Bush accused of staging chat with troops (this is getting nasty)

The Guardian ^ | October 14, 2005 | Jamie Wilson

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

You make a very reasonable point.

What my question is...what was all the stuff about "the Pentagon was outraged!!!"?
Whose side is the Pentagon on? And they have never gotten ready for any photo ops? Can someone explain what the F they were so outraged about?

[safisoft]

I doubt FOX would have reported this story so heavily if McClellan didn't out and out lie to the press.

Bingo. You don't lie to the all-knowing press /sarcasm.

When I saw the whole thing this morning, my first thought was, "Man this does not play well. I wonder if the person who decided to do this had a role in promoting Miers?"

[slowhand520]

Is that the same president that was dancing with his wife on the beach to show how much they were in "love"?

[easonc52]

So I crossed my fingers...they made me shake her hand

Great post! - lol

[Spiff]

Harry Reid: "They deserve a plan. Unfortunately, today's event only served to highlight the fact that the president refuses to engage in a frank conversation about the realities on the ground."

So, Einstein, other than complete surrender what brilliant plan have the Democrats come up with?

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

Hmmm...never thought of that. Good point.

[MizSterious]

But a reporter feeds questions to one of the guys, and that's ok?

[Liberty Valance]

I don't know. Each soldier was chosen to talk about their certain expertise of duty. Because of the sat. delay it has to be worked out ahead of time to look right on TV. Everytime the Prez or one of the Soldiers made an off-hand remark it was awkward due to over-talking. They were publicising the Iraqi referendum on their new Constitution. It's a cynch that the media won't talk about it so we have to do it ourselves. We are not Hollywood types with stage presence and I'm glad.

[Former Military Chick]

Here is a thread I posted earlier Bush Seeks to Rally U.S. Troops in Iraq (Carefully choreographed,Prepped to answer)- outrageous and you will see why I was so mad then, I had thought though during the minutes after the thread that things had cleared up (by my quotes) but it seems to have pissed some other off as noted in my comment #26.

You know I just want to have someone get the story right and then STOP. Move to another important story.

I have been on several installations where Presidents have stopped by. Most military are required to be in formation, it is after all their commander in chief. I also KNOW that there are folks who are asked if they would like to participate in Q and As and photo ops. It happens, it is NO BIG deal.

Yet again, a bunch of in fighting, White House, Brass, Pentagon .... folks in Iraq ... jeez will it end.

[Spiff]

This reminds me of the stupid Bush had a small box - a wire - hidden under his jacket so that he could be coached during the debates thing. The Democrats and their media lapdogs are so stupid that it hurts.

[Txsleuth]

I think this tells us that unless something happens to change the situation...

That President Bush should just stay at the White House behind closed doors....because it is obvious that now, not on the libs, dems, and media are gonna nit-pick him apart...

so are conservatives and people that normally at least have shown respect for the office he holds if nothing else.

It seems that Shep got so many accolades for showing up the POTUS while standing on that freeway in New Orleans...that he now has license to belittle him and tear apart everything he does now...

I guess these people do NOT care that as they tear this fine man DOWN....they are also ruining the respect of the office of the CIC and the POTUS for all of the world to see, and mimic.

[mystery-ak]

one and the same....no staging there...LOL....(they would have had to drug me to do that!)

[toddlintown]

Why did they let anybody see this? You know damn well that no matter what Bush says or does, he's going to be crucified. But why give them the nails?

[Yasotay]

Evidently FOX is also using the term "hand picked soldiers", as well.

During "Desert Shield" the press was usually sent to the "CAT" Company ..... hand picked .... very ....

[John Jorsett]

Anyone remember when the Gore campaign sent Dick Gephardt and Tom Daschle to Florida during the recount for the sole purpose of having them stage a phony conference call back to Al?

[Willie Green]

Backdrop Hides `Made in China' Labels

[AmericanChef]

Oh - this will FOR SURE be the end of Bush!! How lame can ya get? He's a politician, for cryin' out loud! All politicians do this!

[decal]

Check FReepmail, pliz.

[Former Military Chick]

I am not being lame, and frankly I am not bothered by his actions just by the differing ways the media is covering this.

[fanfan]

Ridiculous! How low will the left go?

At one point, she said, Mr Bush would ask them specifically, "In the last 10 months, what kind of progress have we seen?" before asking who was prepared to answer the question. "Master Sgt Lombardo," one of the soldiers replied.

The President wanted to ask questions, and receive information.

The question phrased differently:
" The President wants information from you guys and gals on the job; on the ground. He's going to ask you folks about the following subjects.... Anyone here feel that they are well versed enough to answer?"

Nothing wrong with that.

This wasn't supposed to be a debate with the left, I assume.

;-)