Magaret Carlson thinks Bush lied about Blair House

[Laura PourMeADrink]

http://rawstory.com

Reporter: Bush administration lying about Blair House bookingDavid Edwards and Muriel Kane
Published: Wednesday January 7, 2009

The Bush administration claimed on Tuesday that the reason Blair House was not available for the Obamas to live in when their daughters started school in Washington on January 5 was that former Australian Prime Minister John Howard had previously been booked to stay there overnight on January 12. However, political columnist Margaret Carlson believes this is a lie.

Carlson told MSNBC's Keith Olbermann, "I reported -- but also the Washington Post reported -- on December 11 and 12 that there were no foreign dignitaries booked into Blair House during that period of time."

When the Post reported on the rejection of the Obamas' request in December, it noted that White House spokespersons had referred to "previously scheduled events and guests that couldn't be displaced" but that "administration officials said there are no foreign dignitaries scheduled to stay there during the first two weeks of January."

"I have the feeling they actually asked to come and stay so that there might be some plausible reason for not letting the Obamas stay there," Carlson suggested.

Carlson went on to say, "Blair House might look small, but it's actually 119 rooms, with 35 bathrooms. Howard wouldn't even have to share a sink with the Obamas. ... But most importantly, it's secure. By having to stay at the Hay-Adams, not only do the Obamas have to move twice ... but the security cost to taxpayers is enormous."

"How could the Bush administration possibly think all this wouldn't get out?" asked Olbermann.

Carlson suggested in response that "saying 'No' to the Obamas is just a feather" when "we're being left with our retirement funds losing 50% of their value and we're mired in two wars."


This video is from MSNBC's Countdown, broadcast Jan. 6, 2009.

[dflprincess]

1. All the lies Bush has told and this one seems to be getting more press than the others

That is so sad.

[Grateful for Hope]

2. This is such a good point

It is indeed very sad.

[rvablue]

8. Yes, considering the others it is sad, but I'm still glad the MSM is telling the story

it shows how totally mean-spirited and petty Bush is.....there was no reason not to accept this request.....they are total and utter weasels...and NOW, with a tabloidy story like this, maybe the 20%ers will realize it.....maybe, but probably not.

[Harry Monroe]

3. Bush lying??

You gotta be kidding!! Say it ain't so!! (Do I really need the sarcasm tag?)

[Cha]

4. It wouldn't be the first time.

buzzflash calls bush "still fubared after all these years"..and has a link to an article on bush and his self acknowledged "achievements"(sic)..

<snip>

"Yesterday the Weekly Standard’s Fred Barnes reported that during a private meeting with President Bush last Friday, Bush cited his failed push to privatize Social Security as his biggest domestic policy achievement. However, yesterday in an interview with conservative columnist Cal Thomas, Bush seemed to change his mind, saying he wished he had focused on immigration reform instead of Social Security:"


http://thinkprogress.org/2009/01/06/bush-social-security-immigration/

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

5. How can you cite something that you failed at, as an achievement?

Maybe it's an achievement in that if he'd gotten his way, a lot of old people would be in even worse shape with the market in the crapper. :shrug:

[Cha]

6. That's why buzzflash called bush "fubared"

after all these years. We learned plenty but he didn't learn a damn thing.

[AtomicKitten]

7. In her interview with the Australian muffin (purrr) tonight, Rachel seemed to back off that.

I'm curious though. I love that Rachel has connected with the Australians on this to put pressure on Howard. Maybe it will shake it loose if only through sheer embarrassment over the shitty thing Junior is doing to the Obamas. That would be really something if Rachel made that happen.