Rep. Jim Moran: Bush Was Warned To Be ‘Extra Sensitive’ About Webb’s Son
Rep. Jim Moran: Bush Was Warned To Be ‘Extra Sensitive’ About Webb’s Son
At a recent White House reception, President Bush asked Sen.-elect Jim Webb (D-VA), “How’s your boy?” referring to Webb’s son Jimmy, who is serving in Iraq. Webb answered, “I’d like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President,” to which Bush responded, “That’s not what I asked you.” Webb then replied, “That’s between me and my boy, Mr. President.”
The right wing has been attacking Webb for his reaction to Bush’s question. Last night, Fox News host Bill O’Reilly said Webb was “rude,” “inappropriate,” and “disrespectful,” because Bush was merely trying to extend a “nice gesture.” The National Review’s Corner called him “classless” and conservative columnist George Will labeled him “a boor.”
But according to Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), Bush was told that Webb’s son had a recent brush with death in Iraq and was warned to be “extra sensitive” when talking to the Sen.-elect. ThinkProgress yesterday spoke with Moran’s office and confirmed the congressman’s statement, first reported by hcc in VA:
Not only did Bush know about it, he was specifically briefed on the incident before meeting with Webb, and was cautioned to be extra sensitive in speaking with Webb about his son.
After such a briefing, Bush perhaps shouldn’t have been so surprised about Webb’s unwillingness to chit-chat about his son.
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“How To Be A Disgusting Person”, By George W. Bush
December 5th, 2006 at 9:51 amPaging George Will…
December 5th, 2006 at 9:51 amDid George Will and Bill O’Lielly think it was ok for Dick Cheney to tell Patrick Leahy to go f**k himself on the floor of the Senate? Such hypocrisy.
December 5th, 2006 at 9:52 amSooooo, Bush, having been briefed on Webb’s son’s recent close call, should NOT have inquired as to his well-being???? That is absurd. If Bush hadn’t asked how Webb’s son was doing upon meeting Webb, he would have been chastised for being indifferent and unconcerned.
December 5th, 2006 at 9:52 am“My son’s life is needlessly in danger every day because of your lies, Mr. President.”
THAT’S the truthful answer. The conservatives should be happy he held his tongue.
December 5th, 2006 at 9:53 amJeez-o-PETE! How much more sensitive could Preznit Bush Jr. have BEEN about it?
How many times have you gone up to a friend whose Maw or Paw was in the recovery room after a touch-and-go operation, slapped ‘em on the back and slurred, “How’s the old man? They get all the gunk outta his ticker? And yer Maw… they chunk out that tumor yet, or is she still pissin’ the bed?” See? THAT’s sensitive, ain’t it??? And I bet they appreciated yer concern!!!
But this here big ol’ crybaby Webb… his brat has a teensy, weensy close call with death, and Daddy’s all weepy-eyed over it.
And what did he expect?
Lordy, lordy, LORD!!! I mean, he’s PREZNIT BUSH JR!!! Not Dr. Friggin’ PHIL!!!
December 5th, 2006 at 9:53 amBush is a piece of human garbage. How his supporters can admire someone who has been a failure at every stage of his life is beyond me.
December 5th, 2006 at 9:54 amThe welfare of Senator Webb’s son has absolutely no relationship to the ability of right-wing chickenhawks to feel that their finely honed sense of morality and dignity has been violated.
Surely Senator Webb was aware of that when he told W to go to hell. Good for him.
December 5th, 2006 at 9:54 amBush has no concept of war or the risks involved. His bumbling attempts to discuss Senator Webb’s son with him, despite warnings, indicates Bush’s level of arrogance and sheer stupidity. Bush is a disgrace to the White House and his holding the title of President is an insult to Americans.
December 5th, 2006 at 9:56 amIt doesn’t matter, will is a liar and a criminal. His job and o’liely’s job and the national review’s job is to smear anyone who disagress with the boy king. They are fact free and proud of it. No amount of truth can change that.
December 5th, 2006 at 9:57 am“That’s not what I asked you”
December 5th, 2006 at 9:57 amGreat response.
Not, “We appreciate your son’s service” or
“I appreciate your family’s sacrifice”
but the equivalent of
Go F*ck you and your son for daring to question my brilliance!
Exley @#4 Don’t you think a heartfelt inquiry would have been more along the lines of… “I understand your son has had it rough…” or some such?
“How’s your boy?” and “That’s not what I asked you.” Is very different from that.
December 5th, 2006 at 9:58 amPoor conservatives! Those meanie, meanie Democrats! Oooh! Oooh, they make us sooooooooo maaaad!
Talk about the feminization of a political party. All the Republican men have turned into a bunch of pussies.
Cripes!
December 5th, 2006 at 9:59 amGDumbya is classless, tasteless and clueless. If Webb is being similarly accused, it is only because he got too close to the moron presidunce and some of it spilled over and stuck to him.
Anyone criticizing Webb over this incident is totally off-base. Just remember: Webb’s son is in Iraq while the “service-eligible” drunken slut Bu$h twins are cavorting in South America and elsewhere without a care in their sheltered little world.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:00 amIt just shows that unless it’s in his script, Bush is clueless. What goes in one ear goes right out the other. His aides should have writen in down on a cue card for him and he would have said it almost perfectly.
Again this is proof that we do not have a President, simply a puppet who is pretending to be president. Remove the puppet and you see the hands of Karl Rove and Dick Cheney. Time to get rid of them all. Impeachment must happen soon.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:01 amYesterday, Tom Brokaw briefly mentioned the “close call” young Webb survived where members of his unit were killed. Brokaw had been asked by a college student. The facts are out there for anyone who cares to read about what happened — unfortunately the likes of OLielly et al have big mouths with lots of listeners.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:02 amNever mind that Bush is a miscreant, a cretin, a sociopath, a boor, and insane.
Let’s give Bush a little credit. He’s remarkably consistent. Consider:
He was briefed in August 2001 that “Bin Ladin determined to attack in the US.” Did not pay attention.
He was briefed to be sensitive to Webb. Did not pay attention.
In both cases, idiocy or gall won the day. Thanks Bushie!
December 5th, 2006 at 10:04 amNo surprise here: shrub ignores good counsel, bulls ahead, and steps on his dick. We’ve seen it before and likely will again over the next 2 years.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:05 am#12 Elvisgoat….There is nothing wrong with “How’s your boy?”
“That’s not what I asked you,” does sound brusque. But quite frankly, given Dubya’s reputation as a glad-hander and schmoozer, I doubt he said that.
Webb is a prickly personality. Read “The Nightingale’s Song” by Robert Timberg and one can see that Webb can be a difficult person with whom to deal. Given their personailities and reputations, it seems much more likely that Webb was the one who was gruff and discourteous.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:07 am#14 Tom - you got it. Get to close to toxic waste, and the danger is you might get some on you.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:07 amWhat the neoconservative fanactics do not wish to address is why Webb’s response- “I’d like to get them out of Iraq’”- was a wrong thing to say. Webb’s statement was a natural response by a parent, hoping that his son and others would no longer have to be placed in harm’s way for absolutely no legitimate reason. The phrase “Ours not to reason why, ours but to do or die’” has always struck me as being moronic. But then that is the reason why the military and the government do not wish those in the military to do the unthinkable and that is to think and to question. It is also the reason why someone like Lt. Ehren Watada is the military’s worse nightmare, since the last thing they wish is for someone in the military to question the legality of a war.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:08 amAnd so, a right wing media attack by a bunch of “boars”. Who listens?
