Think Progress

Stumped Again: Bush Can’t Name A Single Mistake

During a prime time press conference in April 2004, President Bush was asked to name one mistake he had made since taking office and explain what he had learned from it. He couldn’t do it. (We gave him 100 to choose from.)

“Maybe I’m not as quick on my feet as I should be in coming up with one,” he said at the time. But that’s clearly not the problem. Bush was asked the same question today. A year and a half later, he still couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge a mistake.

See for yourself:

(Quicktime)

For his part, Bush did come quite close to acknowledging an error: he admitted preparing Iraq’s Army more than its civilian security forces. But he quickly clarified that he was merely adjusting his tactics “to meet the changing tactics of an enemy.”

Full transcript below:

QUESTION: Sir, you’ve shown a remarkable spirit of candor in the last couple of weeks in your conversations, speeches about Iraq. And I’m wondering if, in that spirit, I might ask you a question that you didn’t seem to have an answer for the last time you were asked.

And that is: What would you say is the biggest mistake you’ve made during your presidency, and what have you learned from it?

BUSH: Answering Dickerson’s question. [Laughter]

The last time those questions were asked, I really felt like it was an attempt for me to say it was a mistake to go into Iraq.

And it wasn’t a mistake to go into Iraq. It was the right decision to make.

I think that there’s going to be a lot of analysis done on the decisions on the ground in Iraq. For example, I’m fully aware that some have said it was a mistake not to put enough troops there immediately — or more troops.

I made my decision based upon the recommendations of Tommy Frank. And I still think it was the right decision to make. But history will judge.

I said the other day that a mistake was trying to train a civilian defense force and an Iraqi army at the same time, but not giving the civilian defense force enough training and tools necessary to be able to battle a group of thugs and killers. And so we adjusted.

And the point I’m trying to make to the American people in this, as you said, candid dialogue — I hope I’ve been candid all along — but, the candid dialogue, is to say we’re constantly changing our tactics to meet the changing tactics of an enemy. And that’s important for our citizens to understand.



109 Responses to “Stumped Again: Bush Can’t Name A Single Mistake”

  1. Ryan Neat says:

    When his entire administration has been one huge mistake, where could he possibly begin :()


  2. unbelievable says:

    He’ll find out what mistakes he made when we impeach him…


  3. Ryan the Angry Midget says:

    People who are either too stupid to realize their mistakes or too egotistical to care about the impact of their mistakes are the most dangerous, since they can just persist on a path of destruction and their supporters call it perseverance.


  4. buzzbike says:

    A true dullard like Shrub, doesn’t know and/or cannot differentiate, a mistake from a success. Just like he doesn’t know when he’s lying or telling the truth. He has never done 1 iota of his own research or thinking, to find anything out.

    Face it, this man is just too stupid to know what he’s doing. Unfortunately we’re going to pay dearly for it for a very long time.


  5. Skeptic says:

    Can’t think of a mistake? How about staying on vacation in Texas instead of rushing to Washington DC to do WORK when Katrina turned into a really BIG hurricane? Any human being without a decent respect for hurricanes is really too dumb to live. A President who thinks vacations is more important than WORK should resign, like 5 years ago.
    I begin to sound like a Protestant on the importance of work for a moral life. Sorry


  6. I-RIGHT-I says:

    His biggest mistake is not invoking his war powers prerogatives to hang some of the bastards that are leaking sensitive information undermining the war effort and the security of our country. His second mistake is not calling out Reid and Murtha and the rest and describing them as what they are…ratbastardcommiemofos. His third mistake was not arresting Bill Clinton for treason and murder the minute he became a private citizen. His fourth mistake….


  7. Keith H. says:

    Not suprising that he can’t recall a single mistake.
    As we all know, if it happened more than 10 minutes ago, his stupid ass honestly can’t remember.


  8. Skeptic says:

    Dear I-Right-I;
    Yes, and like King Canute he should also stand in the waves and try to command the tide?

    If George Bush tried to challenge anyone to a duel, the men with the white coats would take him away. If he tried to challenge them to a debate, they would walk all over him.

    I’m glad you see that George Bush is having something wrong with him if he can’t see any mistakes he made. Your list consists of stupid and illegal actions he didn’t make. Can’t you think of anything he did do that he should NOT have done?.


  9. unbelievable says:

    #8

    Yes, we do remember how many of the debates against Kerry that he won – just as many as the mistakes he recalls making (that would be zero for you math-challenged trolls…)


  10. Jay says:

    #6 – I agree with your first mistake. Whomever leaked the identity of an undercover operative… As for you other two points, well, calling people names is childish and I’ve seen no evidence that Bill Clinton commited treason or murder. Both of which probably resulted from the leaking of the identity of an undercover operative…hmmmm.


  11. toys says:

    Maybe reading the Constitution before taking on the job?

    Slow Katrina response perhaps?

    Allowing spies in the WH?

    Loss of jobs?

    Letting Scooter get caught like that?

    No, I can’t think of any mistakes either…


  12. Jesus Christ God of WAR says:

    Bush is a living mistake. Perhaps that’s why he can’t think of any.

