Weekend Show *Preview* for 9/16 - 9/17/06 (not the live thread)

The President is up dramatically in the polls. Unemployment is down, inflation is under control, growth is continuing at a robust but sustainable rate and gas prices are falling dramatically. So what's the topic this week? Yep. George Bush and the Republicans are in trouble. Read on.

Meet the Press continues their Senate debate series with Virginia's Republican Senator George Allen and his Democrat challenger former Reagan Secretary of the Navy James Webb. When they set this up for this week I think they were planning on "macaca" being the dominant issue in the campaign and Webb being on fire in the polls. I think they waited just a wee bit too long. Lil' Timmah will try to revive Webb's chances and hurt Allen, particularly with an eye towards giving him problems for '08 in a potential run against Hillary or ketchup boy. Let's hope he is as successful as his attempt to smack down Santorum and build up Casey.

CBS Face The Nation offers up the Senate's own Herve Villechaize, South Carolina's Senator Lindsey Graham (Boss! Da Plan, da plan!) to explain how the JAG corps is the ultimate font of all wisdom in matters of war and foreign policy, never mind what that pesky article 2 thingy says. They then bring on Snarlin' Arlen as the staunch and never faltering defender of the Bush administration in all things legal and in all controversies involving Presidential versus Senatorial power. Really. That's how they're positioning him in the (left wing DBM) press this week. Carl Levin is on as the designated Democrat attack dog, though he'll be going in behind covering fire from Lindsey Graham, so pretty much anything he says is going to be protected. I even have a suspicion that he might start surfacing the KOS kiddies "9/11 was an inside job" idea, not as a fact but as something "sufficiently serious" that it requires an investigation "just to set the record straight." We'll know just how crazy and just how desperate they are based on whether or not this bon mot gets raised by him or any other talking head this weekend. After all, there are heads of state (Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, et al) are raising this possibility now. There must be something to it. And finally this weeks sacrificial administration official, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, makes his first appearance in our area. It's CBS so watch for subliminal swastikas to be flashed on the screen during his segment, either electronically or embedded verbally in the questions.

Fox News Sunday has the most administration friendly line up, but Chris Wallace is increasingly flexing his muscle to bring his old DBM point of view to the forefront on Fox. Watch for Wallace to play Inspector Javert to Majority Leader John Boehner's Jean Valjean. Watch for words like "patriotism, mean" and "unfair" to dominate the questions. An apology will be demanded, will not be accepted if offered but will be used as proof of guilt from then on. Gee, I've never seen that happen anywhere before. John Negroponte, first Director of National Intelligence (DNI), replaces Stephen Hadley because it's not likely Fox will actually need a full blown sacrifice. He's going to put forward the administration's response to Colin Powell. Hmmmm... Colin Powell... wasn't Negroponte his (loyal) deputy at the NSC there for awhile? Watch for a "Ides of March" moment from the DNI (very low probability). There's no Juan on the panel this week, but Brit has a potential new smack down partner in Nina Easton. We'll just have to wait and see.

ABC This Week presents us with the man of the hour, the one, the only, Arizona's Senator John McCain. Be prepared for little Georgie Steponallofus to lay it on just a tad thick in praising McCain's position against the "terror tactics" of the Bush administration (yes, that's the phrase that ABC is using to describe the Bush administrations plans to fight against terror and yes, it's grotesquely heavy handed). Stephen Hadley makes his second appearance in our market and I fully expect him to be accused of child molestation as the least of his sins. The man deserves combat pay for this weekend's work. And then they offer up a "classic" roundtable, with George Will, Sam and Cokie. Old, bitter, inside the beltway dinosaurs prancing around and preening as if they still mattered, while they shout to all who are still listening "we were right, we were right! Bush is too evil!"