December 5th, 2006 at 10:10 amI agree with Bill. I understand that Sen.-elect Jim Webb is a normal parent who worries about his son, but he also has to recognize that you’re responding to the COMMANDER IN CHIEF, and you’re in his house. Remeber the quote, “In order to receive respect, respect must given”?
December 5th, 2006 at 10:12 amGiven their personailities and reputations, it seems much more likely that Webb was the one who was gruff and discourteous.
Comment by Exley
Uh huh. So it was Webb who taunted a blind guy for wearing his sunglasses; and it was Webb who said a guy in wheelchair looked mighty comfortable; and it was Webb who said to a single mother working three jobs that doing so was uniquely American. Is that what you’re saying, Exley?
Yeah, George W. Bush hasn’t an agressive bone in his whole body. Wouldn’t blow up a frog with a firecracker…
December 5th, 2006 at 10:12 amI doubt he said that.
Comment by Exley — December 5, 2006 @ 10:07 am
lotta nerve, ex… you are now definetely a total schmuck…
December 5th, 2006 at 10:14 ama prickly schmuck, at that…
George really felt he was being sensitive to the situation. That’s the messed up part.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:16 amI cannot believe that the man who just spent two weeks accusing politcal opponants of being allied with terrorists would be impolite.
Nope, Bush is such a nice guy, a real uniter.
What the hell is wrong people. He’s a prickly prick.
-GSD
December 5th, 2006 at 10:20 amIt just occurred to me now, but Webb had good reason not to discuss his son’s situation with Bush. Whatever information Bush may have gleaned, he and Karl Rove would use against Webb. Based on the record, there’s every reason to think they would do so. One could ask Sen Max Cleland if this is so.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:20 am#25, Katy…Have you read “The Nightingale’s Song?”
December 5th, 2006 at 10:21 am“That’s not what I asked you,†does sound brusque. But quite frankly, given Dubya’s reputation as a glad-hander and schmoozer, I doubt he said that.
Comment by Exley — December 5, 2006 @ 10:07 am
On what basis? I haven’t seen a single instance anywhere in the media disputing the words quoted.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:21 amI don’t think that bush’s initial comments were that out of bounds, they weren’t great, but they weren’t too bad. I do think Webb is perhaps a bit prickly, considering his son could die any moment, I can understand. I do think once Webb said we need to pull the troops out, that Bush got a bit prickly himself.
I don’t understand the conservative pundits who spend all this time yelling about how the office of the president needs to be respected, but were clearly not respectful to Clinton when he was in office.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:22 amFunny how Bush smirked, “that’s not what I asked you” when he always …always evades the question or answers a question no one asked.
So Monkey Oil Jr., are you ever going to answer the question “what is the difference between a civil war and what we see in Iraq?” which he was asked on NPR…and naturally he went on a tirade about something no one even asked him about, something about it being “hard work” lol
December 5th, 2006 at 10:23 amHey Exley how does that Bush Jr cock taste today?
December 5th, 2006 at 10:24 am#21 “ The phrase “Ours not to reason why, ours but to do or die’†has always struck me as being moronic”
Because the actual phrase is, “Ours is not to reason why/Ours is but to do AND die.”
Which has a distinctly different, non-moronic meaning. Following orders unto death if necessary — not because you are afraid of death.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:26 amI doubt he said that.
Comment by Exley — December 5, 2006 @ 10:07 am
Why Exley? I haven’t heard a denial from the administration, have you? Sounds typical of bush to me.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:28 amWho’s the boor now?
December 5th, 2006 at 10:28 amExley, your an ass. Out of respect for a relationship with his son the President should have let it drop and not tried to pull his same crap of pushing people down. It’s fine for Bush to ask, it’s also fine for Webb saying what he did. What parent doesn’t want that.
The Will’s of the world are grasping at straws and you want to defend Bush for this?
Once again, your an ass.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:28 amI’m gonna have to go with the general sentiment of katy @ 25
I don’t want to get into sniping at you ex…, but seriously. “I doubt he said that”. What kind of support is that for your opinion?
All I can say is, I expect he did. And I expect he was snide and contemptuous as well. Bush was trying to provoke Webb it seems to me. Otherwise, why even seek him out and ask the question?
December 5th, 2006 at 10:29 amWhat this shows is a complete and utter lack of empathy on the part of the president. He was told to be mindful of Webb and his son, so Bush, in his narcissistic way, made what he thought was a caring inquiry. Having no true empathy, Bush didn’t know how to care so could only do his best stab at pretending to care and failed miserably.
Webb sensed this and (probably due to the dire situation his son was in) felt it was necessary to remind the president of this fact.
The president could have said something to the effect of “no one wants them to be there a day longer than they need to be” or “let’s work together on that.” Instead, he gets miffed because his carefully crafted attempt at sincerity gets thrown back in his face.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:31 amSo Monkey Oil Jr., are you ever going to answer the question “what is the difference between a civil war and what we see in Iraq? 
Comment by Pre-emptive Jesus — December 5, 2006 @ 10:23 am
i’m still waiting for an answer to the simple question: “for what purpose” have the troops died… all the people died?
December 5th, 2006 at 10:32 am#23 Daryll You are wrong. This is not Bushie house. This is the people’s house. He works for the American people not the other way around. Old Bushie need to growup. Bushie is an arrogant ruded idiot. Bushie thinks he is king. We need to impeach Bushie, Cheney, and his Admin. for war crimes.
I am glad that Webb spoke up against Old Bushie. We need to send Bushie twins over to Iraq and we will see how fast the troops come home.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:32 am#30, RealScientist…”On what basis?” I said that given Dubya’s reputation as a glad-hander and schmoozer, I find it highly doubtful he would act so brusquely. Even if he did use those words, we have no idea the tone of voice, the look on his face, etc. Words that look abrupt on paper/in print, sometimes come off as very different when one is in person and speaking to a person face-to-face.
The White House has — to it great credit — refused to discuss what transpired between the two men. Webb, on the other hand, has gone out of his way to publicize this private conversation. Again, given Webb’s reputation as a difficult, gruff individual and Dubya’s well-known glad-handing (One may disagree with his policies, but there is no question he is a master politician), it is more likely than not that Webb was the discourteous one and who is pubicizing this incident as a way to publicize further his reputation as an inconoclast.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:33 amLook, in all fairness to the President, he probably thought he WAS being “extra-sensitive”. It’s not like the man has a lot of empathy to spare, or any real social graces.
And Exley, it sure makes it easier to argue your point when you can pick and choose which reports to believe, right?
December 5th, 2006 at 10:34 amI am always amazed at the Bush supporter’s blind faith in the Loser in Chief. Bush’s comment to Webb was a taunt, not a question. Like the neighbor who is tapping your wife coming up and asking, “How’s Patsy doing”.