    Arrogance comes with wealth in this case of the Boy King.

    That anyone can support the criminal actions of a man who is supposed to have brought a new era of respectabiliy to the WhiteHouse leaves me speechless.


  13. Innocent Bystander says:

    In all fairness to the boy-king, wouldn’t an easier question have been, “what have you done right in the past 5 years”?


  14. DS says:

    Don’t forget — he was asked this during the 2004 Presidential debates too, so he’s had three chances to think about it.


  15. DS says:

    He’ll read about his mistakes in those history books he keeps citing.


  16. Jesus Christ God of WAR says:

    The challenge that the coke-filled mind of the Boy King has coming to grips with is this:

    How to keep from laughing himself silly at ALL the money he and his friends are making from oil and perpetual war?


  17. DS says:

    #6 — “His biggest mistake is not invoking his war powers prerogatives to hang some of the bastards that are leaking sensitive information undermining the war effort and the security of our country.”

    You mean Libby, Rove and Cheney for leaking sensitive information regarding a CIA agent that undermined the security of our country, right?


  18. Jesus Christ God of WAR says:

    #17 – … the treason that led to the deaths of CIA field agents working in the NOC Bruster Jennings who were exposed by Bob Novak’s publishing information designed to torpedo a former diplomat’s truth about SOTU comments justifying invasion? Right?

    Yes, I too would like to see Karl, Scooter, and Dick swing by their necks for what they did. And never forget, Bush was on that plane when Ms. Plame was revealed to reporters. Does the Boy King’s neck stretch long enough to save him from a proper hanging for treason?


  19. Clyde the Ripper says:

    I refuse to watch or listen to the meally-mouthed SOB but I thought today I owed him an apology. I walked by the TV Grandma was watching and glanced at the trailer at the borttom of the screen. It blazed “Bush claims spy leak was abhorent and vows to get to the bottom of the scandal.” I immediately though he was going to fire Rover Boy and Cheney when Grandma reluctantly said he was talking about the rotten bastard that ratted him out, not the hero that outed Valerie. My faith was restored. He still has two sides to his mealy-mouth and no brains behind his beady eyes.


  20. Zookeeper says:

    “I hope I’ve been candid all along.” Doesn’t he know? Loser.


  21. RunningDogLackey says:

    #6

    Dubbya would never lay a hand on Clinton.

    Bill’s the manly, poised, intelligent, statesmanlike son George the Smarter and Barbara always wanted.

    Besides, Daddy likes to trot out the “Big Dog” whenever Junior’s in over his head, just to let the world see we still have a REAL leader on hot standby…just in case.


  22. Ryan Neat says:

    I-RIGHT-I demonstrates why the US voted against a measure that would internationally outlaw Nazi-ism. Republicans are Nazis, and they’re every bit as dangerous as Hitler!

    They commit treason, and subvert the constitution, all the while accusing the innocent of their crimes. Republicans are psychotic fools, unworthy of american citizenship, and unprepared for the leadership, restraint and citizenship required to live in a democracy. Republicans are subversives, criminals and terrorists – and bush and cheney should be impeached for their crimes!


  23. wisedup says:

    Freep the poll http://www.cnn.com/ 60% so far DO NOT want spying on us, 40% sheep…baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa


  24. Ellie in Texas says:

    Here’s a mistake – sending our boys into Iraq to kill women and children for oil and his Halliburton buddies is a start.

    Here’s another – watching the poor drown in NOLA while his buddy Brownie has a ham sandwich. Bush is a racist who will eventually kill dissenters.


  25. TheAtheist says:

    dumbya is a piece of lying shit and anyone who supports this scum-bag is no better than runny diarrhea.


  26. Ellie in Texas says:

    #23 – the US military are the modern day Nazis created by Bushie and evil Administration. They seek absolute power at whatever cost. It is scary and must be stopped.


  27. Krazny says:

    As much as I dislike Bush I don’t think he is a racist. A classist yes, but not a racist.

    As for mistakes, history will tell on that part. The American public however is increasingly feeling that mistakes, were made, lies were uttered, and some very bad people were put in charge.
    I am sure that the hardcore 30 like IrightI will continue to support bush, but the mainstream of america is being less and less supportive. And less manipulated.


  28. beep52 says:

    With God on his side, he cannot fail. Which is why church and state should be kept separate.


  29. the Fly-man says:

    Unidemensionality, From Douglas Walton of Winnipeg University, reflecting on rhetorical “fairmindedness”It’s demagogic opposite–unidimensionality–is characterized by the abdication of “critical doubt”. here is the link for the article Enjoy;
    /hnn.us/articles/7603.html


  30. unbelievable says:

    #31

    I have something for you to read:

    http://www.projectcensored.org/publications/2005/

    (especially #11 about the media’s ability to lie legally..)


  31. Ryan Neat says:

    Boxer floats impeachment after former White Housel counsel John Dean — made famous by his role in revealing the Watergate tapes — asserted that President Bush had ‘admitted’ to an ‘impeachable offense.’.

    http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Senator_says_shes_asked_for_opinions_1219.html


  32. cats are flyfishn says:

    Bush is the Anti-Christ. Be on the lookout for the red heffer.