CNN Late Edition brings back Stephen Hadley, perhaps for an autopsy by this time. Certainly he's going to get some sort of invasive examination. Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn is in the cross hairs next to defend his indefensible defense of torture and his failure to oppose genocide in Darfur. CNN will be keeping the big black X, last used with Dick Cheney, queued up on the master control board. Indiana's Senator Evan Bayh gets to play white knight against the evil Republican trolls on CNN, allowing him a minor chit in the '08 game. The Israeli foreign minister is on, likely to asked when she will stop murdering Palestinian children to steal their baby milk. And then we come to a surprise guest, The Wizard of Oz himself, George Soros. Is this a sign that all bets are off and that the end game is at hand? Now here's a player who may just float the "911 was an inside job" theme for the moonbats. Watch for secret marching orders from Zardoz to his minions during this segment. Finally they round out the show with Iraq's Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubaie and Pakistan's General Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai. The questions will undoubtedly concentrate on just how badly their association with the failed Bush foreign policy has hurt people in their region, women and children worst of all.

The Saturday shows seem to have been phoned in for this week. Mort and Fred explore the astounding notion that the Republicans are actually daring to contest the elections this fall. Tim Russert trots out a "third way" book from inside the beltway "bipartisan" types, doubtless in the hope that Democrats will get the hint and actually have a chance in the elections (which are supposed to be a lock). Fox News Watch raises the ramparts ever higher against those nasty evil critics in the blogosphere who can't possibly know what they're talking about. Pay no attention to that dead woman over there or those live Taliban over there! And JER gives what looks to be a sobering look at the reality of this weeks hype over the tactics in the war on terror. There will be painful consequences, it seems, and no one else is pointing them out.

Bottom line, week two of the DBM's campaign against George W. Bush's administration on behalf of the Democrat party follows the same themes as week one. The administration is the true source of evil on the planet and, but for them, all would be right with the world. All they are saying is give Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi a chance and peace will break out (once they've impeached that Chimpy McBushitler fellow). And for the time after the great battle against the evil that is Bush they present Saint McCain, demi-Saint Graham, noble Knight Sir Evan Bayh and, behind them all, the wizard himself, George (I'm not KGB) Soros. Overall a completely contrived DBM anti-Bush pageant this week.

This has been cross posted to my blog at Wizards.townhall.com. This post exists primarily as a heads up for who is on the weekend talks shows, what they've been invited on to push (based on their recent pronouncements) and the spin (meme) the DBM is likely trying to push based on that information. All of this is prep work for the weekly Sunday Morning Talk Show thread posted by Alas Babylon!. That thread provides a live commentary and analysis of the Sunday talking head shows, with rare insight and exceptional fact checking. we are the Jedi Council of FreeRepublic, at least in regards to these DBM gabfests. You wanna know what was said and what it meant, as well as where they messed up? Read that thread!

I will also post a link to Mark Kilmer's excellent preview over at RedState.COM when it is up.

Saturday Shows for 9/16/06

Below are the topics and guests announced for these programs, along with my take on the "memes" that the shows are trying to push. With each guest's name are a series of links that I found in a web search that helped me get a handle on who they are and what their likely positions will be when they are interviewed.

The Beltway Boys (Mort Kondrake, Fred Barnes)

Meme:
- Wow! The Republicans actually have a plan for this election and are not just going to roll over! That rascal Karl Rove is so tricky!
- Did you know there was a problem with the borders? We didn't.
Topics:
- The Republican Party goes for broke to maintain control of Congress. We'll look at their game plan and why it just might work
- How the Minutemen are turning anger over border security into votes
Beltway Boys contact information beltway@foxnews.com
The program airs on FOX News Channel Saturdays at 6 and 11:30 p.m. ET

CNBC's Tim Russert Show (Tim Russert)

Meme:
- YO! Democrats! Here's a plan for you. Actually play to Americans for a change. This is who they are...
Topics:
- Tim talks to the authors of the new book, 'Applebee’s America: How Successful Political, Business and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community.'
Guests
- Matthew Dowd
  - Bio (SourceWatch)
  - Shop At Target? You're A Swing Voter (BusinessWeek - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Nationalizing Politics (Washington Post, United States - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Angelides is no actor, and Arnold's no moderate (Napa Valley Register, CA - Sep 14, 2006)
- Doug Sosnik
  - Doug Sosnik - Wikipedia
  - To Do: The Microphone Smells Like a Beer (Wonkette (satire), DC - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Source: The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (PrimeZone (press release), CA - Sep 12, 2006)
- Ron Fournier
  - The Connection as the Key to Success (Washington Post, United States - Sep 11, 2006)
  - Fournier Interviews America (Harvard Crimson, MA - Sep 12, 2006)
  - Notebook: Casey speech raises questions (Pioneer Times-Journal, New Mexico - Sep 13, 2006)
CNBC's Tim Russert Show airs Saturday at 7pm, 10pm & 1am ET