Webb’s “boy” is putting his life in danger because of the Chimp’s personal war. To have that pathetic little loser ask about Webb’s son is an insult.
Bush is a total embarrassment to any intelligent American.
No apologies to the trolls who post here. You can all swallow or not. Your choice.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:34 amGiven their personailities and reputations, it seems much more likely that Webb was the one who was gruff and discourteous.
Comment by Exley
Webb has his son fighting Bush´s war. He can be as discourteous as he wants. Period.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:34 am#45, Juan….I am glad you agree that Webb was discourteous.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:38 am#23 Daryll
I agree with Bill. I understand that Sen.-elect Jim Webb is a normal parent who worries about his son, but he also has to recognize that you’re responding to the COMMANDER IN CHIEF, and you’re in his house. Remeber the quote, “In order to receive respect, respect must given�
That’s right, Daryll. Respect is a two-way street. Bush has no respect for anyone. He has no respect for life itself. He is not deserving of any respect. As for the office, he’s the one who is dishonoring it. Being president doesn’t give you license to lie, cheat, steal, murder, etc. with impunity. There are consequences for everyone.
Your sacred treatment of Bush is bordering on idolatry.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:40 amRemeber the quote, “In order to receive respect, respect must given�
Comment by Daryll — December 5, 2006 @ 10:12
Indeed! The day Bush shows respect, he’ll receive respect.
“I understand that Sen.-elect Jim Webb is a normal parent who worries about his son, but he also has to recognize that you’re responding to the COMMANDER IN CHIEF, and you’re in his house. “
He is the COMMANDER IN CHIEF of the ARMED FORCES, not of the United States of America or or American citizens. Or has that distinction been totally blurred?
So, if someone pisses on you while you are in his/her house, you’ll say thank you?
The fact that Bush had been briefed beforehand underscores his callousness and bullying even more. He was clearly intent on — sadistically — needling Webb about his son. Any other President worth that name would have thanked Webb for his son’s service and made the appropriate noises about the kid’s recent close call. But not this jerk, no! He was miffed because Webb skipped the receiving line, and intentionally seeked Webb out to spread his venom.
Bush is a small, petty, ill-bred, man. The sooner he is gone from office, the better.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:40 am#23, Sorry, Daryll, it is not the Presidents house, it is the Peoples house, we just allow sitting presidents to live there.
Anyways, Personal story time, but still on subject. When I had the pleasure of meeting Sen. Clinton in Shannon, Ireland on my way to Iraq I told her about my family. When I encountered her a few days later in Iraq, she asked about my family (If I had a chance to call them, How they were, etc.) My response to her was along the lines of “Yes, ma’am, I talk to them the other night and they are doing fine, thanks for asking.” See, she asked a question and I gave a respectful answer.
Here are the key parts of the story. Do I think Sen. Clinton honestly cared if I had a chance to call my family? No. Do I think that she was honestly concerned about their welfare? No. I say I had the pleasure of meeting her because she is in a leadership position in my nation. I showed her respect because she is not only a leader in my home nation, but also another human.
I am by no means a fan of Sen. Clintons politics, put there is a point where that has to be put to the side for the reason of civility. Was the Bush wrong for being civil? No. Was Webb wrong for his answer, not necessarily, but it was rude.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:46 amI am glad you agree that Webb was discourteous.
Comment by Exley
Read again. Thats not what I said.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:46 amWebb should have slapped your Liberator´s face. When Bush sends his daughters to a cause he seems to believe vehemently, then he can ask about other soldiers lives.
#38 Elvisgoat, “why even seek him out and ask the question?” As I in my first posting, if Dubya, having learned of Webb’s son’s close call, had NOT inquired as to Webb’s son’s well-being, Dubya would have been excoriated here and elsewhere as being indiffent, aloof, unconcerned, and rude. Dubya did the polite and proper thing asking about a senator’s son’s well-being.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:47 am#19: ““That’s not what I asked you,†does sound brusque. But quite frankly, given Dubya’s reputation as a glad-hander and schmoozer, I doubt he said that.”
Unfortunately for you, that’s been confirmed. Now, I realize you “conservatives” have problems with facing reality, but I gotta tell you, wishes aren’t ponies…
December 5th, 2006 at 10:50 am#19 Exley
“That’s not what I asked you,†does sound brusque. But quite frankly, given Dubya’s reputation as a glad-hander and schmoozer, I doubt he said that.
You doubt he said that? Why? Does it mess with your adoring image of him? Have you ever watched one of his press conferences? Have you seen how he bitches when he doesn’t like how a reporter is dressed? He’s gotten to the point of snapping at every other question that’s asked of him and his responses are exactly as snotty and arrogant as that response to Webb. I have no doubt at all that he said exactly those words, because it’s his style. It’s the way he’s always been, but he used to to hold it in a little better than does now. Nowadays he’s so frustrated by the truth constantly nipping at his heels that he lashes out whenever someone doesn’t kowtow to him.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:50 amfrom Exley, The White House has — to it great credit — refused to discuss what transpired between the two men. Webb, on the other hand, has gone out of his way to publicize this private conversation.
Hmmmm. Is it possible the reason the WH hasn’t made this public is because it shows the President in a bad light? If there was any possible way to spin this Rove would have.
Asking about his son is one thing. Not liking the answer given and having a snotty retort is another. Bush is wrong. End of story.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:51 am#34 ElectricBassPlayer
Because the actual phrase is, “Ours is not to reason why/Ours is but to do AND die.â€
To be really nitpicky, it wasn’t “Ours is not to reason why.” It was “Theirs not to reason why,” from Tennyson’s “The Charge of the Light Brigade”.
Theirs not to make reply,
December 5th, 2006 at 10:55 amTheirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do & die,
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Bush is a smirking jerk, Exley.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:00 amfrom Exley: “Even if he did use those words, we have no idea the tone of voice, the look on his face, etc. Words that look abrupt on paper/in print, sometimes come off as very different when one is in person and speaking to a person face-to-face. ”
I admire your dispassionate, clinical evaluation of the President’s reported statement (which you admit solely for the sake argument, I take it). You’re right. There’s a lot of information that we don’t get from a simple account of a verbal exchange between the two men.
However, since you only choose to apply those considerations to the President’s words and not to those of the Senator-elect, that makes you, simply, a hypocrite.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:01 amoh, and another thing, Exley, Webb has hardly “gone out of hgis way” to make this incident public. It happened over two weeks before it was reported, and then only by an eyewitness, not by Webb or anyone on his staff.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:03 ambetter bush be in iraq, fighting his phoney war than the young men and women dying there.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:10 am“And how’s Mrs. Goldman holding up? Does she still miss Ron? Well, gotta run, gotta sign some books, cash some NFL checks, play a little golf. Sure good talking to you though.”
That’s the level of civility Bush was shooting for.
Any decent person would have been tempted to wipe that smirk off his face. I admire Webb for not leveling the punk.
