President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’
President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’
At a press conference this morning, President Bush needled Los Angeles Times reporter Peter Wallsten after he stood up to ask a question wearing sunglasses. “Are you going to ask that question with shades on?” Bush said, telling Wallsten, “I’m interested in the shade look, seriously.”
But as Wonkette first noted, and which ThinkProgress subsquently confirmed, Wallsten is legally blind. Wallsten tells us he has a rare genetic disorder called Stargardt’s Disease. The disease is a form of macular degeneration that can be slowed “by wearing UV-protective sunglasses and avoiding exposure to bright light.”
Wallsten said Bush’s comments did not offend him at all. “I never advertise it to him. I’ve never told him.”
Transcript below:
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Peter. Are you going to ask that question with shades on?
Q I can take them off.
THE PRESIDENT: I’m interested in the shade look, seriously.
Q All right, I’ll keep it, then.
THE PRESIDENT: For the viewers, there’s no sun. (Laughter.)
Q I guess it depends on your perspective. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Touche. (Laughter.)
Q Following up on the other Peter’s question about Karl Rove, you said that you were relieved with what happened yesterday. But the American public, over the course of this investigation, has learned a lot about what was going on in your White House that they didn’t know before, during that time, the way some people were trying to go after Joe Wilson, in some ways. I’m wondering if, over the course of this investigation, that you have learned anything that you didn’t know before about what was going on in your administration. And do you have any work to do to rebuild credibility that might have been lost?
THE PRESIDENT: I think that — first of all, the decision by the prosecutor speaks for itself. He had a full investigation. Karl Rove went in front of the grand jury like — I don’t — a lot of times. More times than — they took a hard look at his role.
Secondly, as I told the other Peter, I’m going to tell you, that there’s an ongoing trial, it’s a serious business. And I’ve made the comments I’m going to make about this incident, and I’m going to put this part of the situation behind us and move forward.
Sort Comments By: Top Rated | Date
363 Responses to “President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’”
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
dum du dum dumbya strikes again!
June 14th, 2006 at 2:00 pmBush is a f***ing moron.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:00 pmTP, isn't this too much of hair-splitting than anything? Really, anyone would make the same mistake. A guy wearing sunglasses - do YOU immediately assume he's blind?
I still want Bush impeached and tried for Treason, though.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:02 pmWow, when I heard Bush say that this morning, I thought he was just being a shitheel as usual. And he was, only worse. Were there any really comfortable looking people in wheelchairs there?
It's the sign of a truly insecure person, when they have to keep reminding people who they are.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:03 pmbush is a class act...in a retarded kinda way...
June 14th, 2006 at 2:04 pmI've noticed many times that W has a tendency to ask reporters insulting questions. W probably doesn't think they're insulting, but that seems to be his style. He still has that dumb high school/fraternity-type sense of humor. I guess that goes along with his total arrested development.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:06 pmShame, one kind of has to feel sorry for Bush here. Kind of classy of the reporter not to throw it in Bush's face though. Bravo Wallsten.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:07 pmOh My GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD! (Said like a Latino futbol announcer). I know there's been some "personnel changes" and what not, but dammit, man--did he fire all his handlers? There are people who can work for even this ridiculous jerk and make him dodge stupendously embarrassing things like this. They note the new strangeness, inquire about it quietly and keep the Prez informed. Man alive. When he is off prompter, anythign can happen.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:07 pmA guy wearing sunglasses - do YOU immediately assume he’s blind?
Comment by Xbot
I do, especially on a cloudy day, but then I know several people who are legally blind.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:09 pmQuod Erat Demonstrandum. Bush is an idiot in everything.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:12 pm[...] and so is Peter Wallsten of the Los Angeles Times. This morning at a press conference Bush had an exchange with the reporter and jokingly asked him about the sunglasses he was wearing. Think Progress has the video. This is a must see! [...]
June 14th, 2006 at 2:12 pmIt's a dumb comment, but if Wallsten takes no offense, I don't see why we should. (If he repeats the comment later, on the other hand.... )
June 14th, 2006 at 2:13 pm#8 - I wonder if his "handlers" hate their jobs so much by now, that they're intentionally letting him go into these situations "unarmed," so to speak. Wllsten was a class act.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:13 pmDoubleSpeak with Matthew and Peter Slutsky
June 14th, 2006 at 2:14 pm
xbot..... he called the guy by name, you think he must be sort of familiar with who he is....just typical bush he doesnt care to find out anything or anyone other than himself.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:14 pmChimpy was, as usual, an assface during the presser. I thought his comments were a little unnecessary - and that was before I knew that reporter was blind.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:14 pm#3
Nah. It's just pointing out, once again, that Bush is a moron. Just a down-to-earth, folksy, brush clearin', perch-fishin', bike-ridin', hard-workin', I'm-one-of-you kind of guy that just happens to be president. Or at least that's the image he desires to portray. The bit about the sunglasses, while perhaps cute to most ignorant Americans, probably wasn't necessary and rather out of place in what should have been a serious question and answer event. Although I didn't see the press conference, it sounds more like a Bush attempt to soften what he expected to be a hard-hitting question.
Tune in next time when Bush asks David Gregory: "I like your haircut. Who's your stylist?"
June 14th, 2006 at 2:14 pmCosmo Kramer strikes again.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:16 pmHe used 'Touche' so any social oops is automatically undone.
It's in the rules. Trust me.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:16 pmThat guy does look like Kramer, LOL.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:18 pmDoes this guy have a Bush nickname? You know, Slim, Stretch, etc.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:19 pmPresident Bush needled Los Angeles Times reporter Peter Wallsten after he stood up to ask a question wearing sunglasses. “Are you going to ask that question with shades on?†Bush said, telling Wallsten, “I’m interested in the shade look, seriously.â€
The Wise man and his instincts.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:19 pmWhat a tragedy he must be for the Elitist Bush family..A sheeple among the crystal illuminates, a blind bull stumbling thru money class and couth.
"Does this guy have a Bush nickname? You know, Slim, Stretch, etc."
Eagle Eye
June 14th, 2006 at 2:20 pmHey Bush can call him Kramers name.
COSMO the Reporter.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:21 pm#3. Xbot — June 14, 2006 @ 2:02 pm
I thought the same thing at first. But what offends me is the casual slackjawed approach he takes to everything he does.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:21 pmHere's a good article describing some of Bush's frat boy mocking and put-downs (he must be SO insecure...):
Bush: 'Alpha Male on the Cruise Ship'
June 14th, 2006 at 2:22 pmhttp://www.consortiumnews.com/2006/051706.html
i live here in washington and know there are many bling people living here too.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:23 pmit didnt help that Peter Wallsten the blind reporter bush was mockink was caring a Shooter Cane.
Does this guy have a Bush nickname? You know, Slim, Stretch, etc.
Comment by onthefence — June 14, 2006 @ 2:19 pm
Of course.
Bush: "I shall call you...squegeeboo!"
June 14th, 2006 at 2:23 pmHe used ‘Touche’ so any social oops is automatically undone.
It’s in the rules. Trust me.
Aint do damn rules in Texas that say any such a thing.
Where, pray tell, did you get such an idea?
I can say Touche! and waa laa its all good!
June 14th, 2006 at 2:25 pmIsn't that some of that french fried liberal crap?
See. That dog don't hunt in Texas 'Emily Post' Squishyboo
Pat Robertson
"Isn’t that some of that french fried liberal crap?"
Touche.
See works everytime.
WC
June 14th, 2006 at 2:29 pm"Bush: “I shall call you…squegeeboo!â€
Nice, but I beat you to it, and I think mine is more along his thought patterns.
Isn’t that some of that french fried liberal crap?
Correction, those are American fried in a French manner, a la Tom Delay's goodbye dinner.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:29 pmVideo doesn't work.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:30 pmBush saying Touche is truly funny.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:30 pmMakes him look like a French 'Liberal'
Ohh, but he is?
Touche!
Mr Rothschild, I didn't mean to insult your Bush Frog. Touche!
Correction, those are American fried in a French manner, a la Tom Delay’s goodbye dinner.
Oh yes, now I see.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:33 pmI was not wearing my moustache of understanding and the third eye was not emoting the visualizations of speech.
Nice, but I beat you to it, and I think mine is more along his thought patterns.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 14, 2006 @ 2:29 pm
You mean Bush's thought patterns? Ha! Using the words "Bush" and "thought patterns" in the same sentence is a no-no.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:37 pmI was not wearing my moustache of understanding and the third eye was not emoting the visualizations of speech.
Details, it's all in the details. Luckily I've been slowly prying open my third eye since '96.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:37 pmThe first thing that went through my mind when I saw the photo was "This guy looks like he's blind"... But I couldn't imagine why TP would post a photo of a blind person. And then I read the headline...
What an idiot!
June 14th, 2006 at 2:39 pmIt’s the sign of a truly insecure person, when they have to keep reminding people who they are.
Comment by Zookeeper — June 14, 2006 @ 2:03 pm
Excellent point!
June 14th, 2006 at 2:42 pm"when they have to keep reminding people who they are."
You mean like a blind guy wearing blind guy glasses? So this gaff is all the reporters fault for being insecure?
June 14th, 2006 at 2:44 pmIt's the wise guy impulse at work, Bush always trying to go one-up on supposed imperfections he can ridicule.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:47 pmSo this gaff is all the reporters fault for being insecure?
Comment by squegeeboo
I was talking about Bush, Squeegmeister.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:51 pmTHIS is the same as racial profiling.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:52 pmI don't know folks. Count me among those that don't think this is all that big of a deal. W has said far dumber things. Trying to score political points based on something like this seems, to me at least, misguided at best. Leave it to Colbert to crack a joke about it - this should fall to the comedic, not politcal, domain.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:54 pmThe guy is under no obligation to give Bush his medical history before asking a question. Bush was being an a$$hole...that's all there is to it. Bush was simply being an a$$hole and as a result he stuck his foot in his mouth.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:55 pm"I was talking about Bush, Squeegmeister."
Wait, so are you saying that I took your statement and twisted it to my own use regardless of the intended meaning behind it? I'm hurt you would even think I could/would do such a think.
"THIS is the same as racial profiling."
June 14th, 2006 at 2:56 pmBeing blind is a race?
Remember - this is the guy who waved wildly at Stevie Wonder. It's not that he's insecure - it's that there's no there there.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:02 pm[...] Well, it turns out that the reporter in question is legally blind. Thinkprogress reports: President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’ [...]
June 14th, 2006 at 3:03 pmA bit of a cheap shot, is it not? The reporter didn't have a problem with it and "legal-blind" can mean a lot of things. It's not like the man had a dog or a cane right next to him or anything, yeah?
June 14th, 2006 at 3:03 pmYou can almost imagine bushie saying to a wheelchair bound reported - "Why don't you stand up and ask me that question!"
Joey "Fingers" Fletcher
Al Franken - "In Minnesota, we call that being a jerk."
June 14th, 2006 at 3:04 pmNOW THAT YOU'VE ASKED YOUR QUESTION, I HAVE ONE FOR YOU, SMART GUY... ARE YOU GONNA KEEP THEM SHADES ON AND CONTINUE TO PARADE AROUND MY ROSE GARDEN WITH YOUR DOG AND THAT LONG WHITE CANE?? WHAT, ARE YOU TRYING TO BE ONE O' THEM "OUTDOORSMEN", ALL HIKING AROUND LIKE THAT? HAW HAW HAW! TOUCHE' FOR ME!!@
June 14th, 2006 at 3:05 pm“THIS is the same as racial profiling.â€
In addition, it would be the opposite of profiling, if he had seen the glasses, and assumed the man was blind, that would be profiling. Instead he though the guy was just wearing sun glasses
June 14th, 2006 at 3:13 pmDumbya: "Are you going to ask that question with shades on?"
June 14th, 2006 at 3:14 pmReporter: "Are you going to hold office with blinders on?"
He sure doesn't look blind here.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:17 pmA guy wearing sunglasses - do YOU immediately assume he’s blind?
Comment by Xbot
The fact is that ANY comment on appearance or apparel is probably inappropriate at a press conference or any gathering involving strangers.
The reddened complexion that comes from radiation treatment, not sunburn. The big stomach that isn't a pregnancy. The bald head that's the result of chemo, not a fashion statement. And in the land of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder ...
Certainly not the most glaring faux pax of Bush's career, but further evidence of a certain lack of sensitivity and awareness of alternate possibilities that I find very disturbing in a "world leader".
June 14th, 2006 at 3:18 pmOh, the picture didn't show up. But there is a picture of him taking notes in Congress, wearing what appear to be regular glasses without a thick lens. He's not holding the paper close to his face and seems to see just fine.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:18 pmAnd this is newsworthy why?
.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:19 pmThis could be a beginning to a joke.
"Hey, what did the idiot say to the blind man?"
June 14th, 2006 at 3:21 pmomg! who cares!?!?!? this is stupid..post better topics for discussion than this crap..
June 14th, 2006 at 3:21 pmJune 14th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
More evidence of Dubious' bullying personality.......
June 14th, 2006 at 3:25 pmHe has gone through life having the ready threat of " my Daddy is gonna beat you up" always in his otherwise empty pockets.......
He has stepped into the perfectly fitting glass slippers of the Military/Industrial/Security Complex.............
Ok, this is the same idiot who waved to Stevie Wonder.
Robin Williams makes fun of it on his "Broadway" DVD.
Says Williams (as Stevie) "Did he think I was lookin' for him? Goddamn!"
June 14th, 2006 at 3:36 pm[...] Update: Think Progress has the answer. He doesn’t need the shades — but they help. Did Bush know? No. [...]
June 14th, 2006 at 3:40 pmFurther proof that Chimpy is an IDIOT.
Anybody who supports him is also an IDIOT.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:45 pmWas there a follow-up? Drinky McStagger essentially answers by saying that if there's no indictment, there's no wrong-doing. However, he promised us to fire whoever was involved in outing Plame. Well, there's now irrefutable evidence that Scooter and Rove were the ones who called the six reporters and outed Plame.
Why does Rove still have his security clearance? Why does he still have a job?
As for the sunglasses thing, my take on it was that Bush was being his usual 24/7 asshole. He felt that the reporter was disrepectful by not removing his sunglasses. He's made similar snarky comments in the past when he thought he wasn't getting the respest a Boy King deserves. Possibly not the most newsworthy item, but whaddya want, photo-op trips EVERYday?
June 14th, 2006 at 3:54 pmWhat Dubya WANTED to say was, "I'm the prezdet, y'all gotta take them sunglasses off to address me! I can MAKE you take them off, y'know."
June 14th, 2006 at 3:56 pmI don't really see this as that eventful. I don't know, it's kinda amusing, and Wallsten took it in a very genial way. He seems like a decent guy. (Wallsten, not Bush) I love his retort: "It depends on your perspective." All the reporters got it, Bush didn't. It was classic.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:59 pmWe must rid ourselves of the miserable Beastie.
IMPEACH!
June 14th, 2006 at 4:00 pmHungry Kossaks...
Whenever the nutroots perceive an opportunity, they pounce and pounce and ...
June 14th, 2006 at 4:05 pmBush is a heartless slob, so now he picks on a near-blind reporter > shame on him!
June 14th, 2006 at 4:06 pmIgnoring the preliminary sun glass comments, didnt the transcript boil down to:
Reporter: Were you unaware of the crass activity going on in the Whitehouse surrounding Joe Wilson?
George Bush: I refuse to answer that.
Only dressed up nicely.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:15 pmHaving seen a number of pairs of sunglasses disappear when the cameras begin to turn on, I thought that Bush was asking him -- in a kidding way -- if he'd forgotten to take them off. Does he wear them when at press conferences inside?
