Bush sacrifices

May 13, 2008 4:13 PM

Bush interview with Politico: "For the first time, Bush revealed a personal way in which he has tried to acknowledge the sacrifice of soldiers and their families: He has given up golf."
posted by CunningLinguist (121 comments total)

"I don't want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander in chief playing golf," he said. "Now watch this drive."
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 4:15 PM on May 13 [12 favorites]

you beat me to it goodnews!
posted by lemonfridge at 4:16 PM on May 13

Yeah, it was a cheap shot. I used a 9-iron.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 4:18 PM on May 13

That poor man has been so misunderstood.
posted by gum at 4:18 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

It's true. Only in America could a man like that get a job.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 4:23 PM on May 13

Huh. Good to see that our political leaders aren't elitist, isn't it?
posted by never used baby shoes at 4:23 PM on May 13

In honor of his good example, I've given up hope.
posted by Benny Andajetz at 4:25 PM on May 13 [37 favorites]

Such a noble sacrifice for a noble cau...

Ugh, I didn't even finish typing that and it made me feel dirty inside.
posted by baphomet at 4:26 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

The sacrifices this man had made for our country are endless.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 4:27 PM on May 13

I'm a hopeaholic, myself.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 4:28 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

People sometimes wonder what Christ was thinking about on the cross. Now we know. He was thinking about the time, thousands of years in the future, when a man would make a sacrifice so pure, so selfless, so deep, and to such a great effect that it would make the Crucifixion and the salvation it wrought look like a lump of dogshit by comparison. Well done, George.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 4:29 PM on May 13 [5 favorites]

He criticized former President Jimmy Carter for suggesting an approach to Middle East involvement that Bush described as “if you want to be popular in the Middle East, just go blame Israel for every problem.”

“That will make you popular,” he said. “Popularity is fleeting. … Principles are forever.”

He would know about the fleeting nature of popularity, wouldn't he? Also, principles may be forever, but so far all they've gotten us in the Middle East is a conflict that also seems to be forever.
posted by jedicus at 4:30 PM on May 13

How to be popular: Blame Israel for every problem.
How to be principled: Blame libruls for every problem.
posted by DU at 4:33 PM on May 13 [3 favorites]

*mimics a golf swing.*
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 4:34 PM on May 13

Can't blame him: that's one hell of a sand trap he hit into.
posted by Kinbote at 4:37 PM on May 13 [27 favorites]

I suppose this marks the end of a specific brand of diplomacy.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 4:38 PM on May 13

Worst president ever.
posted by bardic at 4:39 PM on May 13

Principles are forever.

I almost wish I could believe him a man of principle. While I'd still find his actions unpardonable, it might be easier to swallow than the bitter reality of watching him and his cronies cynically parcel out this country's wealth to his well-connected friends.

Rats at least have the decency to immediately flee a sinking ship...they don't stop to loot on their way over the side.
posted by JaredSeth at 4:42 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

What a colossal asshole that man is. He no longer even pretends to hide it. A man genuinely concerned by the way this hideous war has turned out would be working night and day to find a way to make it right. But Bush? He offers a purely symbolic gesture with relevance only for people of his narrow clique as evidence for his abiding concern.

Newsflash, President Schmuck: Giving up golf doesn't do shit for the families who've lost soldiers. It does fuckall for the dying and dead Iraqis. All it does is make you feel like a good man. And you're not. You're a greedy, heartless, arrogant idiot with more blood on your hands than you could ever wash off. If there's a god, he'll strike you with lightning the moment you tee off on Jan 21, 2009. And then he'll reincarnate you as a 14 year old Iraqi shiite.
posted by felix betachat at 4:44 PM on May 13 [16 favorites]

Stay strong, Mr President.
posted by adamrice at 4:45 PM on May 13 [2 favorites]

Principles are forever.

Principles like a foreign policy based on humility and idea that "I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation building.", right George?
posted by mr_roboto at 4:46 PM on May 13

When gas went up from $3.95 to $4 a gallon, I decided to no longer run my Hummer's air conditioner with the windows down. It's the kind of sacrifice our boys in Iraq deserve.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 5:03 PM on May 13 [9 favorites]

I'm such a self-sacrificing patriot that I haven't played a single game of golf since Bush took office. Take that.
posted by Faint of Butt at 5:07 PM on May 13

How human-like!
posted by humannaire at 5:09 PM on May 13 [2 favorites]

Dick Cheney and Laura Bush have already said that GWB "carries the biggest burden" and "suffers more than anyone else" in regards to the war.

These people are seriously sociopathic.
posted by Avenger at 5:11 PM on May 13 [2 favorites]

"I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation building."

Actually, he seems to be adhering to this one spectacularly.
posted by synaesthetichaze at 5:21 PM on May 13 [3 favorites]

I have a really, really hard time believing that this isn't an Onionesque parody. Yet, a quick google search suggests that this story is getting wide coverage. Maybe this is like when Politico reported that Edwards was dropping out of the campaign because of his wife's cancer?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Bush fan, but this seems outrageously over the top.

Of course, the transcript demonstrates that he did say it. I am stunned at the... I'm not even sure there is a word for whatever this is.
posted by Joey Michaels at 5:26 PM on May 13

I would like to mention that I have also given up golf.

