George W. Bush Voted for Condoleezza Rice in 2020

From The Guardian:

Former president George W Bush revealed in an interview with People magazine that he didn’t vote for either the Republican incumbent Donald Trump or Democrat Joe Biden in the November 2020 presidential election. Instead, he wrote in Condoleezza Rice.

Rice, who served as secretary of state for Bush from 2005 to 2009, was aware of the write-in. But, “She told me she would refuse to accept the office,” Bush shared.

This revelation comes amid a promotional book tour for Bush’s new compilation of oil paintings depicting American immigrants and their stories.

With all due respect, what an irresponsible thing to do!

A former Republican president of the United States decided to throw away his vote. He had a choice between a conservative agenda and a Marxist agenda. Bush chose Marxism.

Bush doesn't care about conservative policies and principles. If he did, he would have done everything he could to prevent the radical Democrats/Marxists from taking over. If Bush cared about the American people, he would have done everything he could to prevent Democrat/Marxist policies from harming us.

Was this some sort of lame attempt to get back at President Trump for mopping the floor with Jeb during the 2016 primaries? Deranged.

Bush and those of his ilk cannot claim to be conservative while enabling Democrats/Leftists/Marxists, and then bragging about it.

President Trump accomplished more for the conservative agenda as president in one term than Bush managed to do in two. President Trump was dramatically more effective and productive for the American people than Bush.

I hope Bush understands that he's a dinosaur.

Rutgers and Condoleezza Rice

John McCain Misses Benghazi Briefing

Obama and his allies, the media Leftists, are trashing John McCain because he dared to challenge Obama about Benghazi. He dared to speak up.

Naturally, the New York Times attacks McCain, punishing him for demanding accountability on the part of Obama and his surrogates.

The Leftists are crucifying McCain, criticizing him for missing a briefing on Benghazi.

Poor John McCain. The senior senator from Arizona, former presidential candidate and general Republican big-man-in-Washington was so busy on Wednesday complaining about President Obama’s handling of the Benghazi mission killings that he just didn’t have time to do his actual job and attend a hearing on the Benghazi mission killings.

Mr. McCain has said he wants to get to the bottom of what he seems absolutely certain was a catastrophic bungling of the Libyan situation by Mr. Obama and his team. He is proposing holding “Watergate-style” hearings on the matter, with lots of witnesses and of course, lots of television cameras.

But yesterday, when the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee received a classified briefing on the Benghazi issue, Mr. McCain was absent. His spokesman Brian Rogers blamed a “scheduling error.”

CNN's Dana Bash is also slamming McCain. Wolf Blitzer joins in the fun.

Here's video:



Good grief.

This Benghazi cover-up is a disgrace.

The story should not be about McCain's attendance at a briefing, especially given that Obama, the PRESIDENT, doesn't bother to show up for his daily intelligence briefings.

The liberal media didn't care about the revelation that Obama was MIA for his PDB, attending only about 38 percent. No, of course not. They're much more concerned about McCain missing one briefing on Benghazi.

Obama, as always, relies on the lib media to support his narrative and they're eager to oblige.

It's outrageous.

Instead of digging for answers about Obama's handling of Benghazi, they're berating McCain.

Sometimes, I really can't believe how over-the-top the media are when it comes to the lengths they go to protect their beloved leader, Obama.

I can't believe how shamelessly they play the race card.



What Susan Rice did, giving the American people false information on five Sunday shows in one day, has nothing to do with the color of her skin or her gender. Obama sent her out to lie about Benghazi. Maybe she didn't know she was deceiving Americans, but she did play a part in an orchestrated cover-up. Her race and sex have nothing to do with McCain wanting the truth about the 9/11/12 Benghazi attack.

The racial BS from the Leftists drives me nuts.

Dana Bash reported how a "Democratic source" framed McCain and Lindsey Graham's call for an investigation into the deaths of four Americans in Benghazi. The source wants the focus of the story to be on the Republicans attacking Susan Rice, framing it in racial terms.

DANA BASH: I talked to a good Democratic source here asking, "Do you think if she is nominated you could overcome a filibuster?" The answer was yes, and I'd have to tell you this, that this source said, 'If anybody wants to watch two old white guys,' speaking of course of Graham and McCain, 'beat up on a black woman, I'll sell tickets to that.' So there is politics all around here.

I am so sick of this "old white guys" stuff.

We had a terrorist attack on our consulate. We have four Americans killed. And Obama and his allies are deflecting from the legitimate concerns about that terrorist attack by turning the issue into a racial attack on Susan Rice.

Disgraceful.

In reality, the Leftists have turned being white into a fatal flaw. It's crazy. Being white is not a crime.

Furthermore, Lindsey Graham is not exactly old. He's six years older than Obama. Is Obama an "old half-white, half-black guy"? (Sounds offensive, doesn't it?)

I never heard Ted Kennedy marginalized as an "old white guy." Bill Clinton is 66. No one is beating up on him for being an "old white guy."

Harry Reid is about to turn 73. When he would beat up on Condoleezza Rice, his age and race never were discussed as factoring into his motivation.

Do the Leftists realize how inconsistent their remarks are when it comes to age and race?

Do they realize how ridiculous they appear for bashing McCain for missing a single meeting when Obama habitually relies on his "Sgt. Schultz" routine?

A Better Future

Condoleezza Rice Speech (Video, Transcript)

Condoleezza Rice's address to the Republican National Convention and the American people was excellent.

She succinctly made the case that Obama, self-proclaimed global citizen, has failed the country. Obama has left a vacuum of leadership.

My fellow Americans, we do not have a choice. We cannot be reluctant to lead – and one cannot lead from behind.

Rice encouraged Americans to trust Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan.

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan understand this reality — that our leadership abroad and our well being at home are inextricably linked. They know what needs to be done.

Our friends and allies must be able to trust us. From Israel to Poland to the Philippines to Colombia and across the world — they must know that we are reliable and consistent and determined. And our adversaries must have no reason to doubt our resolve — because peace really does come through strength. Our military capability and technological advantage will be safe in Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan’s hands.

In sum, peace through strength, not bowing.

I was especially impressed with her discussion of the American Dream.

After all, when the world looks to America, they look to us because we are the most successful political and economic experiment in human history. That is the true basis of “American Exceptionalism.” The essence of America – that which really unites us — is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion – it is an idea — and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn’t matter where you came from but where you are going.

Ours has never been a narrative of grievance and entitlement. We have not believed that I am doing poorly because you are doing well. We have not been envious of one another and jealous of each other’s success. Ours has been a belief in opportunity and a constant battle – long and hard — to extend the benefits of the American dream to all – without regard to circumstances of birth.

But the American ideal is indeed endangered today. There is no country, no not even a rising China, that can do more harm to us than we can do to ourselves if we fail to accomplish the tasks before us here at home.

