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2003-11-27 Iraq

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Posted by .com 2003-11-27 12:26:15 PM|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [11136 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Update: Now they are saying that the President had a Thanksgiving dinner with Troops, Bremer, CPA, and (possibly) GC Members (those who aren't traveling the globe, I guess), today.

CNN reports that he spent a few hours there and is now already back in the US.

A few reporters, sworn to secrecy, accompanied him on the trip - so there will be a formal report out soon. Who cares??!!

Posted by .com 2003-11-27 12:34:40 PM|| 2003-11-27 12:34:40 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 I'm with RM - great move! Troops in theater will love it and it diminishes the "quagmire!" stories for the holidays...oh, and "Hillary!" who?

Posted by Frank G 2003-11-27 12:48:47 PM|| 2003-11-27 12:48:47 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 This is fantastic, and absolutely appropriate. I have been thinking about this very thing in the last week -- that it would be good if Bush and his nat. sec. cabinet spent every major holiday with the troops overseas. Let's have more of this, from Bush and other senior officials.

Posted by IceCold 2003-11-27 12:51:25 PM|| 2003-11-27 12:51:25 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 This will drive the loyal opposition nuts. Eleanor Clift is on FoxNews right now; I've got the sound off, but she sure doesn't look happy.

Tough noogie, you cranky old b*tch...

Posted by Dave D. 2003-11-27 12:58:30 PM|| 2003-11-27 12:58:30 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 Cant you just picture the big headslap from Hillary as she says "D'oh"!

Posted by Frank Martin 2003-11-27 1:09:22 PM|| 2003-11-27 1:09:22 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 Another link

Posted by redclay 2003-11-27 1:13:15 PM|| 2003-11-27 1:13:15 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 From Here:

"We did not charge hundreds of miles into the heart of Iraq, pay a bitter cost of casualties, defeat a ruthless dictator and liberate 25 million people only to retreat before a band of thugs and assassins," the president said, prompting a standing ovation and cheers.

Damn Right! Go BUSH!

Posted by CrazyFool 2003-11-27 1:16:37 PM|| 2003-11-27 1:16:37 PM|| Front Page Top

#8 WaPo and others all issuing same text, it appears, so it's a pool report.

Funny thing to me is watching CNN bringing in everyone they have on staff looking for something negative to say about it - really digging. No joy. All seem to agree this will be seen positively by all except the LLL. Barely a mention of how the Troops might feel about it, of course.

BBC was, on first report, truly stunned - and impressed. The guy's eyes and voice betrayed him. They are still talking about the DHL plane and how remarkable the risk was and how much Bush must've felt he needed to come. I'm sure that will be fixed when the Editorial Staff gets their hands on it and figure out how to spin it. Probably say it was a "desperate" move...

They'll ALSO probably say it demonstrates Bush is a cowboy. They will CONTINUE to think that's a slur. Heh, heh.

YEEEEEHAAAAA!!!

Posted by .com 2003-11-27 1:21:50 PM|| 2003-11-27 1:21:50 PM|| Front Page Top

#9 Jeez, this guy's got some stones.

Posted by Matt 2003-11-27 1:22:56 PM|| 2003-11-27 1:22:56 PM|| Front Page Top

#10 GW, like us all, has his foibles and his strengths. There is alot more that we would like him and the Republicans to do for the betterment of this nation, but bottom line:

Our President has that sense of total commitment where it counts, and he appreciates the efforts and sacrifices that our armed forces make for the safety of the nation. I am sure that the troops over there appreciated the great gesture that our President made to them in Baghdad.

I am thoroughly proud of this country and our President. We have much to be thankful for this day.

And BTW, happy thanksgiving, everyone! It is about 0F this morning in the mountains north of Anchorage, Alaska, but it is an absolutely beautiful day.

Posted by Alaska Paul 2003-11-27 1:26:13 PM|| 2003-11-27 1:26:13 PM|| Front Page Top

#11 So much for Hillary getting the headlines for visiting troops in Afghanistan. :)

Posted by Charles 2003-11-27 1:51:11 PM|| 2003-11-27 1:51:11 PM|| Front Page Top

#12 Eleanor Clift is on FoxNews right now...