It may please you to know that I have also given up the following things:
skydiving, being a test pilot, chewing glass, driving to work in reverse

You may say, "But redteam, Bush played golf and you never did those things anyway"

Fine, then I have given up the following things:
paying under US$2 per gallon of gas, pride in my government, going to the doctor regularly, thinking that the country would never again be as fucked up as it was in my US History books
posted by redteam at 5:27 PM on May 13 [3 favorites]

This interview is solid gold. In this quote, he remembers fondly the joys of email:

— In January he plans to return to e-mail, which he gave up when he took office to avoid leaks. He said he looks forward to “e-mailing to my buddies,” and said he was a heavy e-mailer in Texas.

“I can remember, as governor, I stayed in touch with all kinds of people around the country, firing off e-mails at all times of the day to stay in touch with my pals,” he said. “One of the things that I will have ended my public service time with is a group of friends, a lot of friends. And I want to stay in touch with them, and there's no better way to communicate with them than through e-mail.”
posted by wemayfreeze at 5:34 PM on May 13 [2 favorites]

Asked if his father is proud of him, the president said: “Oh, yes, no question he is. And I'm proud of him. … [H]e's sitting there complaining about this editorial or that — I said, man, I don't even pay attention to it, because I don't. But, yes, he's very proud of me, you can imagine — and proud of Jeb and he's proud of all his children for different reasons.”
posted by wemayfreeze at 5:36 PM on May 13

Of course, the transcript demonstrates that he did say it. I am stunned at the... I'm not even sure there is a word for whatever this is.

I nominate 'sociopathetic.'
posted by rokusan at 5:43 PM on May 13 [3 favorites]

If I learned nothing else today, I learned that Bush's handlers don't trust him to not leak sensitive material in emails he forwards to his 'buddies'. Classic.
posted by Item at 5:43 PM on May 13 [5 favorites]

God bless his little soul.
posted by jabberjaw at 5:44 PM on May 13 [2 favorites]

Great two minute hate. See you all here tomorrow.
posted by Leon-arto at 5:46 PM on May 13 [5 favorites]

re Kyoto, and having specified that he didn't sign it because China and India weren't part of it: If the major emitters of greenhouse gases are not a part of a solution, then those who are part of a solution are acting in a way that's simply not going to -- it will affect their own economies, but it won't affect the overall global warming issue.

Thus leaving the impression that the US is not among "the major emitters". Nice.
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 5:55 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

Correction: he didn't give up golf. He was told to give up golf:

“I was playing golf — I think I was in central Texas — and they pulled me off the golf course and I said, ‘It's just not worth it anymore to do.’"
posted by gottabefunky at 5:58 PM on May 13

Great two minute hate. See you all here tomorrow.

You know, you're absolutely right.

The fact that 4,000 Americans are dead, 30-50,000 wounded (many with permanent and debilitating injuries), at least 500,000 Iraqis are dead, a trillion or two dollars have been spent in waste, and the fact that virtually the entire world community now despises the United States as a rogue, occupying power -- and through all that, President Bush has seen it fit to give up his golf game to show solidarity with those mere mortals whom he has ordered into the meat grinder....yes, YES, this makes him exactly the same as Emmanuel Goldstein and our hatred of him is simply an irrational emotional spasm with no meaning or substance other than group identification.

Yes, you are so right. Touche', good sir. Touche'.
posted by Avenger at 6:06 PM on May 13 [28 favorites]

The story doesn't actually say he was told to give up golf -- he takes credit for the idea -- but I bet he was.
posted by uosuaq at 6:06 PM on May 13

As I read it, he had to quit right in the middle of a good game and figured golf wasn't worth it until he could be sure he would remain uninterrupted.
posted by wemayfreeze at 6:12 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

"There's only one sane solution left... BLOW IT UP!"

George W Bush is Mad Stan.
posted by Reth_Eldirood at 6:27 PM on May 13

our hatred of him is simply an irrational emotional spasm

No, your feelings are perfectly legitimate. But they have nothing to do with my point.

Useless MeFi posts that do nothing but allow the usual suspects to post the usual comments about "worst president evar" are a form of a two minute hate. Everyone gets together in the blue and yells at a man who will never read these posts. Everyone feels unique and special and part of the bold MeFi brotherhood. Everyone rattles off the same tired old chestnuts to each other and nods insightfully each time somebody says "two trillion dollars" as if it were some revelation.

It's one thing to have actual debate or to discuss things with people who might actually disagree. It's another to sit around and loudly agree with people you know will agree with you. An FPP entitled "Bush sacrifices" with a snarky line about golf is bound to turn into such a wank-fest. There's no chance of actual debate or useful discussion; the FPP has already framed the issue perfectly. So all that's left to do is to compete to see who can yell at the screen the loudest.

Sound familiar now?

This FPP is a two minute hate.
posted by Leon-arto at 6:28 PM on May 13 [2 favorites]

Leon-arto, if sitting around and loudly agreeing with people etc. were starting to make up the bulk of Metafilter discussion, I think your complaint would be valid, but (a) I don't think it is, and (b) a lot of us have had to put up with Bush for long enough that I think we deserve to let off some steam, even if that means daily two-minute hate breaks. And I think that even though Bush will obviously never read any of it, he deserves unending ridicule (for starters).
posted by uosuaq at 6:45 PM on May 13

There's no chance of actual debate or useful discussion; the FPP has already framed the issue perfectly. So all that's left to do is to compete to see who can yell at the screen the loudest.