June 14th, 2006 at 4:15 pmCan someone just suck my nuts? Would someone do tht for me. If they do i'd appreciate it.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:17 pmCan someone just suck my nuts? Would someone do that for me. If they do i'd appreciate it.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:17 pmA blind reporter who can write. Is it in braile? Dude, this guy is a superhero. Does he have his own show?
Wow, if I was stupid like Bush, I'd assume a man with sunglasses that can jot down notes to my answers on a legal pad was blind as well.
Whose the idiot?
June 14th, 2006 at 4:24 pmPost 73 lol > Bush was called "Lips" at Yale because he liked to give BJs to jocks, so ask him to lick your privates!
June 14th, 2006 at 4:26 pmAbsolutely bullshit post.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:26 pmAnd I'm a left wingnut by your standards.
Let's impeach Bush so Cheney can serve as president. He's more sensitive to the Frisco Dyke cause.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:33 pmBush is just kind of a frat boy tool. Likes to make himself look like he's running the show. Once in a while his toolness comes out in a really inappropriate manner. If you act like a pompous ass all the time once in a while you'll really look like one.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:33 pmI’m hurt you would even think I could/would do such a think.
Comment by squegeeboo
I'm playing my tiny violin just for you, Squeegy.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:34 pmI wear shades during the day, sun or cloudy, because I'm very sensitive to light. Not a big deal. I think the problem is that Bush "gets personal" in inappropriate ways-- the whole "I'm giving you a nickname, hardehar" thing is an example of that. If I tell you my name is Mike, that's the name I expect you to use. I certainly don't want you to come up with a NEW name for me, even if we're good friends.
But Bush has this sort of intrusive way of pushing into people's space. It's weird for someone who presumably was brought up in an upper-class home and took manners classes and went to Yale and all that-- it's poor etiquette, and you think he would have had that impulse tamed very early. It's the sort of thing that makes a lot of people really uncomfortable because it seems to say, "I have the right to do this-- to tell you who you are, to make personal comments about your looks and bearing." Obviously, however, some people love it and rather than being discomfited by Bush's intrusiveness, see it as a sign of their "specialness".
The reporter was patient with him, didn't try to shame him by saying, "You know I'm blind, don't you?" or put him on the spot. Much classier than Bush, who rather obviously wanted to embarrass the man and put him in his place.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:34 pm#74 - Whose the idiot?
Comment by Liberals are so stupid it hurts my head...
Wallsten is legally blind, and he's trying to preserve what's left of his sight by wearing the sunglasses. Even if he were totally blind, he didn't forget how to write, and he probably has a nice assistant who would transcribe the notes for him.
That would be "who's," not "whose."
June 14th, 2006 at 4:38 pmMr. President, are your answers coming out of that box on your back, or are these actually your opinions?
June 14th, 2006 at 4:39 pm#80 - Well said, telly
June 14th, 2006 at 4:40 pmI can't believe this is even a thread! Good one TP! Gotta post something.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:43 pmBush: Idiot or Genius?
June 14th, 2006 at 4:43 pmthis proves he was raised by wolves.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:48 pmIs it really expected that President Bush know every single reporter, and his medical status. Good grief. Do you liberals know everyone on your block?
June 14th, 2006 at 4:48 pm"It’s weird for someone who presumably was brought up in an upper-class home and took manners classes and went to Yale and all that– it’s poor etiquette, and you think he would have had that impulse tamed very early. It’s the sort of thing that makes a lot of people really uncomfortable because it seems to say, “I have the right to do this– to tell you who you are, to make personal comments about your looks and bearing.â€
Etiquette, in the eyes of the "truly elite" (please notice the finger quoting sarcasm), is reserved for other members of the "truly elite," or at least, I would assume so. His talking down to and assigning nicknames to press members and things like that is another way of showing his superiority and dominance. Yuck.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:50 pmI'll give Dubya the benefit of the doubt on not knowing the reporter was legally blind, but more interesting is how his obnoxious tone reveals his dry-drunk Jekyll-and-Hyde true personality.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:53 pmI think #54, and #80 are correct. This isn't "news". Its just one more example of our president being rude and discourteous.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:54 pmWasn't the previous Bush President, #41 known for his good manners and thoughtfullness? I remember a mutter during the Clinton years that the Secret Service prefered Bush #41 to Clinton because #41 behaved with greater class.
The current set of Republicans in the White House don't have enough respect for themselves or anyone else to act politely.
Jeez chrise, this is a mountain out of a molehill.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:55 pmIt is NOT news.
Get it the hell off thinkprogress.
As already pointed out...legally blind is not the same thing as being %100 blind. He probably has some sight left and, as the article states, wearing sunglasses slows the further loss of sight.
But as I've already said, if Bush felt disrespected he shouldn't have acted like a bully and an a$$hole and call the guy out like that. He should have just answered the question and not made a scene over something so insignificant.
NOt only is it another example of Bush being little more than an insecure bully, it is an example of how Bush feels the press are little more than his personal servants. He feels he can tell them what to do, how to act, and what is or isn't appropriate for their jobs. This is also wrong.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:55 pmWhat's grievous is not that the guy turned out to be blind but that Bush feels perfectly okay clowning around at a press conference while people he sent capriciously to war are dying in battle.
Also can we stop calling a press conference a "presser" please.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:56 pmBush's "humorous" nicknames and remarks do not strke me as humorous, just a way of eating up time, and more importantly, giving him a control mechanism intended to break a reporter's concentration, rhythm, thought pattern. Bush usually breaks into the reporter's questioning to add his petits bon mots, although the questioning sometimes starts right away.
The Parry article about the ill-mannered, badly jocular alpha male is spot on.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:57 pm"more interesting is how his obnoxious tone reveals his dry-drunk Jekyll-and-Hyde true personality." - - Bingo. Bush's snarky, smarmy manner is evidence he's in need of remedial decency lessons.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:00 pm"I’m playing my tiny violin just for you, Squeegy."
Careful, if it's not the correct size for you, it can lead to neck, arm, or wrist injuries. No need to hurt yourself just for sarcasms sake.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:01 pmNo need to hurt yourself just for sarcasms sake.
Comment by squegeeboo
I will sacrifice myself, life and limb, to the great cause of sarcasm, Squeegy, just as you do for the extreme sport of frisbee.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:06 pmRay Charles could see what most of you have missed. A full life does not lend itself to perpetual anger, scrutiny and snarky commentary. My humble bloodline does not leave me want for the snippy veil of conceit that seems to come with Privilege.
True to form, I have lost my way. Blah blah yada yada. Ah here it is...
What I really mean to say was I think this event was just pleasantly perfect. I don't drink tea, but I feel as if there is a perfect cup for me. This brief exchange, albeit mildly adversarial, was a gift. Nobody got hurt, the primary players were equally ego stroked by the circumstance. A social Ponzi scheme delivered viral video.
If I didn't talk so much, I might have time to say, Lighten up folks, it just feels lighter.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:18 pmdubya is into the complete and utter a$$hole look
June 14th, 2006 at 5:20 pmhow the hell did bush now the guy was blind?? did he have a sign on saying BLIND or something??
but I know the liberal conspiracy theory behind all this, you see Bush causes global warming and thus the depletion of the ozone layer thus causing the sun"s rays to be brighter and thus this guy is blind! George bush doesn't care about blind people!! oh the humanity" George Bush makes people blind!
it is no wonder the democrats keep losing and people hate liberals/progressives more each day- they are nuts!
June 14th, 2006 at 5:23 pmI can’t believe this is even a thread! Good one TP! Gotta post something.
Comment by Tracy — June 14, 2006 @ 4:43 pm
Oh come on, you guys impeached Clinton for something as equally silly...
June 14th, 2006 at 5:28 pmChris;
Bush didn't have to KNOW the guy was blind, he could have just behaved politely and not make personal comments.
It was once considered the height of ill breeding to make personal comments.
Being rude to a blind man is of course much more deplorable than being rude to a person in good health, because a blind man has enough problems and can't hit back.
I don't know if George Bush cares about anyone.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:32 pmAs a Texan, I am ashamed the President pretends to be from Texas.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:33 pmmelior are you one of the Ditzy chicks??
Bush DID talk to the guy cordially even saying " I am interested in the shade look ,seriously"
June 14th, 2006 at 5:39 pmwhat the hell do you want out of this guy!! I mean I cannot believe that this is even an issue!!
I am deeply sorry( well, not really) that the President is not politically correct enough for all you hypersensitive "progressives" here but this and you are just plain nuts!
So typical of Bush. So typical.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:46 pmSo the presiddent made fun of a blind guy
June 14th, 2006 at 5:52 pmbig deal
it's not like he started an illegal war or something
jeez people - why do you hate america so much
#104 - Chris, you're just not getting the social nuances involved. It's simply not polite to draw attention to another's perceived rudeness, just in case you have perceived incorrectly.
Here's my take on it: GWB calls on Wallsten, and thinks to himself, "wow, what's with the shades? I'm the president, and he's being rude." A person with manners, and lord knows GWB ought to have his manners down pat, would be gracious enough and secure enough within himself, not to mention it and make Wallsten (or any guest) feel uncomfortable. Because who knows, maybe Walsten forgot to take off his shades, and didn't mean to be rude. Hence, if GWB was using those manners Mama Babs (or the nanny) taught him, he wouldn't have stuck his silver foot in his mouth, and would have thought to himself later, "Heh heh, dodged that bullet, heh heh, glad I mastered my impulse to call him out on his rudeness, heh heh."
June 14th, 2006 at 5:52 pmhey, an ignorant douchebag is still a douchebag. maybe Carter i'd give benefit of doubt to, but not this lying weasel. i'll go on record: there will never ever ever be as dumb a U.S. president as G.W. Even the avg right leaner secretly agrees and has no defense.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:52 pmand for Chris...whaaa?? hypersensitive?? he made fun of guy for weariing sunglasses, no he didn't know he was blind, but THATS THE BEAUTY OF IT! he's just a schmuck in general, who cares if the guy had sunglasses on? did he, emperor G.W., find it offensive or disrespectful that the guy wear sunglasses? the point was it was an awkward, prodding comment to begin with. he just got busted on it this time because he technically insulted someone due to the fact the dude was blind. he's so irreverent about everything. what a goob.
Bush has been president for over 5 years now right? He's been seeing the same reporters for awhile, no? He knows a good number of them I'm sure. Plus, this idiot, along with many more idiots of the world, cracks jokes about anything and everything and this was not an appropriate place nor time.
Then again this man is not much for doing things appropriately. Attacking countries based on half baked evidence, giving away ports against the will of the people and without proper congressional oversight and fostering an nepotistic, corrupt and greedy administration just to name a few things are what he considers to be appropriate. The man does many more things than this.
This is just a reminder to all of us that we need to watch this man because he is inconsiderate to say the least.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:54 pmInteresting is watching the Dubya apologists here flocking to his defense.
Taking a backhanded swipe at the Dixie Chicks for something said several years ago that pretty much everyone except touchy Dubya-lovers have forgotten about, then going on to shriek about progressives being hypersensitive? Pot, meet kettle....
June 14th, 2006 at 5:55 pmI am deeply sorry( well, not really) that the President is not politically correct enough for all you hypersensitive “progressives†here but this and you are just plain nuts!
How about this: "the President of the United States ought not to be a cock."
June 14th, 2006 at 5:56 pmLOL why would anyone on here defend the Dubya Dunce Decider ridiculing a guy who is almost completely blind? Next you Bush lovers will claim it is OK for Bush to call Helen Thomas an old ugly hag, or even perhaps some reporter is too fat to ask a question? Bush called a guy in Canada once a "Pretty Face," and tried to grab his ass too! Bush needs therapy badly!
June 14th, 2006 at 5:57 pmWow, so many idiots and so little time. I guess most of you being such the perfect people that you are have never mistaken someone of doing something when they were actually doing the oposite. I know if someone was talking to me with shades on when it was not bright outside or in an internal setting I would want to know why and if they didn't have a reason then they could take them off and look me in the eye. But in a world with people like the you that never make mistakes I guess this isn't an issue. Grow up And I would be glad to by a dictionary for the person who accused Bush of treason. Just because you don't like him doesn't mean he has committed any act of treason. Actually most of the stuff that he has done was propossed by both the UN and the Democratic party before he was ever in office. So check your facts before you open your mouth.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:59 pmthere you go with the sexual innuendo ahem. why , tell me why are the liberal/progressives so obsessed with sexual organs?? Is that where your brains are or just your emotions.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:00 pmI cannot believe that these nutjobs would go after Bush on this one. if EVER anyone ever needed proof that the liberals have completely and utterly melted down mentally this "controversy" about some blind reporter is undoubtable proof. This is your shining example leftists use it well and show America what you are really all about.
Hmm.. How much of a story was it for all of you when your messiah President Clinton was caught on tape laughing at Ron Brown's funeral, then feigning sorrow on camera?
This is a non-issue. What is it with you moronic liberals? Over and over and over again you are in such a hurry to 'stand up for the wronged'...taking up the 'noble cause of the offended'. Even in the case when your case in point isn't even offended himself!
Personally, I think that you all just have way too much time on your hands, and too many fools like myself are out there to act as your enablers on your stellar limp to the middle of mediocrity by reading and responding and driving your ad rates up.
Progressive thinking indeed!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:00 pmBoy you Bush lovers are pathetic > Bush is an abnoxious fool, but no matter what he does you defend him > shame on all Dubya defenders!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:04 pmGood lord. You people need industrial strength enemas you are so full of yourselves. This is why I can't prescribe to any liberal political parties rhetoric. You speak of the conservatives as being elitist. I think the lieberals are the worst kind of elitists. Those that take everyone else down and are they themselves the biggest offenders of all.
Screw politics. Screw politicians. Why are voting rates so low? Because most of the public, myself included, can't stand knuckleheads like the people who post on this board and don't want to be associated in any way, shape or form to you people and your twisted perceptions of reality.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:04 pmLets don't make a mountain out of a mole hill!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:05 pmGood lord. You people need industrial strength enemas you are so full of yourselves. This is why I can't prescribe to any liberal political party's rhetoric. You speak of the conservatives as being elitist. I think the lieberals are the worst kind of elitists. Those that take everyone else down and are they themselves the biggest offenders of all.
Screw politics. Screw politicians. Why are voting rates so low? Because most of the public, myself included, can't stand knuckleheads like the people who post on this board and don't want to be associated in any way, shape or form to you people and your twisted perceptions of reality.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:05 pmComment by Jay Randal : LOL why would anyone on here defend the Dubya Dunce Decider ridiculing a guy who is almost completely blind
Unbelievable... ridiculing him... THE REPORTER WAS NOT OFFENDED.
Truly, keep crying wolf... that way no one will give 2 shits if he really does say something worth bitching about.
You people seriously need help.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:10 pmI have a hidden disability that I don't advertise either. But if you asked me to do something I couldn't, I'd tell you that and go on with things. The reporter seems to have a lot thicker skin than most of you in this regard.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:11 pmOh brutha you are mentally ill, so please seek therapy at the nearest hospital or institution! Nobody cares if you post a damn thing on here > go post your rants on another blog site!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:11 pmWTF? Okay...Oh Brutha, just what on earth does this political blogsite have to do with low voter turnout? You don't want to vote because...you hate voters?
#115 Different Chris, you know, people do laugh at funerals. Perhaps you've only been to funerals of dull people? Both my parents died (separately) within three weeks of each other, and there was plenty of laughter at the funerals because people were reminiscing about funny events in the past. And, by the way, Clinton is not our messiah - is Bush yours?
June 14th, 2006 at 6:14 pmIts all about respect. Most poeple had taken off their sunglasses at that point and most would have taken them off before asking him a question.