Fox News Watch (Eric Burns)

Meme:
- You can't claim this photo was faked! What? They're not sure it's real? Never mind...
- Nancy Grace is just a hard hitting reporter and the suicide merely proves that the woman was guilty (are they buying it?).
- And now, for our next magical trick, we begin the process of decriminalizing pedophilia. It starts with corrupting the language...
Topics:
- Controversy over Pentagon photo of Taliban funeral
- Grilled by Nancy Grace: Did a TV interview push a mom over the edge?
- What is child predator
The program airs on FOX News Channel Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. ET and Sundays at 2:30 a.m. ET
Fox News Watch contact information Newswatch@foxnews.com

Journal Editorial Report (Paul Gigot) - FNC show page

Meme:
- Now that the tabloid press and the traitor chorus have had their fun all week, here's a dose of reality for you.
Topics:
- Opinion Journal web site: Kid Gloves for KSM?
  - Will the U.S. be able to break the next Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or Abu Zubaydah?
  - How new rules and political pressure are limiting aggressive interrogation of the worst terrorists.
  - The reasons gas prices are falling, and the political consequences.
- note: no entry on Fox web site for show
Guests
- non listed
Journal Editorial Report (at Fox News) contact information - jer@foxnews.com
The program is from The Wall Street Journal and airs on FNC Saturday at 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. and again Sunday at 6 a.m. ET

NBC Meet The Press (Tim Russert)

Below are the topics and guests announced for this program, along with my take on the "memes" that the show is trying to push. With each guest's name are a series of links that I found in a web search that helped me get a handle on who they are and what their likely positions will be when they are interviewed.

Meme:
- Webb's misogyny was years ago and it's only about sex, so let's ignore that
- This macaca thing just won't die. Why is that?
Topics:
- The Meet the Press Debate Series returns with one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country: Virginia
Guests
- Incumbent Senator George Allen (Republican, Virginia)
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Allen, Webb continue sparring over Reagan loyalties (Virginian Pilot, VA - Sep 15, 2006)
  - 'PC Taliban' sees through George Allen (The Free Lance-Star, VA - Sep 11, 2006)
  - Veterans' group to air ad attacking Allen (Daily Press, VA - Sep 13, 2006)
  - GEORGE ALLEN'S NIGHTMARE (New Republic, D.C. - Sep 7, 2006)
  - Allen’s “Macaca” Hangover (National Review Online, NY - Sep 15, 2006)
  - WashPost Suggests 'Nonpartisans' Find George Allen a Hollywood Hypocrite (NewsBusters - Sep 6, 2006)
- former Secretary of the Navy Jim Webb (Democrat, Virginia)
  - Campaign web site | Bio
  - Webb attacked for Reagan ad (Richmond Times Dispatch, VA - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Female Naval Academy graduates criticize Jim Webb (Virginian Pilot, VA - Sep 9, 2006)
  - Jim Webb responds to Reagan Ad controversy (WDBJ7.com, VA - Sep 9, 2006)
  - Jim Webb: Hero, Leader, Straight Talk Patriot, Senator (Huffington Post, NY - Aug 18, 2006)
What would you like to ask this week's guests? (web page for submitting questions for this weeks show)
Meet the Press mailbox (web page for comments)

CBS Face The Nation (Bob Schieffer)

