PRESIDENT BUSH TO SPEAK ON IRAQ TONIGHT - 7:00 PM EST MSNBC

MSNBC | 2/26/03 | Wait4Truth

[El Gato]

Probably will, courtesy of the EC-130J Commando Solo II of the 193rd Special Operations Wing, PA-ANG, Harrisburg, PA.

"The EC-130J Commando Solo II aircraft is able to conduct airborne radio and color television broadcasting on any frequency and in any format anywhere in the world. Broadcasts from the aircraft are carried out in areas of military or political unrest either to inform or influence both military and civilian personnel in the area."

[CedarDave]

Transcript thread location has been moved to here:

President Discusses the Future of Iraq in Speech at American Enterprise Institute

[TXLady]

After finishing his speech Pres. Bush stepped away from the podium took a deep breath and then let it out as he crossed the stage to shake hands with AG Ashcroft. I can't recall the President ever having done that after giving a speech.

I noticed that too. I think it was indicative of the amount of pressure on him with this speech. It evidently had a lot more meaning to it than what we could see.

[JameRetief]

forgive my ignorance, what picture are you referring too? Great nic, btw.

Stars N Stripes posted my movie parody image earlier in the thread, here.

[dixiechick2000]

"This man is going to change the world, my friends...he is going to change the world."

You are absolutely right!

Thanks for the ping! I was babysitting during the speech. Both televisions and the computer were occupied, so I "heard" the speech on this thread, after I returned home.

It sounds like he did an impressive job, and I like that he was subdued. War is serious business. I hope our planes broadcasting on the Iraqi radio frenquency carried it for the Iraqi people to hear.

I expect the next time he addresses the nation, it will mean war...

[PFKEY]

While this speech seemed to occur at a low ebb to us, it is possible his advisers and diplmoats in the Middle East have been telling him "You have to go out in public and reassure the MidEast that you are not coming in to take over the region."

I would disagree with this assesment and many others that I have read over the past several months.

I believe the CinC is much more of a farsighted (read forward thinker) than any of us have given him credit for.

With Afganistan and now Iraq we hardly see past the days events or pending debate or vote. Bush came out very early with the axis of evil speech. His plans go well beyond Iraq. They also include Iran and NK as he has stated but also peace and stability in the ME. I think that it is easy enough to see from this speech that he intends to strenghten the UN not abandon it. That his statergy for defeating terrorism is not limited to AQ and it's immediate threat to the US, but also Hamas and Pali.

I don't see Bush's hand being forced by some diplomat, the UN, members of his cabinet (Powell), the media, Turkey or anyone else for that matter.

This speech is historic. He has just laid out the order and balance of power for those nations who will be with us and to those who would be against us.

[piasa]

I think you mean "ottersnot."

[PoisedWoman]

and I keep seeing all these has-beens like Mike Farrell and Ed Asner...

Yes, that's significant. They don't have anything to loose.

George Clooney stated in a recent interview that he had enough money now, he was going to be who he really was. With that he 1. Started blasting Bush and 2. Began to act coy and girlish and mentioned his "partner" who is, of course, a guy.

[JohnBovenmyer]

Great image. Life is imitating Mel Brooks. We need to draw from the same source and create "Springtime for Saddam."

[Samwise]

Bush stepped away from the podium took a deep breath and then let it out as he crossed the stage to shake hands with AG Ashcroft.

Speaking about such grave matters is a difficult thing. Dubya is not a natural public speaker or a camera hog. If given his druthers, he would probably rather be in Crawford sawing wood or caring for his ranch.

People scoff at me when I compare him to Aragorn, but I think the comparison is legitimate. The reluctant heir to power who was happy being a ranger. Gruff, unkempt, scraggly and yet he grew to be a great leader.

I remember the speech Dubya gave to the Texas assembly after he won the election (for the umpteenth time). The camera was on him as he waited outside the hall where he was to speak. He was obviouly nervous and antsy. When it was time for him to speak, he took both hands and reached in front of himself. He made two fists and pulled them into his torso and he took a deep breath. As he pulled his fists in, his body straightened and he stood taller and straighter, as though he were drawing some power or energy into himself. He transformed. He walked out onto the podium with a huge confident smile on his face and addressed the crowd as a leader. We forget what a diffcult job he has and the great burden he carries.

[Djarum]

I suppose it was uninteresting for me because I've been reading the same sentiments on FR for many months now.

[Duramaximus]

I hate to pop some bubbles, but the "war" will not start for a few days.

There's always France.

I can see it now... the Blue Angels fly over Paris and the city is awash in white flags.

[Robert_Paulson2]

My multiple warthog family members... would disagree with your assessment of them being NOT REAL soldiers. Same with those who drive and maintain armored personnel vehicles... or ride in them... as in the US marines.

...be careful when you say NOT ONE... because my friend, that is definitely NOT TRUE... and rummy himself would NOT make that statement. Neither will our defense department.

OFFICIALLY, you may be right regarding the 60 thousand plus that are "on the way", but it is a stretch even at that. LOTS of boots went in via the "improving security and infrastructure at air bases" loophole, engineered by the Turkish allies... a while back.

Are we still unloading? Damned straight we are. And will be even three weeks from now... but prosecution of the WAR can begin at a moment's notice... as in sixty seconds. Franks is there. HE said so. So did rummy. Take it to the bank.

However "NOT ONE SET OF BOOTS" on the ground in Turkey, would be a canard. We have enough boots on the ground to open and work any theatre we choose at this time... 'nuff said on this matter from my end.

You can think or believe, of course, whatever you want. I can respect that.
I will reserve the right to believe what I know as well. Fair enough?

[doug from upland]

A few days ago I suddenly lost all sound in my computer and can't write a song without the MIDI file. I guess it is the day the music died.

[ezo4]

I guess you missed it.

[MindyW]

Isn't it interesting that Saddam trusted Rather? Yeah, it is pretty interesting, isn't it. hmmmmm

[Robert_Paulson2]

boots on ground... marching in formation... "Real Soldiers" for ya...

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[CaliforniaOkie]

Oh, you are right. Thanks
Jan