Do you wear sunglasses to your meetings and all throughout? No... Just because someone is unaware of YOUR issues, doesn't mean they can't say something about it.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:16 pmGet a grip america
Go find something else to hate
Nobody cares if I post a thing on here? Well, there goes my afternoon. Here I thought I finally found a purpose in life. Thankfully, Dr. Jay Randal has been able to properly diagnose me as mentally ill. So, this bastion of liberal reasoning and sanctity can be preserved from my "rants." All heil Jay Randal for being the Big Brother at the door, protecting you from any other thoughts than those that meet his personal approval.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:19 pmOh brother you Bush lovers have to get paid to defend that obnoxious Dubya Dunce Decider on here > PERIOD.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:20 pmLol post 125 > tell your boss Karl Rove to screw off, or to give you better material to post on here!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:22 pmAs I've posted on another blog, what came across in the Bush-Wallsten exchange wasn't Bush's insensitivity -- it was his narcissism. Bush saw Wallsten wearing sunglasses and he couldn't simply ignore it. He had to turn it into a reason to smirk.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:23 pmI'm not a Bush lover. I am a hater of extremists like you. And extremists for the Republicans, too. You are all nutjobs and weenies.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:23 pm[...] Read about it watch the video here. Currently No Comments about this post. Leave a Comment. Leave a comment Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed. The following HTML is allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong> [...]
June 14th, 2006 at 6:24 pmJane123.. The point I was trying to make was not about people laughing at funerals. It was about being truly rude and obnoxious (Isn't that the issue?).. How disrespectful not to laugh, but to FEIGN SORROW ONLY when he saw the glowing red light of a camera trained on him. And if you do not recall, Jane this was the funeral of a man it was widely speculated Presidnent Clinton set up to crash and die, just like he did.
Maybe this is what we Republicans get, after all. We opened Pandora's box with the horrific details of President Clinton's Philandering and abusing his power for sex.. and the scandals of his fraudulent personal fortune and yada yada yada...
So this is the logical progression for illogical liberals: Name-call and insult at any cost. Take anything with a molecule of 'issue' written on it and make it out to be some sensation.
If this were President Clinton, or Reagan, or probably even Bush the senior; this would be something that we'd laugh about at then end of the news. But with all of your venom and bile and haste to make President Bush the devil, you all look petty and foolish. It would really be different if the dude was offended himself.
And, No. President Bush is not my messiah. Not close.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:29 pmLOL post 129 > in your post 119 you lambasted liberals on here, so that makes you a GOP operative or mole?! Since you do not like this progressive ThinkProgress site, then please post your drivel somewhere else!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:30 pmAh, Jay. Where else do you recommend? How do you know I don't post such drivel elsewhere? I am just like a whiny liberal right now. I get to bitch and moan and you have to listen to me because I am right and you are wrong and you will always be wrong so long as you don't agree with me.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:33 pmWow. It's funny how you liberals (I'm sorry- I mean 'progressives'-gotta be PC thse days) will rip Bush and his handlers for being too carefree and inattentive, but the next minute will tear into them because they're too protective of Bush. Apparently, the reporter didn't let it bother him. So, what's the big deal? Just another petty and idiotic matter the Left thinks is important. And you wonder why you haven't won an national election since 1996? And yeah, I voted Bush/Cheney '04 - so suck it, suck it hard, and hold it.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:36 pmLOL post 133 you are making me laugh! This is a site for liberals/progressives to post opinions/comments! You think we are all stupid on here, so why waste your time on TP?
June 14th, 2006 at 6:37 pmZach nope, but Bush said he needs a good blow, so get to it > lol.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:39 pmI hate Karl Rove, I hate Hillary Clinton, I hate the Green Party, I hate morons like the reporter who would not tell President Bush that he was blind so that he could use his position as a reporter to make him look foolish. People in this country are so full of themselvesand angry at those who differ in opinion. Used to be a time when we fought for positions with respect and then stood together against Communism, Totalitarionsim, and radical forms of government that spit on democarcy, now we have groups that think Cindy Sheehan is the poster child for all that is liberal and still others that think Pat Robertson is the ordained loud mouth for radical right churchies. Forget the middle men! We will work hard to make it, till we die; and then estate tax will give it all to the governement where the lazy liberals will agrue it needs to be given to to the illigal aliens, and the right wing wackos will blow it on another poorly planned war.
I am sureI will be called insane, or radical here as that is what americans do to each other these days. I am very afraid of the Jay Randel types out there. They get so angry towards others. Violently angry. It is just a matter of time before being politicall in this country will mean violence and terrorism between the left and the right. Where will I be - caught in the crossfire. DUCK!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:39 pmDifferent Chris, not to pick this apart, but, how do you know that Clinton was feigning sorrow? I think you may have been looking at that solely with the idea in your mind that Clinton wanted Ron Brown dead ("widely speculated" by Republican talking heads?) And you consider philandering so much more "horrific" than screwing the Constitution? And Whitewater is comparable to...what, outing a CIA agent?
Anyway, back to rudeness...if this were President Clinton, or Reagan, or even Bush the Elder, it wouldn't have happened, while the current President has a history of using "jokes" to put other people down, whether he realizes it or not. In this instance, the reporter took it in stride, rather than counter rudeness with rudeness. And speaking of which, my post was not insulting or venomous, nor did I call anyone names. Sarcastic, yes, venomous, no.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:44 pmBig oh brutha I agree witha lot of what you say and I don't think you are nuts at all! I think you are on to the root of why people hate politics and why there is so much venom.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:47 pmwhat you say is the reason why America needs a "third" party to come in and kick the republicans and democrats ass and return the Conststution as the basis of federal law. good job dude!
Oh boy post 137 brutha > whatever floats your boat! I dislike Rove and I do not support Hillary Clinton either! Cindy Sheehan is a good person and actually is a real centrist because she does NOT support Congressional members of either party! Never make a claim that you sit on the fence, but defend Bush on here!
Me getting angry on here is a lark, because I am laughing my ass off at you!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:47 pmAh, Jay. Where else do you recommend? How do you know I don’t post such drivel elsewhere? I am just like a whiny liberal right now. I get to bitch and moan and you have to listen to me because I am right and you are wrong and you will always be wrong so long as you don’t agree with me.
Comment by Oh brutha
Sorry, OhButIAmADink:
you left an important part of your arguement:
June 14th, 2006 at 6:48 pm"I know you are but what am I?"
That's exactly how you sound.
Well, Jay. You found me out. I have been outted like a CIA agent. I really do work for Karl Rove. Yes, he promised to teach me things. Powers. Powers that the most consider unnatural. If you only knew the power of the dark side.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:49 pmBig oh brutha, Maybe you will just be called stupid like your idol: GW
June 14th, 2006 at 6:52 pmBig Oh Brutha, #138, if you're among the "middle men", it's highly unlikely that your family will have to pay any "estate tax." That's just another Republican talking-points lie.
'Night, all, I'm heading home!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:52 pmBush puts foot in his mouth, again...
First, it was President Bush saying to a man in a wheelchair, "You look mighty comfortable." Today, there was this exchange at a presidential press conference:THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Peter [Wallsten, Los Angeles Times]. Are you going to ask that question...
June 14th, 2006 at 6:53 pmLOL post 143 brutha > Karl Rove is a Sith Lord, but you claimed earlier you dislike him?! Bush is his apprentice for the Dark Side > Keep up the sarcasm I like it!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:54 pmBush said it for the same reason he flew all the way over to Iraq to "look into the guys eyes." Bush believes that looking into someone's eyes tells you if they're sincere. It's nuts, but then... He wants to look into your eyes when he talks to you. It is also a bit intimidating to some people to be looked at that way, so take your pick: superstitious or intimidation.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:56 pmI did not defend Bush, actually. SCindy Sheehan is a dangerously mentally ill woman who is being agreed with soley because she is against the war. While she has every right to disagree with the President, call him names, claim he is a murderer ect.. I take issue when she goes to a foreign governement that is run by a dictator who HAS death camps and stands next to him and tells us that we should rise up and overthrow the U.S. Government. I have a problem with Pat Robertson suggesting we assasinat the same leader. So before you go throwing out assumptions (about my support of Bush) and feel good logic (Cindy is a nice person). Please try to read what I wrote. As for the whole Bush Reporter exchange, like so much in politics we are ready to make a mountain out of a mole hill in a desperate attempt to continue the unbelievable hatred for our political opposite. Look at the way you acussed another poster here of being mentally ill and suggested hospitalization. Is that less offensive than if the President indeed knew of the man's eyesight-which it appears he did not? Is what your message to me and other is that it is ok to call people names and accuse them of moral turpitude as long as they are on the other side of the political fence. You are allowed to make mistakes or be wrong on an issue, as long as you are instep with my political beliefs? benjamin Franklin Is rolling around in his grave so fast he is throwing up.....
June 14th, 2006 at 6:57 pmIdiots. Like you could do a better job running the country. I couldn't stand Clinton but I'd never be so ignorant as to call him stupid! You dumbasses!
June 14th, 2006 at 6:57 pm[...] This isn’t much of a come-back post, but hey, I was laughing pretty hard when I heard about this on the news. [...]
June 14th, 2006 at 6:57 pmI don't think general comments about a person's intellegence (including pres. Bush) are productive or accurate - if he is so unintellegent how did he become a good business man and pres. of the most powerful country in the world...I believe he makes decisions that he thinks are moral with the information he is given. I also think he is a poor public speaker and some percieve that as being unintellegent.
June 14th, 2006 at 6:58 pmDo any of you people realize that Bush knows this man and was joking with him?????I guess when you're just looking to attack Bush for something and he isn't giving you anything you have to make stuff up.Maybe you don't know it,but Bush knows this man and knows he is blind............it was a joke.It's called a sense of humor.Why not try finding one yourselves!!
June 14th, 2006 at 7:04 pmPost 149 that is an interesting rant, but Chavez is an elected leader and does not run any death camps in Venezuela! GITMO in Cuba is a Concentration Camp, but Castro has nothing to do with it > that facility is Bush's baby! Cindy Sheehan is a woman who lost her eldest son in a unjust war to control the OIL reserves of Iraq! She has a right to be angry at the Bush Regime!
June 14th, 2006 at 7:04 pmJane, you ignorant slut... pick away.
(That is a joke, if you didn't get it..)
If you have seen the video, you would know how I knew. It's obvious. I also recall the scrambling by his mouthpiece (GS) to cobble together an excuse. If your memory of the times is fuzzy you can trust mine. It was OBNOXIOUS.
And as for Valerie Plame - I ask that you get your facts straight before you choose to enter into this debate... I bet you think that she was an undercover agent, because you probably have not read more than a blog like this instead of the facts of the case. And yes, that is a big leap.
As for the Constitution - the Congress is equally to blame. INCLUDING Senators CLINTON, KENNEDY, KERRY, etc.. So if you want to play the blame game, again you are falling into the trap.
And my Lord, you people that assume so much about other peoples' intentions.. If you are all so freakin' omnipotent and omniscient then win all the state lotteries, and buy yourselves the office! "He was offended'...'He was trying to be insulting...' UNREAL!!!
Stop trying to tell everyone else what to think and how to feel!! Just because you think it, does not mean the world has to hear it, think it and feel it. FOR THE LAST TIME - IF THE MAN THAT BUSH INSULTED AND OFFENDED WAS NOT OFFENDED, THEN WHY ARE YOU?
Are you embarrassed by Bush? Fine. Now you know how I felt about Clinton. Lets talk turkey, bitches. Now I'll rant. If Clinton had gotten Bin Laden in 1998 or 1999, then maybe NONE of this shit would be happening now.. No eroding of our rights, NO 2000 dead on 9/11. If Clinton hadn't made a debacle of Somalia, maybe we wouldn't be perceived as weak and ripe for attack. If Clinton hadn't bombed orphanages and aspirin factories in 1998 to deflect attention, maybe more muslims wouldn't hate us for our 'recklessness' in causing death...Talk about self-centered..
But, lets all sit here and buy into this ever widening 2 party gap. Lets all just relegate common sense to the scrap heap. Some of you people moaning about President Bush being "rude" to a reporter are calling complete strangers names because they disagree with you. Hipocrisy at its' finest.
Baaaaa sheep. Baaaaaa.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:07 pmI am an estate planning attorney, by the way so I do speak with some knowledge here on the estate tax. In California the real estate boom has put the AVERAGE home value to nearly 500k. Now the average home owner is 40-45. If they keep the home for the next thirty years and gain additional equity while paying down their mortgage, they will jave a home worth well over the 1 million exemption mark. This does not include any investments, 401k residuals, IRA accounts, or other factors such as inheritance and investment proceeds from that. I had a man in my office in 2002, when the exemption was 1 million, and he had to move his assets around and gift and do all sorts of estate planning because the house he lived in since he bought it in 1957 was worth so much more than a million that al the rest of his savings and other property would push the estate to 1.5 million. Most of it in Real Estate. He was a school Janitor. He was afraid that his three children would be forced to sell the house at his death to pay the estimated $250,000 taxed that would be due. Do you even understand how the estate tax works, or are you a "rich people" hater that will believe anything that suits your envy? The Rich, so you know, have many expensive, but worthwhile tools at their disposal to avoid the estate tax. I know, estate planning attorneys make millions off them, saving them hundreds of millions. When you make an uninformed crack about a subject, it makes me believe that americans don't really read the whole picture, just what they want to hear from those who want to tell them what they want them to believe. Wanna findout more about the estate tax? Try reading the actual laws, talk to financial planners, Estate planning attorneys, and retired individuals about it. Don't make up facts that you have no basis in. Middle Class is becomming millionairs in many of the most expensive states. As a side note, the poor farmer who has a LOT of real estate, but no cash on hand really gets screwed by the estate tax. EVER THINK OF THAT?
June 14th, 2006 at 7:09 pmif he is so unintellegent
how did he become a good business man
he has faile at every business endeavor attempted
and pres.
he's a propped up puppet
of the most powerful country in the world
Comment by gardengal — June 14, 2006 @ 6:58 pm
used to be... not any more, thanks to dubbya...
June 14th, 2006 at 7:10 pmOnly sheep I know of are those who baa for Bush > lol.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:11 pmJay, learn to read. I am not being pro-Bush at all. I am being anti-dipshit.
Feel threatened?
June 14th, 2006 at 7:14 pmKaty, the Texzas Rangers have anew stadium, are a revitalized franchise and he made a crap load of $$$ off this little business endeavour...if you have any of these kinds of business you consider a failure, I will buy it now for cash...
June 14th, 2006 at 7:15 pmPost 156 > nice information on estate taxes > I was born and raised in California, but I would never live there again > the real estate market is over-inflated and could crash at any time! As for estate taxes, almost everyone on here including myself have no problem if the exemption was raised to 2 or 3 million, but I do not believe the super-wealthy like the Walton family of Wal-Mart fame should avoid estate taxes! Since you are an estate attorney: if all taxes on estates were nullified, then you would be out of a job > is that not so?
June 14th, 2006 at 7:21 pmPost 159 > Nope I do not feel threatened, because dip---ts are mostly Republicans > lol.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:25 pmNope Iwould prefer to practice helping families to build futures by planning investments and dispursement of property to thier children in an orderly manner. There are also situations of special care need childred ect..
The biggest thing I would be doing is helping families avoid probate. Probate is a public record of a persons estate and its distribution. Addiitonally, because it is a court proceeding the fees for this procedure are mandated and usually cost the estate 2-5% of the GROSS value. Therefore I have seen cases where familes who did not do estate planning had to sell assets to pay for the process, as well as situations where the dispusement would not be in the wishes of the deceased. An example is where one son is a doctor and does not need any help buying a first house ect.. the other is a social worker who is paid nothing but is highly educated and motived. The deceased might have wanted the social working child to inherit 60% instead of 50. That kind of attorney guided planning in the long run cost 10% of what it would otherwise.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:28 pmWhere did all the neophyte right wing retards come from today? Reading this same OLD shit is like being a 1st grade teacher and spending a whole f-ing year wising up and educating "kids" only to have to start from the begining with a new batch of nose picking,bed wetting,whining,uneducated mongoloid simpletons. Time to get your knotted little panties on the short bus and get the F back to Redstate . Sheesh, what queer little red idiots.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:29 pmThis President may the stupidest man to have ever run a country since Idi amin....