  33. david w. baty says:

    It’s about arms dealers and oil merchants, that’s who benefits. As a Marine Nam vet I felt that way two weeks after landing in-country in 66. The cost of this war has and will make Nam look like a minor scrimmage. How can people look at Bush and not be appalled, without a doubt the worst President in the last 50 years. WAR is NEVER the answer except as a last resort. JESUS help us…… when will we learn. signed david baty


  34. Karl Gillies says:

    Poor old Prezzo Bush – a complete SEPTIC (truncated cockney rhyming slang “septic tanks” = Yanks); a BIG mistake was in not finding any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq – TAKE HEART Dubya!!! – if you look carefully in the top drawer of your ornate presidential desk, y’all will find the receipts for most of them!!
    KG, New Zealand.


  35. unbelievable says:

    #33

    Ryan, based on that, it looks like we should start considering naming this ‘gate’… Oh the possibilities…


  36. JIMBO says:

    What was the first mistake Bush made?

    Being born. That was the worst. Otherwise, Gore would have been President.


  37. Joe in PA says:

    Why should we be suprised that the nitwit can’t think of any mistakes he’s made? To admit to mistakes would imply that he has some clue as to what’s going on, and this yo-yo clearly has never had any idea. The only real concern of this administration is that the cotporations, and those who own them, prosper as never before: the rest is all a smokescreen designed to keep their true aganda from view. We need to take our government back and the first step should be to put these traitors an trial and demand that the harshest sentence possible be imposed!


  38. Karl Gillies says:

    Fed up with the Bush administration?
    Next election, vote for CTHULHU !!!
    Cthulhu For President !
    (why vote for a lesser evil?……you KNOW it makes sense!!!!
    KG, New Zealand


  39. JIMBO says:

    #37

    I have a few “gates” to pitch to you.

    SPYGATE
    PLAMEGATE
    PRIVACYGATE
    BUSHGATE
    BUBBLEBOYGATE
    BUBBLEGATE
    OILGATE
    IRAQGATE

    That’s only a few I know of. I’m sure you’ll do better than me.


  40. For Truth says:

    #29 it means,

    Bush leaves God out it, and that takes away his only support.


  41. Krazny says:

    I think we should seal off bush and the rest of his supporters in texas, that way they can do anything they want there, and not effect the rest of us.


  42. wwallace says:

    LOL, I see the sort of sane, reasoned debate ThinkProgress is famous for continues unabated:

    Yes, I too would like to see Karl, Scooter, and Dick swing by their necks for what they did. And never forget, Bush was on that plane when Ms. Plame was revealed to reporters. Does the Boy King’s neck stretch long enough to save him from a proper hanging for treason?

    Comment by Jesus Christ God of WAR — December 19, 2005 @ 6:09 pm

    the US military are the modern day Nazis created by Bushie and evil Administration. They seek absolute power at whatever cost. It is scary and must be stopped.

    Comment by Ellie in Texas — December 19, 2005 @ 6:51 pm

    I-RIGHT-I demonstrates why the US voted against a measure that would internationally outlaw Nazi-ism. Republicans are Nazis, and they’re every bit as dangerous as Hitler!

    They commit treason, and subvert the constitution, all the while accusing the innocent of their crimes. Republicans are psychotic fools, unworthy of american citizenship, and unprepared for the leadership, restraint and citizenship required to live in a democracy. Republicans are subversives, criminals and terrorists – and bush and cheney should be impeached for their crimes!

    Comment by Ryan Neat — December 19, 2005 @ 6:40 pm

    Here’s a mistake – sending our boys into Iraq to kill women and children for oil and his Halliburton buddies is a start.

    Here’s another – watching the poor drown in NOLA while his buddy Brownie has a ham sandwich. Bush is a racist who will eventually kill dissenters.

    Comment by Ellie in Texas — December 19, 2005 @ 6:43 pm

    dumbya is a piece of lying shit and anyone who supports this scum-bag is no better than runny diarrhea.

    Comment by TheAtheist — December 19, 2005 @ 6:48 pm


  43. Boon says:

    The biggest mistake Bush is making is to lull the world into thinking that he represents what true Americans think and feel, which I hope, in a way, will explain the disdain and hatred many in the world feels for America. The best thing the next President can do as soon as he or she takes office is to, with sincerify and honesty in h/her heart, apologise to the world for Bush’s mistakes and undertake not to repeat them. Sadly, the sun will rise in the west before this happens…


  44. wwallace says:

    …Soros is certainly getting his money’s worth. LOL


  45. Anti-George says:

    #33 … Barbara Boxer is pretty tenacious … and I hope she continues her inquiries. My question is: If he’s impeached … which he certainly deserves … who’s up next? Cheney?? There seems no escape from this quagmire. How could so many people have been fooled by this guy … and fooled twice? !!


  46. wwallace says:

    AntiGeorge, since the president hasn’t done anything wrong, let alone impeachable, he will not be impeached. Despite the protestations of liberals, defending America is not an impeachable offense.


