looking back, when I thought it up well over a year ago, it probably was meant to sound a little bitchy. My mistake. But I still just really like it! Ah, well.)

[schmuls]

112. Excellent! Thank you and welcome

[Radio_Guy]

113. Great post

Welcome to DU.

[No DUplicitous DUpe]

116. Bobcat...Really Fine Post!

As someone upthread said...A Keeper!

[mtnsnake]

117. Excellent. Thanks for sharing that!

[leesfirstalso]

121. "THEY TOLD ME WHAT TO SAY!???? GEORGE W. BUSH

“THEY TOLD ME WHAT TO SAY!” GEORGE BUSH



“THEY TOLD ME WHAT TO SAY!” is a statement heard at Bush’s press conference, but this stumble was deleted from all media broadcasts and press reports! It brings us back to the debates and the question in many minds about the “bulge” on his back and if he was cheating and they were telling him what to say then!


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/20...
Dana Milbank’s article in the Washington Post “A Punchy President Meets the Press” shows Bush doesn’t do too well when he doesn’t have questions in advance or prompting from others.


Transferring blame has reached epidemic proportions with the Bush Administration, while the Republicans deflect blame, deny blame, and love to make scapegoats out of anyone blaming them or George or the Administration! Mr. Bush, yesterday, complained about the media giving too much attention to the truth, and not covering his rear-end about the failures of the new Iraqi Government to accomplish anything, and the death and destruction in Iraq!



The other ploy frequently used is the excuse, “Bush didn’t know” That plea of ignorance doesn’t work! It’s the President’s business and responsibility to KNOW!


How can anyone have confidence in a leader who pleads ignorance, transfers blame, whose mistakes are covered-up by his party, who breaks the laws with impunity, whose resolution smacks of stubbornness, and must be told what to say???

[coalition_unwilling]

123. Excellent post -- you summed up my feelings to a "T"

My aunt and I actually think he's starting to manifest symptoms of a psychotic break; let us pray that there is at least one "wise man" left in the WH to act as a restraint upon *'s megalomania. Remember that * does have his finger on the nuclear button.

[colgate]

127. For the love of God

For the love of God, won't somebody give this asshole a b.j. so we can impeach him?????

[tirechewer]

134. I think they're trying....

But it's awful hard to blow what you can't find. Vienna sausages anyone?

Great original post though, Bobcat, and welcome to DU.

[Binka]

128. Kick

To the top.

[BlueStorm]

131. Very well written....

I haven't seen the press conference as I was sleeping this morning.
I know that the wiretapping thing is really getting on everybody and that this is pretty much the last straw for Bush.

Let's see the impeachment roll out!

Blue

[Trevelyan]

132. Looks like MSM has finally turned against bush - 4 polls:

How would you rate Bush's presidency now?
Very unfavorably 68%
Very favorably 18%
Somewhat favorably 9%
Somewhat unfavorably 5%
Total Votes: 81,871

How would you rate Bush's handling of the war in Iraq?
Very unfavorably 69%
Very favorably 16%
Somewhat favorably 10%
Somewhat unfavorably 5%
Total Votes: 66,264

http://news.aol.com/dailypulse/032206?id=20060322102309...

'As you can see above, he's ready for your questions and comments.

So have at it.

Our preferred topics:

- How will history judge the presidency of George Bush?
- How is the media judging him now?

He's ready. We're ready. Now go to it, below'
(A humorously bad photo of bush)

http://journals.aol.com/dailypulseblog/citizenjournalis... /

On the DP Blog
Will history judge Bush as "the worst president ever" or will it show he was "correct in what he did" in office?
(No registration needed to comment)

[Lebowski]

136. Beauty, eh?

Like Bob and Doug McKenzie would say, "That guy is a real hoser!"

Nice writing, excellent overview and analysis. Keep up the fine work!