Barnes Claims Iraqis Are Giving Bush ‘Credit’ For Feeling Secure
Barnes Claims Iraqis Are Giving Bush ‘Credit’ For Feeling Secure
Unlike a large majority of the country (and the world), the Weekly Standard’s Fred Barnes loves former President Bush. Last month, Barnes declared that Bush is just like Abraham Lincoln (despite what historians think). “Not only was [Lincoln] America’s greatest president, I think he was America’s greatest political leader,” he said. “You know what was more like Lincoln in his presidency? George W. Bush.”
Barnes picked up on this delusion last weekend during Fox News’s “Beltway Boys” program. When co-host Mort Kondracke said Bush deserves credit for declining to criticize President Obama last week, Barnes claimed that Bush will eventually get credit for “his Iraq intervention, which worked.” And like Kondracke, Barnes added that Iraqis have given Bush credit too — for “feel[ing] secure”:
BARNES: There’s one group, that I haven’t heard of until recently, is giving Bush credit and that’s the Iraqi people. Look, a recent poll of over 2,000 Iraqis shows 46 percent say they feel secure where they live, which is in Iraq. Last March, only 20 percent could say that. Pretty impressive, huh? I thought so.
Watch it:
A recent ABC/BBC/NHK poll found that 46 percent of Iraqis said that “conditions” where they live are “very good.” But unfortunately, the poll never asks where the credit lies. In fact, some of the results in the very same poll suggest that Iraqis dislike Bush, dislike his decision to invade, and want U.S. forces to leave.
According to the poll, 62 percent said Muntadar al-Zaidi, the journalist who threw his shoes at Bush last December, “is a hero.” A further 10 percent said he is a hero but deemed his actions to be criminal. Moreover, many said that the election of Obama “will make things better for Iraq.” But also, the poll found that a majority of Iraqis also think Bush’s decision to invade Iraq was “somewhat” or “absolutely” wrong while a plurality (46 percent) said they want all U.S. forces out of Iraq before the 2011 deadline set by last year’s security agreement.
Just last week, Barnes declared “Mission Accomplished” in Iraq.
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Yeah, those Iraqis are soooooo grateful to Chimpy that one of them was willing to risk being beaten to death and spending the next 3 years of his life in prison just so he could show Bush exactly how grateful he was…
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 pmThis claim is made after Barnes traveled extensively in Iraq, talking with people without a massive armed guard around him.
Ya right.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:07 pmI think there is a shop in the green zone selling felt charicature’s of Bush and they are selling really well.
However there is little other kindling for starting your stove when you actually have food and aren’t being shot at or blown up as collateral damage.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:09 pmBarnes is a senile old fool. That’s obvious. No cred whatsoever.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:10 pmAbraham Lincoln attacked another country…who knew?
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:10 pmIf you google ass clown, Fred Barnes comes up on the screen.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:11 pmYes, here it is, right here, in the wingnut history book.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
that’s right fred,
when they throw their
shoes at you at it means
“thanks!”
;)
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:15 pmYes Mr. Barnes sees the cheers from the Iraq people as they march with signs of love for Bush. Even the 151,000 innocent Iraq citizens who were murdered as they slept in their beds on March 20, 20003 love Bush for killing them. We have those 5 million displaced Iraq people who just love losing their country and homes when Bush illegally invaded Iraq. Look for Barnes to say those kidnapped innocent victims who were tortured/raped and even murdered to all hail George W. Bush for his love. These people will say anything because some people truely believe this stuff. Seeing the picture of torture isn’t enough evening seeing the bodies of the people Bush had tortured to death mean nothing because Bush paid their families $2,500 dollars for each murder we did. We are proud Americans who are the Leaders of Democracy and Human Rights but we just don’t follow the policy ourselves it’s only for other oops Israel and murder to in the name of God and Country.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:15 pmRight wing stupidity strikes again!
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:22 pmGee, that’s great. I wonder how many of them felt that way before we invaded?
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:24 pmOT, and I apologize, but the DOW just jumped 500 points.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:26 pmOkay, if a “recent” poll shows 46% of Iraqis feel safe, and that number was 20% last March, perhaps the poll demonstrates that the Iraqi people feel more than twice as safe since Obama was elected. But of course that would be contrary to Barnes’ argument.
I’d bet that Iraq hates Bush as much as America.
PEACE
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:28 pmI am amazed daily at the incredible level of stupidity of the right wingnuts. Astoundingly moronic and growing more moronic every day.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:33 pmNow 46%…..Last March 20%.