  47. Susan says:

    #47 Anti-George, we are demanding the impeachment of Bush and Cheney.
    It really doesn’t matter who takes their place. Our message will be clear..criminals will be removed immediately!

    Write or call your Representatives and Senators now! Demand impeachment hearings. Let them know that they will not have your vote if they do not begin hearings immediately.


    This link makes it easy. Foward this link to everybody in your address book.

    http://www.millionphonemarch.com/impeach.htm

    Do it now!


  48. poody says:

    Hey, if he a give you a mistake, next you’ll want a mispotato. Give a guy a break.


  49. Cicero says:

    Hmph. I don’t know about mistakes the President may or may not have made, but I sure do find it ironic that a CBS reporter is asking the President to own up to mistakes, whereas Dan Rather and Mary Mapes still refuse to own up to theirs.

    (I’m being generous and calling the use of the TANG/Burkett documents by CBS a mistake, rather than what I and many others believe it to be, i.e. outright deception. Regardless of how legitimate questions may be about Bush’s TANG service (or lack thereof), the investigation was forever tainted by CBS’s use of forged (yes, FORGED) documents.)

    Later,


  50. Anti-George says:

    dear wwallace, the prsident has done many things wrong … the question is, “has he done anything illegal?” … That is the criteria under which he would be impeached. There are several inquiries now underway to investigate allegations. We cannot impeach him just because we would like to throw him out of office … there has to be proof of illegal wrong-doing. I am very concerned about what this man could do in the three years he has left if he continues to go unchecked. However, his own party is beginning to question his abilities … too little, let’s hope it is not too late.


  51. Bule says:

    No matter what happens, that halfwitted,, self-serving, traitorous, mass murderer will live the rest of his life in wealth, luxury and bathed in the respect that is heaped upon elder statesmen. Even if he is forced from office, he will be treated as though his ideas are important, and his life of value.

    However this all plays out, he will spend his golden years laughing up his sleeve at the gullibility of the American public. Mothers grieve, the public suffers want and deprivation while he looks on in cynical amusement.

    You reactionary trolls out there are his greatest success stories; keep up the good work defending him and his cronies. After all, they hold you with about the level of respect medieval kings held for their court jesters and fools.


  52. Binkster says:

    The Unleader’s right: he made no mistake.

    51% of American made the mistake.


  53. Bule says:

    Re #52 The fact that we can’t throw him out of office when we disagree with him is a flaw in this form of democracy.

    In a parliamentary system a government will fall when it ceases to have the confidence of the people. In a republic, the president is given carte blanche to do anything short of break the law with little or no recourse until his mandate is up.

    That said, anybody who makes the claim that Bush hasn’t betrayed the constitution, betrayed the people, as well as broken the law is on crack.


  54. WORFEUS says:

    He couldn’t think of any?

    Really?

    He should have called me, I could have helped refresh his memory.


  55. Barbara says:

    I am amazed at how many excuses he makes day after day after day with that same smirk. Bush has done NOTHING Legal since he stole votes folks. Something that really creeps me out is how fast DICK Cheney got a no bid contract once again for HELLiburton to clean up New Orleans. For God’s sake, The Bodies were still floating and the ink wasn’t even dry on that contract. We all know legal contracts take longer than a few days, especially something so complex. Same thing with the war, cheney is the anti-christ. Have you noticed they never take his photo from the waist down? Why? Because you would see his slithering tail peeking out of his trouser leg. Bush and Cheny are the biggest criminals in US History.


  56. Dumb Fox says:

    What an a**hole. And what a pack of lies.

    Item #1 – “I made my decision based upon the recommendations of Tommy Frank”.

    Baloney. Rummy and his Neocon warmonger friends actually made that decision, and they fired senior officers like Shinseki until they found an officer who made the “recommendation” they wanted.

    And secondly, if Bush had any pretensions of leadership, let alone common decency and respect for the truth, he would acknowledge that it was not the military’s fault for the post-war planning debacle. It was Bush’s civilian, Neocon pigf*ckers who screwed this up.

    Item #2 – “a mistake was trying to train a civilian defense force and an Iraqi army at the same time”.

    What the f*ck is Chimp saying? It was a mistake because we f*cked up the training regime? Well, no sh*t Sherlock. Just proves again the post-war planning was a nonsense, and given this was a war of choice, that is a f*cking outrage.

    BTW, Iraq needs an army AND a police force, and it’s stupid to suggest that this training couldn’t be done concurrently. Just Donald “Stuff Happens” Rumsfeld didn’t give a crap about planning beyond “Shock and Awe” and securing the oil industry.


  57. Michael says:

    During World War 2 Tokoyo Rose would constantly assail our troops using three basic tacts:

    1. The President lied.
    2. You can’t win this war.
    3. You’re actually fighting to protect the interests of big corporations.

    Sound familiar to anyone? It should–the Democrats and the left in this country are doing the same thing.


  58. Dartanyon says:

    Sociopaths don’t make mistakes.
    .