Rice did a wonderful job of explaining the unique American identity, and how the current administration is putting that at risk.

I loved her support for school choice.

And we need to give parents greater choice – particularly poor parents whose kids – most often minorities — are trapped in failing neighborhood schools. This is the civil rights issue of our day.

Do you get that, Leftists, Obama supporters?

The Republican party wants success for all.

Rice concluded on a powerful personal note.

And on a personal note– a little girl grows up in Jim Crow Birmingham – the most segregated big city in America - her parents can’t take her to a movie theater or a restaurant – but they make her believe that even though she can’t have a hamburger at the Woolworth’s lunch counter – she can be President of the United States and she becomes the Secretary of State.

Yes, America has a way of making the impossible seem inevitable in retrospect. But of course it has never been inevitable – it has taken leadership, courage and an unwavering faith in our values.

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have the experience and the integrity and the vision to lead us – they know who we are, what we want to be and what we offer the world.

Fantastic.

Rice's speech was brilliant, better than any speech I've ever heard from Obama.

I wonder if Chris Matthews felt a thrill going up his leg.

It's doubtful. His "thrills" are reserved for Obama's gibberish, empty promises and misguided, destructive policies.

Here's video:



Complete transcript here.

Condi Rice and Paul Ryan: PBS

I watched the PBS coverage of the convention. I should have stuck with C-SPAN.

PBS cut out right after the most powerful lines of Condoleezza Rice's speech:

And on a personal note– a little girl grows up in Jim Crow Birmingham – the most segregated big city in America - her parents can’t take her to a movie theater or a restaurant – but they make her believe that even though she can’t have a hamburger at the Woolworth’s lunch counter – she can be President of the United States and she becomes the Secretary of State.

Unbelievable.

I switched channels immediately, but returned to PBS.

And what happens?

During Paul Ryan's speech, when he talked about being separated from Mitt Romney by a generation and the differences in their musical tastes, PBS CUT OUT AGAIN!

What the hell?

I missed:

We’re a full generation apart, Governor Romney and I. And, in some ways, we’re a little different. There are the songs on his iPod, which I’ve heard on the campaign bus and on many hotel elevators. He actually urged me to play some of these songs at campaign rallies. I said, I hope it’s not a deal-breaker Mitt, but my playlist starts with AC/DC, and ends with Zeppelin.

That certainly wasn't the most powerful section of Ryan's speech, but I would have enjoyed hearing it without interruption.

This definitely was not a shining moment for public television.

Condoleezza Rice - GOP Speech

Condoleezza Rice is addressing the Republican National Convention.

Drudge has the text of her speech.

Is MSNBC staying true to form and cutting away from her remarks?

Condi: Romney's VP Choice

Chatter about Mitt Romney's running mate choice is focusing on Condoleezza Rice.

It's her.

No, it's not.

She's the one.

No, she's not.

From the Atlantic Wire:

Matt Drudge is reporting the Romney campaign's narrowed their choices for Vice President down to a carefully vetted handful, and that the front runner is none other than former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Matt Drudge reports a VP announcement will happen in the "coming weeks," but for now the Romney campaign has a list of a handful of choices, and Rice is at the top.

Of course, last week, Ann Romney's comment that a woman was being considered as the VP candidate received a lot of attention.

Because of that, the stuff about Condi really isn't a surprise.

Personally, I have reservations about her.

There are questions about her positions on social issues. More importantly, I don't think she's the best person to hammer home the economic message forcefully. That's crucial to winning this election.

While she certainly would bring expertise to the ticket when it comes to foreign policy matters, that's not what will be driving the electorate in 2012.

I don't think Condi is the one to effectively challenge Obama on jobs, taxes, and health care, the whole class warfare thing.

Romney needs to choose someone dynamic and willing to really fight. I don't think Condi has the necessary spark. She's tough, but I'm not convinced she'd be willing to be tough enough on Obama.

Would she go after his dismal record, his divisiveness, his broken promises, his lies?

On July 20, 2008, Rice was interviewed by CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

Transcript

WOLF BLITZER: One final question. You're immediate predecessor Colin Powell. I interviewed him many times. But he said this to Tavis Smiley, back in January. About this race and about the phenomenon of Senator Barack Obama.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) COLIN POWELL, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE: Let's enjoy this moment where a person like Barack Obama can knock down all of those old barriers that people though existed, with respect to the opportunities that are available for African-Americans. And my congratulations to him. (END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Now, you grew up in the segregated south. You know what racism is in our country. The fact that Barack Obama is now the Democratic presidential nominee, what does that say to you?

CONDOLEEZZA RICE: I think it's great. And I think it's great for our country. And I do think it says that we've come a long way. But it's interesting that it's from Colin Powell. He knocked down a few barriers of his own. He knocked down the barrier of chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. He knocked down the barrier to the first black secretary of state. Yes, I've knocked down a few too. It just shows that our country has been doing this for a while and it's great that this last barrier perhaps, has also come down.

BLITZER: Have you decided who to vote for?

RICE: Wolf, yes.

BLITZER: Do you want to tell us?

RICE: No.

BLITZER: OK. You don't have to.

RICE: Thank you.

Did Rice vote for Obama?

She wouldn't say she was voting for John McCain, which was certainly a clue she intended to vote for Obama, a Leftist.

Then after Obama was elected, Rice was giddy.



If Rice is a Republican and believes in conservative principles, I don't see how she could choose to vote for the extremely liberal Obama. Did race play a role in her decision?

It was very odd that she refused to say she was voting for McCain. That omission reveals that either she voted for Obama or she was too spineless to admit her support for the Republican candidate. Either way, it's bad.

There's a problem if Rice cast her vote based on Obama's skin color rather than his policy positions. There's a problem if she wasn't willing to voice her rejection of Obama and stand up for her beliefs. So, is she liberal? Is she a conservative who voted for a liberal?

I respect all she did for our country, but she's not fit to be on the Republican ticket.

Without question, I don't think Condi is the best choice.

And I don't think it's overstating things to say that Romney's choice of running mate may be what decides this election.

Condoleezza Rice and Lawrence O'Donnell

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell is a horrible interviewer. HORRIBLE.

Watch former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice suffer the disrespect and stupidity of the crazed Leftist propagandist Lawrence O'Donnell.

Video.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Condoleezza Rice showed incredible restraint and patience with the disgraceful, classless O'Donnell.

Rice's brilliance overpowers O'Donnell, a rude and ill-informed hack.

Bin Laden's Death: Reaction

NBC News/MSNBC provides reaction to Osama bin Laden's death.

President George W. Bush

President Barack Obama called Bush in Dallas at 9:04 p.m. central time to inform him that bin Laden was dead and they spoke for four minutes, a Bush spokesman said.