Meme:
- Let the re-beatification of Saint John the Insane begin (take 6) - bring on his myrmidon
- Would you believe that Arlen is a toady for Bush? Really. That's what they're trying to sell
- They are not moonbats! They are mainstream Americans and we must take their 9/11 conspiracy theories seriously... let's hold hearings
- Prepare the sacrificial administration official
Topics:
- Detainee Treatment In The War On Terror
Guests
- Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican, South Carolina)
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Member Senate Armed Services Committee
  - Note: CBS Face The Nation web page spelled his name "Linsey"
  - Sen. Graham: WH Coerced JAG Lawyers to Sign Torture Letter (Truthdig, United States - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Four Republicans -- Will They Win World Opinion or War? (Opinion Editorials, VA - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Torture weakens our country's moral strength (Newsday, NY - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Fine words, but do they make a policy (Peninsula On-line, Qatar - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Did The Foiled Terror Plot Make Senator Graham Smarter? (Post Chronicle - Aug 28, 2006)
- Sen1ator Arlen Specter (Republican, Pennsylvania)
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee
  - Arlen Specter's Sellout (Village Voice, NY - Sep 1, 2006)
  - How to defeat Specter's spying bill (AlterNet, CA - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Senate panel OKs warrantless wiretaps (Chicago Tribune - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Senator Takes on DoJ's Thompson Memo (CFO.com Magazine, NY - Sep 15, 2006)
- Senator Carl Levin (Democrat, Michigan)
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee
  - Rebuff for Bush on terror trials in a Senate test (International Herald Tribune, France - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Iraq's Links To Al Qaeda (National Review Online Blogs, NY - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Reid Proposes Further Declass of Senate Intel Report (Secrecy News, DC - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Democrats vs. the Peace Movement (AlterNet, CA - Sep 12, 2006)
  - Bush indicted on Senate floor (video) (AlterNet, CA - Sep 12, 2006)
- Stephen Hadley
  - White House National Security Advisor
  - Senators defy Bush on terror law (Concord Monitor, NH - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Korea, US to start discussion next week on 6-party talks approach (The Hankyoreh, South Korea - Sep 15, 2006)
  - US, Israel eye-to-eye on Mideast peace (Dunton Springs Evening Post, Colorado - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Bush cites concern on Iran, Syria "threat" (China Daily, China - Sep 13, 2006)
  - I'm sorry Karl Rove ... (Belleville News-Democrat, IL - Sep 14, 2006)
Face The Nation contact information - ftn@cbsnews.com

Fox News Sunday (Chris Wallace)

Meme:
- Is this the sacrificial Republican Congressman and is it true that he was really, really mean?
- OK, who the hell is this Negroponte guy, anyway?
Topics:
- The war of words over the War on Terror
  - As the politics of the war on terrorism heat up, the President is hitting some roadblocks on Capitol Hill as he seeks approval for some of the key tools he believes the nation needs to fight terror.
  - The administration faces a Republican rebellion in Congress as it attempts to gain approval for two key tools in the war on terrorism — new interrogation techniques for prisoners, and the NSA warrantless surveillance program.
  - With President Bush's former Secretary of State Colin Powell joining some key Senate Republicans in opposing current White House plans, is the administration overreaching, or are new tools required to fight a new enemy?
  - With key votes set for next week, what are the prospects for compromise between the President and Congress over these significant issues?
- This week House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) questioned whether Democrats were “more interested in protecting the terrorists than protecting the American people?”
  - With Republicans like Sens. John McCain and John Warner now questioning White House terrorism tools and tactics, does he feel the same way about leaders in his own party?
  - As the GOP seeks to make national security and terrorism key campaign issues this November, how will the splits within the party impact the effort to maintain the majority?
Guests
- John Boehner (Republican, Ohio)
  - House web site | Bio
  - House Majority Leader
  - Kerry to GOP: Condemn Boehner (Chicago Tribune, United States - Sep 13, 2006)
  - Obey Calls US House Majority Leader 'Third-Rate McCarthy' (WISC - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Dem Senator eviscerates GOP on Security (VIDEO) (AlterNet, CA - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Is The Republican Party Actively Aiding And Abetting Al Qaeda? (Huffington Post, NY - Sep 15, 2006)
- John Negroponte
  - Director of National Intelligence
  - Note: original description on FNS web page as of 5 PM lists Stephen Hadley, not John Negroponte, changed by 6:30 PM
  - 'News Worth Noting' Powell Opposes Bush Anti-Terror Plan (The Black Chronicle, OK - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Spooky shambles at the top (The Australian, Australia - Sep 15, 2006)
  - IAEA says Congress report on Iran's nuclear capacity is erroneous (Guardian Unlimited, UK - Sep 15, 2006)
  - GOP in House, Senate back Bush on wiretaps, tribunals (San Francisco Chronicle, USA - Sep 14, 2006)
- Roundtable
  - FOX News Managing Editor Brit Hume
  - Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol
  - Fortune Magazine Washington Correspondent Nina Easton
  - NPR National Political Correspondent Mara Liasson.
Fox News Sunday contact information - FNS@foxnews.com