  59. suzanne says:

    If CLUES were Shoes Bush would WAlk around BAREFOOT.


  60. Bate Palmas says:

    I’d say it was his administration that made the perennial mistake- the President relies on his administration after all.

    Their BIG mistake was not taking into account the ease with which political shenanigans are globally communicated today. It seems they thought they could get away with things that they would have gotten away with many years ago, not considering that the world will QUICKLY and EASILY latch onto a plethora of conspiracy theories, viable or not.

    That was their biggest mistake. Other than that, I’d say that there were no mistakes. No sir, they have made loads of money out of this.


  61. unbelievable says:

    #60

    Hi Michael!

    I hear you, but we didn’t lose WWII, so unfortunately, your argument doesn’t validate criticisms against the war. You’d have a great example if we had lost that war. :)

    Actually, I think that the troops know we support them and are therefore trying to save their lives by getting them home. At least that’s what the ones I know are saying. Fewer and fewer soldiers are in support of this war themselves.

    Bottomline – we shouldn’t have gone to begin with. Pre-emptive war should not be tolerated. We don’t tolerate pre-emptive murder or assault in this country with good reason. People would be attacking one another all the time.

    The government shouldn’t be above the law. It’s like you telling your kids not to do one thing and then doing it yourself. Studies show that they follow your lead and not your warning. It’s the same with the government.

    We trained Al Qaeda to use violence in times of conflict, so what message does that send? That violence is okay… And it’s not.


  62. big papa says:

    Hey gang,
    Let’s all give it a rest. We’ve got so many smoking guns against the incompetence, corruption, malfeasance, and treason of the Bushites my asthma is flaring. The question is how do we purge our country of these bastards and witches (I’m such a gentleman).

    Daily Kos has a poster who has a GREAT idea, just put up fliers, posters, wear t-shirts any visual aids we can utilize with (in big bold letters ) the word “IMPEACH!”, nothing else.

    I think that’s a good starter before ‘06.


  63. Michael says:

    #64
    We didn’t lose this war either, but you would never know that by listening to the countless violations of honesty and objectivity flowing from the mainstream media. We also went into Iraq for many reasons–not just for pre-mptive reasons. In addition, we have declared war on terrorism. The Supreme Court has made clear that at a time of war the president has inherent powers to protect national security. That’s why there’s one commander-in-chief and not 535 of them. The court’s made a distinction between the criminal justice system and military actions, including intelligence and activities related to national security. I know you want peace–I do too. I want my children, and my grandchildren to enjoy peace and prosperity, but sometimes war is unavoidable. I’d much rather fight the war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq than on our own soil. Many seem to want peace at any price though. How many more 9/11’s will it take for people to realize that all the talk in the world isn’t going to work? Gen. Walter Bedell Smith, Chief of Staff to Gen. D.D. Eisenhower said–Diplomacy has rarely been able to gain at the conference table what cannot be gained or held on the battlefield.
    War is violent, but it was through that violence we live in a free country and enjoy the rights and priveleges that we do…By the way it’s nice to see you once again:)

    -


  64. specialk says:

    How can the American people have let this man do so much damage to our country and it’s well being? Impeachment needs to happen if not for this, then for the 2000+ senseless killings of our young people for a war we were duped into supporting, all for the profit of himself and his friends. (Haliburtin? Come on now!) How about for the 2 elections that were stolen? (Yet he is going to teach the Iraqi’s to have elections?)

    He went after the wrong country in the first place,(bin Laden?) and keeps changing the name of the war to suit whatever his agenda is at the time. (Remember when it was “project weapons of mass destruction? Now it’s Iraqi Freedom! What does that have to do with our 911 catastrophe?)

    What would Americans think if OUR government was taken over by another country who didn’t like the way we were running things? That has NOTHING to do with 911, and yet, that’s the excuse he is using over there now!

    We are dealing with a border-line dictator who is a control freak! Add to it that he is stubborn and cannot handle the job, and you have a deadly combination for the future of the US.

    Now he is SPYING on the innocent without permission and says “I can do whatever I want to”?
    I cannot bear to watch him destroy another soldier’s family, or further dissentigrate the constitution.
    He must be Impeached. there is certainly more than enough reason to do it. Our forefathers are rolling over in their graves.


  65. Michael says:

    #65
    I think that’s a great idea! Why not show the world that you have lost all perspective and all objectivity. And that you are oblivious to the way you look to the rest of us.


  66. ElectricBassPlayer says:

    Eating pretzels

    Riding a mountain bike

    Opening a door


  67. Dodgeball says:

    The real mistake is that the American people have become so misinformed that they keep tolerating this crap from OUR leaders. In the real world, you are able to fire people for such gross negligence. Wish we could get back to the real world for our representative government officials.


  68. Marie says:

    I’M FURIOUS and amazed that the country is not ELECTRIFIED to impeach this maniac, — with the knowledge of these Orwellian behaviors added to the compost pile of lies and machinations of our “new” King George. I remember when Fidel Castro lied bald-faced to his constituency — then blithely told them afterw seizing power. . “Okay, I lied, Nothing you can do now”.
    We just believe it can’t happen here. Even though we’re on that VERY path!