The Sept. 11 attacks were a defining moment of Bush's presidency. He launched the war in Afghanistan and the hunt for bin Laden spanned the rest of his presidency. His statement:

"Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."

Bonnie McEneaney, 57, wife of Eamon McEneaney, who died in the 9/11 attacks

"It doesn't bring back all the wonderful people who were killed 10 years ago. It's long overdue."

"I'm completely numb. I'm stunned," she told msnbc.com.

Jack Lynch, 75, who lost his son, New York City firefighter Michael Francis Lynch

"The first thought I had in my mind was that it didn't bring my son back. You cut the head off a snake, you'd think it would kill the snake. But someone will take his place. People like him still exist. The fact that he's gone is not going to stop terrorism."

"I understand that bin Laden was an evil person. He may have believed in what he was doing. I'm not going to judge him. I'm sure some people will look at this and they'll be gratified that he's dead, but me personally, I'm going to leave his fate in God's hands."

Lee Hanson, 78, of Easton, Conn., who lost his son, Peter, daughter-in-law, Sue, and 2 1/2 year-old granddaughter, Christine — the youngest victim of the 9/11 attacks.

They were aboard the second plane that hit the World Trade Center
"It's taken a while to do it, but we've done it. It's a really good thing to get out there — if you fool around with the U.S., you will be caught."

"Many segments wil try to avenge this ... There's still a great danger there."

Still, he said: "There's no such thing as closure."

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg

"After September 11, 2001, we gave our word as Americans that we would stop at nothing to capture or kill Osama bin Laden. After the contribution of millions, including so many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we have kept that word.

"The killing of Osama bin Laden does not lessen the suffering that New Yorkers and Americans experienced at his hands, but it is a critically important victory for our nation - and a tribute to the millions of men and women in our armed forces and elsewhere who have fought so hard for our nation.

"New Yorkers have waited nearly ten years for this news. It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001."

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo

"The death of Osama Bin Laden is a historic moment that represents a major step in our country's efforts to defeat terrorism around the world and should bring a sense of justice to the victims of 9/11 and his other attacks.

"We will never forget those who were lost, their families and those who risked their lives to save others.

"New Yorkers endured Bin Laden's most devastating and destructive attack, and his death brings back the horrific images and emotions of that terrible day. However, his death also reminds us of our strength, courage, and unity as a people in our response to his actions.

"The Administration's vigilance and dedication to hunt down Osama Bin Laden has never wavered and I applaud their commitment to this cause. I also applaud our men and women in uniform who have fought tirelessly against terrorism and to defend freedom.

"The threat to our state and our nation unfortunately does not die with Osama Bin Laden. We must remain vigilant in preventing terror acts and continue to do everything to keep our state and nation safe and secure."

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio

"This is great news for the security of the American people and a victory in our continued fight against al Qaeda and radical extremism around the world. We continue to face a complex and evolving terrorist threat, and it is important that we remain vigilant in our efforts to confront and defeat the terrorist enemy and protect the American people. I want to congratulate — and thank — the hard-working men and women of our Armed Forces and intelligence community for their tireless efforts and perseverance that led to this success. I also want to commend President Obama and his team, as well as President Bush, for all of their efforts to bring Osama bin Laden to justice."

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor

"Nearly a decade ago, in the days after 9/11, President Bush said, 'Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.' Tonight, we've learned that justice has been done. The man with the blood of more than 3,000 Americans on his hands, the man who forced us to begin to think the unthinkable - is now dead.

"Families who lost loved ones at the hands of Bin Laden and his terrorist organization have grieved for far too long and this sends a signal that America will not tolerate terrorism in any form. The men and women of our armed forces and intelligence community have fought valiantly for the last decade and this is a major victory and testament to their dedication. I commend President Obama who has followed the vigilance of President Bush in bringing Bin Laden to justice. While this is no doubt a major event in our battle against terrorism, we will not relent in our fight against terror and our efforts to keep America safe and secure."

Rep. Peter T. King, R-N.Y., chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security

"I commend President Obama on the announcement of the killing of Osama bin Laden.

"Today, the American people have seen justice. The leader of the United States' top enemy has gotten what he deserves for orchestrating the deaths of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans on September 11, 2001.

"In 2001, President Bush said 'we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.' President Bush deserves great credit for putting action behind those words. President Obama deserves equal credit for his resolve in this long war against al-Qaeda.

"This great success would not have been possible without the tireless work of countless brave men and women who have served around the world in this War on Terror."

Sen.Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y.

"This is a thunderous strike for justice for the thousands of my fellow New Yorkers — and citizens from all over the world — who were murdered on 9/11. It took close to ten years, but the world's most wanted terrorist has finally met his deserved fate. New York's heart is still broken from the tragedy of 9/11, but this at least brings some measure of closure and consolation to the victims and their families.

"This is a massive accomplishment for the countless military and intelligence personnel who have been urgently dedicated to this task for the past decade. Because Bin Laden's evil dogma has poisoned the minds of so many others, we cannot let up in the war on terror. This successful mission sends a definitive message to those who would test the resolve of the people of the United States of America: do not doubt our resolve; if you do us harm, we will find you, we will mete out justice, and we will prevail."

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

"I am overjoyed that we finally got the world's top terrorist. The world is a better and more just place now that Osama bin Laden is no longer in it. I hope the families of the victims of the September 11th attacks will sleep easier tonight and every night hence knowing that justice has been done. I commend the President and his team, as well as our men and women in uniform and our intelligence professionals, for this superb achievement.

"But while we take heart in the news that Osama bin Laden is dead, we must be mindful that al-Qaeda and its terrorist allies are still lethal and determined enemies, and we must remain vigilant to defeat them."

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (she was national security adviser on 9/11)

"Absolutely thrilling. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and continue to be amazed at what our military has achieved."

British Prime Minister David Cameron

"Osama bin Laden was responsible for the worst terrorist atrocities the world has seen — for 9/11 and for so many attacks, which have cost thousands of lives, many of them British. It is a great success that he has been found and will no longer be able to pursue his campaign of global terror.

"The news that Osama bin Laden is dead will bring great relief to people across the world.

"But above all today, we should think of the victims of the poisonous extremism that this man has been responsible for. Of course, nothing will bring back those loved ones that families have lost to terror. But at least they know the man who was responsible for these appalling acts is no more."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

"This is a resounding triumph for justice, freedom and the values shared by all democratic nations fighting shoulder to shoulder in determination against terrorism."

John Lewis, Tea Party Protesters, Racial Slur

In an attempt to get the opposition distracted and off message during the final hours of this push to pass government-run health care, the lib media have seized on an angle that's so often used as a last-ditch effort to discredit: charges of racism.