June 14th, 2006 at 7:31 pmWow... OK, let me understand this, Jay.. Progressive Liberal thinker-guy.. most dipshits are Republicans...
See.. I could do the Liberal thing and blast you for how insensitive you are to Republicans... Point out the shameful hypocrisy in your closed-mind (yet, ah-so enlightened) thinking. Or maybe do the all time liberal favorite, and bring race into the issue.. How is what you said about Republicans any different than saying it about homosexuals? Or blacks? Or Asians? But I won't because as a Republican, it does not offend me. Why? BECAUSE I AM GROUNDED IN REALITY.
And all of this, from a dude that it raking the president for what? Insulting YOUR sensibilities?
I think that you are not as smart as you think you are.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:33 pmIs it so hard to imaging that a lawyer believes that something he could be profitting off of is bad for the country? I am a smart guy, if my work dried up I am sure I would find something else to do with my talents. As long as it is something that would help the big picture.
The other problem with estate taxes is that it is simply a punishment for building wealth. I consider it an artificial and ineffective means to re-distribute wealth. The worst way to destroy an economy is to take the money earned in it and give it to the government. The government is not the most efficent spender.
Jay you would love California. Everyone here hates the Republican party. Only after Governor Davis ran the state into the ground did they elect one as governor, and now it seems thay hate him too.
You gotta move back!
June 14th, 2006 at 7:34 pmPost 163 I do not disagree with you on any of that, but as an attorney you get fees for everything you do for clients, so the government has to get some kind of compensation for the estate proceedings! Most Americans want their kids to inherit their personal assets, and everyone would like the government to not be greedy about it, but at the same time the Super wealthy can afford to pay any taxes or fees!
June 14th, 2006 at 7:36 pmWILLI RIOT - POSTER BOY FOR THE LIBERAL AGENDA OF GAY BASHING....?!!?!?!?!?!
June 14th, 2006 at 7:38 pmYou can't really get the word CRASS without using an ASS. I for one think we could be better represented to the world than by this poser. Oh my gosh he's wearing sunglasses and talking to me and I just can't stop myself from saying something stupid!
June 14th, 2006 at 7:39 pmYeah, blind people take written notes, and I am sure they can read them back, too.
Willie Riot: spoken like a truly tolerant liberal. Peace out.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:39 pmShrub is a good businessman HAHAAAAAAAAAhaaha stop it ! Ivy league, C-student, cheerleader, staked to various endevours by dad's oil buddies,Saudi Royal Family members, BinLadens, those seeking future political favors from dad D and he ran every company into the ground. Couldn't find oil in Texass for Christ's sake. stop it !retard brutha stop it HAAAAAAAhahaahahahahahahahahahaa Texass Rangers?Some baseball man! Throws like a girl. hahahahahahha
June 14th, 2006 at 7:40 pmthis is non-news. he didn't know the guy was blind and everyone knows already what a self important asshole he is. so i consider your blowing this story out of proportion to be a bit over the top
you can do better
June 14th, 2006 at 7:41 pmYeah, blind people take written notes, and I am sure they can read them back, too.
Willie Riot #164: spoken like a truly tolerant liberal. Peace out.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:42 pmPost 166 Chris > chill out you might live longer > lol. As for being grounded in reality > if you watch FOX News that means NO reality!
June 14th, 2006 at 7:42 pmso the government has to get some kind of compensation for the estate proceedings!
Point Proven.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:48 pmBunch of frakin' liberal morons. Only liberal idiots would make such a big deal out of such a small thing. Bush was joking with the guy and the guy went with it and it didn't bother him. End of story ya pansy French lovin' homos. I saw one post on here where the person saw the pic first and thought, "Oh this guy's blind." You're an idiot. No you didn't. If so, then I take it that when you go to the beach and see everyone with sunglasses on, you must automatically assume that you've stumbled upon a blind convention. People are idiots. Especially liberals and Democrats. They should all be shot, or better yet, sent to Iraq and let them have a chat with the frakin' terrorist raghead sand jockys.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:49 pmIf you have 100 milllion when you die, Net of course, you would be taxed on 99 Million or pay 54.45 million to uncle sam. Unless you use the estate planning tools available and usful to avoid them. These tools might save you as much as 40 million in estate taxes. It would cost you anywhere from 50 to 500k to procure them. What is uncle same going to get now? income tax on the attorney's profit of 500k? ok that is 250k or so....how do that acount for the rest of the 40 million they lost by the usage of the estate planning? They don't. this is the reality. The Super Wealthy DONT pay much in Estate Tax! Especially in a percentile relationship to thier true wealth. If you take 20 million from a man with 600 million, does he notice? NO! The middle income man notices when you take 250k from his total of 1.5 million. Do you see the problem? This tax has been a popular misconception from the day it originated. It is well wishing to hate the rich and give to the people a-lal robin hood. But it aint the case here. It is being used as a political footbal which is hardley looked at in any great depth. The wealthy have to spend their money on something. If it sits in the bank the bank can use it to make loans - which turns into jobs. If the wealthy buy things, they are supporting an industry, meaning jobs. The government does not create the same amount of jobs per $ that private commerce does!
June 14th, 2006 at 7:51 pmtell us how you feel really liberal hater!! you go man and let these moron libs know that their stupid ranting will not go unchecked! good to have ya around.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:52 pmPost 179 You and hater should get hitched > You guys would make a great couple >lol.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:58 pmPost 178 > the Super wealthy usually just invest in the Stock Market now and job creation is not their thing any longer! They have to pay their fair share of taxes and loopholes for them must be closed!
June 14th, 2006 at 8:01 pmI will be back later > have fun all > take care Brutha!
June 14th, 2006 at 8:06 pmYour kidding right? The stock market does not create jobs? What do you think capitalizes companies? Money INVESTED in a company is a means of developing resources to research, develope, maintain, market products. When a company does well the value of it stick traditionally goes up and this is most often based on earnings and the value of each stock is related to the overall value of the company. I also hate to burst your bubble here, but most Americans 401k's Pension Plans, IRAs ect.. are invested in the market. Employees are given stock options ect... Why do you have the belief that the market does not creat jobs?
As for the loopholes, It would take a very long time to explain that the estate planning tools used by the rich are not loopholes, such as one would see on an hour long televsion program where the police search is nullified by the loophole of the right against unlawful searchs and sezures. The tools, I assure you are more interwined with law than a mere loophole. These same methods are very helpful in other areas of usage unrelated to tax avoidance.
June 14th, 2006 at 8:12 pmFinally, what is the riches fair share? If you look at government reports, the rich in purportion to thier populous pay a much higher percent than the "poor" or "middle class". I always look at statements like these and think, would they say this if they themselves were "rich".
Ask a baseball player or company ceo if they think they should pay a higher percent of their money, not amount mind you, but higher percent of their money for taxes.
Is that really fair? or is it politically smart to tell the people that have none, your going to take down the ones who do by forceing them to fight harder to keep what they earn. Why is it a crime to make a lot of money and why are those who make a lot of money villified as thought they have automatically done so at the expense of those who have not made a lot of money. It seems very petty and envious to me.
I'm out too. Good night all.
June 14th, 2006 at 8:16 pmThe Pres did call and apologize..."I like to needle people sometimes." he is quoted saying. Gotta love the goofus ;)
June 14th, 2006 at 8:26 pmW is the "decider" and has to look'm in the eye. He was pissed the guy was wearing "shades". He went all the way to Iraq to "look'm in the eye".
June 14th, 2006 at 8:31 pmDeplorable "reporting" by ThinkProgress. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
I am waiting for evidence which will send Bush and his cabinet to the Hague and you dish this tabloid fix the facts around the policy of "Bush is dumb," crap out at me.
You often have a lot of good reporting. This is not good reporting unless you'd rather be seen as the National Enquirer of left-wing alternative media.
June 14th, 2006 at 8:36 pmInteresting how the Bush lovers defend him on everything. Wouldn't you think that there is protocol at the white house and if a person was wearing sunglasses, he was wearing them for a reason? Not much of a news story, I'll agree, but still shows how much of a classless act this bozo is. Duh, yup, yup, bring the bag, bring the bag.
June 14th, 2006 at 8:38 pmTrifling.
June 14th, 2006 at 9:00 pmi first met the resident when i was 15. in midland.
visiting my relatives who were neighbors.
he was a bully.
the most amazing thing, no one in midland ever seems to have kicked back and knocked hiim down.
i talked back and was willing to go mano a mano. he made some comments accusing me of being some kind of a crazed yankee[i was from the town where his grandad grew up, where he had cousins on bar's side of the barnyard - all descendants of pres. franklin pierce], then turned around and departed the scene.
as a 16 year old he was an ugly coward. and he still is. surely there are others from his past who can document that behavior.
and this makes me wonder, what kinds of individuals were dick'em and donkey? and condom? and karlenin?
anyones out there who knew them in their high school-college years?
June 14th, 2006 at 9:19 pmNot that you open-minded progressives would notice BUT according to the AP, Wallsten the "legally blind" reporter: "Still needs the sunglasses because he has Stargardt's disease, a form of macular degeneration that causes progressive vision loss. The condition causes Wallsten to be sensitive to glare and even on a cloudy day, can cause pain and increase the loss of sight."
Reading further:
Wallsten said Bush called his cell phone later in the day to apologize and tell him that he didn't know he had the disease. Wallsten said he interrupted and told the president that no apology was necessary and that he didn't feel offended since he hadn't told anyone at the White House about his condition.
"He said, `I needle you guys out of affection,"' Wallsten said. "I said, 'I understand that, but I don't want you to treat me any differently because of this."'
Of course you don't want George W. Bush to interact and be human with reporters because that would break you pre-defined image of him. And it's not like Bill Clinton ever joked when troops were in harms way - boy you would have hated that.
Stop being hypocritical pinheads and calm the frig down. Stop embarrassing yourselves.
June 14th, 2006 at 9:20 pmNot that you open-minded progressives would notice BUT according to the AP, Wallsten the "legally blind" reporter: "Still needs the sunglasses because he has Stargardt's disease, a form of macular degeneration that causes progressive vision loss. The condition causes Wallsten to be sensitive to glare and even on a cloudy day, can cause pain and increase the loss of sight."
Reading further:
Wallsten said Bush called his cell phone later in the day to apologize and tell him that he didn't know he had the disease. Wallsten said he interrupted and told the president that no apology was necessary and that he didn't feel offended since he hadn't told anyone at the White House about his condition.
"He said, `I needle you guys out of affection,"' Wallsten said. "I said, 'I understand that, but I don't want you to treat me any differently because of this."'
Of course you don't want George W. Bush to interact and be human with reporters because that would break you pre-defined image of him. And it's not like Bill Clinton ever joked when troops were in harms way - boy you would have hated that.
Stop being hypocritical pinheads and calm the frig down. Stop embarrassing yourselves.
June 14th, 2006 at 9:20 pmjesus, is this really worth commenting on? sure, it makes bush look stupid, and sure, in hindsight, it seems callous. But seriously, if you saw this guy on television, would you automatically assume he was blind? or that bush would know that or is supposed to know that (given that on any particular day, he doesn't know much at all)? there are more worthy things to slam him on - the war, hurricane Katrina, civil liberties, torture. have we become so pathetic that THIS is worthy of a thread that has reached 189 comments already? sheesh, let's nail Bush on things that matter, not on stupid things like this.
June 14th, 2006 at 9:21 pmI can't stand the f-ing guy and I think he should be impeached but it sounds like this guy can see and and he is wearing shades to keep from going legally blind-which isn't really bumping into walls kind of blind
June 14th, 2006 at 9:28 pmBush knew who the guy was - called on him by name.
Why in the heck would you make wisecracks about someone's physical appearance during a public conference? The fact that the guy about whom he was cracking wise was blind is just icing on the cake.
He's a friggin' frat boy, thinking that the world exists so he can point, gawk, poke fun, and generally amuse himself at the expense of others. "Screw 'em if they can't take it" isn't a useful attitude to take as a world leader.
June 14th, 2006 at 10:32 pm[moderated by admin.]
June 14th, 2006 at 10:45 pmInteresting it seems the threads which are about behavioral interactions between personalities, are most popular, and the threads with the more substantive issues have less posts ie: The Coulter and Malkin threads, this one, that Reverend dude at Mrs. King's funeral. The personal stuff is personal.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:02 pmI like how the Right eggs on and antagonizes, then accuses the left of being aggressive and abusive in the responses to the antagonism.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:04 pmThat blind guy looks like a total douche in those glasses. I'd have made fun of him too! See when you're president and all these reporters are writing bad things about you, you should be allowed to pick on them every now and then. ESPECIALLY when it's blindey Mctool in the third row. Give him a break.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:05 pm"TP, isn’t this too much of hair-splitting than anything? Really, anyone would make the same mistake. A guy wearing sunglasses - do YOU immediately assume he’s blind?"
Haha, no you don't automatically assume someone's blind if they're wearing sunglasses...but this is almost as amusing as when he decided to WAVE hello to Stevie Wonder. Helloooo!
June 14th, 2006 at 11:08 pmYou anti Bush folk are the morons. Anybody could have made that mistake. Obviously the reporter has more class than you morons. Actually Bush made a very human error and I'm sure felt embarrassed about it. He also has more class than you antibush leftist monkeys.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:11 pm[moderated by admin.]
June 14th, 2006 at 11:21 pmI'd love Bush to be impeached, but - seriously.
Stop making fun of Bush's manners and mannerisms, and Start talking Iraq, terror, Bin Laden on the loose, global warming, oil dependence, and executive powers and privileges. THAT will win an election - piling on to dumb statements will LOSE an election.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:35 pmIs this guy really blind? Makes you wonder doesn't it?
http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/photos/Overton/askew8a.jpg
June 14th, 2006 at 11:36 pmPoor Wallsten. I guess he couldn't see where the question and answer thing was going. Still, he can't be blamed for being blindsided that way. It isn't his fault he didn't have the intellectual capacity to inform the president's staff that he would be wearing dark glasses because he's blind. As Zookeeper wrote way back in post 9, we should assume all people wearing sunglasses are blind -- especially on a cloudy day.
Why else would a liberal wear sunglasses on a cloudy day? It isn't as if they smoke pot and need to hide the red eye or anything. Aside from Alan Colmes wearing his sunglasses at night, no sighted liberal would EVER wear sunglasses unless it was absolutely necessary.
Wait a minute -- you don't think this guy could have been a plant or anything, do you? Another one of those unattackable human shields from the left Ann Coulter's been talking about?
Hmm... I wonder.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:51 pmI wear Ray-Bans a lot. More often than not when I wear them at work and I'm the only one in shades somebody will offer up some kind of comment, usually intended to be humorous. References to Top-Gun and the Terminator seem popular. Anyway, what Bush said seems like an inept attempt at humor, not an example of anything more sinister. If you think what he said was really funny, or really sinister, then you probably ought to read about unconscious confirmation bias in the "Skeptic" column in the July 2006 Scientific American or have a look at this New York Times article.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:51 pmIt's bush who is blind.
The emperor doesn't see in the mirror that he wears no clothes.