Who was president last March ??????
And how does Bush’s 20% compare to pre-invasion Iraq ?
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:37 pmPut down the bong, Fred.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:38 pmand give it to Acid – he’s not a bubblegummer
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:41 pm“You know what was more like Lincoln in his presidency? George W. Bush.”
Bush is a “what” not a “who”? OK, I accept that. So, perhaps the “Lincoln” you are making a comparison to is the car. Please elaborate as you might be onto something.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:41 pmSee it’s FOX again. These radical guests are a dime a dozen. FOX is attracting them like insects to a beacon, letting them shine bright as they briefly flitter then fade, while they rake in dough.
Beck and the other older guy are just bigger insects. They give off pheromones that reach across the entire country.
Cancel your subscription to FOX or enjoy it – the choice is yours.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:43 pmI was going to try to rant about the insanity of comparing W to Abraham Lincoln, but it would become the rant that never ends. Way too much material there. Oh well, it was nice of him to let the world know that Iraquis live in Iraq, real insight there.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:44 pmAnd I believe in the Easter Bunny.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:46 pm.
Fred Barnes is touting a reality that doesn’t exist.
.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:57 pmGame,
Speaking of the Easter Bunny…
… Joe Biden at the Gridiron Dinner:
http://buzzflash.com/articles/node/8012
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Hey barney, are dead people included in your little lying survey? Surely chimpy put them to peace.
Busted Mission
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:02 pmMax-1 Says:
Game,
Speaking of the Easter Bunny…
… Joe Biden at the Gridiron Dinner:
http://buzzflash.com/articles/node/8012
‘Axelrod really wanted me to do this on teleprompter — but I told him I’m much better when I wing it. … I know these evenings run long, so I’m going to be brief. Talk about the audacity of hope. … President Obama does send his greetings, though. He can’t be here tonight — because he’s busy getting ready for Easter. H[e] thinks it’s about him.
HAHAHAHAHA
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:04 pmI think Barnes was refering to the two million dead iraqui civilians… they know they can’t be killed again so they feel extreemely secure in their graves. Two millions! What poll!
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:05 pmGame of Life Says:
And I believe in the Easter Bunny.
Ha ha. Everybody believes in the Easter Bunny cause, you know, you have to believe in something, even if it’s wrong.
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:08 pmWas the poll taken in Fahlujah?
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:09 pmAnd all of Mr. Barne’s female relatives dress in burkha. It is the latest fashion for them, ya know.
Besides, some of his best friends are Iraqi’s.
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:11 pmGame,
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:11 pmMuch classier than,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKX6luiMINQ
NO?
Oh great…46%
Quick reserve my e-ticket to Iraq Disneyland.
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:12 pmI wonder if some time in the future Fred Barnes will wake up one morning and just say “you know, I am a dirty cocksucker”?
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:12 pmWere the Iraqis that responded to this poll living in exile in some other country? Or still living in Iraq? Wouldn’t surprise me if these were exiled Iraqis!
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:13 pm.
Dear Fred Barnes,
Polls taken in the Green Zone are not representative of the entire populace. One must venture past the castle gates to get an adequate feel of the subjects.
.
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:19 pmPeople feeling more secure since bush is not prez makes sense whether you’re talking about here in the US or in Iraq. The whole world over is more secure.
There are about forty Presidents who are more similar to Lincoln than the last, so was Barnes reading a Corbert Report script when he was making that comparison? Kinda looks like it.
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:19 pmsacopenapa Says:
Was the poll taken in Fahlujah?
What a horror that was!
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:20 pmScottsdalian Says:
Were the Iraqis that responded to this poll living in exile in some other country? Or still living in Iraq? Wouldn’t surprise me if these were exiled Iraqis!
You mean you really think he actually talked with an Iraqi?
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:44 pmBarnes and his Klan are such morons..it’s amazing they know which hand is which every morning when they crawl out of their cots…
IF Barnes actually had to make a report on a FACT, ANY FACT, he would be stumped forever.
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:48 pmIt is interesting, if not laughable, that Barnes from Fox network start to speak for the Iraqis.
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:14 pmI wish Barnes can go to Iraq and speak like this.
He might have a fast flying size 12 shoe passing his ear.
What a bunch of losers. Are you people really so clueless that you believe ignoring monsters like Saddam will make the world more “secure” and prevent war? Did any of you morons ever hear of World War II? It could have been stopped before it started had the French and/or British had the balls to stand up to Hitler when they had the upper hand. But, noooooo. They wanted “peace” so much they did nothing and the worlds greatest holocaust was the result. Good move. And the liberals haven’t learned a damn thing from the experience.