Two more years of this monkey’s shit throwing.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:12 amWebb is a quasi-redneck, but with a brain and that frightens the right wingers like nothing else…. they’ve spent thier whole political careers trying to be macho and tough while draft dodging and then the real deal comes along and runs against them and they are scared… lets face it.. the hillbilly’s need to vote for someone they can relate to and Webb is someone they can relate to.. god bless him.. we need more people like that on our side… he’s actually pretty bright but looks like a moonshine drinking uncle jessie type.. more power to him.. watch for more attacks on him because hes the biggest threat they face.. someone people who drink beer would want to have a beer with…
December 5th, 2006 at 11:14 amI agree. There is no way the man who mocked a woman on death row, who gives demeaning nicknames to journalists and anyone else who has to take it, who gets furious at a reporter who speaks French to the President of France, and who asked of Paul Wellstone, at a similar White House event, “who is this chickenshit?” would ever act brusquely to a Senator-Elect, especially regarding the man’s son, doing Bush’s dirty work in Iraq. How could anyone think such a thing?
One thing, though — about your astute comment that we have no idea about the tone of his voice and the look on his face. Which way does it cut? From a man whose usual tone of voice is a cruel sort of quack and whose usual look on his face is a smirk, it might just be that the delivery made the insult worse than it reads in cold type. I know which way I’d bet.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:15 amChimpeach at #55
Your reference to Tennyson is well taken and, despite what ElectricBassPlayer may believe, reinforces my point even more, which is that those in the military are willing to march into battle and die for some extremely ambiguous less than noble cause- “Into the valley of Death rode the six hundred”- which in Iraq may very well translate to “Into the valley of Death rode the 140,000″. As the documentary Sir! No Sir! proved, those in the military do have choices, which doing the Vietnam War meant that many in the military chose not be part of the war machine by joining the GI war resistance movement which took place at GI coffeehouses near military bases at home and abroad. The same thing can happen today, by having those in the military, such as Lt. Watada and Ricky Clousing and Kyle Snyder and Kevin Benderman and Camilo Mejia and Agusto Aguoyo and Darrell Anderson and Geoffrey Millard and Liam Madden and others, say NO to the war machine in Iraq.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:17 amWebb had no desire to speak with Bush, so he kept his distance. But Bush just had to get in Webb’s face, playground bully that he is, and ask the equivalent of, “Nice boy you have there, Webb. Shame if anything were to happen to him.” I am amazed that Webb didn’t punch his chickenhawk lights out, given the circumstances.
And incidentally, according to Texas practice, the word “boy” in this context is itself an insult. But I guess Commander Bunnypants was just funnin’ there, too, right, Exley?
While we’re on the subject of reputations, Exley, I guess Bush’s mocking a prisoner condemned to die by lethal injection was an effort at caring and concern, too.
Tucker Carlson, noted liberal scum, relates: “In the weeks before the execution, Bush says, a number of protesters came to Austin to demand clemency for Karla Faye Tucker. “Did you meet with any of them?” I ask. Bush whips around and stares at me. “No, I didn’t meet with any of them,” he snaps, as though I’ve just asked the dumbest, most offensive question ever posed. “I didn’t meet with Larry King either when he came down for it. I watched his interview with Tucker, though. He asked her real difficult questions like, ‘What would you say to Governor Bush?’” “What was her answer?” I wonder. “‘Please,’” Bush whimpers, his lips pursed in mock desperation, “‘don’t kill me.’” I must look shocked — ridiculing the pleas of a condemned prisoner who has since been executed seems odd and cruel — because he immediately stops smirking.”
Bottom line: Bush didn’t give a shit about Webb’s son. He put a big fat chip on his shoulder and dared Webb to knock it off. Webb showed superhuman restraint in not doing so.
And you are an asshat, Exley. Apologists for our sociopath-in-chief, like you, make me vomit.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:19 amBush’s comments were on the level of the famous black-humor joke: “Aside from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?” :p
But since he has absolutely no talent as a standup comic, he just stuck both feet in his mouth up to his neck. And bit down.
(Two more YEARS of terminal foot-in-mouth disease! It’s going to seem like two ETERNITIES!)
December 5th, 2006 at 11:19 amAs usual, George Bush continues to stick his neck where it doesn’t belong. He exemplifies everything that Republicans stand for: Crudeness, Arrogance, Insensitivity, Invasiveness, Racism, Rape, Murder, Torture, Exploitation, & Thievery. I guess we should thank Bush for exposing whats truly in the hearts and minds of all Republicans.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:22 amThe real issue here is this: Who is cooler?
Webb is waaaaayyyyyy cooler.
The GOP has to start picking him apart now or else he will be trouble for them someday. He’s like Clint Eastwood shaking down some two-bit hustler in a Dirty Harry movie. The GOP can’t really front when you have men like Webb around. Look at how tough Webb looks next to phony Wyatt Earp-moustache-having “reformer” John Bolton. Bolton and Cheney are the most macho men they have, and with men like Webb on the ascendancy, they look like ren-faire geeks.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:22 am#55, right on. Thanks.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:26 amDon’t they know the Prez doesn’t do nuance or sensitive.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:27 amNo script, no sense or sensitivity.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:42 amPower, in a Truth to Power exchange, always finds Truth rude.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:44 amWow! Bush knew about his son and purposely went after Webb? That’s beyond disgusting and pathetic. What a sad little man W. must be to try and goad someone who’s son is making the ultimate sacrifice for HIS failed war to try and needle him about it. Bush really needs professional help.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:48 am#45, Juan….I am glad you agree that Webb was discourteous.
Comment by Exley
Man whoever said it before was right: you guys are bunch of little whiny b1tches. Mr “Shock and Awe” , “Bring ‘em on” NASCAR flagthumpers whining because Webb didnt run his verbiage by Miss Manners before he said it.
God what a bunch of punk=a$s bitches. Webb’s kid is on the line for Bush’s deluded “we must win one for the mullah’s” meth dream war. He can say whatever the h3ll he wants…
They need to make a law that politicians children have a special draft all their own when war starts… I can promise you if Bush had to worry about anything worse for his dear little daughters than getting the Argentenians soccer team’s collective jizz pumped from thier stomachs they wouldnt be so gung-ho for this war….
December 5th, 2006 at 11:51 amthats why i dont like politics.. too little benefit, not enough sacrifice..
George Will is as gay as a picnic basket. Bill O’Reilly is as gay as a picnic basket. Mort Kondracke is as gay as a picnic gasket.
Tired, snippy old queens.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:56 am#
I said that given Dubya’s reputation as a glad-hander and schmoozer, I find it highly doubtful he would act so brusquely. Even if he did use those words, we have no idea the tone of voice, the look on his face, etc.
I agree. There is no way the man who mocked a woman on death row, who gives demeaning nicknames to journalists and anyone else who has to take it, who gets furious at a reporter who speaks French to the President of France, and who asked of Paul Wellstone, at a similar White House event, “who is this chickenshit?†would ever act brusquely to a Senator-Elect, especially regarding the man’s son, doing Bush’s dirty work in Iraq. How could anyone think such a thing?