The pot calls the kettle black.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:58 pmVery sad that Bush lover trolls have poured onto this TP thread like enraged Ann Coulter clones lol. Never seen most of these troll names before, so Rove must have contacted Ken Mehlman to send in his crew of Internet nerds > lol.
June 15th, 2006 at 12:04 amVery sad that you can't admit when you're wrong?
What a sad excuse. Please.
June 15th, 2006 at 12:06 amLOL post 209 > admit that Bush is a complete obnoxious fool! Who told you to post on here > was it Karl Rove or Ken Mehlman?
June 15th, 2006 at 12:19 ami just love how everyone is sooo sooo tough and opens their mouths and knows Bush and knows exactly what he's like about every facet of his life.
not one of you has the stones to be President. not one of you would want to, except maybe in some kind of perverted dream. do you really think you could cut it being the number one target of the enemy? and then being the number one target of so many "patriotic" americans. and honestly, i can't see gore having the stones to deal with the things bush has had to deal with during the past 8 years. and please, no conspiracy theories. my God. gore is declaring war on global warming. talk about fighting a war with no clear frontline.
give me a break. i dont' agree with everything the guy does, but geez, is this the best thing you can complain about. and you want to nail him on so many other things. you never back anything up even when you try and nail him on a serious issue. just... he should be impeached. blah blah blah. for what? going to war. the congress approved his actions. and now, because polls show we're tiring of it, they suddenly change their minds. my God. are you so easily fooled. THEY JUST WANT TO BE ELECTED.
everyone is so full of answers, but you don't know what it's like to sit in that seat. you think it was easy for truman to nuke japan. you think it's easy for any president to make a serious decision to do what is best to protect this country. even against low approval ratings. and at the end of the day, do you think with all of the other pressure, he SHOULD give a crap about what a bunch of libs are saying on some message boards totally off the subject of anything serious?
no wonder the country is going to the right. even the illegals wind up distancing themselves from you.
June 15th, 2006 at 12:28 amfound it linked off of FARK.com.
i guess fark could be in league with karl rove, somehow i doubt it.
and you've never seen my name because i've never been here before.
oooo, am i not allowed here? that's not very progressive of you.
June 15th, 2006 at 12:37 amPost on here if you want tim, but since this is an anti-Bush blog, it seems kinda odd for you to defend someone who is disliked by most of the posters?! TP usually just has a few Bush lover trolls a day on here, except for this thread today! Seems very strange for all of you to come on here > our views are not changed by your rants, name calling, or putdowns!
June 15th, 2006 at 1:19 amOh funny Jay. Anti-Bush blog? Don't you mean a it's a place for like minded whiners who never contribute anything to their country but never stop bitching about things blog? Which branch of the service were you in? What exactly was it you ever did for anybody? How exactly is it you earned the very right to publish your views in this country? You certainly never "earned" them? You people seriously believe you are right? Just because you live in a candy land dreamworld where just giving people "time out" changes them, we live in the real world. Of course you don't want anyone who isn't stoned to post on here. That's because we force you to back up your drug induced rantings. Loser
June 15th, 2006 at 1:52 amhey, i'm a fairminded person. to be honest with you, while i am pretty conservative, lately, i've been kind of sick of it all. politics in general. i guess sometimes it gets to be too much. my point was only that it's easy to point fingers and make statements, but few, if any, know what it's like to be in such a position, and therefore will never have the correct knowledge to know if any decision is the "correct" decision. whatever decision is made will always have detractors. i don't blindly follow any particular leader, but i give a certain amount of respect to any sitting president.
Keep in mind, the link to this story was posted on a popular site, so it makes sense that this would get a lot of attention, and probably more traffic. what's even crazier is that it seems like a lot of people are upset, even though the reporter really wasnt' upset. almost as if people are coming to his aide because THEY THINK he needs it, even when he doesn't. i guess it's just the nature of these things. honestly, i'm new at this and really never post. if i was offensive, please accept my apologies. i'm sure emotion fuels a lot of these things so a need for reason is sometimes left behind, and there's nothing wrong with that from time to time.
One question though, when you say TP, are you referring to the organization or the people that post here. Does the site offer anything that is anti-democrat, or is it basically anti-conservative, anti-republican. is everyone fair game? just seems to stretch a statement in the Terms of Use about it being non-partisan. i'll have to go through the site more thoroughly i guess to get my own opinion. but someone would be sitting on a gold mine if they offered a forum for everyone. just think of the flames that would cause.
sorry for boring you.
June 15th, 2006 at 1:53 amI had a bad day today. It was Bush's fault. Is that how it works here? Legally blind is not blind. I am sensitive to light and often wear sunglasses on a cloudy day. It may seem odd to you, but it hurts my eyes. No, I'm not classified as legally blind. I wear corrective lenses but I have astigmatism.
You girls must not live near many blacks. Many times you will see them wearing sunglasses at night and in "night" clubs. Obviously the reporter is not trying to be cool but Bush shouldn't have to know absolutely everything about everyone he talks to. When was the last time you could have offended someone unintentionally because you made a comment unaware that it might be offensive?
We all make mistakes. You girls chose Liberalism. I pray for you. (O:= Dear Lord, "Please strike them down."
Most moonbat sites like this really are just ridiculous. There is very literal discussion of the issues. Most of it is just whining and personal attacks. As someone did state earlier. If Peter Wallstein doesn't take issue with it, why should you? Get over it. It so NOT news. Do you ladies ever do anything other than bitch about the other side? Is that the extent of Liberalsm? Destroy America and bitch and moan?
And, to steal your thunder, I'm not a Bush supporter. Sorry. However, it is funny to still hear the calls for impeaching him. I'm all for it. You guys don't know what you're asking for. I'd much rather have Chaney in charge. He shoots his buddies. The damn Mexicans would run for cover. "there he goes... smoke 'em... roger!" Chaney reached his limit early today. Full video at 6 and 10.
June 15th, 2006 at 1:56 amThe reason Bush said this is simple. He doesn't like people.
And because he doesnt' like people, at least people who ask him questions, he badgers them.
Sooner or later he was destined to needle a blind man.
If Bush cared about people, this never would have happened.
June 15th, 2006 at 1:58 amHe's not a nice man.
He's not a good man.
He's mean, vindictive and small.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:00 amAh yes, Peter Wallsten. Bush knows him well. I like this report from Peter finding comments from Joe Wilson such as the one from the Daily Iowan in which he called Dick Cheney a "lying son of a bitch".
No Joe Wilson, it turns out you're a lying son of a bitch. No Fitzmas in July for you, Joe.
Wow, "progressives" (angry leftoids) have really taken a pounding this past week. No wonder you're scavanging for bad news. The leftoids are destroying the Democratic party. It's a beautiful thing. Smells...like...victory.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:09 am#205
...we should assume all people wearing sunglasses are blind — especially on a cloudy day.
Really?? I don't know about that. I sure saw a lot of them blind people driving on the road today. You think they would have crashed into something if they were blind.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:17 amWell, Georgie boy puts his foot in his mouth yet again. During the same press conference, he was attempting to make a remark about some kind of scarf another reporter was wearing. He's so pathetic. Even if his jokes were slightly humorous, I could understand it, but haven't his handlers told him yet that they are never funny? His delivery is choppy and awkward. A comedian he's not. I mean, plain-speaking is one thing, but when you massacre the English language the way he does, you really need some grammer lessons. If he says "nuceular" one more time, I'll scream.
The whole purpose of these silly remarks is to confound the reporters, throw them off track, and hope and pray they don't get their questions across as originally planned. Yeah, like these seasoned reporters are going to fall for that.
Mr. Wallsten was gracious and a real gentleman. He showed a great deal of restraint and respect for the office of the President, whether the individual holding that office deserved it or not.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:23 amYeah, sure, Bush is a dumb-ass. However, I think Peter Wallsten deserves credit. He could've pointed out to chief dumble B that he was blind, but he asked hi question. Good for him. I imagine the administration is thankful for his professionalism too. Wallsten's, not W's.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:31 amI've noticed many remarks here attempting to debunk this blog's existence, yet they are also posting here, and personally, I feel much more anger coming from them than those who simply see Dubya as a ridiculous caricature to laugh at.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:40 amhonestly, i feel anger coming from those of both sides.
i'm not angry. all i want is a reasoned debate, but when you back up comments with things like "he's not a nice man, he doesn't like people, he's not funny, ridiculous caricature" you completely annihilate any attempt at logic and reason you are attempting. if you are even attempting it.
and yes, that debunks this blog's existence. explain how that is thinking progressively. if you were true to that, every response would have calm rationality. and yes, that goes for those on the right too.
the "terms of use" state... APAF strives to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, advocacy and partnerships with other progressive leaders throughout the country and the world. Please note that APAF is a non-partisan organization. With the Blog, APAF seeks to provide a forum to advance progressive ideas and policies — not to advance the interests of any particular party or candidate for office.
hey, again, i'm new to this stuff so i'm sure every site has similar legelese. but practice what you preach. each side can learn something from the other and that is to the betterment of everyone.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:57 amthen again, i might go by a different definition of progressive than the majority here.
June 15th, 2006 at 3:03 ama final thought. because i don't even know how or why i ended up here.
opposition is good for both this and other blogs as well as right-wing blogs. i mean what's the point of just have a list of 300 entries of everyone patting each other on the back and agreeing with each other and saying the same thing over and over.
i've never posted on a blog like this before, conservative or "progressive", but at least there's some fire going on. some debate. something. if we were all alike, don't you think life would be just a little bit boring.
it's been fun.
June 15th, 2006 at 3:17 amHere's Clear copy on You tube
June 15th, 2006 at 3:33 am
Wow, “progressives†(angry leftoids) have really taken a pounding this past week. No wonder you’re scavanging for bad news. The leftoids are destroying the Democratic party. It’s a beautiful thing. Smells…like…victory.
Comment by sugar magnolia — June 15, 2006 @ 2:09 am
Smells like you need to change your shorts.
How are you going to take it when the Wilsons' force Rove to settle out of court? I think his donating thousands of dollars to the Wilsons' childrens' college fund would be sweet revenge.
June 15th, 2006 at 3:47 am"Touche’" from el Douche’!!!
June 15th, 2006 at 3:59 am"And so many of the people in the arena here, you
know, were underprivileged anyway, so this--this (she
chuckles slightly) is working very well for them." -- Barbara Bush, September 4, 2005
"There are some who feel like that, you know, the conditions are such that they can attack us there. My answer is bring them on." -- George W. Bush, July 2, 2003
"Those weapons of mass destruction have got to be somewhere." -- George W. Bush at the Radio and Television News Correspondents Association, March 25, 2004
"But why should we hear about body bags, and deaths, and how many, what day it's gonna happen, and how many this or what do you suppose? Or, I mean, it's, it's not relevant. So, why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?" -- Barbara Bush, March 18, 2003
"A dictatorship would be a heck of a lot easier, there's no question about it." -- George W. Bush, July 26, 2001
June 15th, 2006 at 4:04 amif everyone thinks bush is so useless then how the hell did he manage to get elected for a second term?!!!!!
June 15th, 2006 at 4:25 amyou americans must have a secret masochistic side!
Most of you haven't a clue about life so I'll spare the insults, but, for the love of pete...... I'm sure every single one of you has gotten yourselves into embarassing situations such as this. Making an inappropriate joke that would have otherwise been perfectly acceptable with anyone else except the one you made the joke to. Most of you insult Bush and you haven't the foggiest clue what you're insulting about other than what you're told by mommy, daddy and moveon.org.
Seriously, I just don't understand some of you people... "WOW HEZ A MORAN LOL CUZ HE SAID A GUY HAD SHADES ON LOLOL BUT HE WAS REALLY BLIND LOLOL EVERY1 DAT WAREZ DA SHADES R BLIND CUZ I KNOW PPL THAT R BLIND AND THEY HAVE SHADEZ 2 LOLOL"
June 15th, 2006 at 4:44 am[...] http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/14/bush-reporter-shades/ [...]
June 15th, 2006 at 4:46 amMust be all democrats here. Kerry loving fools.
June 15th, 2006 at 5:10 amDooooode!
June 15th, 2006 at 5:20 amfibbertygibbit!
June 15th, 2006 at 5:22 amDave, it's because americans are stupid, and they like to eat rice cakes with penut butter and jelli.
June 15th, 2006 at 6:00 am"He should have gone into Iraq & Afghanistan and f**kin’ turned them into nuclear wastelands. Nuke the fraggin’ ragheads off the face of the Earth (I would have said nuke them back to the stone age, but, come on, they already are a bunch of caveman savages!)"
Stupid American
This should be under the definition for stupidity.
Here back at ya with, Kill Whitey!!!!!!!!AHHH!!!!!!!!Elijah Muhammad is the Greatest Man ALive!!!!!!And that was sarcasm, I just wrote that so maybe you would understand you're no different, stupid. You're just the other extreme.
June 15th, 2006 at 6:22 amOut of the entire population of the USA, Bush is REALLY the best you could come up with?
No wonder the world hates Americans...
June 15th, 2006 at 6:24 amhttp://www.floridasupremecourt.org/pub_info/photos/Overton/askew8a.jpg
Troll? LMAO. That's all that you can come up with?
He isn't even blind. He can write down notes just fine. This is nothing but a bogus piece of crud.
Look at the image I posted. He's full of it just like this piece that is posted.
June 15th, 2006 at 6:35 am[...] ThinkProgress reported yesterday that Bush needled legally-blind Los Angeles Times reporter Peter Wallsten for wearing sunglasses. Bush called Wallsten to apologize later in the day. “He said, ‘I needle you guys out of affection,’” Wallsten said. “I said, ‘I understand that, but I don’t want you to treat me any differently because of this.’” Wallsten said the president said he would not treat him differently, so Wallsten encouraged him to “needle away.” “He said, ‘I will. Next time I’ll just use a different needle,’” Wallsten said. 6:38 am | Comment (0) [...]
June 15th, 2006 at 6:39 amI visited my opthalmologist not long ago and she told me that we should all be wearing "shades," because none of us have the appropriate protection from UV rays anymore.
The reporter says he has a rare form of macular degeneration, but the more common type can be prevented and/or delayed by wearing sunglasses.
Besides, what the hell is wrong with asking a question while wearing sunlasses? The press conference was outside, fer gawd's sake!
Too bad the reporter, or someone else, didn't take that opportunity to talk about the sudden increase in cases of macular degeneration and the reason for it.
Chimpy seemed a bit hypomanic, from a psychologist's point of view.
June 15th, 2006 at 7:00 amat least no one got sued
June 15th, 2006 at 8:36 amTo DAve, Bush didn't get elected a second time. He stole it for a second time. I think America and the Democrats ought to stage a coup and rightfully take it back!!!! But the Democrats have to get some balls, which they are lacking, to do that!!!!!!!! Bush can thank two states for being accomplices to his stealing: Ohio and Florida!!!!!
June 15th, 2006 at 9:30 amThe Bush family knows that GW is a moron. They were grooming Jeb for President, then along came George and ruined their plans. In a book about the First Families, Barbara is quoted as saying that at State Dinners they never seated Dubya by the guest of honor because they were afraid he would make inappropriate comments.
June 15th, 2006 at 9:32 am[...] Maybe people will look now at George Bush’s casual, jocular approach to reporters in a new way. Not knowing a reporter suffers from a certain blindness and “joking” about his shades reveals Bush in a harsh light. So Bush did the unthinkable. He apologized. Sort of. “He said, `I needle you guys out of affection,’” Wallsten said. “I said, ‘I understand that, but I don’t want you to treat me any differently because of this.’” [...]
June 15th, 2006 at 9:39 ami’m not angry. all i want is a reasoned debate, but when you back up comments with things like “he’s not a nice man, he doesn’t like people, he’s not funny, ridiculous caricature†you completely annihilate any attempt at logic and reason you are attempting. if you are even attempting it.