Well, if you'd had the sound on, you'd have heard something like this:

Fox News Guy: So, Eleanor, do you think the Democrats will dismiss this as a cheap PR stunt?
Clift: Oh, no, I haven't heard anything like that.
FNG: Betcha five bucks they will.
Clift: Betcha five bucks there's an RNC cameraman on the plane.
FNG: You're on.

That's easy money for FNG; "PR stunt" was the first thing my boyfriend said when I told him about it.

FNG said he "tingled" when the Prez stepped out onto the stage. Too much information, dude.

Posted by Angie Schultz 2003-11-27 2:12:36 PM|| [http://darkblogules.blogspot.com] 2003-11-27 2:12:36 PM|| Front Page Top

#13 I think why people are surprised (not us off course) is that for a long time have we seen anything presidential. This was presidential.

Posted by capt joe 2003-11-27 2:36:13 PM|| 2003-11-27 2:36:13 PM|| Front Page Top

#14 This is what great leaders do. And W is once again proven to be a great leader.

Posted by SPQR 2755 2003-11-27 2:57:41 PM|| 2003-11-27 2:57:41 PM|| Front Page Top

#15 I can't believe i was such an idiot to have ever hated this guy back in 2000. He's absolutely won my confidence and respect. This is just so damn cool.

Posted by joe 2003-11-27 3:16:25 PM|| 2003-11-27 3:16:25 PM|| Front Page Top

#16 "I can't believe i was such an idiot to have ever hated this guy back in 2000"

This was the risk the Dems have running with their overblown "Bush is stupid/evil" propaganda: that people would eventually see for themselves that he is neither- and react with distaste at the BS that they were being fed.

Bush is a decent man, a good leader, and a statesman of rather more vision than we've had in quite awhile. I have my issues with George W. Bush; but his performance in directing the WoT is definitely NOT one of them.

Posted by Dave D. 2003-11-27 3:40:45 PM|| 2003-11-27 3:40:45 PM|| Front Page Top

#17 This was a "bet the farm" move. In addition to risking his own life, President Bush was taking the risk of some Saddamite getting off a golden BB that would have handed a tremendous propaganda coup to our enemies The message to the troops was: I know you're not gonna let that happen. The message to our enemies was: Is that all you got?

Posted by Matt 2003-11-27 3:53:35 PM|| 2003-11-27 3:53:35 PM|| Front Page Top

#18 After I heard about this trip, I couldn't stop laughing about how livid Hillary must be for her trip to be out of the top news! And just seeing the difference in how her and GW were received by the troops was great! Those guys in Iraq know a great leader and showed they appreciate him. Some of those troops in Afghanistan with Hillary looked like they would have rather be somewhere else. It'll be interesting to see how the broadcast stations play this tonight. I'm sure it'll be something along the line of "too dangerous a PR stunt!"

Posted by AF Lady 2003-11-27 4:58:35 PM|| 2003-11-27 4:58:35 PM|| Front Page Top

#19 This is a strong move by Bush. However, he is not a great leader. You can't deny the growing anti US sentiment all over the world. The best and brightest are over there dying for oil. I love this contry. I am happy and proud to see Bush standing behind his decisions but you can't deny the fact he invaded a soverign nation based on false evidence. Is this the behaviour of a great leader? Yes Iraq was a threat that needed to be removed but he should have waited for UN support. Glad to see that his advisors had the sense to kick his ass into gear and visit the mess he's made.

Posted by Anonymous 2003-11-27 5:16:37 PM|| 2003-11-27 5:16:37 PM|| Front Page Top

#20 #21 AF lady

When I heard of Hillary goinf to Afghanistan for thanksgiving I couldn't but think that in French a particualrly stupid woman is called "une dinde" ie a she-turkey.

Posted by JFM 2003-11-27 5:19:54 PM|| 2003-11-27 5:19:54 PM|| Front Page Top

#21 Anonymous - How, uh, touching, sniff, sniff. You sound like you're well informed and so Diane Sawyerish in how much you so deeply... pfeh.