WASHINGTON -- Demonstrators outside the U.S. Capitol , angry over the proposed health care bill, shouted "nigger" Saturday at U.S. Rep. John Lewis , a Georgia congressman and civil rights icon who was nearly beaten to death during an Alabama march in the 1960s.

The protesters also shouted obscenities at other members of the Congressional Black Caucus , lawmakers said.

"They were shouting, sort of harassing," Lewis said. "But, it's okay, I've faced this before. It reminded me of the 60s. It was a lot of downright hate and anger and people being downright mean."

Lewis said he was leaving the Cannon office building across from the Capitol when protesters shouted "Kill the bill, kill the bill," Lewis said.

"I said 'I'm for the bill, I support the bill, I'm voting for the bill'," Lewis said.

A colleague who was accompanying Lewis said people in the crowd responded by saying "Kill the bill, then the n-word."

"It surprised me that people are so mean and we can't engage in a civil dialogue and debate," Lewis said.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver , D- Mo. , said he was a few yards behind Lewis and distinctly heard "nigger."

"It was a chorus," Cleaver said. "In a way, I feel sorry for those people who are doing this nasty stuff - they're being whipped up. I decided I wouldn't be angry with any of them."

Protestors also used a slur as they confronted Rep. Barney Frank , D- Mass. , an openly gay member of Congress. A writer for Huffington Post said the crowd called Frank a "faggot."

Frank told the Boston Globe that the incident happened as he was walking from the Longworth office building to the Rayburn office building, both a short distance from the Capitol. Frank said the crowd consisted of a couple of hundred of people and that they referred to him as 'homo.'

Surely some of this must have been picked up on tape.

I'd like to view tape of the "chorus" of the racial epithet. I personally haven't seen proof that the allegations are true.

Assuming that the N-word was, in fact, used by protesters, there's a difference between a handful of angry loons shouting something offensive and the crowd engaging in an organized chant of racial slurs.

Moreover, how can one be sure that if it happened, it wasn't an infiltrator trying to disgrace the group?

It's happened before. Leftists have posed as conservative protesters.

I don't know what was actually said or by whom, but using such terms is always unacceptable. Period.

It's wasn't OK when Robert Byrd said on national TV in March 2001, "There are white niggers. I've seen a lot of white niggers in my time. I'm going to use that word. We just need to work together to make our country a better country, and I'd just as soon quit talking about it so much."

Unfortunately, racism too often only becomes an issue when Leftists are the targets of the insults.

When conservatives are targeted, it's no big deal.

There are too many instances to recount. Some examples are here and here and here.

Note that these cases of racism against conservatives by angry Leftists are documented, not allegations.

Let's talk about Ted Rall.

Michelle Malkin writes:

Ted “Bottom-feeder” Rall is at it again. His latest crude-toon includes a frame depicting Condoleezza Rice proclaiming herself Bush’s “HOUSE NIGGA.” A black man demands that Rice “HAND OVER HER HAIR STRAIGHTENER.” His t-shirt reads “YOU’RE NOT WHITE, STUPID.” The caption below the frame reads “SENT TO INNER-CITY RACIAL RE-EDUCATION CAMP.”

Universal Press Syndicate and the Washington Post published Rall's racist crap.

Where was the outrage over Rall's use of the N-word? There was none on the Left. In fact, the lib media were enablers, disseminating the ugliness.

Conservatives were being abused by Leftists with impunity.

Now, here we have lib media outlets aghast, insisting that Tea Party protesters shouted slurs and spat at John Lewis and Emanuel Cleaver.

The New York Times has a statement issued by Cleaver's office and one from Steny Hoyer:

Mr. Cleaver’s office issued this statement:

For many of the members of the CBC, like John Lewis and Emanuel Cleaver who worked in the civil rights movement, and for Mr. Frank who has struggled in the cause of equality, this is not the first time they have been spit on during turbulent times.

This afternoon, the Congressman was walking into the Capitol to vote, when one protester spat on him. The Congressman would like to thank the US Capitol Police officer who quickly escorted the other Members and him into the Capitol, and defused the tense situation with professionalism and care. After all the Members were safe, a full report was taken and the matter was handled by the US Capitol Police. The man who spat on the Congressman was arrested, but the Congressman has chosen not to press charges. He has left the matter with the Capitol Police.

This is not the first time the Congressman has been called the “n” word and certainly not the worst assault he has endured in his years fighting for equal rights for all Americans. That being said, he is disappointed that in the 21st century our national discourse has devolved to the point of name calling and spitting. He looks forward to taking a historic vote on health care reform legislation tomorrow, for the residents of the Fifth District of Missouri and for all Americans. He believes deeply that tomorrow’s vote is, in fact, a vote for equality and to secure health care as a right for all. Our nation has a history of struggling each time we expand rights. Today’s protests are no different, but the Congressman believes this is worth fighting for.

The Democratic majority leader, Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, issued a statement condemning the remarks:

Today’s protests against health insurance reform saw a rash of despicable, inflammatory behavior, much of it directed at minority Members of Congress. According to reports, anti-reform protestors spat on Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, yelled a sexual slur at Rep. Barney Frank, and addressed my dear friend, Rep. John Lewis, with a racial slur that he has sadly heard far too many times. On the one hand, I am saddened that America’s debate on health care — which could have been a national conversation of substance and respect — has degenerated to the point of such anger and incivility. But on the other, I know that every step toward a more just America has aroused similar hate in its own time; and I know that John Lewis, a hero of the civil rights movement, has learned to wear the worst slurs as a badge of honor.

America always has room for open and spirited debate, and the hateful actions of some should not cast doubt on the good motives of the majority, on both sides of this argument. But Members of Congress and opinion leaders ought to come to terms with their responsibility for inciting the tone and actions we saw today. A debate that began with false fears of forced euthanasia has ended in a truly ugly scene. It is incumbent on all of us to do better next time.

OK.

Where's the consistency? Why express outrage over racist displays in certain cases and not others?

And, where's the tape?


Racism should be condemned.

It should not be exploited for political advantage. It certainly should not be falsified.
________________

From Jim Holt: Media Lying About Racist Attacks on Black Reps By Tea Party Protesters...VIDEO PROOF.

Obama Bows to Japanese Emperor

NOT AGAIN!

Hasn't Obama learned anything since his last bowing incident?

There was such an uproar after Obama bowed to Saudi Arabian King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz that Robert Gibbs flat-out lied about it.



There Obama goes again!

I can't wait to hear Gibbs say that wasn't a bow. I don't want to hear the BS about Obama being tall and bending down to greet the emperor. That's crap.

Obama can show respect without bowing. He appears subservient.

Why aren't the Leftists, the ones who use slavery imagery when they describe the behavior of African-American conservatives, using slave imagery when Obama literally bows?