ABC This Week (George Stephanopoulos)

Meme:
- Let the re-beatification of Saint John the Insane begin (take 6)
- Prepare the sacrificial administration official
Topics:
- Voices segment: lobbying Congress on breast cancer awareness
- Terror Trial Showdown:
  - As the president pushed his new plan for interrogating and prosecuting terrorist detainees, he also crossed swords with one of his most powerful Republican allies
  - The new terror tactics and the White House's reasoning behind the push for tougher interrogation measures. Can a compromise be reached? What impact will all this have on U.S. soldiers overseas?
- Voices segment: lobbying Congress on bipartisan legislation that would allow women to stay in a hospital 48 hours after a mastectomy.
Guests
- Sen. John McCain (Republican, Arizona)
  - McCain, Powell deliver blows to Bush proposal on detainees (Seattle Times, United States - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Hotline After Dark -- Tribunal Politics (National Journal, DC - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Time For the White House To Just Give Up (Washington Post, United States - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Senate needs change (RedState, VA - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Earlier primary brings in McCain (AL.com, AL - Sep 14, 2006)
  - President John McCain? Not Likely (American Enterprise Institute, DC - Sep 11, 2006)
- National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley
  - Senators defy Bush on terror law (Concord Monitor, NH - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Korea, US to start discussion next week on 6-party talks approach (The Hankyoreh, South Korea - Sep 15, 2006)
  - US, Israel eye-to-eye on Mideast peace (Dunton Springs Evening Post, Colorado - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Bush cites concern on Iran, Syria "threat" (China Daily, China - Sep 13, 2006)
  - I'm sorry Karl Rove ... (Belleville News-Democrat, IL - Sep 14, 2006)
- Roundtable, ABC News classic:
  - George Will
  - Cokie Roberts
  - Sam Donaldson
- Voices segement: singer and songwriter Jewel, a national spokesperson for "Stop Breast Cancer for Life"
ABC This Week comment web page

CNN Late Edition (Wolf Blitzer)