So are you saying that there is something actually worth debating about GWB or that the proof of GWB's malfeasance is so utterly obvious that having an FPP point it out is the same as saying "Sky is blue, film at 11"?

Because if you'd like to logically debate the merits or "usefully discuss" (whatever that means) topics related to this scorched-earth disaster-area of an administration, by all means, feel free.
posted by Avenger at 6:50 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

So all that's left to do is to compete to see who can yell at the screen the loudest.

I'm not yelling. Maybe you mistake your own yelling for that of others.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 6:53 PM on May 13

Because if you'd like to logically debate the merits or "usefully discuss" (whatever that means) topics related to this scorched-earth disaster-area of an administration, by all means, feel free.

It's this kind of tone that has disappointed me about the modern American left. This sense of looking down one's nose at the rest of the world and how insufficient it is. The left used to have principles and goals. It was wonderful; it was real opposition; it had things to agree with.

Now it just exists to hate on the right, and to tout empty catch-phrases like "change" and "hope." If the left hadn't turned into the kind of wank-factory that you see here, maybe there would be something to debate. But, instead, you seem to insist that there is nothing in the entire field of politics that is worth discussing since you clearly know all and see all.

No thanks, I won't be your pinata today. But you have accomplished nothing with your posts other than pleasuring yourself. I hope you enjoyed it.
posted by Leon-arto at 6:55 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

I think the appropriate time for debate is long past. Where was the debate in 2003? I don't recall any serious discussions between pro and anti-Iraq invasion, just a lot of "oh my, he's dangerous!" handwringing. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people were marching against the invasion, and they were written off as a bunch of fringies and wingbats.

I would like to see all those who voted for President Fucktard in '04 step forward and relinquish their voting eligibility suspended for, oh say, twenty years. Because I can accept that you voted for this submoron the first time, but to re-elect this douchebag is pretty much unforgivable.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 6:57 PM on May 13

Leon-arto: Thanks for the civics lesson, but not every post is going to be a roundtable discussion on the latest issue of Foreign Affairs. Besides, it's not two-minute hate: it's two-minute exasperation. And compared to two minute punchlines-with-rimshots, or two minute snarks-about-genetic-engineering, to mention but two recent FPPs at random, the brevity here seems in keeping with many of, and possibly not most of, the posts on MeFi (on both political and apolitical topics).
posted by ornate insect at 6:57 PM on May 13

Where was the debate in 2003? I don't recall any serious discussions between pro and anti-Iraq invasion, just a lot of "oh my, he's dangerous!" handwringing.

Look in the MeFi archives. Lots of good stuff in there, all the way back to 2000.
posted by Leon-arto at 7:01 PM on May 13

No thanks, I won't be your pinata today. But you have accomplished nothing with your posts other than pleasuring yourself. I hope you enjoyed it.

Meet the new troll, same as the old troll.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 7:10 PM on May 13

Meet the new troll, same as the old troll.

Not everybody who disagrees with you is a troll.

Maybe it's time to start with the word filters on MeFi? At least it would force people to improve their vocabulary.
posted by Leon-arto at 7:13 PM on May 13

hey man hes out president leave hi,.m alone
posted by porn in the woods at 7:13 PM on May 13 [2 favorites]

Somewhere up in Presidential heaven, Warren G. Harding is thanking God for this guy, the same way the day they announce the newest poverty numbers, Arkansas thanks God for Mississippi.
posted by timsteil at 7:15 PM on May 13 [3 favorites]

It's this kind of tone that has disappointed me about the modern American left. This sense of looking down one's nose at the rest of the world and how insufficient it is.

Firstly, there hasn't been an "American Left" since WEB DuBois ran for Senate in 1950. The modern Democratic party is a center-right organization and arguably has as many large corporate donors as the Republican party. Secondly, it's kind of ironic to accuse someone of "looking down one's nose at the rest of the world" in a thread about GWB, since he and his administration have been doing an awfully good job of that for the past eight years or so.

Thirdly, my own political beliefs are probably closer to the center-right than anything truly Leftist, and I would imagine this goes for most Mefites. (You'd be hard-pressed, for example, to find more than a handful of Mefites who think that the State should own coal mines or farms.) I think it's a severe form of political myopia on your part to assume that people who are disgusted at Bush and his administration enough to talk about it online are automatically "leftists". In fact, there are some fairly enormous and devastating conservative critiques of the Bush administration, and I'm pretty sure that even hard-core conservatives can see the utter aloof vapidity in choosing to forego golf out of solidarity with dead and wounded soldiers.

Finally, there is a great deal worth discussing in politics, and many things on which good men and women can disagree. If you really think that President Bush is making a sublime and noble sacrifice for our (often horribly disfigured, often quadriplegic) boys down at the VA hospital by giving up his afternoon tee-time, again, feel free to defend it -- nobody will stop you -- but don't complain of being a pinata when most of the rest of humanity disagrees.

Also, I'd like to add that there is absoutely nothing wrong with typing one-handed. In fact, I've become quite skilled at it as I grow older.
posted by Avenger at 7:20 PM on May 13 [6 favorites]

And here is Donald Rumsfeld, 12/12/06 (a quote that just surfaced now): This President's pretty much a victim of success. We haven't had an attack in five years. The perception of the threat is so low in this society that it's not surprising that the behavior pattern reflects a low threat assessment. The same thing's in Europe, there's a low threat perception. The correction for that, I suppose, is an attack.