Michael Steele, Clarence Thomas, Condoleezza Rice, and even Colin Powell were criticized by unapologetic Leftists. They hurled racial epithets -- "Uncle Tom," "House Negro," "Black man who deserves an asterisk" -- at good and decent people. Michael Steele was pelted with Oreos, and for what? Being black and conservative?

Why aren't these same Leftists complaining about Obama's bowing? Why aren't they complaining that he's acting submissive when he bows like that? Why aren't they calling him a "House Negro"?

Bottom line: American presidents of the United States should not bow before anyone.

Take race out of the equation. It's irrelevant. The image of Obama, American president, bowing is nauseating.

Yeah, yeah, it's a sign of respect in Japanese culture.

Did the Japanese emperor bow to Obama?

Where's the respect?
________________

UPDATE, November 16, 2009:



46 leaders did NOT bow when they greeted the Japanese emperor.

Condoleezza Rice and Jay Leno

Last Thursday, Barack Obama was a guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Tuesday, I suppose in an effort to be somewhat fair and balanced, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice joined Leno for two segments.

Some of the discussion topics were very light -- her childhood, playing piano, college. Some were more serious -- serving in the Bush administration, judging the Obama administration.

Here are a few minutes of video excerpts from NBC.



Transcript excerpts

JAY LENO: Do you miss the job, the excitement, the hubbub and all that?

CONDOLEEZZA RICE: No. I don't.

LENO: Really? No?

RICE: No, I really don't. I am so happy to get up in the morning, read the newspaper, and not think I have to do anything about what's in it.

LENO: Really?

RICE: Yeah, it's really great. It really is. It was an honor to serve. I love this country. There is nothing like being able to do this. And I know that people talk about America, and America's not this, and America's not that. But I'll tell you something, without America in the world, the most powerful country but also the most compassionate country, the freest country, the world would be a much, much worse place. And so I was grateful to be a part of that.

LENO: Let me ask you about your boss. President Bush, at least at this point in history, not coming off very well, uh, not particularly popular. Does that hurt you? Do you feel...?

RICE: Yeah, it does, because I wish people could have seen what he was like. You know, I saw many a cabinet secretary go in and have the President be the best questioner in the room. This was a president who was compassionate. He knew the issues. He cared about important things like immigration and education and AIDS relief. And 9/11 perhaps obscured a lot of what happened, but I'm also a firm believer that history has a long arc, and what is popular today and today's headlines are rarely the same as history's judgment. So I think we'll let history judge. And I think he'll be judged well by history.

.........

LENO: What do you make of Dick Cheney saying...? I know President Bush says he wants to remain silent and give Barack his opportunity. Uh, Vice President Cheney out there saying that Obama has made the U.S. less safe. Uh, we shouldn't be closing Guantanamo Bay, uh, the interrogation methods... What is your opinion?

RICE: Look, these are difficult questions and difficult issues. My view is we got to do it our way. We did our best. We did some things well, some things not so well. Now, they get their chance. And I agree with the president. We owe them our loyalty and our silence while they do it, because I know what it's like to have people chirping at you when they perhaps don't know what's going on inside. These are quality people. I know them. They love the country. And they won't make the same decision perhaps that we did. But I believe they'll do what they think is best for the country. And I'll give my advice privately, and keep it to myself.

It must have been so tough for Leno to not bash Bush when Rice was praising him. Somehow, Leno managed to control himself.

By the way, Leno's new feature "What's George Bush Doing Today?" was not included in the monologue on Tuesday. I suppose that disrespectful crap was omitted because of Rice's appearance.

Some interesting segments of the interview aren't included among the highlights on this video.

Rice said her favorite band is Led Zeppelin. She had her wild and crazy times in college.

Rice talked more about 9/11 and people jumping to their deaths from the World Trade Center, speaking of the impact that had on the decisions that were made by the Bush administration.

When she talked about the people jumping, those images came back to me so vividly. My stomach knotted and I felt sick.

Leno brought up Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama. Rice expressed her respect for Powell and what he did. She would not reveal the candidate she voted for in the 2008 presidential election, citing that there's a reason we have a secret ballot.

Rice did say that she knew Barack Obama. She spoke glowingly of him, and talked about her pride in an African-American being elected president of the United States.

I don't remember seeing Rice so relaxed. She seemed like a great weight had been lifted from her. She really seemed happy.
_____________

UPDATE: NBC has posted more video.

Condoleezza Rice - Part 1

Condoleezza Rice - Part 2

More transcript excerpts

LENO: What's your favorite band of all time?

RICE: Led Zeppelin.

.........

LENO: Do you rock out with the iPod, do the whole thing?

RICE: Well, mostly when I get on the elliptical and exercise, then I can really be with Led Zeppelin.

LENO: Wow.

.........

LENO: Did we squander that opportunity at 9/11? It seemed like we had the whole world on our side. Everybody was... not feeling sorry, but certainly everybody was compassionate for America. And then it seems like in the last five years, it seems like there's so much hostility towards us.

RICE: Well, we had to do some really hard things. It's not easy to fight terrorism. I'll tell you something, for those of us who were there on September 11th, to watch Americans jump out of 80 story windows as the Twin Towers went down, every day after was September 12th. And because of that, you do think of the world differently. And you're determined not to let that happen again and that means that you do some unpopular things. But I'll tell you something, as you go around the world, you realize America still has an enormous wellspring of good favor. I don't know that many people who are trying to immigrate to China. And I know that a lot of people want to send their kids to school here. America is well-regarded around the world, even if sometimes our policies or a certain administration is not. And I understand that, but being an American and representing this great country was one of the joys of my life.

.........

LENO: Now your predecessor, Colin Powell, he came out and endorsed Barack Obama.

RICE: Yes. Right.

LENO: Any opinion on that? What do you make of that?

RICE: Colin's a good friend and I think he felt strongly that Barack Obama was the right person for the presidency at this time, and I'm glad he did what he thought best.

LENO: Did you vote for Barack Obama?

RICE: I've said many times, you know, that's why they have a secret ballot, Jay. But I know the president, and I admire him. He was on Senate Foreign Relations, which was the committee that oversaw the State Department. And so I saw him quite a lot. He's smart. He will do a good job. And I think his election was special.

USA Stands with Georgia, Warns Russia

This morning, President Bush delivered a clear message to Russia -- Enough.

President Bush Discusses Situation in Georgia, Urges Russia to Cease Military Operations

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I've just met with my national security team to discuss the crisis in Georgia. I've spoken with President Saakashvili of Georgia, and President Sarkozy of France this morning. The United States strongly supports France's efforts, as President of the European Union, to broker an agreement that will end this conflict.

The United States of America stands with the democratically elected government of Georgia. We insist that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia be respected.