You and your ilk of misinformed disinformed willfully ignorant dupes don't deserve it, but here's something for you to ponder as deeply as you presume to feel:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/war/wmdquotes.asp

And that's just one of many summaries rounding up all the little bits, doing all the work for you cuz you're a lazy sucker, that make you and yours total tools of NaziMedia Moonbats for not paying attention -- or digging for yourselves.

Now get informed and / or get stuffed. It's Thanksgiving, after all.

Posted by .com 2003-11-27 5:49:38 PM|| 2003-11-27 5:49:38 PM|| Front Page Top

#22 "NaziMedia Moonbats"...right. All the quotes you so abtly supplied at the behest of my ignorance cleary indicate that force would be necessary had Saddam posed a tangable nuclear threat. Unless you can prove otherwise I believe that claim has now proven to be false. Had Bush listened to the UN weapons inspectors and studied their exhaustive efforts he would have been able to draw that conclusion for himself. Who's being duped? Not me.

Posted by Anonymous 2003-11-27 5:58:17 PM|| 2003-11-27 5:58:17 PM|| Front Page Top

#23 I spent 26 years looking at hotspots all over the world, from Vietnam to China, to Russia, to the Afghan war, to the Iran/Iraq war to the Falklands to Panama to... well, you get the point. Wherever there was something that affected the United States and put American lives at risk, I and my fellow mushrooms kept track of it.

I 'saw' Iraq's chemical warfare, both in the production stages and in two instances, when it was used. I was one of many that kept track of the research, testing, production, and in some instances, deployment and use, of chemical, biological and conventional weapons. We also watched the Iraqi nuclear weapons program. Seeing that hole in the roof of the containment building of the Osirak I nuclear "research" facility made me feel just a tad bit safer.

Bush knew what he was doing. His opposition, both here and elsewhere, also know there were plenty of reasons for the United States to take Hussein out of the picture. This president isn't quite as "open" and forthcoming with hastily-declassified material as the previous administration, so you don't see the truth splattered all over everywhere. There are still plenty of things we are finding that vindicate our President and his "rush" to end Saddam's rule. Just because it's not waved in everyone's face doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

I've been disappointed in Bush's domestic programs, the lack of fiscal restraint, and the poor support for his Judicial nominees. His handling of foreign policy, however, and his courage in defending this country from a truly WORLDWIDE threat put him in rare company - well worth being considered one of the top ten presidents we've ever had.

I have a signature statement on my email that goes "If you can, lead. If you cannot, or will not lead be careful whom you follow, for you will be judged by their words and deeds." I would much rather be judged by the words and deeds of George Bush than any of the Democratic political beasts, with the possible exception of Zell Miller.

Posted by Old Patriot 2003-11-27 7:00:40 PM|| [http://users.codenet.net/mweather/default.htm] 2003-11-27 7:00:40 PM|| Front Page Top

#24 If anyone has doubts about us going into Iraq just take a look at the pictures of the mass graves. For me, that was enough of a reason.

Posted by AF Lady 2003-11-27 7:26:45 PM|| 2003-11-27 7:26:45 PM|| Front Page Top

#25 Anonymous - Okay so you're brighter than the entire US Congress - and most of the Donk Prez Candidate field. You can decide if that's saying a lot or a little.

All intelligence is fallible - and this intel was true at one time. Saddam's actions were illogical, based upon what we now know. Regardless, Dubya acted on the best intel he had - intel accepted as fact across the board - and if he had been given good intel, and stopped a nuke program, you would probably still feel the same as you do now, I think - given your choice of words from your #25 post.

But you are brighter. Perhaps infallible. Certainly unforgiving of error. Apparently unapologetic for opposing lives saved. It's your principles, right? Good for you. You're too bright and principled and righteous for me - I bow to your omniscience. In fact, from your post, you're so bright I'll bet you have to wear shades to check yourself out in the mirror.

Where shall I start (and finish)?

Is it that you're so attached to multilateralism and imagined legalities (as if the UN is actually the repository of legitimacy & morality) that you wish Saddam & Sons were still running Iraq?

Is it that you're so attached to the UN (as if its mechanics haven't been sabotaged by gutless self-serving cretins using it in a craven attempt to save themselves from history's wastebin) that you actually believe Blix, Elbarradai & Co are good at what they do? Uh, what about Iran? And I do believe that NorK managed it's little coup right under their noses, no?