The same Rumsfeld who referred to the attacks as a "blessing in diguise" on the first anniversary of the attacks.
posted by ornate insect at 7:20 PM on May 13

there is absoutely nothing wrong with typing one-handed. In fact, I've become quite skilled at it as I grow older.

Try a chording keyboard. They work wonders.
posted by Leon-arto at 7:22 PM on May 13

The left used to have principles and goals. It was wonderful; it was real opposition; it had things to agree with.

That's some easy hatin', there. The principled left still exists; in fact, I would posit the principled left is much healthier than the principled right.

The right has been hijacked by autocrats, corporatists and jingoists. They have succeeded in screwing both the left and the right. They don't stand for smaller government - they stand for corporate welfare and the almighty deal. They don't support the great unwashed because a dollar spent on others is not a dollar spent on them and their buddies. And they have no compunction against using Jesus and the Flag to keep the less-politically-astute preoccupied while they line their own nests.

The principled left still exists; they're just godless, America-hating, terrorist-supporting pariahs.

Luckily, the stone is turning ...
posted by Benny Andajetz at 7:28 PM on May 13

The guy was a crappy golfer anyway.
posted by Balisong at 7:34 PM on May 13

Maybe it's time to start with the word filters on MeFi? At least it would force people to improve their vocabulary.

You're in no place to tell anyone how to compose a post or comment. Ever since your brief stay here, as near as I can tell, you've been instructing everyone on what to do. Perhaps you might take a short break.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 7:35 PM on May 13

That poor man has been so misunderstood.

Correction: misunderestimated...?
posted by Webbster at 7:38 PM on May 13

*golf clap*
posted by rtha at 7:41 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

Perhaps you might take a short break.

I'm sorry that my presence offends you so. Your advice is duly considered, and ignored. You can't get rid of people who point out your failings that easily.
posted by Leon-arto at 7:41 PM on May 13

Your advice is duly considered, and ignored.

Good for you! You got the response you wanted! Pat yourself on the back, troll.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 7:45 PM on May 13

Guys, give it a fucking rest or take it to email.
posted by cortex at 7:51 PM on May 13

It's this kind of tone that has disappointed me about the modern American left.

So 72% of the American public count as leftists?
posted by rtha at 7:57 PM on May 13

I knew I saved this for a reason.
posted by binturong at 7:59 PM on May 13

Bush apologists are rapidly approaching Scientology shills for sheer balls out disconnection from reality. If there was some way to exploit the pressure differential I'm sure we could kick this looming energy crisis in the can.
posted by Divine_Wino at 8:12 PM on May 13

It's this kind of tone that has disappointed me about the modern American left. This sense of looking down one's nose at the rest of the world and how insufficient it is. The left used to have principles and goals. It was wonderful; it was real opposition; it had things to agree with.

The self-righteous hectorings of self-appointed arbiters of What Is Really and Truly Left usually make me weak in the knees and have me getting ahead of myself and planning the wedding in my head, but yours have just made me grin awkwardly and say yeah sure I'd love to get coffee some time and give you a fake phone number.

Call me!
posted by dyoneo at 8:21 PM on May 13 [5 favorites]

Leon-Arto comes out to playact at iconoclasm again, but isn't quite the quonsar or konolia he wants to be.
posted by Pope Guilty at 8:23 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

MetaFilter: Useless posts that do nothing.
posted by homunculus at 8:51 PM on May 13

Now that's some sacrifice there! Take that, Jesus!
posted by Mister_A at 8:56 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

Is it feed a troll and starve a fever? I can never remember.
posted by uosuaq at 8:59 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

We could try both?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:01 PM on May 13

I think it's feed a cold, starve a fever, and beat the troll.

George Bush: America's biggest luser evah.
posted by five fresh fish at 10:07 PM on May 13

You can't get rid of people who point out your failings that easily.

Those "failings" being what, exactly? Is hating George Bush a failing? Are you telling us we didn't try hard enough to stop him? A lot of us tried really hard and failed.

Actually, looking at what you're writing, I agree with the rest; you're a troll. Go somewhere else, please, or present us with actual content.
posted by lupus_yonderboy at 11:03 PM on May 13

Everyone gets together in the blue and yells at a man who will never read these posts.

No, THAT is a big fat strawman, just waiting to be beaten to death.

I'm not biting on that, thanks. Posts about Dubya aren't to be judged solely on their appeal to the subject of the post, OK? Nobody is really expecting that Bush is here, waiting with bated breath for the next lefty 'hate-fest' and replying with some condescending bon-mots about how it doesn't really do any good because he's so busy that he even had to give up GOLF.

Fact is, Dubya is an idiot. Granted, I'm simply judging by his public persona, reinforced by such things as the bathos of him having to forego his Scottish indulgence, or perhaps the revelation from his wife that he has it SO much worse than everyone being shot at in Iraq. But when someone is in the public eye so much as he is, I can make judgements about his idiocy from what happens in public.