One thing, though — about your astute comment that we have no idea about the tone of his voice and the look on his face. Which way does it cut? From a man whose usual tone of voice is a cruel sort of quack and whose usual look on his face is a smirk, it might just be that the delivery made the insult worse than it reads in cold type. I know which way I’d bet.
Comment by Stuart Eugene Thiel — December 5, 2006 @ 11:15 am
I just had to copy and repeat this comment. Though many posters have said very relevant things, Stuart just hits the nail on the head.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:58 am“Even if he did use those words, we have no idea the tone of voice, the look on his face,”
I’ll tell you the look he had on his face - blank! Just like the look he has when asked a question which is not scripted. Just like the look he had when he was reading My Pet Goat.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:59 amOur brave soldiers are DYING and they are concerned about Bush’s feelings??? He deserved a response 100x more rude. Not to mention that the Senator’s response was very appropriate to the question. It didn’t get “rude” until Bush said “that’s not what I asked.”
December 5th, 2006 at 12:00 pm#64 - Sharoney
Well said.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:14 pmYep, I have to agree with sensitive Progs and Progettes on this one - it was vicious and horribly insenstive of the President to ask Senator-elect about “his boy”. Everytime someone inquires about my active duty fighter pilot brother, Mr. Aphrodite practically has to restrain me so I don’t verbally assault the insensitive inquisitor!!!!! How rude of people to ask about my brother!! I can just imagine HOW the Senator-elect viewed the question as the perfect opportunity to leap up on his soap-box……
December 5th, 2006 at 12:17 pmWebb had no desire to speak with Bush, so he kept his distance. But Bush just had to get in Webb’s face, playground bully that he is, and ask the equivalent of, “Nice boy you have there, Webb. Shame if anything were to happen to him.†I am amazed that Webb didn’t punch his chickenhawk lights out, given the circumstances.
Sharoney
I would have. I really would. He’s a frickin’ disgrace. The morons that defend him are even worse of a disgrace.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:18 pmMr Bush,
I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
You’d know what a drag it is
To see you
Positively 4th Street
December 5th, 2006 at 12:18 pm#79, Well said, Mighty Aphrodite…You hit it out of the ballpark. This feigned “progressive” outrage produced by this Webb publicity stunt is quite amusing in its inanity.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:25 pm#80 - “I would have. I really would. He’s a frickin’ disgrace. The morons that defend him are even worse of a disgrace.” Comment by jake3988
December 5th, 2006 at 12:26 pm********My dear Jake - - The moronic Left, who refuses to believe radical Islamofascists have declared war on us are THE disgrace. And the reallllly good news - they hate you EVERY bit as much as they hate me….You’re just too ignorant to know it. Now go back to putting your head in the sand…..
Let’s see if i have this right, GWB lies to start a “preemptive war” which puts Senator Webb’s son in a near-death situation, then is offended by Senator Webb’s response that he, “Wants his boy home”? So, if someone puts me at risk of death unnecessarily, then inquires how I’m doing in my new, life-threatening situation, I should merely be grateful that he cares enough to ask.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:26 pmGo back to the sandbox, MA. As usual, you have nothing thoughtful to contribute.
Don’t forget to say your prayers at the altar of your Mighty Decider and to take your daily dose of Kool-Aid. The next two years are going to be pretty rough on you.
This said, if you decide to stay on this blog and be beaten up every time you rear your inane little head, we’ll be more than happy to oblige. It is open season on members of the freakish Bush cult.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:28 pmCan you say TURD BLOSSOM? Bush was just flexing his power muscles in disdain for newly elected Senator Webb. Bush has no respect for anyone other than his elite cadre. Bush is also an arrogant asshole and ignorant, country bumpkin. To think we possibly voted him into office for a second term is unreal. Facts will probably show he stole that election also, someday.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:29 pmAnd he is no soldier.
Since Webb was secretary of the Navy , he is well aware of how things work. My guess is saw those words (”hows your son”) as a veiled threat because he wouldn’t stand in the picture line and based on Bush’s history and willingness to see people killed or smeared or ruined based on just disagreeing with him and complete lack of understanding about anything outside the United States
It’s easy for the one of Bush’s syncopates to make a call and to insure Webb’ son is constantly in the line of fire becuase Bush is a spoiled insolent ivy league frat boy in a man’s body who learned his trade as hatchet-man working for his father. He loves ruining peoples lives over trivial slights and loves being a war president. The power is way too intoxicating for a man that cries crocodile tears in public then plans the death of thousands in private with little concern for the troops.
I have no doubt Webb sees him as a threat to his son- not becuase of policy but becuase of a telephone call. It’s amazing he showed the restraint that he did.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:31 pmGo ahead and swallow Mini Aphid, the act is over when you covered for the Chimp in Chief.
Bush wasn’t asking a question, it was a prod, a taunt. Only the most truth defying idiots would defend Bush here. Glad to see you haven’t wavered in your support.
Like a rock. But dumber.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:31 pmBy the way, I find it quite amusing that this “new information” comes from noted anti-Semite and ethicially-challenged (to say the least) Jim Moran (D-Va.)…You all remember Jim Moran, don’t you? He was the man who claimed that the it was a nefarious Jewish cabal that was secretly pusing America into war with Iraq….Moran’s comments were so despicable and so widely condemned that even his own party stripped him of his title as regional House whip….Now THERE’S a reliable source, eh???? Heh.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:33 pmIt takes a special type of “combat coward” to send other people’s children and family members into combat!
Bush, Cheney, Liebermann, Libby, Frum, Bolton, Rice, Feith are just a few of those special “combat cowards” who are willing to commit such immoral crimes!
December 5th, 2006 at 12:35 pmWhat has Bush done to earn respect? Unbelievable that the same people who spent 8 years referring to a president as a murderer, coke dealer and rapist have their panties in a bunch over Webb not playing nice. Also unbelieveable that some Bush cultists here are trying to make a lame argument that perhaps Bush wasn’t being insensitive. Hello??? This is the same guy who called a journalist an asshole when he thought the mike was off. This is the guy who has lied to the American people so much that he’s presented a unique problem for the mainstream media thinking of new ways to report that he’s a liar without calling him a liar. This is the guy who has trashed the constitutional separation of powers with over 700 legislation-altering “signing statements,” and the guy who has thumbed his nose at the Geneva Conventions on torture. Why on earth does Bush deserve respect? He deserves a jail term.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:39 pmI agree with Bill. I understand that Sen.-elect Jim Webb is a normal parent who worries about his son, but he also has to recognize that you’re responding to the COMMANDER IN CHIEF, and you’re in his house. Remeber the quote, “In order to receive respect, respect must given�
Comment by Daryll — December 5, 2006 @ 10:12 am
Yep….”That’s not what I asked” is just oozing with respect.
Bush was once again trying to be be a cute, regular ol’ Joe, just as he was when calling Cindy Sheehan “Mom” when he met her.
If you want to talk about respect, Bush should have used “son” instead of “boy.” At the very least, if he was going to open his damned mouth he could have also acknowledged that he knew of Webb Jr.’s close call, and, well, you know, expressed relief that he was OK. Bush could have also expressed his concern with getting our troops home as soon as possible, but he’s not interested in that. It’s up to the next president, remember?
