Posted on 11/15/2005 4:39:09 AM PST by governsleastgovernsbest
I'm sure Habitat for Humanity does good work. But at this stage, is there anything lamer than a politican turning up for a TV interview at a Habitat work site?
Yet there was politically-tin eared Bill Frist, hammer in hand, being interviewed this morning by Katie Couric regarding two dueling proposals that Senate Republicans and Dems will be bringing to the floor this morning.
What does it say about Frist's wan leadership that, for once, I could not have agreed more with Couric in her analysis of the proposal?
The GOP proposal requires regular White House reporting to Congress on progress in Iraq, and withdrawal once goals of progress, democracy, stability, etc. have been achieved.
In contrast, as Frist repeatedly described it, the Dem proposal is to "cut & run," imposing withdrawal guidelines regardless of progress. OK, the GOP proposal is not as bad as the Dem one.
But beyond that, how can you quarrel with what Katie had to say?
"Isn't your proposal exactly what the Bush administration has already proposed - to withdraw troops, without a deadline, once Iraq is stabilized, etc.?"
Uh, yes, was Frist's answer, but you see, this proposal will require regular reporting.
"So you're saying that the WH hasn't been held sufficiently accountable?"
Uh, no, was Frist's answer. "I think the WH is doing a very good job" of keeping Congress informed.
"So if they're doing a good job, then why do you need this proposal?"
Uh, well, we want to have regular reporting.
Katie then asked an entirely logical and obvious question: "Is this a response to public opinion polls showing a lack of support for the war?"
How's this for a weak answer: "You know, I don't think so."
You don't THINK so? You don't know what the motivation was for your own darn proposal?
When Katie concluded by asking if the proposal did anything "other than parroting the goals of White House," Frist could do nothing but lamely rehash his answer about "regular reporting from administration to Congress."
Bill Frist might be a nice man. He's probably a good doctor. Who knows, he might even be able to drive a straight nail.
But one think he palpably cannot do is lead.
Today Show withdraw-Frist-from-leadership ping.
It got so bad that at one point Katie even criticized Frist's proposal from the right:
"Aren't you concerned that your withdrawal proposal could be sending the wrong message to our troops and to America's enemies?"
Frankly I can't remember Frist's answer. I think it was along the lines that he wasn't worried because there is no withdrawal deadline and withdrawals are tied to progress.
Even so, you know it's not a good sign when Katie Couric criticizes a Republican proposal for potentially weakening our military . . .
[The GOP proposal requires regular White House reporting to Congress on progress in Iraq, and withdrawal once goals of progress, democracy, stability, etc. have been achieved.]
It seems that the legislative branch wants full control of the executive branch, much as the judicial branch consistently gains control of the legislative branch.
It is a 3 ring circus.
Get the helicopters ready for a mass evacuation of the green zone. The end is near and this time, there will be massive reprucussions across the globe.
Frist may be intelligent but wisdom has passed him by. Let's try again. Lott, Frist..........(who should lead us?)
It is rumored that Frist once said that if Strom Thurmond had been elected President we wouldn't be in the mess we're in today. Just a rumor. I disavow any knowledge that this is fact. Spread it around.
Frist. Can't lead the Senate. Certainly couldn't lead the nation.
The Today Show does not come on here for another 10 minutes, but governs gives a pretty good description of why someone else (not Lott) should be majority leader. He's getting his behind handed to him, this time on an issue that goes directly to our national security and the provence and power of the presidency. (Don't know who is on governs ping list so please forgive a double ping.)
Way to go, Frist.
If you can take it, please tune in and let me have your impressions. Just seeing Frist turning up at the Habitat site was an embarrassing start. Maybe he could be clutching a baby and a puppy next time to give him even more cover.
And his answer about that he didn't "think" his proposal was pure political pandering to the polls was pathetically weak, IMHO.
Let me know what you think.
Anyone who heard Frist on Mike Reagan's show last week heard a man who could NEVER EVER be nominated let alone be elected president. He's done and this stunt proves it.
Ouch. I didn't want to mention it, but Katie did conduct the interview while balancing on her left foot and with one arm tied behind her back . . . just to be fair ;-)
Thanks for the heads up - I never watch Today anyhoo...
missing Couric AND Frist sounds like a good morning to me.
The impaired leading the impaired.
OUCH!
For you, governs, just for you.
Wrong message? You think?
There will be a lot of people angry with "Fritz's proposal".
Just as a lot of people were when they cut-and-run in the first Gulf War, (My son-in-law fought on the front lines in the 1st war and I know the comments that were made when the troops were pulled BEFORE they captured Sadamn)
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