My fondest hope is that the next time there is a 9/11 style terrorist attack (and it is just a matter of time) we have enough warning to round up all the liberals and pacifists and get them to ground zero in time to see the handywork of the people Bush fought so hard for the last seven years. Of course, it will be the last thing they ever see, but hey, who cares?
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:23 pmHi libbydimwitt
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:23 pmA better question would be “Do the majority of Iraqis still approve of attacks on US troops?”. Or, “How many felt secure before our illegal invasion and occupation?”.
Everything that is supposed to be a ‘good thing’ that Bush gave us is only ‘good’ compared to the depths that Bush took it.
The drop in violence in Iraq is not due to the increase in the number of US troops, but due to the fact that we put 100,000 insurgent evil-doers on our payroll and made deals with the Sunni and Shia militia. We do not have anywhere near the troops in Iraq nor Afghanistan to stop an insurgency.
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:36 pmlibbydimwitt Says
Maybe if we had a leader in 2001 it wouldn’t had happened.
Next chimpy didn’t keep us safe. The presidents before chimpy, for the sixty years kept us safe.
Lastly, brainless, you should have told chimpy where bin Laden is hiding. Oh yeah…chimpy never wanted to punish the “leader.”
Now retool, tool.
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:43 pmUh dimwitt, Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. The hijackers came from Saudi Arabia, were trained in Afghanistan by and funded by Pakistan, Reagan, GHWBush, and the CIA. Liberals opposed this. Liberals also opposed Reagan and GHWBush arming and supporting Saddam. Iraq had no ties to al Qaeda. Iraq had no WMD. What they did have is OIL and a strategic position. PNAC and the Pentagon wrote this very clearly in the 1990’s.
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:43 pmdimwitt,
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:47 pmYour fondest hope is that 64% of the American people die a horrible death? Because that’s how many say the Iraq War was wrong.
Someone should ask Barnes what mission was accomplished, besides the Criminals Bush and Cheney looting the American Treasury.
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:59 pmlibbydimwitt,
Stalin of powerful Soviet Union who was 1000 times more dangerous,and capable than Saddam, was left alone by us. We did not attack him…Why..?
Because we knew that Stalin can hit back and cause a big damage to us if we do.
Comparing Saddam to Hitler and Iraq to Germany of Second World War is a joke.
This is not the first leader in the Middle East that was called Hitler.
Arafat was called Hitler,
Khaddafi of Lybia was called Hitler
Saddam was called Hitler
Syrian President Al Assad was called Hitler
Ahmadi Najad of Iran was called Hitler.
In 1956 when England attacked Egypt as a result of a dispute over the Suez Canal, English Prime Minister then Anthony Eden called then president Nasser of Egypt, Hitler.
Russia lost 20 million people in 2nd World War ,more than any nation in WWII.
How come Russia is not having any problem with any of these countries that supposed to be run by new Hitlers? I don’t think that they will if they know that another Hitler is coming back.
libbydimwitt,
Hitler/Saddam link was used to sell the war,Saddam has nothing to do with 9/11, can’t you see that?
Even Bush admitted that Saddam has nothing to do with 9/11.
Where have you been Libby…?!
March 23rd, 2009 at 7:08 pmWhat an idiot. What an outrageous assumption. I’m not familiar with Fox(I don’t watch it) but the host seems speechless-as in ‘dumbfounded’ by this guy–at least thats the impression I get. “Now,since Obama is President more people in Iraq feel safe;last year-when W was president less felt safe.Hence, that means that W was a more successful president than Lincoln” WTF??? As I sit here, I’m listening to the county fair across the street. The news says that 40% of the fairgoers are spending less money this year than previous years. Well that means that 60% are spending MORE-which proves that the Bush tax cuts to the wealthy are working and there really isn’t a recession or depression. At least if I use Fred Barnes logic that’s what I am compelled to believe. I can’t help but think that the comentator on FOX is still sitting there with his mouth hanging open in disbelief. ???Maybe not, like I said, I don’t watch Fox. And I don’t read comic books.
March 23rd, 2009 at 7:40 pmI really don’t think Barns can read very well, maybe his scrapple game is off. The internet is a great thing. These talking heads better get their information a little more accurately. A few clicks and they look like idiots. All the computers out ought to make them sit up and take notice!