  69. mona says:

    On Monday, at his news conference, Pres. Bush turned into his favorite character”a school yard bully”, on at least a couple of questions from reporters. When the one reporter mentioned “unchecked powers” and when he was yelling about the Senate filibustering on not renewing the Patriot Act. Why is he so mean and nasty about anyone disagreeing with him? I don’t understand his insistence on the renewal of the Patriot Act without letting the Senate negotiate it first. The president has shown in his past actions that he does not care for the middle class, poor Americans or black poor Americans. His only concern to get this Act renewed, is to protect himself, his family and his rich friends. So, I say give the Senate time, with their negotiations, all Americans will be protected, not just King George’s.


  70. specialk says:

    We should all be furous, even the rabid Republicans who are brainwashed by the likes of idiots uch as “Push Dimbulb”….Oh, excuse me, I meant Rush Limbaugh.
    Part of the problem is the Republican media sources which are everywhere! It’s hard to get the truth out, and keep it there!


  71. Michael says:

    #72
    Many of us are confused as to why Bush has waited so long to defend himself. He has allowed himself to be the punching bag of the Democrats and those with a liberal bias for far too long. He’s an honorable man, and it’s nice to see him address his critics. The Patriot Act helps our government connect the dots to attacks on our country. The media has lavished intense criticism on the administration for not connecting the dots prior to 9/11, and now they criticize the very tools that will help us to do that. Of course he’s angry–everyone criticizes what he does, but no one offers a better idea.


  72. Michael says:

    #73

    Which Republican media sources are responsible for these?

    Examples of blatant media bias and complete lack of integrity abound:
    · The Los Angeles Times held its story alleging inappropriate behavior by Arnold Schwarzenegger until just before California’s gubernatorial election, in an attempt to influence voters;
    · The New York Times failed to cover a major scandal in its own backyard involving highly questionable “loans” by the Brooklyn-based Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club to the failed leftist radio program Air America;
    · Strong evidence of cooperation between al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein dating back to the 1990s that has been completely ignored by the mainstream press (Read The Connection by Stephen F. Hayes);
    · Dan Rather’s phony Bush National Guard story;
    · The mainstream media’s complete failure to investigate Kerry’s Vietnam medals and involvement with the fraudulent Winter Soldier Project, which had fake Vietnam veterans joining Kerry in leveling untrue war crimes charges against all American forces in Vietnam;
    · One-sided reporting on the Joe Wilson-Valerie Plame affair when it was clear that Joe Wilson had a political axe to grind against the president, had inside help (and freedom to publish) from rogue elements within the CIA, and lied about his findings;
    · Leftist-spin reporting on the Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha’s cut-and-run-from-Iraq bill, which, when Republicans called Democrats’ bluff and put immediate withdrawal to an up or down vote, Murtha himself voted against the measure;
    · Just about all mainstream media reporting on Iraq or President Bush, which focuses exclusively only on the negative.

    When you consider these and countless other violations of honesty and objectivity by the mainstream media and add to that the scandals involving phony reporting by The New York Times’ own Jason Blair, among others, it makes you wonder how anyone but a Democrat ideologue could have any faith whatsoever in what passes for news today.


  73. specialk says:

    You have your opinion, I have mine.


  74. Gon says:

    One day you’ll realize yov (the Americans) have been acting as Nazis


  75. Lisa says:

    Where would I be able to obtain a complete transcript (including questions/answers) to yesterdays press conference?


  76. Michael says:

    #78 Lisa
    Try this…http://www.kron4.com/global/Story.asp?s=1783060


  77. Michael says:

    Sorry… grabbed the wrong one.



  78. unbelievable says:

    #66

    I don’t think you understand that 9/11 was a result of us training Al Qaeda and teaching them to use violence to solve their problems. We are not innocent and naive here. There never would have been an original 9/11 if we hadn’t trained and funded the terrorists. It’s like the birds cam home to roost, so to speak.

    There has been one attack on American soil in 230 years (aside from the attack of our ancestors on the naive Americans). This hardly makes me feel unsafe. What makes me uneasy is our government engaging in pre-emptive wars. I thin we are actually less safe now than we were prior to 9/11. And besides, we had the reports we were going to be attacked. It wasn’t a surprise to the Administration. SO, if we should fear anyone, it should be them…

    Iraq had nothing to do with terrorism. It was Al Qaeda, not Saddam. If we invaded Iraq for the reasons you gave, there were better targets.

    The president has full authority over the Executive branch, not over all three. He still has to respect the equal power of the judicial and legislative branches, even at time of war. But are not at war. Only Congress can declare war and it never has.

    Nice to have a debate without wwwallace around :). Do you like to read history books? Have you ever read “A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn? It’s a pretty powerful description of what the view war from teh side of those not in power. Might be a good stocking stuffer? :)


  79. big papa says:

    We didn’t lose this war either, but you would never know that by listening to the countless violations of honesty and objectivity flowing from the mainstream media. We also went into Iraq for many reasons–not just for pre-mptive reasons. In addition, we have declared war on terrorism.