Now, Leon, I realize that you want to tell everyone that the Left is all about having organized and regimented hateful wank-fests about the 'Right'. But (and this is a big but, the kind I like) you haven't realized that the 'left', as you want to define it, is now the MAJORITY of the US. Your attempt to play the victim card is old, busted, broken, pick your adjective. The current administration and their policies are FAILURES. They are, in fact, some of the fattest, juiciest, most blatant failures of any administration of any country in this CENTURY. Previous to this new century, I was glad to live in Canada - but then, I wasn't glad to live here simply because it WASN'T the US. Now, you couldn't pay me to live or work in any of the 50 states - and I say that with conviction. There wouldn't be enough money to convince me to live or work south.
posted by Dipsomaniac at 11:28 PM on May 13 [1 favorite]

It's like living in the same house with someone you know you're going to divorce. You're trying to be civil and make the best of the situation, but the other party always does or says something stupid, prompting one to say "George, please, just shut the fuck up. We only have X number of days 'til we can finish this. Could you try and behave?!"
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:39 PM on May 13 [3 favorites]

I am stunned at the... I'm not even sure there is a word for whatever this is.

I am stunned at the . . . monumental myopia.

I am stunned at the . . . congenital self-absorption.

I am stunned at the . . . damn, you're right, it's hard to do with existing vocabulary, you wind up with, say, "ignorance so total and wilful and even fucking boastful it's like a force of nature all its own, an entity unto itself, a shadow 43rd president made of nothing but transcendental hubris, hall-of-fame plug-dumb thoughtlessness, and Grade A world-class gen-oo-ine Texas horseshit." Which is a bit of a mouthful.

What's needed, obviously, is a little of the truthiness spirit that has so defined this president and his era. The thread's true purpose is revealed: we must coin a new term. A possibility to get us started:

I am stunned at the . . . wretchitude.
posted by gompa at 11:44 PM on May 13 [6 favorites]

Leon-Arto has the right idea -- it does get awful echo-chambery here and elsewhere among today's "progressives" (whatever that means), but it's just a bad thread to get all up in arms.

It is indeed a two-minute hate on the latest Bush dipshit rambling, which is as tragically stupid as it is tragically expected from the man.

But sometimes a two-minute hate is just that ... two minute hate. Let it go. There's no topic for discussion here. No one's going to change anyone's else mind in this thread. Trainwreck presidency, we get it. See you all on 1-20-09. Moving on...
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:19 AM on May 14

i am shocked, shocked! that that's your take on it.

quick question, though... if it's the echo chamber and pointless thread your criticism implies, isn't reading the whole thing and remarking upon it even more pointless? i love how people like you have such endless appetites for such terrible food. but masochism is a disease, and you can get help, "Cool."
posted by Hat Maui at 2:14 AM on May 14

Old boss: "Terrible food! And such small portions!"
New boss: "Two-minute hate is bad and wrong! And it's so short!"

Old boss, meet new boss.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:21 AM on May 14

It's one thing to have actual debate or to discuss things with people who might actually disagree. It's another to sit around and loudly agree with people you know will agree with you.

There's a time and a place for both of these activities. Who says they're mutually exclusive? Sometimes there are substantive issues that people would gain from discussing and want to discuss, and sometimes our Beloved President makes an utter ass of himself and people want to point and laugh.

The latter is just as valid as the former.

Moreover, there's certainly political value in being reminded of just how blinded to the reality of the everyday American this administration is-- especially as we go into another election where the MSM is going to focus on stuff like McCain's wife's cookie-baking hobby rather than the issues.
posted by miss tea at 3:43 AM on May 14

This president seems like he might be very emotional (like his father) and personal as opposed to public; therefore private acts of symbolic significance seem to him very important where they might not seem so to others.

Therefore, personally modifying his behavior by sacrificing a loved activity as a show of emotion seems to him an appropriate gesture. Only to outsiders that don't have his personal context does it seem callous and elitist.

Too bad those aren't the ideal set of interpersonal skills and traits for being an effective president.
posted by sandking at 5:13 AM on May 14

Fact is, Dubya is an idiot.

Calling Bush an idiot lets him off the hook. While he may be dimwitted in some regards, in others he displays a sociopathic cunning that is far from idiotic. The Downing Street Minutes, for example, indicate that he was brimming with ideas about how to lure Iraq into confrontation: suggesting at one point that a US plane be disguised as a UN one in order to be shot down in Iraqi airspace. I think he and Cheney revel in the cloak and dagger stuff, and positively lust to pull a fast one with things like deciving the world into a confrontation with Iran. Imbalanced? Check. Deceitful? Check. Unable to recognize the consequence of his own actions? Check. Treasonous? Check, and probably in far worse ways than we even know about. But idiotic? Not quite.
posted by ornate insect at 5:40 AM on May 14 [2 favorites]

Jesus told George to kill Saddam, which he did. George is a hero. Why should he sacrifice a damn thing?
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 5:50 AM on May 14

Anyone who's used to thinking of the Democrats as an unorganized, unmotivated mass of bleating sheep is in for quite a shock come November. The playbook's being re-written. There'll be a million or more volunteers hitting the streets on Election Day to turn out Democratic voters. If I were John McCain, that'd scare the shit out of me.

Two hundred and fifty-one days and George Walker Bush becomes an unpleasant fact of history.
posted by EarBucket at 6:45 AM on May 14

... the 'left', as you want to define it, is now the MAJORITY of the US.

Bush Hits New Low as 'Wrong Track' Rises (May 12, 2008)

"Public disgruntlement neared a record high and President Bush slipped to his career low in the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll.

