Why Bush Held His Own with Russert (Noonan is wrong)

TechCentralStation.com ^ | 02-09-04 | Fraser Seitel

[StarFan]

Thanks so much for the ping as it confirms what my initial reaction was. He was engaging, honest, believable and I was sorry when the interview ended. My only complaint was his lack of forcefulness regarding the AWOL issue.

The author made one comment I do not agree with: McAuliffe, of course, wasn't "denigrating the National Guard"; he was denigrating Bush. No matter. The President skillfully turned the tables on his rabid dog accuser by shifting the blame and the focus away from himself.

I believe the President's comment was directed not at McAuliffe but rather Kerry who lumped the National Guard in with men who didn't care to serve in Vietnam.

[Gippers Brigade]

Personally, I thought Russert blew it big time. He forgot to ask the President the one big question on everyone's mind:

"Mister President, to return to a major theme of your recent State of the Union address, what exactly is it that we can do as Americans to help you in your war against steroids?"