Meme:
- Prepare the sacrificial administration official
- Prepare the sacrificial ~~moderate~~ right wing Senator
- Prepare the hagiography of the ~~left wing~~ moderate Democrat potential Presidential candidate
- Prepare the sacrificial ~~Jew~~ barbarous occupier of Palestinian land and cruel oppressor of peaceful Muslims
- Shhhhh. God is about to speak. Go ahead Mr. Soros.
- OK. Here are two Muslims we can trash. They're friends of George W's
Topics:
- How the United States will fight the war on terror.
Guests
- Stephen Hadley
  - White House National Security Advisor
  - Senators defy Bush on terror law (Concord Monitor, NH - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Korea, US to start discussion next week on 6-party talks approach (The Hankyoreh, South Korea - Sep 15, 2006)
  - US, Israel eye-to-eye on Mideast peace (Dunton Springs Evening Post, Colorado - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Bush cites concern on Iran, Syria "threat" (China Daily, China - Sep 13, 2006)
  - I'm sorry Karl Rove ... (Belleville News-Democrat, IL - Sep 14, 2006)
- Sen. John Cornyn (Republican, Texas)
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Member, Senate Armed Services Committee
  - Bush faces GOP-led defiance on detainees (Richmond Times Dispatch, VA - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Failing on genocide (UT The Daily Texan, TX - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Detainee Treatment: Honor treaty (Seattle Post Intelligencer - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Republican Voters Dismayed by Biggest Spending Rise Since 1990 (Bloomberg - Sep 15, 2006)
- Sen. Evan Bayh (Democrat, Indiana)
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Member, Senate Armed Services Committee
  - Member, Senate Select Intelligence Committee
  - Bayh Speaks On Security Issues In Des Moines Visit (KCCI.com, IA - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Evan Bayh: Bob Barker, or Newhart? (Decatur Daily Democrat, IN - Sep 6, 2006)
  - Lieberman's defeat and Evan Bayh (Decatur Daily Democrat, IN - Aug 23, 2006)
  - Bayh: Tariffs may level playing field with China (Cedar Rapids Gazette - Sep 15, 2006)
- Tzipi Livni
  - Israeli foreign minister
  - Livni talks in US focus on PA, Iran and Lebanon (Ha'aretz, Israel - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Israeli official hopeful on arms embargo (Houston Chronicle - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni placed 40th on Forbes´ list (Jewish Telegraphic Agency, NY - Sep 3, 2006)
- George Soros
  - Chairman, Soros Fund Management
  - Author of "The Age of Fallibility: Consequences on the War on Terror"
  - Soros Slams Terror 'War,' Compares White House to Nazis (PipeLineNews.org, CA - Sep 15, 2006)
  - Why Won’t George Soros Bail Out Air America? (Men's News Daily - Sep 14, 2006)
  - Soros and Sachs set their own objectives for Africa (Taipei Times, Taiwan - Sep 13, 2006)
  - George Soros talks about energy, politics, goals (Houston Chronicle, United States - Sep 7, 2006)
  - George Soros Suggests No Nonsense Middle East Strategy (Huffington Post, NY - Aug 31, 2006)
- Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubaie
  - Iraqi national security adviser
  - Iran's president vows help for Iraq (Arizona Daily Star, AZ - Sep 13, 2006)
  - Fertile ground for nurturing terror (The Australian, Australia - Sep 10, 2006)
  - The long march home (Globe and Mail, Canada - Sep 8, 2006)
  - Iraq seizes 'Al Qaeda in Iraq deputy' (ABC Online, Australia - Sep 3, 2006)
- Lt. Gen Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai
  - Governor of Pakistan‘s Waziristan province
  - No troops withdrawal from Pakistani tribal region (People's Daily Online, China - Sep 12, 2006)
  - Govt committed to Fata development: Aurakzai (PakTribune.com, Pakistan - Sep 3, 2006)
  - Al-Qaeda 'strong' in tribal area (BBC News, UK - Sep 8, 2006)
  - General amnesty given to those complying Govt. terms: NWFP (Pakistan Link, CA - Sep 8, 2006)
CNN Late Edition (web page for comments)

I don't know what he'll do, sleuth. I think he may have made a big mistake with this. Americans are not stupid and the essentials of this dispute are not that complicated. Should we subject these terrorists to some rough treatment in order to get information that prevents the slaughter of themselves and their families? What percentage would say no. I think it's about the same percentage that was not in favor of the NSA program, 20-25%, who have been conned into thinking that the President is actually trying to deprive us of our civil liberties and take over the country.

I truly think that the vast majority want these programs to go forward, and that includes so-called independent voters, who McCain has to be relying on because he knows very well the base wants no part of him, and that is even more true today.

McCain won't back down, in fact he'll wear that editorial as a badge of honor. For all I know he had it planted and has a whole speech built around his response to it.

This episode is about playing to his base, the media. He has been on the outs with them for awhile and, if he is to have any hope of winning the Presidency, he has to win them back first. He can "triangulate" later, but only if he reestablishes his personae as the "straight talk express" kinda guy.

He will be noble and long suffering and declare "I may be signing my political death certificate, but I have to stand on principle. I put the safety of our troops above political self interest."

Of course he's doing nothing of the sort, endangering not only our troops but every citizen of our country. But, hey, the media will love it.

As I say, this is the anointing (again) of Saint John McCain. Patron saint of lunatics and opportunists.

I have to admit, you have a much more devious mind than me, Phsstpok, I don't just naturally come up with such conspiracies...but, by golly, I think you have got it!!!

(kidding about the devious mind, you have a GREAT mind, lol).

Yes, I can see that scenario plainly, and it is also substantiated by previous reports that Graham has said he will not back down at all...

Plus, you have the added benefit of Lindsey calling for an investigation into whether the Bushies coerced the JAGS that DID agree with Bush, into signing their letter.

Plus, you have a campaign worker named Colin Powell, who all of a sudden, according to the dems and MSM, is the BEST Sec. of STATE there ever was, with the most integrity.

Plus, you now have the dem spin that says that BUSH is the one willing to put the nation at peril when he says the program cannot go forward without HIS legislation.

Game, set, match?

OR...

Misguided sense of what the voters REALLY think of him?

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.