Comment by tim — June 15, 2006 @ 3:17 am
May I qualify my statement regarding the anger. I did not intend to include those with opposing opinions to mine if they clearly present an argument, and Tim, you present a valid and coherent point. I was referring to the put downs of the fellow bloggers.
The subject of this blog is a faux pas by Bush, some fodder for laughter, and he's fair game. But in attacking fellow bloggers with name calling and insults, these people merely show their frustration in an inability to articulate. I guess in the future, I should direct my comments to the specific posters. It certainly would be an extremely boring experience if everyone agreed down the line.
June 15th, 2006 at 10:06 amTypical
June 15th, 2006 at 10:10 ammrsouthpaw, in 204/240 you point to a 10 year-old picture of the man writing notes indoors with a black sharpie while wearing Coke bottle glasses. With this revelation, suddenly you're the expert and the man's not legally blind? How many reporters do you know that write with a black sharpie? And what part of "degenerative" eye disease do you not understand? You know, usually when you don't understand something, it's wise to take the time to do some research before becoming a talking head and calling somebody out as a liar. Look up Stargardt’s Disease. Look up the definition of legally blind. And then I'd really like to hear your opinions on why you believe this man would lie and say he has a terrible eye disease? Maybe if you learn to think before you speak, you could someday handle yourself as gracefully as Wallsten did
June 15th, 2006 at 10:11 amWow...so you people have never made a mistake and have solved all other problems in the world so now it's bash Bush for every little mistake. How petty and transparent can you be?
June 15th, 2006 at 10:12 amI don't think this subject matter is about George Bush injuring a reporter's feelings. It merely serves to point out that he has a talent for inappropriate remarks. A little levity is good during a press conference, but his remarks are always critical or insulting. Just the type of rhetoric one would find on a playground with six year olds. I love a good wit as much as anyone, but if you don't have one, don't try.
BTW, the reporter in question is not "blind". He suffers from a macular degeneration, and it helps to avoid UV rays. So it is a medical condition, but certainly not blindness. [not trying to make any point here, just saying].
June 15th, 2006 at 10:14 amMaybe Bush thought he was one of the Blues Brothers...
June 15th, 2006 at 10:47 amI agree with Leslie's point: This is tempest in a teapot stuff. Bush is not the devil just because he made a faux pas.
His call to make an apology was admirable and went well according to Wallsten (see today's follow-up on frontpage of thinkprogress.org).
Wallsten wasn't even offended in the first place. If you've got cancer and someone makes a cancer joke, you don't get all bent if that person has no way of knowing you have cancer. The making of the joke is unfortunate but it's not evidence of evil or malice.
June 15th, 2006 at 11:03 amwhoa. notice that was some guy named Tim with a capital T.
not me. i'm lower case and won't just spout off nonsense like that.
just came back to see how things were going. and thank you for saying that i came up with some good points. see, it can work between us :-)
i will give this site some cred in that it showed that he did clear the air with wallsten. and again, wallsten doesn't even seem to care about the incident.
as far as the levity and remarks comments, you can't say that his remarks are ALWAYS critical and insulting. and from when i heard it on the radio yesterday, i didn't think anything negative of the exchange. and when he started answering his question and it was over.
from leslie "But in attacking fellow bloggers with name calling and insults, these people merely show their frustration in an inability to articulate." and that's my point about most of the anit-bush comments here. it's only attack bush with insults and name-calling. there's no meat. i just don't think that helps the cause.
June 15th, 2006 at 11:06 amwell said plainavy
June 15th, 2006 at 11:08 amWhat a ROYAL “A Hole†How embarrassing this man is. Could you imagine what other nations think of this idiot?
June 15th, 2006 at 11:10 amI just came back for Italy and I wore an International apology shirt that stated “I’m sorry my President’s an idiot I didn’t vote for himâ€
i didn't realize that Italy was so anti-american that you felt the need to apologize before an apology was even required. and why even apologize. do you think they really even care. they are in italy. not america. that's a little arrogant to even think they are concerned with our country so much. i'm sorry, but why show weakness like that.
June 15th, 2006 at 11:25 amTim have you been there?
June 15th, 2006 at 11:54 amYes a majority dislikes Bush I was there and the Italians stated that. The point is, one time the Italians look up with respect to our country. Since this idiot has been president that all change. And yes they care. Like America they have lost soldiers because of the lies for going to war. Why do you think Bernasconi was defeated?
I know all people have put their foot/feet in their mouths at some point, and I might be Exhibit 1A. (And I voted for a Bush opponent in '04, before anyone wants to dismiss this as support from a Republican (I am not) or a Bushie). But the attitudes of people who want to crucify him for this are KILLING this country's political process. Stop being partisan. Stop being anti-everything. Clinton was not all evil, you right-wing hate mongers. Bush is not all evil, you left-wing hate mongers. Evaluate decisions/actions on their own merits. And maybe at some point you'll realize that both parties spin things the way they want to; NEITHER party tells the complete truth and has not in my voting lifetime. Until we can pull heads out of the sand, we'll keep getting candidates such as Bush, Gore and Kerry. Those people represent the BEST this nation has to offer? Please.
June 15th, 2006 at 11:55 amBlah......blah.................................................blah......................................................................blah
June 15th, 2006 at 12:12 pmWeakness??? Are you serious timy tim tim, or are you just retarded!!!!!!!!??? Saying that is a weakness is so irrelevant to what he was talking about, and how much do get for sucking GW's cock. Cause man, it must be like shitloads of cash for you to be defending him like this.
no, i haven't been there. but don't pretend to think you know what the "majority" of italians think.
i haven't been defending Bush. i've been more or less pointing out that these tactics are unnecessary. what cause do you help by saying such things. you prove my point by attacking me - when i am not attacking - (which goes against the terms of use of your own site) because you have no other point. there's no platform. if the "progressives" are going to win, they need something to build themselves up on. and i'm sure you are an embarrassment to their cause.
to be apologetic when there's nothing to apologize for is a weakness.
June 15th, 2006 at 12:47 pmBush is so clever. He should be a stand-up comedian...
Does Bush think before he talks or acts?
If the past six (or 50) years are any indication, the answer is NO!
June 15th, 2006 at 12:58 pm[...] Think Progress » President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’ [...]
June 15th, 2006 at 1:05 pmI can only speak from what I have been told, and what I have read, not first hand, since I have not been to Europe. I do believe we are, for the most part, unpopular in some European countries. I feel there are several reasons. First and foremost is the fact that we are the world's most powerful country, and with that naturally comes criticism and possibly resentment. What we do does affect the rest of the world. Battles we fight are virtually "in their backyard". We do consume the lion's share of the world's energy, and that's just our way of life (would like to see some reduction there though).
Another striking contrast is age. European countries are steeped in tradition and ancient civilizations. Our country (or should I say our government) is a mere 230 years old. We have structured our society differently, right or wrong, based on a capitalistic view.
In response, I say, let us remember all the aid, both material and military, that the U.S. has provided around the world over the years. We didn't fight World War II at Pearl Harbor, (that was our impetus) we fought it in Europe, Japan, the Pacific. We may have entered the war later than Europe would have preferred, but we entered nonetheless and did the job.
It's tough being the biggest kid on the block. You sometimes get labeled a "bully".
June 15th, 2006 at 1:25 pm#224 Tim -
I'm with ya...if you know of a blog where people can have a logical discussion about the facts without calling people names and insulting their intellegance let me know...I'll be there.
June 15th, 2006 at 1:35 pm"It’s tough being the biggest kid on the block. You sometimes get labeled a “bullyâ€. "
If invading small, defenseless countries doesn't make you a bully, I don't know what does.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:16 pmIf invading small, defenseless countries doesn’t make you a bully, I don’t know what does.
Comment by Paul Revere — June 15, 2006 @ 2:16 pm
PR - I was speaking historically and how these attitudes toward the U.S. may have developed over the years.
If you're referring to the current war in Iraq when you say a "small, defenseless country", I'm on your side. It's a dishonest, poorly planned, and unnecessary action against a country who posed no imminent threat to the U.S.
Am I glad Sadam Hussein is gone? Sure. Am I glad Al-Zarqawi is gone? Certainly. But at what cost? Certainly wasn't worth 2600+ American lives if you ask me.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:37 pmExcellent argument Leslie.
I guess maybe I should try starting a blog for both sides to speak rationally. Politicians don't do it. That's for sure.
But then I get the feeling I'd be mired in deleting posts and blocking too many users from both ends who only wish to engage in "hide behind the monitor" guerilla tactics.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:44 pmoh wait, I meant on the first argument. :-)
well, kind of the second argument in terms of mistakes being made.
i still think, at least i hope, it will have been a positive move. like it or not, we have to see it through.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:57 pmErm, it was an honest mistake, really. Part of Bush's public image is a needler/jokester, and it's obviously pretty succesful. Shrug.
That's not to say he isn't an evil, evil man. But seriously, there are other things to pick at him over.
June 15th, 2006 at 3:19 pmWe know GW is not the brightest bulb. But step back for a minute - why can't he be rude to reporters? As an american citizen, he also has the right to free speech, while NOONE has the right to not be offended.... Take dubya's comments for what they are - amusing.
June 15th, 2006 at 3:21 pmSeems very strange for all of you to come on here > our views are not changed by your rants, name calling, or putdowns!
Comment by Jay Randal — June 15, 2006 @ 1:19 am
Have I misconstrued the purpose of blogs? If we all come in here in goosestep fashion and present all the same opinions, that's the same as screaming into a tornado - no interaction, no exchange of ideas. I would hope to make a point or two just to make one of those to the right think for a moment and maybe ponder another point of view, and vice versa.
June 15th, 2006 at 3:21 pmEXACTLY.
we can respectively disagree. the best thing we can do is learn from one another and hopefully that gives us the ability to shape our beliefs in various ways so that they are constantly changing, even if slightly. sure, we still may hold on to a steadfast belief of one side or another, the beginning and end points may remain unchanged. but simply hearing a good argument has some impact on how we arrive at that final decision (or side to be taken). i'm not even sure if that makes sense.
June 15th, 2006 at 3:47 pmAs much as I hate to defend him, as he's declared himself an enemy of homosexuals everywhere (among the various other things), really, it was an honest mistake. How was he to know that he was blind? The reporter in question was not offended. It's one thing to dislike someone. It's another to pick at everything little thing you can find.
June 15th, 2006 at 3:52 pmYou all have to be kidding me. Did anyone read the entire story to see that the reporter who works for the white house press corps. actually found the presidents personal cell phone call funny and witty (not sarcastically). The exchange makes Bush look anything but stupid, rather the President offers something personal and approachable. This guy has done a lot of dumb things, but to post 274 negative responses to this incredibly stupid story proves how unbelievably pathetic and stretched you all for something negative to say about something you know nothing about. Take your rants and your pathetic hatred for anything outside your narrow minded skulls and run for the border. This President has done a lot of stupid things, however criticism is only effective when its used appropriately, not in this case. This is precisely the reason why an able minded and capable democrat has little chance of winning an election right now. His (not her) supporters and party pin point every senseless and negative criticsm without thinking before they speak.....
June 15th, 2006 at 4:07 pmactually nick, there's been a lot of back and forth (pro w and anti w) and the conversation took a few twists and turns here and there. i agree, something fairly small turning into 274 posts but again, as with everything, a conversation starts and tangents come in so all of the posts weren't just about this particular story. in fact, it turned into, how can those from all sides discuss things more rationally and less emotionally.
June 15th, 2006 at 4:11 pm[...] from gamera_spinning comes a transcript and video link of the President responding to a reporter, “Are you going to ask that question with shades on?” [...]
June 15th, 2006 at 4:18 pmbut to post 274 negative responses to this incredibly stupid story proves how unbelievably pathetic and stretched you all for something negative to say about something you know nothing about.
Comment by Nick — June 15, 2006 @ 4:07 pm
All negative? Don't think so. BTW, YOURS is 275, but who's counting.
I'll have to check out the story about the cell phone incident you refer to. I hadn't heard anything about a cell call.
June 15th, 2006 at 4:46 pmBush, why are you president?
June 15th, 2006 at 4:51 pmBush, why are you president? You are by far the worst. Eight years, wow! Consider yourself reaaly lucky!
June 15th, 2006 at 4:52 pmMuch as he makes a terrible President, Dubya would have made a good Rush Chairman. "Hi, George Dubya, Rush chairman, damn glad to meet you." I just wish he had a little more respect for the Constitution.
June 15th, 2006 at 5:10 pmI cannot believe anyone is defending Bush--his conduct was totally inappropriate. Let's not forget this man is the PRESIDENT of the United States of America, the temporary holder of the title "single most powerful person on Earth." Dubya's flippant, tactless behavior diminishes the presidency. As an American, I am--yet again--deeply embarrassed by this man.
June 15th, 2006 at 7:25 pmNice comments class. Slanted as usual from your perspectives. Bush personally phoned the reporter to apologize because he felt bad about it. This was banter. Take a look in the mirror folks. The reporter thought it was funny and felt no need for the apology. Tell the whole story
June 15th, 2006 at 8:12 pmUnfortunately, this is one of those things that will come to bite us progressives in the a@#. Though I agree that the president is insensitive by nature and that his predisposition mitigated his behavior, it does stand that when you're in the presence of the Head of State, you must dress and conduct yourself accoring to proper standards. Mr. Bush expects that type of respect (even though it has not been earned by him) and does not know how to react when his superficial expectations are not met. Mr. Bush was unaware of Mr. Wonkette's condition and to his credit did apologize for his vernacular. We as progressives should take this as a faux pas only and jump to the attack on other issues such as war profiteering, misrepresentation, electon fraud, unfit and unscrupled advisors, federal crimes regarding conspiracy, and for dragging the stature of the US presidency into the mud.
June 15th, 2006 at 8:27 pmBush: Yes, Mrs. San Francisco reporter? That is a nice dress you are wearing.
June 15th, 2006 at 8:27 pmSF reporter: I'm not a woman. I'm living as a woman for 2 yrs to prepare myself for a sex change.
Bush: Well, I'm sorry! You're an idiot!!
Me: Thank you Mr. Bush for clearing that up. I thought he was too!
George, lay down and eat your crackers.
June 15th, 2006 at 8:32 pmThats awesome, how can you not like bush... seriously
June 15th, 2006 at 8:38 pmBush is mentally unfit for the office he holds. He's an alcoholic narcissist with manic/depressive episodes. Bush cannot even hold a coherent dialogue unless he's reading from a script.
He Believes he is Invincible.
He Believes he is in Control...but it's all an illusion.
He Believes he is all-knowing, all-powerful.//but I am in no fear of confusing GWB with Jesus Christ.
He began a war under false pretences and many Americans STILL believe him---especially if they believe the FOX Network. It's called the "F" network for a reason.
Irag had NOTHING TO DO with 9/11. I want to hear the phrase 'Weapons of Mass Deception' confessed by this administration. I heard a great saying this week:
"To Cver Their Error, They created Terror"-----It's the Truth!
Why all the concern about immigrants? (to create a diversion from Iraq)
Why now would Congress concern themselves about gays? ( create a diversion from Iraq)
Why did Bush sneak in to Iraq conveniently after the death of its political leader?
Why havent Bush, Rumsfeld and Cheney---ever served in the military?
How is it possible the Dir. of Defense has never, never, ever, served in the Military?
How is it that the VP can use vulgar gestures, shoot his 'friend' in the face...and NOT HELD ACCOUNTABLE? HE DIDNT EVEN GO TO THE HOSPITAL TO BE WITH HIS 'FRIEND', AND HE WAS NOT QUESTIONED BY THE POLICE? We all know Cheney was drunk.