March 23rd, 2009 at 8:42 pmDear Xisithrus,
Perhaps a quick review of the events leading up to the US Civil War (or War Between The States) would serve you before making a comment about Lincoln attacking a foreign country and then stating “who knew”. Actually most people knew. The “States” joined in “The United States” were not bound by any law to remain as such. When the Confederate States of America seceded from the Union and attacked Ft Sumter and President Lincoln retaliated by attacking the Confederate States of America he did in effect attack a “foreign country”. The CSA had their own Congress, Senate and President. They had become a “foreign country”.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:08 pmtarzan,
Don’t forget, Bush has been called Hitler too. So why didn’t Bush attack himself ?
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 pmwow, what a bunch of robotic liberal zombies you are on this website. Not an original thought in the bunch. Do you all read the same page from the rigidly liberal bible every morning? At least conservatives have differing opinions on issues.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:15 pmFred Barnes is another brain dead chickenhawk who cannot admit they were wrong about WMD and has chosen the we created democracy in Iraq route. I did say he is brain dead, right?
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:17 pmImissReagan Says:
Do you know the meaning of foreign?
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:46 pmIt is astounding the level of arrogance the Bush Administration and their lackies (Barnes is a perfect example) will stoop to advance their agenda. Mission accomplished in Iraq? On the backs of thousands of dead Americans and hundreds of billions of dollars spent on bullets and bombs, but much of it squandered, and the American military and budgets left in total disarray? It’s shocking the way they dismiss the wreckage left in the former administrations wake. It’s obvious that Barnes’ cheerleading is an indication he’s not too bright.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:45 pmI guess it’s just me, but when I think about Abraham Lincoln,
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:27 pmI seldom, ok never, then think about George Bush.
gohnjalt Says:
What an ignorant mindless punk you are. How in the world did you get so stupid? All you mindless morons project your inadequacies at us. You know you have never had an original thought in your entire life. You dont know ANYTHING until Rush tells you you know it. You dont even KNOW what you think until you are TOLD to think it. You are stupid. Come to terms with it. You were a moron yesterday, you are a moron today and you will be a moron tomorrow. Sucks to be as stupid as you.
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:32 pmI think it’s terribly ungrateful for the Iraqis to give Bush credit for their feeling more secure while ignoring the fact that others were just as much involved in their freedom and security. How about some kudos for these folks? **********
Democrat Leaders under Bill Clinton: In 1998, the U.S. Congress passed, and President Bill Clinton signed, the Iraq Liberation Act. That Act stated, “It should be the policy of the United States to support efforts to remove the regime headed by Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq, and to promote the emergence of a democratic government to replace that regime.” This legislation passed the House by a vote of 360 to 38, and it passed the Senate without a single vote in opposition.
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:50 pmAnd just in case you ungrateful Iraqis don’t realize it, here are others who were instrumental in your freedom and security. It’s an absolute shame for you to overlook these people and give all the credit to Ol’ George!
Albert Gore: “Saddam’s ability to produce and deliver weapons of mass destruction poses a grave threat … to the security of the world.”
Al Gore: “We know that he has stored nuclear supplies, secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country.”
John Kerry: “If you don’t believe…Saddam Hussein is a threat with nuclear weapons, then you shouldn’t vote for me.”
John Kerry: “I will be voting to give the president of the U.S. the authority to use force if necessary to disarm Saddam because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security. … Without question we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. … These weapons represent an unacceptable threat.”
Nancy Pelosi: “Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology, which is a threat to countries in the region, and he has made a mockery of the weapons-inspection process.”
Nancy Pelosi: “Saddam Hussein certainly has chemical and biological weapons, there is no question about that.”
Hillary Clinton: “In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock. His missile-delivery capability, his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists including al-Qa’ida members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons. … I can support the President because I think it is in the long-term interests of our national security.”
Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. in Remarks On Saddam Hussein At The Center For Strategic And International Studies Forum, Washington, D.C., February 4, 2002
“But we can’t seem to talk about what comes next without talking about Iraq. It’s obvious we must end the reign of Saddam Hussein. It would be unrealistic, if not downright foolish, to believe we can claim victory in the war on terrorism if Saddam is still in power.”
2002
And of course Mr. Biden voted for the War in Iraq.
March 24th, 2009 at 12:19 amlibbydimwitt Says:
My fondest hope is that the next time there is a 9/11 style terrorist attack (and it is just a matter of time) …
*****
March 24th, 2009 at 12:23 amThink so? How long do you think it’ll take for Cheney to plan out another sadistic attack like 911? Just want to be prepared.