According to a new poll, the Bush's approval rating has dramatically dropped. Eighty-two percent of Americans now say the country's seriously off on the wrong track, up 10 points in the last year to a point from its record high in polls since 1973. And 31 percent approve of Bush's job performance overall, while 66 percent disapprove.

The country's mood -- and the president's ratings -- are suffering from the double whammy of an unpopular war and a faltering economy. Consistently for the last year, nearly two-thirds of Americans have said the war in Iraq was not worth fighting. And consumer confidence is near its lowest in weekly ABC News polls since late 1985.

Bush's approval rating has been extraordinarily stable -- before today's 31 percent it had been 32 percent or 33 percent in nine ABC/Post polls from July through last month. In presidential approval polls by Gallup since 1934, just three presidents have gone lower: Jimmy Carter, who bottomed out at 28 percent approval in July 1979; Richard Nixon, 24 percent in July and August 1974; and Harry Truman, 22 percent in February 1952.

Bush now has gone 40 months without majority approval, beating Truman's record (also during economic discontent and an unpopular war) of 38 months from 1949-52.

...Fifty-two percent of Americans not only disapprove of his work but do so strongly, matching the high in ABC News/Washington Post polls set in July. Just 15 percent strongly approve."

Heckuva job, Bushie.
posted by ericb at 6:46 AM on May 14 [2 favorites]

Oh God I feel a rant coming on: The gist of this topic so far has been two minutes of hate on bush right? Sweet.... he is an idiot and the worst president we have ever had. However what does that say for half our country that voted for the idiot.... Twice? This has been the worst 7 and some change years in this country that I have ever experienced. His leadership along with the "right wing" nut case party are the reason we are in such bad shape. Would it be as bad if the "left wing" nut case party were in power? Probably. Right now our government is a puppet show and big corporations, big oil, and other super rich parties are the ones with their arms up the sock puppet's asses! As soon as greed erodes the "we want a better government" feelings and turns them into a "we need a better government" one, nothing will change except for Metafites coming on here saying worse this ever! Either bitch about the need for change or stand up and do something about it.

While I have your attention, nothing will change in this country until we the people change first. I have noticed here we have a M.E of A attitude when it comes to anything instead of a U.S. of A one. Very rarely do I see anyone doing a completely selfless act. Everyone is selfish. Not saying I am perfect or anything I am just as selfish as everyone else. Example, bush took office and immediately oil started going up and up and up. Did he do what was in the best interest of US or ME? Hell if I had that much power and could take an extra buck or two off of someone else, I would be hard pressed not to as well. So I ask how can we expect change in our government, in our leadership when their Me first attitude is a reflection of our own?

BTW: Now my 2 minutes for hating.... Who the Fawk gives up golf as a sacrifice to our soldiers... seriously wow Mister President I'm sure this will be a beacon of light for all those parents burying their sons and daughters fighting for your oil interests. I'm sure every time they fork out 60$ to fill their tanks they are going to think, my child is dead and I'm paying a fortune for gas but (a tear comes out) the president has given up the game he loved sooo much as a sacrifice!
posted by Mastercheddaar at 7:30 AM on May 14

From Gallup today:

"The [May 8-11 Gallup Poll] finds President Bush's approval rating at 29%, only a shade above his personal worst approval score of 28%, first reached in April and repeated earlier in May. However, his rating would be even lower if not for the support of most Republicans.

Current Republican approval of Bush is much lower than it was early on in his presidency; however, it remains far better than approval from Democrats. Two-thirds of Republicans (66%) approve of Bush's job performance today, compared with only 7% of Democrats."

From National Journal yesterday:

"Recent surveys, such as this month's Diageo/Hotline poll, have measured their own all-time highs for respondents saying the country is on the wrong track. And just last month, Bush made headlines for surpassing Truman as the president who has gone the longest without the support of a majority of Americans."

posted by ericb at 7:48 AM on May 14

nothing will change in this country until we the people change first...

Is this a bellwether of change coming in November?

Miss. Democrat Wins House Seat in Special Election

"It happened again Tuesday, as Travis Childers beat Greg Davis in a special election to replace Republican Roger Wicker, who served in the House since 1994 and was appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the seat vacated by Trent Lott. Childers' win will give him the chance over the next several months left in the seat's two-year term to build a fundraising and publicity advantage as he heads into November's general election. He will again face Davis, as well as two other opponents. Childers' win gave Democrats a 236-199 edge over Republicans in Congress."

Analysis by Olbermann, Russert, Matthews, and Huckabee:

Mike Huckabee: "The Republican brand is badly damaged..."

Chris Matthews: "It's like the Democrats losing in Brooklyn..."

posted by ericb at 7:56 AM on May 14

The Hill:

"The sky is falling on House Republicans and there is no sign of it letting up.

The GOP loss in Mississippi’s special election Tuesday is the strongest sign yet that the Republican Party is in shambles. And while some Republicans see a light at the end of the tunnel, that light more likely represents the Democratic train that is primed to mow down more Republicans in November.

The third straight House special election loss in three conservative districts this year is a clear indication that the GOP brand is turning off voters and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is in disarray.

In the wake of the devastating loss, the first question facing House Republican leaders is whether they will keep Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) as NRCC chairman. Speculation has been rampant that Cole would be asked to step down should Republicans lose in Mississippi, and on Tuesday that chatter intensified.