Can you imagine GW Bush, Sr., Al Gore, Dan Quayle speaking or acting in such a vulgar manner using disgusting hand gestures? No. They conducted themselves with Dignity.
Remember 'dignity'? It used to be associated with the presidency and all elected officials.
At least publically.
I am ASHAMED of GEORGE WALKER BUSH, JR.
He is a disgrace to himself, his family and this nation.
Our countries enemies must be laughing hysterically at us.
Wake up America!
How many more of our young men and women have to DIE in a fake war? How much bloodshed is enough?!It's all about war profiterring....I'd love to check the money trail and see whose pockets are being lined heavily with graft. OPEC oil prices are now over $70 a barrell. When the War in Iraq began the cost was just over $20.
It's about the oil. Controlling the oil. Allowing a cartel to profit obscenly.
I LOVE MY COUNTRY, IT'S THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.
However, in regards to our government------They are all liars. It's as though our government is turning into becoming fascists.
Since when can't an American have Freedom of Speech?
Why is the paranoia of GWB creating a network to spy on everything you or I say over the telephone, cellphones, which sites we look at on the Internet??? Is it because we are
the perceived as possible terrorists?? My God, the McCarthy era of the 1950s is repeating itself except we're not being looked upon as poss. Communists...but terrorists.
Our 'leaders'---ha ha ha ------are worthless, despicable men who have degraded themselves and have sold their very Souls.
They care NOTHING about you or I. They only about their personal empires.
Cheney is the puppetmaster along with Runsfeld pulling the strings of that idiot GWB, Jr.
New Bumper Sticker:
June 15th, 2006 at 9:24 pm"THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE--it's time to Dethrone him".
[...] Think Progress » President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’ [...]
June 15th, 2006 at 9:52 pmAre you Liberals ever going to get a clue or are you just going to hope to nitpick your way into an election of real power. Hillary Clinton, excuse me, Ms. Scandalous herself. Are you kidding me? Progressives my ass.
June 15th, 2006 at 10:20 pm#288, you're such an E-diot .
why would you wanna label them "weapons of mass deception" especially since everyone already knows since 2002 they were "WEAPONS OF MASS TURBATION"....think about it!
4 more wars , 4 more wars , 4 more wars!
June 15th, 2006 at 11:53 pmWhy don't people just give Bush a break? What if the guy Wasn't blind? It would be sort of offensive to be questioning a person like that without making eye contact.. it's more direct that way. Imagine if there was a liberal in office right now.. then we'd be really screwed
June 16th, 2006 at 12:14 amThis man is an embarrassment and an incredibly evil person. His stupid cocky head bob is making me ill. If he's so tough maybe a stroll outside the Green Zone where he brought democracy would prove it instead of photo ops inside a U.S. fortress. There is no way to defend this fool; he is a manipulator and a murderer. How many young people are we going to let him corrupt and destroy their lives. How many innocent Iraqis have to die for his vanity and power seizure?
June 16th, 2006 at 12:33 amIn response to the third post by TP:
You asked ifyou see a man with sunglasses on, do you automatically think he is blind?
Hell no, I automatically think he is High. As for the ole appointee to the the big desk, well with his known history, (like mine), he was probably thinking the same thing. He is definetly not use to seeing sunglasses on reporters.
Oh hell somebody shoot me now, I just defended the King of the Blithering Idiots, what was I thinking, AARRRGGGGHHHHHHH!
June 16th, 2006 at 1:05 am#295 is so clever; it substituted Bin Laden for Bush. I get it. If Bush is such a great one why doesn't he get Bin Laden; I'm not against that. Why is killing Iraqis a good thing? Give me one good reason why we've spent $1000 for every man, woman, and child already in Iraq and have nothing to show for it. I'd be willing to spend $100 to get Bin Laden but I don't want to waste my money and fellow Americans killing Iraqis. Wake up.
June 16th, 2006 at 1:39 amThe only newsworthy and telling part of this exchange was that Bush said "Touche" without understanding what Peter Wallsten meant by his statement: "I guess it depends on your perspective."
Telling because how often does our nation's leader pretend he understands what is being said to him??
June 16th, 2006 at 3:38 amHey right wingers stop trying to humanize the idiot you voted into office. The monster that that signed off on more executions in the history of the country. Lied about the reasons for starting a preemptive war. He is responsible for the deaths of at least 30,000 innocents in Iraq. He has squandered any good will that we may have had in the world. He has reintroduced torture and is trying to morally justify it. He has turned the NSA into a domestic spy agency That spys on everyone.
June 16th, 2006 at 4:37 amHe has ruin the economy of the country. He has made a laughing stock of himself and any moron who voted for him. He has gutted the treasury and given it to his rich buddies and you red state morons will defend him to the bitter end because you know he is the proxy of your own insecure little ego. To admit that he is a colossal failure would be admitting that you too are colossal failures. Buck and be men.
My father is legally blind and thinks the whole thing is hiliarious. Bush is probably well aware of the situation and was making conversation and everyone , as usual, is blowing everything out of proportion.
June 16th, 2006 at 7:55 amI agree that people are making too much of this. Sure, it was a failed attempt at jocularity, but what substantive difference does that make? I hope we don't elect politicians for such superficial reasons as how good they come across on tv.... er... never mind. At least Bush apologized. Now if he'd just apologize for his substantive errors.
June 16th, 2006 at 8:09 am[...] http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/14/bush-reporter-shades/ [...]
June 16th, 2006 at 8:36 amYou Libs are grasping for straws!
June 16th, 2006 at 8:51 amI don't think we are making too big a deal of it based on WHO said it, HOW - and WHAT it reveals about him as a leader. Why would anyone decent assume that if someone was wearing sunglasses and kept them on while addressing the PRESIDENT did so without having good reason? Ever heard of 'err on the side of caution'? How about 'the benefit of the doubt'? Typical that he is so arrogant in light of so often blatant supidity and yet he never stops to think 'Wow, maybe I should wait a minute and think about this." It's like an old friend used to say, 'It's one thing to be stupid, it's another to flaunt it." And what is a big deal about is it's indicative of his whole presidency. I mean how many times do you have to screw up the same kind of thing to not start doing some self examination.
June 16th, 2006 at 9:17 amI don't think we are making too big a deal of it based on WHO said it, HOW - and WHAT it reveals about him as a leader. Why would anyone decent assume that if someone was wearing sunglasses and kept them on while addressing the PRESIDENT did so without having good reason? Ever heard of 'err on the side of caution'? How about 'the benefit of the doubt'? Typical that he is so arrogant in light of so often blatant supidity and yet he never stops to think 'Wow, maybe I should wait a minute and think about this." It's like an old friend used to say, 'It's one thing to be stupid, it's another to flaunt it." And what is a big deal about is it's indicative of his whole presidency. I mean how many times do you have to screw up the same kind of thing to not start doing some self examination.
June 16th, 2006 at 9:17 amBush is a putz, and we libs have all the "straws" we need to prove it. This was just another excuse to poke fun at the little chimp. Neither the fun nor his reparte(sic?) have any real import.
June 16th, 2006 at 9:19 amI've listened to the Press Conference over and over again and I cannot believe how this President, who IS supposed to be our "Leader" and hopefully one who is in touch with reality can make such an embarassing mistake. Whether its out in the Rose Garden or at a public rally or meeting other Heads of State...this man speaks like a moron....he has absolutely no understanding of the English language, and how can his Press office allow him to make such mistakes is inexcusable. They just don't care about how WE as a nation look to other countries. This President is an embarassment...he is inept.....he has no control of the English language.....how can we call him our Commander and Chief when he himself has ABSOLUTELY NO Military experience!!! Are the Military personnel who work in the Pentagon really that blind to this situation also....I guess so.
June 16th, 2006 at 10:09 amwow....just think if the reporter was one of those guys that have nothing but the white part of the eyes....and he took his sunglasses off!!!!!
June 16th, 2006 at 10:13 amBush is a bully who tries to humiliate and belittle people. Hence his use of borderline offensive nicknames. But he really shot himself in the foot this time. Reminds me of Inspector Clouseau of Pink Panther fame. "Why are you wearing those dark glasses? Are you blind?" "Yes, monsieur."
June 16th, 2006 at 10:30 amLiberals can't do anything right, so they need other people to do something wrong. I love it how people are commenting on what Bush said to the reporter about the sunglasses rather than the real issue, which is obviously the reporter's question to the President.
People, listen, the real issue isn't before Bush said "touche." It's after.
Liberals are grasping for straws. They need things to go wrong in Iraq. Unfortunatly for them, Zarqawi was killed and things in Iraq look like they're taking a turn for the better.
June 16th, 2006 at 10:32 amI have always wondered why the old pope was shaking his finger at bush when they met ?
June 16th, 2006 at 11:01 amMaybe he smarted off again. A transcrip of that would be interesting?
I think people may be missing the point on this one!! Just read the exchange that this reporter managed to bring to conclusion with this very unpopular President.
THE PRESIDENT: For the viewers, there’s no sun. (Laughter.)
Q I guess it depends on your perspective. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Touche. (Laughter.)
As far as being blind, he was just doing his job. When you have a disability dealing with people's reactions is just part of a day's work.
June 16th, 2006 at 11:04 amI take issue with the statement that we're "nit-picking" here. Perhaps you are picking and choosing which posts to read, but there has been a vast myriad of very critical issues raised here. The "silly comment" by Mr. Bush merely served as yet another example of how slow and dim-witted his thinking is. It's not the comment itself. And I'm not using these terms as a flippant insult, I really believe he has neither the intelligence nor the resourcefulness to hold the office of president.
I'm convinced, as I see others are, that Mr. Bush is not in control in the White House. He was placed on the ticket for his "Daddy" connection. They really wanted Dick Cheney in there, and they got him. I wonder if the voters knew who they were electing to the presidency. Cheney, Rumsfield, and the prez's staff are running things.
It's unfair to say we're "grasping at straws". Are you living in a void somehere? Have you not read a newspaper in a while? Bush's approval rating is discouraging to say the least. Do you not think he's losing a good deal of his own base?
June 16th, 2006 at 11:16 amIt's certainly a silly comment because everyone knows everyone who wears sunglasses is blind!
June 16th, 2006 at 12:19 pmIF A MAN PRETENDS TO BE BOWLEGGED, DOES THAT MEAN HE HAS AN IMAGINARY HORSE?
June 16th, 2006 at 12:42 pmIF A MAN CHOOSES TO WEAR SUNGLASSES FOR WHATEVER REASON THEN THAT IS SURELY HIS BUSINESS AND NO ONE ELSES.
Let me ask. If the reporter had not had this medical condition and merely chose to wear shades, would Bush's comments have been any funnier? I don't think so.
He had no way of knowing of the man's condition. Still his "joke" was more of a statement like "I'm the President of the U.S. and you have the nerve to address me with shades on? Well, I'm gonna make you the fool here." The "joke" wouldn't have worked under any circumstances, not unless you have the same sophomoric sense of humor. Maybe you do.
June 16th, 2006 at 12:43 pmWe all should start holding our President accountable for appropriately representing all of us in a professional and respectful manner. The President should refrain from making comments or jokes during serious press conferences like this and just maybe it will reduce the chances that he will embarrass all of us in the future. The world is watching our President and he represents the image of our country around the world. If he doesn't use better judgement about what he says and how he says it during press conferences, how can we or the world trust that he's going to make serious decisions with any better judgement. The President should be held to a higher standard than he is getting away with now -- it is a sad decline for the image of our country and I am embarrassed by it and we must start to demand better from him for his remaining time in office.
June 16th, 2006 at 1:13 pmI have noticed that everyone on one hand says Bush is slow and dim-witted and on the other he's completely evil and calculating. So which is it? NONE OF YOU EVEN KNOW WHO YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. Have you met the man personally? Grown up with him. Had a conversation with him. Have you seen him in the daily meetings discussing whatever it is that's going on behind closed doors. You call him a murderer and evil, as if his own guilt isn't enough of having to think about the consequences his actions may cause. Come on. Hitler was evil and twisted. You make these comments based on little if no knowledge. And I'll repeat for the umpteenth time, extremist comments like that completely annihilate your cause.
And I knew exactly who I was voting for when I voted. Someone who does what they say they are going to do and who doesn't change his mind on every whim. Someone who isn't afraid to show emotion and speak his mind and someone who's not going to give up. As far as Iraq goes, there is no pulling out. It doesn't matter anymore about the mistakes or the supposed "lies" about why we are there. If we screw this up and are forced to get out, that will send a horrible message to the rest of the world. LET'S GO F-CK WITH THE UNITED STATES BECAUSE THEY CAN'T TAKE IT.
Is he the best ever? Surely he isn't. But people tend to respect someone who sticks by his beliefs and ideals (whether or not they agree with them) more than someone who cannot make up their mind. I would hate to be in his shoes, or any president's shoes when difficult decisions must be made. It truly must be a terrible life. Think about it, you are essentially a target for the rest of your life. That's gotta suck.
I hope that I never have to be in the position of losing a son or daughter or loved one in a war (or in any other way for that matter) but I also would never wish to be in a position where I know I caused the deaths of people, even if for a cause.
June 16th, 2006 at 1:47 pmI guess President Bush should be held responsible not knowing about the reporters' malady. You'd think he would know everything about everybody with all the invsion of privacy progs are always schreeching about.
June 16th, 2006 at 1:55 pmTypical liberals. If President Bush would have NOT acknowledged him, you silly pieces of shit would have blasted him for not being sensitive to his plight.
The reporter himself wasnt offended, so why do you pussies need to be?
June 16th, 2006 at 3:06 pmYou lost me here. The rest of your post shows you are an idiot.
June 16th, 2006 at 3:37 pmThose of you who have not made an embarrassing statement have either never talked very much or are too immature to realize it. It's regrettable that we have so many "children" jumping onto public forums with juvenile comments about one honest slipup. Maybe some day when (or "if") you grow up, you will take stock of the MANY things you did or said that you regret. In fact, just look back on your brainless and ridiculous comments posted here for starters. (Also, you may someday become educated enough to converse without childish name-calling and the "liberal" use of four-letter words.
June 16th, 2006 at 4:11 pmSo tim....whan ya gonna start that other blog? :)
June 16th, 2006 at 4:25 pmENOUGH ALREADY!!!
June 16th, 2006 at 7:03 pm[...] Imagine this bit of comedy. Like, there is this important politician giving an outdoor press conference, and he starts mocking a reporter who is wearing sunglasses when it is not sunny out. And in the end, it turns out the reporter is wearing glasses because he has a rare degenerative disease that is accelerated by exposure to UV and bright light. And everybody is, like, man that smart-ass smirking politician is an idiot. Watch it here! (via Think Progress). [...]
June 16th, 2006 at 8:00 pmIt seems innocent at first that it appears that no offense was taken by the reporter when you read the script. But when you view the video and analyse the gestures taking place, you soon understand this: Bush is running America. America is dumber(so to speak) than Bush for they elected him majority blah. Bush is really stirring some chaotic pots in the world and if this is his picture of a rosey future then I slit my wrists now. Corporate activities, esp the Brits and the US, are ruling the world with an iron fist. This needs to change inversely proportional to the status quo so people can live in prosperity. Unlikely an event will happen in our lifetime because of the greed and total blatant disrespect for human life of others, let alone themselves. Shame on you America for having successfully budded the seed of england into a land of fear and terror. You only have yourselves to blame.