December 5th, 2006 at 12:41 pmSeveral years ago, in a fit of rage, my Congressman Jim Moran chased Randy “Duke” Cunningham, Mr “Top Gun” from the floor of the House and into the cloak room. There, Jim found “the Dukester” cowering in a closet where he was begging Moran “don’t hit me, don’t hit me.” I hope Jim does the same thing to Bush some day. Maybe tag team him with Jim Webb. Damn would that put a smile on my face.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:43 pmOur president is simple. Our country elected a simple man. His comments to Sen Elect Webb show that but it was nothing compared to his blunder with Iraq, Healthcare, Afghanistan or the Enviroment. We as a nation need to be sure this never happens again. We are beter than this.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:43 pm#82 - ” This feigned “progressive†outrage produced by this Webb publicity stunt is quite amusing in its inanity.” Comment by exley
********Dear Exley - MOST prog outrage is feigned - and Jew-hating Jim Moran exemplifies their “position” better than most…..
When Islamic-amnesiacs in Europe and the US finally get it, they’ll be in line for their burka fittings after scratching the ground looking for bits and pieces of their dead relatives….
Keep up the good fight, Sir Exley…….
December 5th, 2006 at 12:45 pmExley said: By the way, I find it quite amusing that this “new information†comes from noted anti-Semite and ethicially-challenged (to say the least) Jim Moran (D-Va.)…You all remember Jim Moran, don’t you? He was the man who claimed that the it was a nefarious Jewish cabal that was secretly pusing America into war with Iraq….Moran’s comments were so despicable and so widely condemned that even his own party stripped him of his title as regional House whip….Now THERE’S a reliable source, eh???? Heh.
I notice that after several posters ripped you a new one, you were quiet for a while. Then after a fairly lame cavalry backup arrived in the visage of MA, you chimed in again, echoing the smear tactics that have made the Right so beloved in our great land.
Now, rather than address any of the many substantive objections to your previous posts, you follow the example of your cohort and Attack the Messenger.
You must really have nothing left in the tank, Exley.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:45 pmAgain with the lame strawmen arguments. It wasn’t the “how’s your boy,” it was the “that’s not what I asked you.” An insecure bully see’s Webb’s answer as a challenge to his authority. A good person would respond more magnanimously with something like “I understand,” or even “I feel your pain.” Bush is an insecure bully. We all know that. Even his cult-like followers know that. If he were not an insecure bully, he would, at times, be able to admit mistakes. If he were not an insecure bully, he would be able to answer non-scripted questions from citizens who were not necessarily cult members. If he were not an insecure bully, he would be able to listen to different opinions without seeing them as a challenge to his manhood.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:45 pmAsking Bush to be “sensitive is like asking a hunchback to “straighten up.”
December 5th, 2006 at 12:47 pmBush knew exactly what he was doing when he approached Webb. He was, no doubt, enjoying the little threat he was voicing.
I would have punched him.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:48 pmW can’t be concerned with Iraq, he had to worry about that nasty confrontation in Argentina his daughters had. !?
December 5th, 2006 at 12:50 pmWhen Islamic-amnesiacs in Europe and the US finally get it, they’ll be in line for their burka fittings after scratching the ground looking for bits and pieces of their dead relatives….
Keep up the good fight, Sir Exley…….
All I can say is, thank God we have Mighty Aphrodite and Exley to protect us from the swarming herds of brown people.
“The 101st Fighting Keyboarders — The Troll Patrol®: Keeping America theoretically safe for over three years.”
December 5th, 2006 at 12:50 pmBush must be the insensitive man alive, just by the very fact that he’s this boorish, obnoxious fratboy who has everybody kissing his ass, even when he says stuff that would get anyone else punched out.
I could just hear him when Rove’s mother offed herself:
Bush: “Hey, Turdblossom! Tough break about your old lady.”
Rove: “Yes sir.”
Bush: “Well, you just have to let these things roll off your back.”
Rove: “Yes sir.”
Bush: “She was a bit of a whore anyway, wasn’t she?”
Rove: (silence)
Bush: “I said ‘Wasn’t she?’”
Rove: “Yes sir.”
December 5th, 2006 at 12:50 pmEXLEY — Your attitude is in lock step with the administration’s: Never admit when you’re wrong and accept no criticism, no matter how apt.
In point of fact, if Bush had simply kept his ignorant/arrogant mouth shut, it would have been virtually impossible to find fault with him for not broaching the subject of Webb’s kid. It has been reported that he was specifically advised accordingly but, as we all know, the Connecticut Cowboy “does not do nuance.”
At a minimum, it was an insensitive blunder on the part of the president to even “go there.” More likely, it is yet another example of the boy-in-the-bubble demonstrating his utter lack of tact, empathy and understanding of how the real world works. His history as an inter-personal shit-disturber would seem to support the latter theory.
So, Exley… enjoy your fifteen minutes, but consider this: the president has distinguished himself as a boorish oaf, a bully, an intellectual lightweight, a ne’er-do-well, a thin-skinned punk and a bad person. Do you really want to associate yourself with such a character? For God’s sakes, why?
December 5th, 2006 at 12:53 pm#99 Krank, I am flattered that you follow my postings so closely that you noticed I had posted for a while. You must be one of my many readers on this site. As for your suggestions, had there been anything of substance to which to reply I would have been more than happy to do so. Alas, nothing of substance was posted in response to me (I note that no one here has read Timberg’s “The Nightingale’s Song.” Here’s a suggesion, boys and girls — Read! You just might learn something)….As for the so-called “smear,” may I ask what I wrote that was inaccurate? Are you denying that Moran made those remarks? Or are you denying that he was stripped of his whip title by his fellow Democrats? I eagerly await your substantive reply, Krank.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:53 pmWas Webb wrong for his answer, not necessarily, but it was rude.
Comment by robert — December 5, 2006 @ 10:46 am
Oh, come on. If Webb would have said “That’s between me and my boy” in direct response to Bush’s “how’s your boy?”, you might have a point.
But that’s not the way the conversation transpired. And you know that.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:53 pmYou cannot truly brief someone who has always gotten their way. Now that he isn’t anymore, and he was challenged by Webb during the elections, and face-to-face (EEKKK!), he lost-control. We can safely-assume he’s losing-control in the Oval office right-now.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:57 pmSince I first read about this story, I’ve been screaming to anyone who would listen that it was BUSH who was the rude one!
“That’s not what I asked you.” he says to Webb!
Indeed! like he’s teacher Bush chastising a school child or something! In fact, considering Webb’s final reply “that’s between me and my boy”, it always seemed like his comments were really a veiled threat from the President to Webb.
Now that we know Bush was informed about Webb’s son, it seems much more likely that it WAS a threat.
Either it WAS an accident and Bush was telling Webb next time it won’t be an accident
or it WAS NO ACCIDENT in the first place!
Before I thought he was just rude to Webb. Now I’m sure he was purposely taunting and threatening him!