    Comment by Michael

    Hey Mikey #66,

    Do you still put your teeth under your pillow so the tooth fairy can reward you?

    Read today’s editorial page in the USA Today, a fella named DeWayne Wickham has a startling revelation for you…

    You can read, right?


  80. Carole says:

    Dear Michael, in reply to your comment about the patriot act, bush and co had received ample warning that an attack was imminent and CIA were on the trail of the alleged hyjackers and told to stand down, “9/11″ couldn’t have happened if there wasn’t a stand-down. So what good is it going to do to spy and visit on people that want to borrow Mao’s “Little Red Book” from the library. Unfortunatly, a lot of people only object to something if it starts to personally affect them. Millions of law abiding people already are, hence the objections of many.
    And a better idea would be for this administration,and the American people in general,to ask themselves WHY IT IS that people want to kill you. Beyond the usual propaganda yarn of “freedom hating” etc.
    The arrogance with which US thinks that, for 6 decades now, it can just waltz into anyone’s country and laying down THEIR rules, destroying governments, businesses, and worst of all innocent, usually poor, people and not ever expect repercussions is completely beyond me. But then again U.S of A is founded on theft and destruction, from the very beginning.
    My anger used to be for Bush and neocons, not for the American people as such,because we all know that it always takes a little longer for you to catch up (and wake up)to the rest of the world, and when you do, you do it good.
    Times are exciting. America is waking up. Now all we have to wait (and hope for)are loads of impeachments (at least)and an apology to the rest of us.


  81. Michael S says:

    #66 “The Supreme Court has made clear that at a time of war the president has inherent powers to protect national security. ”

    However…the Constitution says that only Congress has the power to declare war. That has not happened since World War II. So these “inherent powers” do not specifically apply.

    I believe the wire-tapping should be sufficient for the impeachment process to begin. It is very obviously illegal. It goes directly against the law set up in 1974? 1978? delineating how to go about doing such things. There is a process for accomplishing what he wanted to do, and he deliberately worked outside that process. He claims it is due to the extenuating circumstances of the war. If I were speeding due to the extenuating circumstance of being late to work, I’d still be expected to pay the speeding ticket.


  82. david w. baty says:

    To all the republicans,Do you really think that the books and articles written by Al Franken,Molly Ivens, Jimmy Carter, Micheal Moore etc. are all just democratic bullsh*t?Can you actually listen to Bill Oreilly, Rush Limbaugh, Pat Robertson and not see them for the selfserving idiot jerks that they are ? There is really something wrong with you. Be just and kind, dwbaty2004@yahoo.com


  83. boris says:

    Sorry to dissapoint you guys. You are all dreamers. There is nothing you can do now to this Idiot and his goverment. You still think that you are living in a democracy and can outvote Republicans. Two times was not enough? Only revolution can help you and unfortunately it must not be velvet if you want result. There is to much power in their hands. There are to many Michaels-december in your country.


  84. unbelievable says:

    #88

    Don’t underestimate the Revolution of the intelligensia (see Prague vs. USSR).


  85. boris says:

    even though there are great minds in America and you have intelligensia living mostly on both coasts, they are in the minority. And also intelligent ways could not withstand brutal force.


  86. Peter says:

    The Bush administration has taken a page from the handbook of fledgling third world governments. Any new administration must steal anything that is not tied down. There is no such thing as insuring the future unless it directly involves corporate or individual interests.
    In the third world corrupt governments get deposed. Apparently in the US they go unchallenged because they are defending freedom.
    We live in a very dark time….


  87. god says:

    man will destroy man.it will take a little bit longer than expected,but he will acomplish it.that’s how i made them.


  88. god says:

    knowlegde was a pretty good punishment huh!maybe humans will listen to me sometime, and not just interpret.
    my intensions were good!


  89. Karl Gillies says:

    Greetings from the frozen wastes of the subantarctic nuclear-free zone # 82.
    Your comment “one attack on American soil in 230 years” – presumably Pearl Harbour sneaky Japonazi attack etc?
    If you count “American Waters” as “soil”, what about all the German U-boat strikes on the USA eastern seaboard during WW2? That which the U-boat submariners euphimistically referred to as “the second happy time”!
    Nowhere’s safe any more.
    KG, New Zealand
    ps CTHULHU FOR PRESIDENT! Why vote for a lesser evil?


  90. unbelievable says:

    #90

    even though there are great minds in America and you have intelligensia living mostly on both coasts, they are in the minority. And also intelligent ways could not withstand brutal force.

    Comment by boris — December 20, 2005 @ 1:48 pm

    Prague v. USSR, Gandhi v. British Empire, off the top of my head. I think knowldege almost always prevails over brute force. But, I guess we will see…


  91. boris says:

    #94
    You are right that eventually intelect wins. But it takes time and a long strugle. And your strugle just started.
    You seem to know the history. Remember Stalin’s time. Most of intellegentsia was shot or sent to Gulag. Maybe “evesdroping” is just the beginning.
    I do hope though that in America it will be different, but more and more of us europeans are skeptical. Please, prove us wrong.