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) will be under tremendous pressure to do something dramatic after the trio of losses. Boehner has publicly clashed with Cole over staffing and lackluster fundraising numbers but despite their differences, their political futures are tied together.

Significant gains by House Democrats this fall would likely lead to Boehner and Cole losing their leadership posts. Travis Childers (D), who narrowly defeated Greg Davis (R) on Tuesday, will push the Democrats’ total in the House to 236 members. With six months to go until the elections, political analysts and observers are suggesting Democrats could reach 250 in the next Congress.

Some Republican conference members have criticized Boehner for not effectively managing Cole.

GOP strategists and lobbyists have also questioned Boehner’s leadership. One Republican source noted that, after Boehner called for staffing changes at the NRCC, Cole refused and triumphed in the showdown."

posted by ericb at 8:00 AM on May 14

That Childers win is even more significant because the GOP ran $1.8 million in ads trying to link him to Obama. It didn't work. The same tactic didn't work either in Don Cazayoux' election in a Louisiana special election last week.
The Republicans need a new playbook, stat.
posted by CunningLinguist at 8:32 AM on May 14

Besides the golf thing, the trascript had a lot of interesting stuff in it. It's worth reading. The president believes that global climate change exists and we should do something about it. The president thinks that changes in consumer habits is desirable to deal with the increase of the price of oil. The president and his wife is a passionate supporter of eradicating malaria. The president thinks that the congress under democratic control is "good at verbiage and not so good at results".

he might not have realized it getting into the positon, but I get the feeling that Bush realizes that the presidency is a difficult job from this interview.
posted by garlic at 8:37 AM on May 14

"Bush said he made that decision after the August 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad..."I was playing golf--I think I was in central Texas--and they pulled me off the golf course and I said, 'It's just not worth it anymore to do.'"

...eventually. Bush's last golf game was October 13, 2003, which is definitely after August 2003, but not as immediately after as he's implying. Maybe he quit because his knees were bothering him. [via]

We haven't had an attack in five years.

Well, except for the anthrax attacks. "As all Americans know, recent weeks have brought a second wave of terrorist attacks upon our country." -- President George W. Bush
posted by kirkaracha at 9:28 AM on May 14

This is fantastic timing as I've recently decided to start hitting the links again. It's just like they say: when God farts, the devil opens a window.
posted by malocchio at 10:04 AM on May 14

I suppose this marks the end of a specific brand of diplomacy.

That's not a golf cart. That's a car.

It's one thing to have actual debate or to discuss things with people who might actually disagree.

There's a difference between debate and rhetoric. I find the latter much more interesting and fun. Debaters just want to win. Rhetoricians do it with style.

I agree about the trolling, but I thought (most) of the responses were great. Avenger, 3; Leon-arto, 0.

It is an interesting transcript. You can see that the man is certainly not an "idiot." His worldview has been severely distorted somehow, most likely by his upbringing and experiences in business and politics (and extreme Christian faith, sorry). No matter what he does, he's right and wins in the end, or else he was fighting the good fight and the naysayers brought him down.

On playing golf, that's something he should have stopped and simply made it known (or not) through leaks to the press, but lord, you certainly don't bring it up in an interview as a sacrifice you made because of the war. It's as elitist and trivial as we can all see it to be ... except George.

I thought both sandking and ornate insect had some interesting insights. I think sandking is spot on. I'm sure he was brought up to see personal sacrifice as worthy of honor. He honestly believes he's making a major sacrifice.

Quick note on the ever-present gas-price brouhaha:

“So my answer ... is that the best thing we can do is to increase supply and to drill for oil and gas in environmentally friendly ways at home and build more refineries.”

I think the best thing that we can do is reduce our oil usage and invest in alternative energy. Oil is going, going, going, and I think the worst thing we can do is continue to waste it as much as we currently do. No? Why doesn't anyone ever talk about reducing consumption?

That's why I don't think the president is an idiot. He knows his buddies in the oil industry don't want anyone turning down the heat or driving less, and he knows how to protect his "base."

He's just ... "sociopathetic" is the winner for me, though I liked wretchitude as well. Retchitude might be more appropriate, i.e. inducing nausea.
posted by mrgrimm at 11:19 AM on May 14

To be fair, Bush was not asked to name "a personal way in which he has tried to acknowledge the sacrifice of soldiers and their families." He was asked specifically why he wasn't playing golf:

Q: Mr. President, you haven't been golfing in recent years. Is that related to Iraq?

Bush: Yes, it really is. I don't want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander-in-chief playing golf. I feel I owe it to the families to be as — to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal.

More out-of-context fun from the interview:

Bush: My presidency is one where I've had to make some very tough decisions. I guess some presidencies are kind of were real smooth, there were no real big issues. Well, that's not the way mine is.

Q: And there haven't been enough normal-sized people.

Bush: Well, there's — yes, there are a lot of normal-sized people. I mean, there's a lot of little dudes who can play the game and play it well.

Q: Now, Mr. President, you and the First Lady appeared on American Idol's charity show, "Idol Gives Back." And I wonder who do you think is going to win? Syesha, David Cook, or David Archuleta?

Bush: Michael, I can't tell you. I'll be frank with you, I'm usually asleep by that time of night.

Q: And speaking of impressions, our friend, Robert Draper, author of "Dead Certain," said you do a great impression of Dr. Evil from "Austin Powers". (Laughter.)