To libbydimwit:
Dimwit it is a very apt name for you I think. So Hitler would have been stopped if ONLY those liberal, squishy touchy feeley French & Brits had ONLY stood up to Hitler sooner? You need to study your history better before you offer commentary. The US was so war/risk adverse that we were the prevailing isolationists of the day. We had to be dragged kicking and screaming to the battlefront. The war started in Sept of 39, but the US did not get involved until Dec of 41, remember? Not until we were attacked. Ring a bell? The prevailing Republican thread of that day ( even AFTER Pearl Harbor) was that ‘this was Mr. Roosevelt’s private little war”.
To Mr johngalt: 1st of all, you ain’t no john galt. an icon of individual excellence ?….i don’t think so.
Your comment:
****”wow, what a bunch of robotic liberal zombies you are on this website. Not an original thought in the bunch. Do you all read the same page from the rigidly liberal bible every morning? At least conservatives have differing opinions on issues.”….******
sorry i almost fell out of my chair laughing at that one. your party prides itself, no, even SELF IDENTIFIES, as being ‘dittoheads’, ‘limbots’, parrots to the party talking points. i have grieved over the loss of a once great party that the GOP used to be. but that is rich. LMAO on that one.
liberals are far from being unified one track thinkers. that is usually their Achilles heel, they are so diverse, they can’t agree on anything.
again, your comment merely demonstrates a fundamental ignorance, both of history and political acuity. but sadly, the ignorant on the right will lap it up and spew it back as gospel.
there is good on both the right and the left but the bush admin will go down in history as one of the worst this country ever endured. incompetent at best, criminal at worst. history will not be kind. and all of humpty dumpty’s PR men will not be able to spin it differently.
god, why can’t we all be Americans again? it is time to put country FIRST and party LAST.
March 24th, 2009 at 1:06 amAl-Zaidi (shoe thrower) captures how Iraqi people really feel about Bush.
Bush lied and wrongfully caused the deaths of more than one million Iraqi people.
Al-Zaidi is a brave man.
Al-Zaidi shall be one of my role models.
Submitted by Andrew Yu-Jen Wang, J.D. Candidate
March 24th, 2009 at 2:30 amB.S., Summa Cum Laude, 1996
Messiah College, Grantham, PA
Lower Merion High School, Ardmore, PA, 1993
roncee Says:
Ok you pathetic moron. I could wipe the floor with your stupid talking points. I have done so with those EXACT SAME TALKING POINTS, you know the ones you were programmed with by Rush or Hannity or whoever does your thinking for you but its boring. Done that at least a dozen times. So I will just point out that there is no such THING as a Democrat leader that would be a DemocratIC leader and since you are so stupid you dont even know the name of the largest political party in America you are too stupid to bother with. Adult education moron, look into it.
March 24th, 2009 at 3:34 am@EugeneDebs:
A typical response from a liberal. When you cannot rebutt an argument start with the name calling. I know very well you like to call yourselves Democratic but your leadership is far from it. Since Democrat leaders excites you so much, here it is again, DEMOCRAT LEADERS! And just for good measure, DEMOCRAT LEADERS! :-) :-)
March 24th, 2009 at 4:21 amWell, if Barnes is correct, then why doesn’t Bush Jr pay another visit to Iraq, outside the Green Zone, with little security and more than a five-minutes heads up.
I see the knuckle-dragging chickenhawks are in full screech mode today, I suppose that’s safer for them than actually trying to walk their talk over in Iraq or Afghanistan.
You can tell by their off-key caterwauling that they hate being thought of by proper, civilized people that these trolls do NOT represent the political, social and religious mainstream in our society, and every time the bin Laden/McVeigh wing of the Republican party bleats its latest BS, the party’s chances of EVER regaining the majority status slips even further into the political wilderness.
Now, if the Bush Jr Administration are not held legally and criminally responsible for all the death, ruin, rage and corruption it’s inflicted on innocent people around the world-especially in Iraq-then someone will hold us accountable, in the form of another massive Sept. 11-style attack.
What’s really funny is the overestimation the Bush Jr lackeys have of their influence on the vast majority of US citizens, namely, the political backlash against anyone from the Bush Jr Administration.
If these idiots really think the US public will rise up in furious anger and righteous indignation to protest prosecuting Bush Jr, Cheney, Rice, Powell, Rumsfeld, they’re being willfully ignorant and aggressively naive.
Hell, the Republicans can’t even stand up to Limbaugh, they sure as Hell can’t be trusted to stand up to bin Laden, al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
Poor trolls, expect to be on the outside looking in for a VERY long time.
March 25th, 2009 at 6:09 pm