Are you so attached to your willful ignorance that you believe someone else has done a better job of handling the global threats posed by the WoT - say, uh, Prez Clinton? A sterling record, yes, indeed. Or Chirac? Or Shroeder? Or Annan? Just what value does a UNSC resolution have? Is it enforcable without the teeth of the US? Have you forgotten the timeline? It wasn't until the US military buildup in the Gulf had reached very substantial levels that Saddam even allowed the UN Inspectors back in. Fact.

The fact is, Anonymous, Geo43 will probably be the person who saves your ass... whether you are American, or not. If left to your (apparently) favored institutions, your future would be diminishing in value even as we ~~speak~~ blog, as Fred astutely pointed out earlier today.

You can attach to anything you like, believe what you like, and say what you like, but it is clear to me that you either have your NaziMedia bag of tripe handy and have gone "over the horizon to LLLLand" -- or you're just too lazy to go find out for yourself... with the exception of visiting Rantburg, of course.

With certainty, I am finished with you - I've already raised my child - so you'll have to go bother someone else. There are many things I want to read, today. So run along. Enjoy your visit.

Posted by .com 2003-11-27 7:49:51 PM|| 2003-11-27 7:49:51 PM|| Front Page Top

#26 WHAT missiles hitting planes coming into Baghdad International Airport? Saddam WHO? Osama bin Nobody?

The ManÂ© flies into the hornet's nest, rubs some palms with the troops. Sure, the worthless democRATS are going to whine about it. WHO CARES?! Ike went to Korea, Dubya goes to Iraq, OOOH-RAHHH!!!

Posted by Anonymous 2003-11-27 8:34:12 PM|| 2003-11-27 8:34:12 PM|| Front Page Top

#27 Oops! Wind shift...

Posted by .com 2003-11-27 9:37:58 PM|| 2003-11-27 9:37:58 PM|| Front Page Top

#28 to #22 Anon, who wrote: Yes Iraq was a threat that needed to be removed but he should have waited for UN support.

A rhetorical question: what if that support was never going to be given regardless of the compromises GWB might make? What then to do about Saddam?

I await your answer.

[crickets chirping]

Posted by Steve White 2003-11-27 9:44:06 PM|| 2003-11-27 9:44:06 PM|| Front Page Top

#29 For the fools who keep insisting we need "U.N. support" in Iraq I have two words: Rwanda and Srebrenica. The thousands of dead from those atrocities bear mute witness to the ineptitude of the U.N.

Posted by Kirk 2003-11-27 9:51:31 PM|| 2003-11-27 9:51:31 PM|| Front Page Top

#30 Furthermore... the "opposition" outside the country matters nil. They don't vote.

Posted by anon2 2003-11-27 10:50:37 PM|| 2003-11-27 10:50:37 PM|| Front Page Top

#31 They'll ALSO probably say it demonstrates Bush is a cowboy.
Hmmm, maybe George has decided it's time to play "Cowboys and Imams". You KNOW who's going to come up on the short end of THAT stick!

Posted by Old Patriot 2003-11-27 11:26:20 PM|| [http://users.codenet.net/mweather/default.htm] 2003-11-27 11:26:20 PM|| Front Page Top

#32 #32

don't forget Cambodia (2 M dead) Another UN fiasco.

Posted by capt joe 2003-11-28 12:12:00 AM|| 2003-11-28 12:12:00 AM|| Front Page Top

#33 Republicans what a bunch of ego driven, no brained wankers.

Posted by Anonymous 2003-11-28 10:18:46 AM|| 2003-11-28 10:18:46 AM|| Front Page Top

18:04 SK
10:18 Anonymous
04:07 Jeff
00:50 JFM
00:12 capt joe
23:26 Old Patriot
23:22 Anonymous
23:06 Remote Man
22:50 anon2
22:44 Stephen
22:29 Frank G
22:14 Frank G
22:12 Frank G
21:51 Kirk
21:44 Steve White
21:37 .com
21:34 .com
21:30 Steve White
21:18 .com
21:18 Steve White
21:17 .com
21:16 .com
21:11 Steve White
21:10 .com
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