Russia has stated that changing the government of Georgia is not its goal. The United States and the world expect Russia to honor that commitment. Russia has also stated that it has halted military operations and agreed to a provisional cease-fire. Unfortunately, we're receiving reports of Russian actions that are inconsistent with these statements. We're concerned about reports that Russian units have taken up positions on the east side of the city of Gori, which allows them to block the East-West Highway, divide the country, and threaten the capital of Tbilisi.

We're concerned about reports that Russian forces have entered and taken positions in the port city of Poti, that Russian armored vehicles are blocking access to that port, and that Russia is blowing up Georgian vessels. We're concerned about reports that Georgian citizens of all ethnic origins are not being protected. All forces, including Russian forces, have an obligation to protect innocent civilians from attack.

With these concerns in mind, I have directed a series of steps to demonstrate our solidarity with the Georgian people and bring about a peaceful resolution to this conflict. I'm sending Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to France, where she will confer with President Sarkozy. She will then travel to Tbilisi, where she will personally convey America's unwavering support for Georgia's democratic government. On this trip she will continue our efforts to rally the free world in the defense of a free Georgia.

I've also directed Secretary of Defense Bob Gates to begin a humanitarian mission to the people of Georgia, headed by the United States military. This mission will be vigorous and ongoing. A U.S. C-17 aircraft with humanitarian supplies is on its way. And in the days ahead we will use U.S. aircraft, as well as naval forces, to deliver humanitarian and medical supplies.

...As I have made clear, Russia's ongoing action raise serious questions about its intentions in Georgia and the region. In recent years, Russia has sought to integrate into the diplomatic, political, economic, and security structures of the 21st century. The United States has supported those efforts. Now Russia is putting its aspirations at risk by taking actions in Georgia that are inconsistent with the principles of those institutions. To begin to repair the damage to its relations with the United States, Europe, and other nations, and to begin restoring its place in the world, Russia must keep its word and act to end this crisis.

During Condoleezza Rice's briefing this afternoon, she said that "this is not 1968."

This is not Czechoslovakia.

She said that Russia is not the Soviet Union.

It's time for Russia to live up to its commitments and stop "digging this hole."

Rice said she believes that Russia understands that "pushing the envelope here" will have consequences for Russia in terms of its integration into the international system.

She said it's unacceptable for Russia to destroy Georgia.

Rice wouldn't speculate on Russian motives, but she said that Russia cannot send the world the message that it can use its military power against a neighboring nation.

She said it's time to move on from the Cold War and move on to a new era.

Russia has said that is the future that it wishes. If that's the case, it must live up to its commitments.

I think it's telling that Rice mentioned Czechoslovakia and 1968, drawing parallels to the Cold War.

The world order is different now, and the free world will not stand by if Russia begins to revive the methods of the Soviet Union from decades past.

Carter and Rice: He Said, She Said

ATLANTA (Reuters) -- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Wednesday accused Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice of not telling the truth about warnings she said her department gave Carter not to speak to Hamas before a Middle East trip.

The State Department has said U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Welch, the top U.S. diplomat for the Middle East, issued the warning before Carter, a veteran of Middle East diplomacy, went on his trip last week.

Rice said in Kuwait on Tuesday: "We counseled President Carter against going to the region and particularly against having contact with Hamas."

"President Carter has the greatest respect for ... Rice and believes her to be a truthful person. However, perhaps inadvertently, she is continuing to make a statement that is not true," a statement issued by the Carter center in Atlanta said on Wednesday.

"No one in the State Department or any other department of the U.S. government ever asked him (Carter) to refrain from his recent visit to the Middle East or even suggested that he not meet with Syrian President (Bashar) Assad or leaders of Hamas," it said.

It said Carter attempted to call Rice before making the trip and a deputy returned his call since Rice was in Europe.

"They had a very pleasant discussion for about 15 minutes, during which he never made any of the negative or cautionary comments described above. He never talked to anyone else," the statement said.

Given the fact that Carter "exaggerated" when he said "Hamas is prepared to accept the Jewish state's right to 'live as a neighbor next door in peace'" and presented a false report on his talks with Hamas, I am more inclined to doubt Carter's version of events.

I wish Carter would quit whining and cozying up to terrorists, and instead do something constructive -- like build a house.

John McCain and Condoleezza Rice

What we've got here is a failure to communicate.

From the New York Times:

Is Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice campaigning to be John McCain’s running mate? If so, Mr. McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, said on Sunday that he had not noticed.

“I missed those signals,” Mr. McCain told reporters on his campaign plane en route to Kansas City.

Nonetheless, Mr. McCain took a few moments to compliment Ms. Rice. “I think she’s a great American, I think there’s very little that I can say that isn’t anything but the utmost praise for a great American citizen, who served as a role model to so many millions of people in this country and around the world,” Mr. McCain said, adding that “her overall record is very, very meritorious.”

Mr. McCain was responding to questions from reporters about comments made on the ABC program “This Week With George Stephanopoulos” by Dan Senor, a former military spokesman for coalition forces in Baghdad. Mr. Senor said Ms. Rice spoke last week before an unusual forum for a secretary of state: a meeting of economic conservatives led by Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform.

“Condi Rice has been actively, actually in recent weeks, campaigning for this,” Mr. Senor said.

Ms. Rice has said she was not interested in being vice president.

Mr. McCain, who has been critical of the Bush administration’s handling of Iraq, told reporters that Ms. Rice, who was national security adviser during the first year and a half of the conflict, bore some responsibility for the management of the war.

McCain says he hasn't picked up any signals from Rice. Is there some sort of a communication breakdown, or is this speculation about Rice's aspirations unfounded?

If Senor is right and Rice is actively campaigning for the VP spot, then that is a dramatic turnaround for her.

She was very consistent on insisting she didn't want to run for president. She's also been consistent when it comes to denying any interest in being the VP.

It's possible the "rumor" is being floated to test reaction.

For his part, McCain's complete dismissal of the suggestion that Rice wants to be on the Republican ticket seemed to indicate that he has no interest in her.

He did praise Rice, but he showed no signs that he actually wants her to be his running mate.

Beyond McCain being critical of Rice for her role in the Bush administration's Iraq policy, there's another reason I doubt that McCain would select Rice to be on the ticket. I don't think he'd want to share the spotlight with Rice. I think he knows that she probably would overshadow him.

But then again, if he thinks she would help him get into the White House, I believe he might overlook their differences of opinion. He might be able to keep his ego in check.

Anyway, I'm not convinced that she would be much help to him. She's too close to President Bush.

You can be sure that if McCain chose Rice as his running mate, the media wouldn't be fawning over her, playing up the significance of her candidacy and how far the country has come in terms of race and gender.

The lib media have spent years avoiding the fact that this brilliant African-American woman holds a position of tremendous power in a Republican administration. I doubt that the media would change their opinion of her.