June 16th, 2006 at 9:19 pmi dont think no matter what he shouldnt be teasing this guy hes suppose to be our president and its a serious job, not one to be joking about. i really hope that he felt like an asshole when he told bush that he was blind. hes a idiotic president
June 16th, 2006 at 10:36 pmFirst of all, mature adults with valid opinions do not stoop to calling each other various vulgar terms. Secondly, no one is looking to make a mountain out of a mole hill, Bush's inappropriate comments simply add to the straws already on the camel's back. Personally, I believe that any man who holds the highest office in the United States should have more class than to attempt to ridicule anyone addressing him, especially when that person is bringing up a valid concern. Does it not matter to any Bush supporters that his constant innappropriate behavior makes us just as much a target as you claim him pulling troops out of Iraq and seeming indecisive would make us? We seem, to the rest of the world as well as to many members of our own population, to be without a competent, logical leader. I wouldn't trust Bush to help me find my way out of a Maize maze, let alone any true crisis involving terrorists. I feel that a President should be someone that is held to a higher standard than your average Joe Blow and for that reason I have no sympathy when you ask if I would assume that everyone who wears sunglasses is blind. Last time I checked, no one died and made Bush God and, as a servant to the people (what a President should be), I don't feel that he is deserving of any more reverence than you would give to a teacher, policeman, or firefighter (people who truly serve our country - and for next to nothing compared to the President's salary) and I don't believe any of those people would attempt to ridicule someone for addressing them with sunglasses on. And another thing - the way the reporter reacted has nothing to do with whether others should or should not note the fact that the leader of our country cannot seem to carry himself in a manner deserving of that title. I mean, what if he didn't slip up with a reporter, but a leader of another country who wasn't as lighthearted? Would it still be just a mole hill then?
June 16th, 2006 at 11:41 pmI agree with you whole heartedly Anon, but I feel you need to be informed of his antics to know that he "does not slip up" (so to speak), it seems that it is hereditary and living large in his family.
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2006/051706.htm
He appears to mock all people in his irreverent presence, this includes world leaders.
June 16th, 2006 at 11:54 pmIf you treat people in prison with torture, why would you think they would respect, and treat anyone else fairly. People should fear someone who has this inbred capability to look at another human being with disdainful, arrogant superiority and lack of compassion.
June 16th, 2006 at 11:57 pmmy apologies for the cut link, here it is again
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2006/051706.html
also thx to Amy for the initial link post up the page.
June 17th, 2006 at 12:11 amBush reflects the mentality of the whole nation, if you can call it a nation. It's going down and so it shows on da prez' behaviour. Da Prez (GWB) hates the press (paparazzi, reporters), he's probably for the dictatorship, but either is to shy to implement it or does not know how to... In the U.S. of Ame. I'm extremely frequently being asked these kind of questions: "What do you do for a living?" , "Where are you from" , "Are you a spy"? etc. These kind of questions demonstrate how dumb and disrespectful to one's privacy some Americans are. So is Bush, the mawrawn.
June 17th, 2006 at 11:17 am[...] In this article, President Bush heckles reporter Peter Wallsten at a press conference for wearing shades while asking him a quesetion. Little did Bushy know, Wallsten suffers from a disease called Stargardt’s Disease and is legally blind. Well… I thought it was funny. [link] [...]
June 17th, 2006 at 3:20 pmYou people are insane. You do realize that Bush called the reporter later that day and said he was sorry and that he didn't know about the disease the guy had, but you probably won't see that on ThinkProgress. You know why, because they choose not to show you things like that. All these "alternative" media sources you people subscribe to are just as bad as Fox News, except they report on things that you want to hear. everyone is so overly sensitive. I'm going bald, people make fun of it, I move on. Get over it, the guy was wearing sunglasses and jotting down notes. I Googled some picture of him and does always wear the glasses. Is it Bush's responsibility to know everything that is goiing on? No it's not. Oh, and by the way, if any of you have seen any old press conferences with other presidents, they all do the same thing; they joke around with the press. They all know each other pretty well in Washington.
June 17th, 2006 at 6:55 pmAnyone could have made this simple misteak. And, by insulting him, how do you think you could have came across this if you were the president? You should think about the sercomstances befor you insult him...or anyone at that matter.
June 17th, 2006 at 7:08 pmAnyone could have made this simple misteak. And, by insulting him, how do you think you could have came across this if you were the president? You should think about the sercomstances befor you insult him...or anyone at that matter.
June 17th, 2006 at 7:08 pm[...] And this past week again - June 2006. President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’ [...]
June 18th, 2006 at 3:00 amAnd just think He WAS the better option in 00, and 04.......(Don't tell me Gore wasn't letting out a sigh of relief and thanking Florida voters at 9:15 AM on 9/11)
Tell you the truth, he'd STILL be the better choice than just about anyone coming down the pike. Neither side has good options in 08.......Maybe we are going to heck in a handbasket.
June 18th, 2006 at 4:41 amthe point is bush's attitude of how dare you wear sunglasses before me. not that he didn't know the guy was blind, the non sense about he was just kidding is more bs.
yo yo don't be dissing W wear shades in the rose garden, cheney busta cap in yo face!
he's a bully, no class, no brains, no soul.
June 18th, 2006 at 4:54 amWhat a sad man Bush is he's almost laughable. I wonder if he thinks about the goofs and blunders thats been done in his time at the White House. Hes's put his foot in his mouth so many times its almost as though his foot as a nice place to live. How many more people and communities has he got left to insult before his term in office is over. Let future leaders of America take a look at this guy and resolve never to make the same mistakes again.
June 18th, 2006 at 6:58 amJust another example of how narrow minded our president is. And just another in many instances where I'm embarrssed to have him as the leader of our country!
June 18th, 2006 at 10:40 amI got a kick out of you people bashing George when the reporter strickly stated that the President DOES NOT KNOW HE'S LEGALLY BLIND. It is only polite to address someone without sunglasses on and Bush simply called him on it unknowingly. Any one of you would have done the exact same thing if you were President taking questions. Morons!
June 19th, 2006 at 3:36 amWhen Bush gets his act together, any ribs he decides to poke[or stab in this case] will be taken in a whole new light.
June 19th, 2006 at 8:22 pmAs far as I'm concerned he's an ignorant, self-centered asshole which is the equivilance of having a loaded gun to the head of every American, or anyone in the world for that matter.
Has there ever been another US President who simply put opens himself to ridicule every time he opens his mouth? I cannot begin to think of one because I don't think he exists. Bush is an insensitive jerk. If he ever had to live the life of a poor man, middle class man, someone who lives paycheck to paycheck, a man who is blind or deaf or crippled Bush would probably blow his own head off. Notice I did not say brains and we all know why.
June 19th, 2006 at 10:31 pmFor the love of god...someone please assassinate that moron
June 20th, 2006 at 1:15 amHow about bill and HOW RIDICULOUS HE LOOKED WHEN MONICA OPENED HER MOUTH!!! YOU BLEEDING HEART LIBERALS MAKE ME WANT TO PUKE WHEN I READ THIS WHINING!
It depends on what the meaning of the words 'is' is.
June 20th, 2006 at 1:33 amI tried marijuana once. I did not inhale.
I did not have sex with that woman
I don't have a problem with Bush needling him for wearing shades on a cloudy day when he didn't know about the reporter's condition, whether or not it's written down for him on some briefing sheet.
I agree with the reporter when he said he wished the focus was on his question, which had to do with the White House going after Wilson for what he wrote and if he learned anything about goes on in his White House.
That issue to me is the important story related to Plamegate: should it be okay for the White House to seek revenge against people exercising their freedom of speech? Doesn't it seriously violate the spirit of freedom of the press and speech when the executive branch punishes you for speaking? I realize politics is dirty and this sort of thing is par for the course behind closed doors, but if it gets out in the open I'd like to see some general public admonishment against this behavior. It should not be okay!
June 20th, 2006 at 10:17 amWhile obviously Bush seems stupid for saying that about the shades, it seems like he should've been informed about the blindness since he often comments about the reporter's attire (such as on that same day, he told one guy that he liked his scarf).
June 21st, 2006 at 11:48 pmIf I was standing up there and a man I didn't know asked me a question, who also happened to be wearing shades, I would keep my manners and not think outloud, that's rude. A good person doesn't assume the worst and make a joke out of someone in front of others. That says alot about a person's character. I would ask myself, "Why is this man wearing shades? Maybe he is having trouble with his eyes, or covering up a blackeye his girlfriend gave him." But of course the disgrace of a man Bush is, he chose the stupid way out. How terrible this country has become.
June 22nd, 2006 at 12:37 amThat's what Bush gets for trying to criticize someone, something of which a "President" should not be doing, especially when he has made humongous mistakes as the worst president we have EVER had!!! What's your rating now, Prezident Dummy?!! (Nuculer!)
June 22nd, 2006 at 10:40 amThat's what Bush gets when trying to criticize someone, something a "President" should not be doing, especially when he has made a LOT of humongous mistakes himself as the worst president we have ever had. What's your rating now, Prezident Dummy? (Nuculer!)
June 22nd, 2006 at 10:44 amYo,
Great job Sparky!!!
I saw this on Jay Leno last night. I laughed so hard, that I woke the whole house up.
Hey, does he REALLY HAVE TO GO IN 2 MORE YEARS???? He's just gettin on a role. Come on now. GWB is the best we've had..... Well, since Nixon. But Nixon was never THIS GOOD!!!! I mean, noone was laughing when Nixon did his stuff. At least GW has created Bushisms. And, you know Bushism's aren't exactly refering to items of National Security! Hey, George W., why don't you use some of that Presidential power to appoint another term of office, for yourself? Come on, WE LOVE YOU, DUDE !!!!
I haven't laughed this hard in quite some time, and never on the account of a President!!!!
June 22nd, 2006 at 1:06 pmGreat Friggin Job Sparky!!! I saw this on Jay Leno last night. I laughed so hard, that I woke the whole house up. I saw this on Jay Leno last night. I laughed so hard, that I woke the whole house up.
Hey, does he REALLY HAVE TO GO IN 2 MORE YEARS???? He's just gettin on a role. Come on now. GWB is the best we've had..... Well, since Nixon. But Nixon was never THIS GOOD!!!! I mean, noone was laughing when Nixon did his stuff. At least GW has created Bushisms. And, you know Bushism's aren't exactly refering to items of National Security! Hey, George W., why don't you use some of that Presidential power to appoint another term of office, for yourself? Come on, WE LOVE YOU, DUDE !!!!
I haven't laughed this hard in quite some time, and never on the account of a president!!!!
June 22nd, 2006 at 1:10 pmOops!
Please ignore the second post
June 22nd, 2006 at 1:23 pm#327 Anonymous (June 16, 2006 @ 11:41 pm) You are on the the exact right track!!
"I mean, what if he didn’t slip up with a reporter, but a leader of another country who wasn’t as lighthearted? Would it still be just a mole hill then?"
Just think about the kind of laugh, in front of the WHOLE BLINKING WORLD, that will be. The absolute projection of the ability, and intelligence of the American people!
I mean, the best leaders, as the result of such a berating, (jumbled in the translation, of course!) would be 1) China 2) North Korea 3) Saudi Arabia and perhaps 4) Egypt or Jordan. Just picture it, that macho Texan, speaking exactly like that though representative from The States, infering that something onerous would be happening to said people(s) in the event that they didn't (or did) do something that The States thought should be (or not) done!!! ABSOLUTE CLASSIC BUSHISM. So, GW, when's the President's next meeting with a representative from one of these countries?
And, oh yeah, let's not forget how well such events have to reflect on the talents and capabilities, of the Presidential Staff Secretary, Personal Assistant, Deputy Chief of Staff, etc. I know that incidents such as these don't reflect too badly on how well they are able to do their jobs. I sure don't feel that it reflects on me as an American. So, I'm not worried about them.
I know he makes me proud! And, my children sure have a role model to look up to.
Thanks George.
June 22nd, 2006 at 2:08 pmWhat's the big deal here? anyone could make the same mistake. Like there isn't enough baggage to sink Bush, this ain't one tho' folks.
June 23rd, 2006 at 3:39 amAnyone can make A mistake. When you're President you're supposed to have the wherewithall to make a mistake here and there, and then get better people to surround you, so that the mistakes that get made are fewer and fewer. This moron is the exact opposite. It seems that, every time he opens his mouth he screws up so wickedly that even the Canadians are laughing at us! Yeah, anyone can make a mistake, but after 6 years as President, one is not supposed to be screwing up like a Vocational High School dropout. And, beside it's not a single large screw-up that takes one down, it's the conglomeration of all those tiny ones, where the final one is only the straw that breaks the camels back!. We've seen some morons in this country, but someone that is supposed to be "running it" is not supposed to think that the way one spells moron, is dumm. Hey, Dick Cheney, just keep George talking! Not only are we as citizens laughing, He's entertaining the whole world! Nice Job!!!
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:06 amyo.
It's just rude to make fun of a person who has a disiability that they can't control.
June 24th, 2006 at 10:29 pmIt makes me want to punch him in the face. I think hes done stuff like this before though ( make witty comments to insult press). But then again all people make mistakes, as far as we know, he didn't know the reporter was blind. But if he did three's no excuse to be a jerk.
Wow, Bush might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but the morons who are mad about this don't hold a candle to him. If you don't know a person has a problem, and they are waering shades like this, to question him about it is not rude, or dumb, it is normal. If you really read the transcript above, he was making light of it, not ridiculing him. Wow, you people are the biggest group of pre-judging people in the world - You just asume he is being rude before you know the whole story.
June 26th, 2006 at 4:47 pmThe one thing that nobody has thought to ask is the following: Even if Wallsten wasn't legally blind, what business is it for President Retardo to inquire about it in the first place? I mean, with all the other problems he's got (Iraq, Iran, the economy, etc.), you would think that he has more important things to be concerned about than the reason why a reporter is wearing sunglasses!! If the reporter was wearing mismatched clothes (say, a polka-dot shirt, a paisley tie, a striped suit jacket, and checkered pants), it would only reflect on the person wearing the clothes to be out-of-place, not the person being asked the questions! I agree with "Dubb-Ya" on one thing: I'm also against abortion, not only for the moral reasons, but because people like him are living proof that they (abortions) are not always successful!!!!!
July 5th, 2006 at 9:50 pmAs the pretty recent victim of a cental retina artery stroke which has permanently blinded me in my right eye, I also have to wear sunglasses most of the time because my pupil cannot react to sunlight and it can be painful. Having had to deal with the same type of comments, I find Bush's statement very offensive. It gets tiresome having to explain myself. There are invisible disabilities everywhere and sometimes I just wish people would remember that before they open their mouths. Just because you can't see the disability doesn't mean it isn't there.
July 7th, 2006 at 11:14 amWow, wow Robert, wow. Touche eh? Such a hipocritical statement if ever I saw one, lol. Have you met this man d-dubya? How do YOU know he isnt desparaging the reporter? How can YOU say what YOU just said when YOU DONT KNOW Bush? Might I suggest you do what I have done and possibly most others here and READ EVERY SINGLE THREAD AND HYPERLINK to make any judgements as YOU have done ;P There are some pretty funky sites out there which go right through bushs' downplays on people in life. Trust me =D
CE
July 8th, 2006 at 3:51 pmDoesn't do good to the USAF of the day. How could a fighter pilot be so slow?
July 27th, 2006 at 10:11 am[...] Secondly, as I told the other Peter, I’m going to tell you, that there’s an ongoing trial, it’s a serious business. And I’ve made the comments I’m going to make about this incident, and I’m going to put this part of the situation behind us and move forward." Think Progress » President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’ [...]
September 6th, 2006 at 3:12 pm[...] Evidently, Cohen’s humor is too crass for the good of the United States, as determined by a Chief Executive who ridiculed a legally blind reporter for wearing sunglasses to a press conference. [...]
September 13th, 2006 at 9:42 pmat first, being the inquisitive person i am, thought, sunglasses and its not cloudy? cool.
October 12th, 2006 at 9:32 pmbut it makes sense if he wears it to avoid bright light exposer. i.e camera flashes.