  92. Sid says:

    oh iri: We keep telling you but you don’t listen. Take your meds early in the day and then make your posts here. Try and keep them on topic also helps. Have a nice day!


  93. Marie says:

    STAY ON TOPIC, PUHLEEZE…We have to CONVEY our horror over this one, — long, loud and insistently— to whomever will listen. This man is DANGEROUS to a country only two hundred + years old. By George Bush’s standards, I’m sure, as a housewife and teacher who supports Code Pink, Cindy Crawford, etc., I’m a dangerous dissident.
    SO ARE SOME OF YOU. It’s a short step from what George is doing now to wiretapping YOU AND I — -then throwing US into some gulag for the “safety” of America. HELP THE CAUSE— STAY ON IT!


  94. Mad as Hell says:

    Nest year, lets turn the tables, and instead of asking him if he’s made a mistake, lets strap him to a chair, bolt the chair to the floor, place a cage over all of it, and we will all tell him what he’s done wrong.


  95. unbelievable says:

    #96

    Fortunately Bush only stole the last election with 51% of the vote (he’s never truly been elected). That left half of our country to watch him. We do remember history, fortunately, because Hitler too shut down the Golden Age in Germany, burned books, sent the intelligensia to gulags and so on. We know we aren’t safe against this tyrant.

    This stuff is actually getting onto mainstream television media now. Once it makes its way to television here, it’s impossible to hide it anymore. One network was showing the clips of Bush saying that court orders on spying were requisite and then showing the clip of his admission of spying without court orders. Even the moderates and some conservatives here are starting to get the offense. This is the beginning of trouble for him, and he will begin to find himself under serious scrutiny now. Hopefully, soon he wil;l also be unable to do more damage.

    I hope the world knows that this is the Bush Administratiion and a 35% extreme percent of the population, not America as a whole… Some of us have actually been outside of our country too :).

    Where do you live?


  96. Karl Gillies says:

    Here we are Boyz ‘n Gurlz, just what the medics ordered –
    BUILD A BETTER BUSH:
    http://uk.download.yahoo.com/ne/fu/attachments/buildabetterbush.htm

    now y’all can stop all that whining and jes get on with it!!
    KG, New Zealand


  97. david w. baty says:

    What really amazes me is that the women around Bush and his cronies can stand by and watch all the dead and wounded caused by this administration. It’s all GREED ! and they say they love CHRIST ! The women in this country have to STAND UP !! BUSH has NEVER done anything of note in his life except get this country in to a WAR .The history books will show that the BUSH dynasty as the most evil in modern times. BE KIND David W. Baty


  98. Carole says:

    Yeah, it’s unbelievable what people do in the name of God. Are they any better than the “terrorists”?


  99. Bizzle says:

    His first mistake was the false belief that he was ‘chosen’ to lead this country into a war. If we put aside all the political machinations that went into play getting this dunce into office, I’ve come to the conclusion that not only was he not chosen, he appears to have been forced on us.


  100. mike says:

    Extend the Patriot Act? For how long? Wouldn’t that give them Carte Blanche to your company’s trade secrets? Wouldn’t that allow them to go into Haliburton’s rivals’ databases and see what they could see? Wouldn’t that allow them to go into Wall Steet stockbrokers’ databases and pick the biggest cherries. Just wondering.



  101. EntelliMedia » Blog Archive » gregarius ” devlog (8 unread) Gregarius Latest Plugins says:

    [...] Think Progress ” Stumped Again: Bush Can’t Name A Single Mistake Bill’s the manly, poised, intelligent, statesmanlike son George the … The mainstream media _ s complete failure to investigate Kerry _ s Vietnam … [...]


  102. Dating Sites MORGAN says:

    Dating Sites MORGAN

    It actually reminds me of some dating sites I joined.. I don’t know


  103. pillow toys says:

    pillow toys

    all these internet sites are explaining wellness. If people keep condemning innocent things kids do, without even knowing what its


  104. Hardcore Sex Sex Hardcore Hardcore Porn Videos says:

    Hardcore Sex Sex Hardcore Hardcore Porn Videos

    I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view


  105. Hardcore Sex Gay Hardcore Sex Hardcore Blowjob says:

    Hardcore Sex Gay Hardcore Sex Hardcore Blowjob

    I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view


  106. Hardcore Sex Hardcore Sex Stories Hardcore Toons says:

    Hardcore Sex Hardcore Sex Stories Hardcore Toons

    I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view


  107. Kds Bbs Pics Russian Child Models Ls Girls says:

    Kds Bbs Pics Russian Child Models Ls Girls

    I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view



Jump to Top

About Think Progress | Contact Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy (off-site) | RSS | Donate
© 2005-2009 Center for American Progress Action Fund
View Most Popular

Advertisement

What We're About

Featured

image
Subscribe to the Progress Report



imageTopic Cloud


Visit Our Affiliated Sites

image image
Reports


Got a hot tip?
Have a hot news tip? We'd love to hear from you. Use the form below to send us the latest.

Name:
Email:
Tip:
(required)


imageArchives


imageBlog Roll