December 5th, 2006 at 12:58 pmGet use to it wingnuts. The gloves are off, and after 12 years of your arrogance, sit down and shut up. Now, who’s the sensitive one? If you guys admire little george and karl’s politics, you’ll love what we’re gonna serve up…
December 5th, 2006 at 1:07 pmBill O’Reilly needs the bejeezuz slapped out of him! I thought after the Republican defeat dimwits like him, Sean hannity and George Will would have a little more humility…apparently these lackies will continue to circle Bush’s bunker defending him from any criticism, deserved or otherwise!
December 5th, 2006 at 1:07 pmOf course Bush was taunting and threatening Webb. That’s what bullies do. He’s still the same insecure bully who terrorized is younger siblings with a bb gun and ran outside in the rain to blow up frogs. He’s not only the worst president ever, he’s the worst person ever to hold the office.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:12 pm#23 Daryll
Did you sustain a brain injury as a child? Respect must be EARNED!!! With the complete and utter disregard Bush has had for America and it’s citizens, he deserves NO respect. He deserves to be tried for crimes against humanity but I believe in Karma, baby. Everything that goes around, comes around, so his crimes (and Cheney’s) won’t go unpunished.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:22 pmMore “support” of the troops and their families from our “Creator of Grief”.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:25 pmWebb didn’t answer Bush’s question because he obviously understood Bush’s feigned concern for his son was a show, fake as a 3 dollar bill.
This utter lack of compassion was corroborated by Bush when he aggressivly demanded Webb stick to the fake script.
To Bush, Webb’s son is in truth, “just a number”, and like the rest who have died will only be considered as a “footnote in history”, pawns to be expended in Bush’s vain attempt to attain easy glory through his state sanctioned death agenda.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:27 pmWebb should be flattered that Bush did not break wind, as he does when greeting his new interns.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:27 pmGBW has spent a life time insulting people,its his way of dealing with his inability to display courage and character.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:28 pmSince his birth if you follow his biography, he has failed to live up to anything expected of hime.
Jim Webb is his exact opposite. A,man of courage and strength of character, he must be admired for the way he has spent his life. A moral upstanding man who is proud to be an american, a true patriot. Jim Webb is the knid of man I studied about in my American History class while in school, a patriot in the fashion of the founders. Bush was advised to be sensitive, obviously he couldn’t help himself. Having sentenced our soldiers to death for his mistakes he does what he has done all his life. I don’t believe any american president ever didn’t develop a sense of his position to the american people before GWB, leave him to heaven! or hell
let’s see.
If the situation had been reversed and bush’s twins were in Iraq and the same conversation took place, you can bet the house that the repubs would have been all over webb for being mean to poor bush.
How they can defend bush is beyond my comprehension.
Bush might have had respect at one time, but his actions have certainly given any sane person the abilty to be disrespectful.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:29 pmIf someone lies to me and treats me without respect, then I certainly do not owe them any.
82, that may be the single funniest (albeit dumbest) post I’ve ever read on an internet message board. Any sentient being knows that faux outrage is exclusively the domain of the wingnut right. (See Christmas, War on) Is it seriously your contention that THE LEFT is the side that is fulminating over this event? Holy Shit! George Will got the ball rolling, and the regular gang of useful idiots (Limbaugh, O’Reilly, Hannity, Levin, et al) began their lockstep march. Pop a midol, sweet jeans, and come back when you have something to say that’s at least remotely connected to reality.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:33 pmMaybe Bush should have said “Ya know if your “boy” wasn’t such a screw-up and had done his studies he wouldn’t be stuck in Iraq”
December 5th, 2006 at 1:35 pm#63Lt. Watada and Ricky Clousing and Kyle Snyder and Kevin Benderman and Camilo Mejia and Agusto Aguoyo and Darrell Anderson and Geoffrey Millard and Liam Madden and others
Here is one thing all these people have forgetten:
“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).
When you raised your right hand and uttered these words you swore an oath to the people of the United States. Just because you may feel that the war/conflict/ whatever is wrong you still have a duty and obligation to uphold. If you joined anytime in the last 5 years you knew there was a chance of going into harm’s way. No one forced them to join.
The Congress and the Courts can decide if the President is wrong. These people are not heros, they are cowards that backed down from an obligation.
SEMPER FI!
December 5th, 2006 at 1:38 pmExley “remotely connected to reality???!!!”
11 Bravo, you’re dreaming. That ain’t gonna happen.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:38 pmSooooo, Bush, having been briefed on Webb’s son’s recent close call, should NOT have inquired as to his well-being???? That is absurd. If Bush hadn’t asked how Webb’s son was doing upon meeting Webb, he would have been chastised for being indifferent and unconcerned.
[Comment by Exley — December 5, 2006 @ 9:52 am]
What I find absurd are your comments & questions. Mr. Bush is the President of the United States, not the Chief Asshole. There is decorum that goes with that position, which Mr. Bush consistently ignores and acts the bully that he is both in word and deed.
Bush “sought out” Mr. Webb. I am quite sure much would depend upon tone, and it is well known how “prickly” Mr. Bush becomes when someone does not kowtow to him. It’s totally irrelevant the books Mr. Webb has written, as it is irrelevant what books Mr. Bush has read.
Mr. Bush underwent a briefing prior to this meeting as he does before most meetings and/or events. He took what he learned in that briefing and used it to badger someone would had attacked him & his policies, as well as Mr. ‘Macaca’ Allen, and won out.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:38 pmThe point of Bush’s frat-boy glad-handling is to establish who’s the Alpha Male & who’s subservient.
“Hey Webb, how’s your boy?” was a way to get a submission response, e.g. “Fine, Mr. President”.
But Webb isn’t a submissive guy; he gave it right back to the wanna-be Alpha. If Bush were a real Alpha, he would have shrugged it off. His snippy response is actually kinda funny, in a pathetic way; it’s typical of the domineering alcoholic who gets challenged.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:40 pmTo review (for the 100th time), the joke was that Bush didn’t do HIS homework and got US stuck in Iraq. Kerry blew the joke and evidently doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of being nominated to run for president again. Bush blows jokes right and left, but evidently pays no price for it, and that’s the way his self-loathing cult-like, authority worshiping followers like it, right beefeater?
December 5th, 2006 at 1:41 pmBill O’Reilly calling someone rude, inappropriate, and disrespectful? That’s funny, because those are the exact words I would use to describe O’Reilly. What a hypocrite! O’Reilly is what’s wrong with people today.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:41 pmI agree with Bill. I understand that Sen.-elect Jim Webb is a normal parent who worries about his son, but he also has to recognize that you’re responding to the COMMANDER IN CHIEF, and you’re in his house. Remeber the quote, “In order to receive respect, respect must given�
Comment by Daryll — December 5, 2006 @ 10:12 am
Other posters are right on about this juicy little tidbit. Now that we’ve reminded you that its OUR HOUSE, let me just add this:
The Presidency is one of three CO-EQUAL branches of government. That means he is not more equal than the other two, get it?
Senator Webb is a representative of one of the three CO-EQUAL branches of government, yes?
Therefore, they are BOTH deserving of the SAME RESPECT! Webb was respectful in his replies. He addressed the President both times as “Mr. President”, and he answered Mr. Bush’s question, when asked - both times!