Bush: That's awfully — you mean this — yes. That was a really good movie, too, the first one.
posted by designbot at 1:02 PM on May 14

America needs to elect a President that will make them proud.
posted by five fresh fish at 2:55 PM on May 14

We need to elect someone who will fix the mess Bush made. Pride can wait.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:33 PM on May 14

I don't see any need to start another political thread, so:

Edwards endorses Obama
posted by never used baby shoes at 3:37 PM on May 14

Hey, John thanks for putting your neck out in order to endorse Obama.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:50 PM on May 14

Brandon Blatcher writes "Hey, John thanks for putting your neck out in order to endorse Obama."

Whatever his intentions were, this will probably be the snowball that collects the remaining superdelegates who were uncommitted. Edwards' endorsement is the signal that, for real, it's over and Obama is the nominee. He wasn't going to endorse a candidate who would end up losing, and he was waiting until all doubt was extinguished, and that's where we're at now. It seems obvious that Hillary was only sticking around because KY & WV were so clearly going her way, so it would be awkward to have her pull out before her big ego boosters. Kentucky will literally be her last hurrah.
posted by mullingitover at 6:23 PM on May 14

Olbermann was not amused by the golf bit either.

He'd fit right in here.
posted by rokusan at 8:44 PM on May 14

Olbermann was not amused by the golf bit either.

"Keith [Olbermann] has proof that Bush in fact golfed after he claimed he gave it up." ^*
posted by ericb at 8:49 PM on May 14

“Americans United for Change has launched a new project to help Americans recall...iconic Bush moments [like this week's sacrifice for golf]. Today, they're announcing the Bush Legacy Tour, slated to criss-cross the country in June. The Bush Legacy Bus is a museum on wheels, educating Americans about the long-term impact of President Bush's conservative, Republican policies - and the devastating impact those policies have had on our country.

The Bus will make stops from coast to coast from June through the November elections. Its aim is:

• To remind American voters why they have lost faith in President Bush and his agenda
• To tie Bush and his agenda directly to the conservative brand and its followers; and
• To help shift the center of the political debate away from the conservative frame by contrasting his policies with progressive policies and values.

The Bus will be the focus of press events at the offices of conservative lawmakers who were ‘Bush enablers’ the past eight years, and provide a focal point for events at the two national party conventions.” ^*
posted by ericb at 8:36 AM on May 15

Bush invokes Nazis in apparent hit on Obama -- "Obama blasts the president for appearing to suggest Obama's plan to hold talks with Iran is the same as trying to appease the Nazis on the eve of World War II."
posted by ericb at 8:39 AM on May 15

Lieberman On Bush Comparing Democrats To Nazi-Appeasers: ‘The President Got It Exactly Right’
posted by ericb at 9:02 AM on May 15

John Kerry and others have "noted that if Bush is saying that he is against talks with Iran, then he should 'come home and call for the resignation of his own cabinet, because the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense have both favored negotiations with Iran.'"
posted by ericb at 9:04 AM on May 15

Grandson of Nazi Enabler Decries Talking to Nazis
posted by homunculus at 10:17 AM on May 15

Joe Biden FTW.
posted by shiu mai baby at 10:32 AM on May 15

In other news: CREW and VoteVets.org Expose VA Directive Barring Staff from Diagnosing Soldiers with PTSD in Order to Cut Costs
posted by homunculus at 12:45 PM on May 15

It's this kind of tone that has disappointed me about the modern American left.

So 72% of the American public count as leftists?

Yeah, I'd say that's about the margin by which Obama will be elected President in November.
posted by Pollomacho at 12:52 PM on May 15

In other news:

"Just off the House floor today, the Crypt overheard House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers tell two other people: 'We’re closing in on Rove. Someone’s got to kick his ass.'

Asked a few minutes later for a more official explanation, Conyers told us that Rove has a week to appear before his committee. If he doesn’t, said Conyers, 'We’ll do what any self-respecting committee would do. We’d hold him in contempt. Either that or go and have him arrested.'

Conyers said the committee wants Rove to testify about his role in the imprisonment of former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman, among other things.

'We want him for so many things, it’s hard to keep track,' Conyers said. ^*

Oh, please, oh, please with a Potomac cherry on top. Anything to see Turd Blossom frogged-marched out of D.C.!
posted by ericb at 1:05 PM on May 15

In other news: US soldier refuses to serve in 'illegal Iraq war'
posted by homunculus at 6:16 PM on May 16

75k turn out to see Obama in Portland.

I know he's famous for the giant rallies but I think this doubles his previous best.
posted by CunningLinguist at 3:42 PM on May 18

The line for that thing stretched past my apartment, which is like a half-mile from the rally. Guy can pull a crowd.
posted by cortex at 3:55 PM on May 18

Check out the pictures: Obama Draws Record Crowd in Oregon.
posted by ericb at 8:06 PM on May 18

This is another good crowd pix
posted by CunningLinguist at 8:42 AM on May 19

The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder
posted by homunculus at 12:11 PM on May 19

UroClub Lets Golfers Go Pee-Pee in Public
posted by homunculus at 9:42 PM on June 6

...
posted by cortex at 9:45 PM on June 6

Well, it's related to golf, I guess... um.

Incidentally, you make my Recent Activity page worth looking at, homunc.
posted by synaesthetichaze at 3:33 PM on June 7