Condi and Resolution 1701

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice wrote a piece about the war in the Middle East, the cease-fire, and the hope for peace.

From The Washington Post:

For the past month the United States has worked urgently to end the violence that Hezbollah and its sponsors have imposed on the people of Lebanon and Israel. At the same time, we have insisted that a truly effective cease-fire requires a decisive change from the status quo that produced this war. Last Friday we took an important step toward that goal with the unanimous passage of U.N. Resolution 1701. Now the difficult, critical task of implementation begins.

The agreement we reached has three essential components:

First, it puts in place a full cessation of hostilities. We also insisted on the unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers.

...Second, this resolution will help the democratic government of Lebanon expand its sovereign authority.

...Finally, this resolution clearly lays out the political principles to secure a lasting peace: no foreign forces, no weapons and no authority in Lebanon other than that of the sovereign Lebanese government.

The implementation of Resolution 1701 will not only benefit Lebanon and Israel; it also has important regional implications. Simply put: This is a victory for all who are committed to moderation and democracy in the Middle East -- and a defeat for those who wish to undermine these principles with violence, particularly the governments of Syria and Iran.

I think Condoleezza Rice is a brilliant woman. I have the greatest respect for her.

And what she lays out here sounds good, and it would be good, in a perfect world.

Resolution 1701 is supposed to be, as she puts it, "a good first step."

Theoretically, it would be. Realistically, it's not.

Why should we even entertain the thought that the resolution will ever be implemented?

Rice doesn't mention UN Security Council resolution 1559.

Had that 2004 resolution been implemented, then the bloodshed of the past month may have been avoided entirely.

Lebanon did not do what it agreed to do then. Why would it follow through now?

Why are we pretending that UN resolutions have any value whatsoever?

1701

1559

What difference does it make?

The Israeli hostages haven't been returned.

Hezbollah isn't disarming; it's reloading.

Rice warns:

This is a fragile cease-fire, and all parties must work to strengthen it. Our diplomacy has helped end a war. Now comes the long, hard work to secure the peace.

All true.

I hate to be pessimistic, but I must be realistic. For the cease-fire to hold, "all parties must work to strengthen it."

They aren't going to work together and they won't, because the terrorists don't want peace.

She concludes:

Innocent people in Lebanon, in Israel and across the Middle East have suffered long enough at the hands of extremists. It is time to overcome old patterns of violence and secure a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. This is our goal, and now we have laid out the steps to achieve it. Our policy is ambitious, yes, and difficult to achieve. But it is right. It is realistic. And ultimately, it is the only effective path to a more hopeful future.

Overcoming the "old patterns of violence" is long overdue.

Innocents have suffered far too long at the hands of extremists.

The problem is that the extremists are still there and celebrating what they claim has been a military victory.

I agree that the policy Rice explains is an ambitious one and will be difficult to achieve.

I disagree with her when she says, "It is realistic."

It's not.

The extremists have no intention of turning over a new leaf and letting go of their old patterns of violence.

Condi: Return to Sender

Finally, some details emerged about Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's letter to President Bush.

Condi did not see it as the "diplomatic opening" that Iranian government spokesman Ali Larijani said it was.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dismissed a letter that Iran's president sent to President Bush on Monday, saying the first direct communication from an Iranian leader in 27 years does not help resolve the standoff over Tehran's disputed nuclear program.

Iran's top nuclear negotiator called the surprise letter a new "diplomatic opening" between the two countries, but Rice said it was not.

"This letter is not the place that one would find an opening to engage on the nuclear issue or anything of the sort," the top U.S. diplomat said in an interview with The Associated Press. "It isn't addressing the issues that we're dealing with in a concrete way."

Rice said the letter from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was 17 or 18 pages long and covered history, philosophy and religion.

How would a 17 or 18 page letter on history, philosophy and religion help relieve tensions?

If Ahmadinejad wanted to do something constructive, he should have addressed the specifics of the issues being discussed in regard to Iran's nuclear program and its defiance of the UN.

Delivering a rambling term paper to the U.S. accomplished nothing.

..."There's nothing in here that would suggest that we're on any different course than we were before we got the letter," Rice said.

...The letter from the Iranian leader, which was not made public, appeared timed to blunt the U.S. drive for a U.N. Security Council vote this week to restrain the Islamic regime's nuclear ambitions. It was a striking change after the fiery Ahmadinejad's campaign to vilify Washington and its allies as bullies.

I don't see the letter as a "striking change" in Ahmadinejad's smear campaign at all. To the contrary, I see it as part of his campaign to vilify Washington.

All day, IRNA was reporting on the "important letter" that Ahmadinejad sent to Bush. But if it doesn't address the situation at hand, the letter has to be considered just another sleazy move by Iran and part of its propaganda plan.

Ahmadinejad can claim to be making diplomatic efforts. He can also say that evil Washington rebuffed him.

Anne Gearan of the AP suggests that the letter signaled a change.

No, it didn't, not if the letter failed to address the issues. It's self-serving and meaningless in terms of working toward a solution.

It's simply more of the same posturing by Iran.

Condi, Watermelons, and Selective Outrage

HEY, DANNY GLOVER!

HARRY BELAFONTE!

JESSE JACKSON!

AL SHARPTON!

GET OUTRAGED!

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED! ORGANIZE A PROTEST! QUICK!

At least call a news conference.

(Crickets chirping)

Here's more racist drivel directed toward a conservative African American, and it's being disseminated on a college campus.

From the Seattle Times:

Bellevue Community College President Jean Floten apologized Wednesday at an emotional open-campus meeting called after students complained about what they said was a racially offensive math question used on a practice test.

...The hour-and-a-half meeting, attended by more than 150 people, opened an important dialog, but more needs to be done, said Chelsey Richardson, one of the students who brought the issue to college officials.

When she felt her concerns weren't taken seriously, Richardson went to the media and to the Rev. Wayne Perryman, a Mercer Island civil-rights activist. Perryman sent out an e-mail to friends across the country, some of whom belong to conservative and civil-rights groups. Those friends forwarded the e-mail, creating a snowball effect. The college has since received hundreds of e-mails, said Bob Adams, spokesman for BCC.

I bet Al Gore sometimes kicks himself for taking "the initiative in creating the Internet."

An e-mail can be heard 'round the world.

...Richardson, 25, said she found the question on a practice test for a math final she was studying for in March. The question read, "Condoleezza holds a watermelon just over the edge of the roof of the 300-foot Federal Building, and tosses it up with a velocity of 20 feet per second." The question went on to ask when the watermelon will hit the ground, based on a formula provided. The question propagates a racial stereotype and denigrates Secretary of State Rice, said Perryman. While Rice's last name wasn't mentioned, the reference was clear, he said.