Why do Republicans always call for respect FOR the president instead of respect FROM the president?
This man child we have been forced to call President, does not respect that office and he does not respect the people who work WITH him (not FOR him) like the congress and he does not respect the people he works for, namely us!
December 5th, 2006 at 1:42 pmWhy should anyone be required to respect a man who is beneath even contempt?
brandx, guess what, to all the politicians that do not have a child serving, all the troops are just a number. In fact, to all those that like to talk about the poor troops that do not know them, they are all just a number too. People bat around the “poor troops” talk all the time and try to speak “for the troops” without ever talking TO the troops.
Wanna’ support the troops in a manner they will really appreciate. You know, person to person. Let me know, I will post an address for care packages.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:43 pm#121 - “If the situation had been reversed and bush’s twins were in Iraq and the same conversation took place,you can bet the house that the repubs would have been all over webb for being mean to poor bush.”
Comment by diane
********Dear Diane - Thank you for clearly illustrating your limited understanding. IF the situation were reversed, I can assure you, George Bush would have said, “The girls are fine - thank you for asking.” Nothing more - nothing less….unlike “sensitive” progs…..
Unlike you, I have great respect for the Presidency. The one and only time I met a sitting US President, he was not someone I voted for and he had lied to the country about tax increases on the elderly and middle class. However, when it came time to meet him and shake his hand, I said, “Thank you, Mr. President”….Some people just have the benefit of learning good manners at an early age….
Back in session……
December 5th, 2006 at 1:45 pmRobert: “These people are not heros, they are cowards that backed down from an obligation.”
Do you, as an American member of the armed forces, have an obligation to disobey orders if they are unconstitutional? The answer is yes. Your oath is to uphold the constitution first and obey orders second. Since you must know this is true, you’re just bullshitting with your “Semper Fi.”
December 5th, 2006 at 1:47 pmDoes anyone who is criticizing Senator-Elect Webb have a child serving in Iraq? No? Then shut the f*ck up. You walk a mile in those shoes and see how they fit.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:47 pmExley, don’t make the mistake of assuming that all attention is flattering. Unless you think that Paris Hilton gets all that attention because she’s a fascinating intellect, and not a social train wreck.
Among the substantive objections to your earlier postings which you chose to ignore were several requests for you to back up your “doubt” of Bush’s “That’s not what I asked you” quote with ANY denials, either official or unofficial that the president said those words — anything, in other words, beyond your belief in the president’s good character. A poster noted that your comment “Words that look abrupt on paper/in print, sometimes come off as very different when one is in person and speaking to a person face-to-face” seemed to only apply to Bush, and not to Webb. You ignored that apparent inconsistency. Another pointed out that the same quote could just as easily cut the other way, and that Bush’s tone could have been much more acid and aggressive than printed words convey.
All of these I would consider fairly substantive. In other words, they deal with what you wrote, and with what others have reported about the incident in question. As opposed to, say, impugning the credibility of a secondary source through name-calling and unrelated claims. THAT, I would consider “smearing”. See the difference?
December 5th, 2006 at 1:47 pmSen. Webb was not rude. His initial response to the question was totally appropriate. It was Bush who made the rude obnoxious remark to him and it was good of Sen. Webb to respond in such a way as to halt Bush in his rude and thoughtless tracks. Good for him.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:52 pmMore bullshit masquerading as patriotism from Robert. Robert, if an American wants to support the troops, the best way is to vote for representatives who support the troops with their votes in congress. Do your representatives vote for veterans benefits, educational opportunities, health care for their families, proper body armour, etc.? Just go to Iraq and Afganistan Veterans of America to see how your reps have been voting. What you’ll find, Robert, is that the repubs you support get consistently bad grades, while the Dems you hate get the good grades. Ted Kennedy, for example, gets a B+ from the IAVA for his voting record, while Rick Santorum got a D-. Talk is cheap Mr. Marine toughguy. Actions speak much louder and the way to measure that is voting record.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:52 pmBluedog49, has the Congress or the Court declaired that anything unConstitutional has happened? Not last I checked. Is the President acting within the powers granted by the Congress? Yes he is. Do I, as a member of the Armed Services have the right to determine on my own the legality or Contitutionality of a military campaign? No I do not.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:54 pmI will post an address for care packages.
Comment by robert
Post the address! Do they give a list of needs and wants?
December 5th, 2006 at 1:54 pmoh, and another thing, Exley, Webb has hardly “gone out of his way†to make this incident public. It happened over two weeks before it was reported, and then only by an eyewitness, not by Webb or anyone on his staff.
Comment by harry snapper organs — December 5, 2006 @ 11:03 am
Also, I do believe the story first was reported by Reich-wing talking-point-bobble heads because they were trying to paint Webb as rude and disrespectul.
Except, as usual, they had the story completely backwards and it blew up in their faces.
Too bad. So sad.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:56 pmFirst visit here. I’m struck by the number of wingnuts the blog has attracted and by the usual inanity of their comments.
You must be doing something right.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:58 pm> Do I, as a member of the Armed Services have the right to determine on my own the legality or Contitutionality of a military campaign? No I do not.
>Comment by robert
The UCMJ requires you to disobey illegal orders.
It does not give you a choice; if an order is illegal, you must decline to obey it, or you will be subject to charges.
Of course, in practical terms, you can almost always forget your oath and obey anyway. Because prosecution is controlled by the same civilians who originated the order.
But your oath is your oath.
December 5th, 2006 at 2:02 pmYou have the right to question orders if you think they violate the constitution. This is the way it has been from the beginning. Whether or not congress has determined anything illegal is irrelevant. You took an oath to protect the constitution, not protect the leader.
Besides, the president is NOT acting within the powers granted by congress. The authorization provided that he come back every 6 months and expand on the evidence that Iraq was a threat to national security. He never did that, so he violated the agreement. And, this little bit of information which you have chosen to ignore will be included in articles of impeachment if and when they are ever prepared.
December 5th, 2006 at 2:02 pmBluedog,
The people I vote for have consistantly vote for Vet benifits, GI Educational programs, family benifits, etc. I am glad for the body armor that I have, you know, the ones that Kerry voted against.
I don’t have to go to an Iraq or Afghanistan Vet Assoc. Site or meeting. I just go to work and see plenty. Ya’ see, that is what I do. I am a U.S. Marine, 13 1/2 years on active duty and 2 tours in Iraq. So I speak from the ground level. I know what the troops want because I am one of them!
I never once said I hate Dems. There are some I do not agree with their politics, but hate is a personal thing. My brother is a Dem. I disagree with his politics, but I love my brother. Guess what, there are Repubs I disagree with too!!
Yes, by all means vote for those that support the troops. But why let your action stop at that. Reach out and get to know one or two of us. You may be surprized by what you find. Let them know it is not THEM you are against. Talk is real cheap, take action.
December 5th, 2006 at 2:03 pmId have grabbed my crotch area and told Bushie
‘I got you boy hangin’,’
December 5th, 2006 at 2:04 pmIf Bush’s children had a brush with death, it would probably be