Way to blow that whistle, Chelsey! Good job!

...The college declined to release the name of the teacher who wrote the question. Floten said the teacher has apologized and requested cultural-sensitivity training.

Oh, come on.

The only reason that teacher apologized is because he/she was caught. That request for cultural-sensitivity training is a joke.

This teacher isn't about to change his/her stripes. If a teacher would go so far as to put a question like that on a practice test, that individual will not suddenly transform into a tolerant, fair, decent person, fit to teach at a community college.

This is a PR move by Bellevue. It's damage control.

Insincere apologies are worthless. I can't stand them.

The test question was originally written with the name of a comedian, Gallagher, whose signature shtick was to smash a variety of objects, often watermelons. Later, the question was rewritten, and the name was changed to Condoleezza, Floten said.

The teacher went out of his/her way to change the question! The only possible motive was to take a swipe at the Secretary of State.

I think in addition to cultural-sensitivity training, the teacher could use an anger management class. Maybe a time-out is also in order.

In an e-mail to students, faculty and staff, Floten said she took "personal ownership that this act of institutional racism could happen despite a collegewide initiative pursued over many years to establish a safe and tolerant place for all to learn."

What does Floten mean by "personal ownership"?

I guess as the president, she holds herself accountable for the incident. It's great that she's not passing the buck, but how does she intend to hold the teacher accountable?

A slap on the wrist seems inadequate.

Why aren't activists like Glover, Belafonte, and Sharpton demanding more?

Why isn't the NAACP having a fit?

Why isn't Jesse Jackson organizing a boycott?

Why?

BECAUSE CONDI IS CONSERVATIVE.

Condi Faces Down RINOs and Boxer

In Thursday's Washington Post, Robin Wright gives an account of hearings with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Wright writes:

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice faced testy criticism yesterday from both Republican and Democratic senators for what they called a vague and troubled strategy in Iraq and for the administration's refusal to offer a concrete timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Rice avoided answering questions about whether American troops would still be in Iraq in five or 10 years, noting only that insurgents would continue to kill innocents for "a long time." In a new effort to stabilize Iraq, she said, the United States will deploy civilian-military teams throughout Iraq next month to foster nation-building, from courts and social services to sewage treatment.

The give-and-take underscored shifting opinion about the war on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee appealed for greater candor and more concrete information.

Wright distorts the weight of the "testy criticism" that Rice faced from both Republican and Democratic senators.

She claims that the exchange was indicative of the "shifting opinion about the war on Capitol Hill."

I have to disagree with her characterization of "shifting opinion" on Iraq.

She says, "Although Democrats have long challenged U.S. Iraq policy, Republican senators were also expressing concern. Committee Chairman Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.) said the administration can no longer assume that creating democratic institutions in Iraq in the short term will diminish the insurgency, which could have long-term implications."

In her article, she quotes George Voinovich, Richard Lugar, and Lincoln Chaffee to illustrate her point that Bush is losing support from members of his own party. This is disingenuous at best. I don't consider these senators to be staunch supporters of Bush. I don't consider them to be staunch Republicans. Their conservative credentials are flimsy.

These senators don't supply examples of "shifting opinion". They've been limp for quite a while now. Any firm support they had for the President is just a distant memory.

When it comes to Iraq, Lugar broke with his party months and months ago. He's been very vocal in his criticism of the President's Iraq policy; and Voinovich certainly can't be counted on to support Bush. He's not a very stable man. The thought of John Bolton being the U.S. Ambassador to the UN reduced Voinovich to tears. Chaffee, one of the most liberal Republicans in the Senate, is so deeply entrenched in the Dems' camp that it's widely assumed that he could permanently bail on the Republicans and jump like Jim Jeffords at any moment.

I don't see how Wright can claim to be presenting a legitimate case that Voinovich, Lugar, and Chaffee prove that Republicans are turning on the administration in regard to Iraq. Technically, they aren't Republicans. Their actions speak louder than the "R" next to their names.

The fact that these so-called Republicans were dissatisfied with Rice's responses to their questions should come as no surprise at all. It's of no significance, nothing new.

Similarly, it was completely predictable that Barbara Boxer would whip out a chart and start badgering Rice.

Wright writes:

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) told Rice that the American public is "sick at heart at the spin and false expectations. They want the truth, and they deserve it." Putting up a chart, Boxer cited Vice President Cheney's comment in May that the Iraqi insurgency is in its "last throes," then showed the spike in violent attacks since then.


More props. Can the woman speak without relying on props?

I wonder if Boxer also brought out some promotional materials to hawk her new novel, A Time to Run.

According to the Washington Times:

The New York Times questioned Mrs. Boxer's portrayal of Republicans as "snakes" and Democrats as "saints" in the book, which chronicles the adventures of a diminutive redhead who assumes her husband's Senate seat after he is killed, then tries to foil the nomination of a conservative woman to the Supreme Court.

...Mrs. Boxer -- who opposed the nomination of conservative Judge John G. Roberts Jr. as chief justice of the Supreme Court and questions Harriet Miers' qualifications to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor -- has had to answer to critics who wonder where fiction stops and agenda begins. The discord was fueled by advance materials and sneak peeks at the 320-page book, published by San Francisco-based Chronicle Books.

...In an interview with the Times on Sunday, however, Mrs. Boxer acknowledged writing the book "with a point of view," adding that as a party, the "Democrats have virtuous goals."

Mrs. Boxer told Publishers Weekly last month that her novel was "definitely a struggle between liberals and conservatives, and knowing that I wrote the book, you can imagine who wins the day."

...The book will be published tomorrow, and Mrs. Boxer will embark on a publicity tour beginning Nov. 1, publicist Laina Adler said. The tour will include four appearances in the Washington area.

Sundry reviews are already crabby.

"Suffice it to say, this effort reads more like a cross between a bad romance novel and a soap opera script. The Congressional Record might be more entertaining. And it's free," noted the Sacramento Bee, which obtained an uncorrected proof of the novel last month but was prohibited from quoting directly from it.

That doesn't sound too good.

At their next meeting, if Boxer greets her with another chart, Rice should shoot back with a chart of her own, one displaying what's sure to be Boxer's dismal book sales.

Of course, Rice would never do something like that. She has far too much class, unlike Boxer.

By the way, shouldn't Boxer be serving her constituents and be attending to her duties as a senator rather than going on a publicity tour to generate sales for her reportedly really bad novel?

Again, I digress, back to Wright's article.

I think it's ironic that Wright attempts to make Rice look bad and tries to create the impression of a rift in the Republican Party. Rather than successfully attacking Rice, she actually makes herself look bad. Wright reveals her reporting as agenda driven, and herself as a partisan hack, an anti-Bush administration spinmeister.