For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: should President Bush attend the RNC in September?
What if your family was planning a big end-of-summer bash (a Grand Old Party, you might call it) but preferred that you not be seen — or heard? That is the question hanging over President Bush, with eight weeks to go until Republicans gather in St. Paul to nominate Senator John McCain as his successor. Convention planners, the White House and the McCain campaign are wrestling with how to choreograph a proper send-off for Mr. Bush — sure, his poll numbers are in the tank, but he is still the party leader and president of the United States — while hustling him out the door in time for Mr. McCain to look like his own man.
What say you, NewsBusters?














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Comments Policy
Let him go
July 5, 2008 - 10:42 ET by Susan ILet him go to the convention. Show him the respect that he deserves. Don't cowar to the Democrats and news media. He is still the "President of the United States" for God's sake.
If everyone would have supported this man, instead of run, we would be a stronger country for it. Kicking a man when the media says he is down, does not make us look good.
Just my opinion.
I agree, Susan!
July 6, 2008 - 06:37 ET by motherbeltI agree, Susan!
They are like abused wives; "If I fix better meals, keep the house cleaner, keep the kids quieter, then he won't hit me."
They'll find a reason to hit you anyway!
And why give them the satisfaction of gloating that the President's own party is shunning him?
At least get hit for doing the right thing!
Republicans never, never learn.
Shoot 'em all; let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
→ Did I miss something?
July 5, 2008 - 10:43 ET by Cool ArrowWhere's Tracheostomy?
Did I miss something yesterday or last night?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
I must have missed it too...
July 5, 2008 - 23:06 ET by sarcasmoFrankly, I'm not all that interested in debates on the finer points of theology, so I'll admit that I wasn't one of Trach's regular readers/opponents. I know he got into various heated religious debates with others over in the forums, but he didn't seem all that offensive to me. Does anyone else have any insight on his disappearance?
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Bush should go, his Approval ratings are better than Congress
July 5, 2008 - 10:57 ET by JayTeeDon't be a victim of the MSM BDS and negative hype.....of course Bush should go.
Pelosi and Reid should hide somewhere in Montana while the DNC is going on in Denver....maybe report back on any Oil reserves they've found.
Gas at 5 $'s a Gallon should piss off just about everyone in the Country, and I really think the DEMS WANT a RECESSION, they are actively pursing it, they are shafting Americans in the pocketbook for Political purposes, and Americans know it.
The Democratic Majority are Non-Performers, we can't politic our way out of 5$ a gallon Oil.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
→ Reid Pelosi
July 5, 2008 - 11:03 ET by Cool ArrowCan we find them jobs as water quality testers at Yucca Mountain?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
his "poll numbers" are "in
July 5, 2008 - 23:07 ET by TruthMongerhis "poll numbers" are "in the tank?"
in other words about 1000 or so NY moderates and democrats are un-impressed with Bush - based on rigged questions...
gadzooks yes, keep Bush away from all GOP business
George Bush should attend
July 5, 2008 - 11:23 ET by shawn228It would be like admitting fear if he was not invited or he decided not to go. The msm would be all over it. They should also, ask him to go because it is the right thing to do, George Bush has raised alot of money for this party and to turn their back on him would be ungrateful.
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
Dee ~
July 5, 2008 - 12:27 ET by BlondeHere's the link I referred to earlier...the Society of Professional Journalists Diversity Guidelines against racial profiling in their coverage of the war on terrorism:
— Cover the victims of harassment, murder and other hate crimes as thoroughly as you cover the victims of overt terrorist attacks.
— Avoid using word combinations such as "Islamic terrorist" or "Muslim extremist" that are misleading because they link whole religions to criminal activity.
— When writing about terrorism, remember to include white supremacist, radical anti-abortionists and other groups with a history of such activity.
I heard this on BOR last night...go figure why it's okay for the MsM to criticize all things non-muslim, while verbally coddling terrorists and their ilk.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
→ Saw that too, Blonde
July 5, 2008 - 12:32 ET by Cool ArrowIs it possible Dick Morris isn't a One Trick Pony?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
One Trick Pony
July 5, 2008 - 12:44 ET by BlondeI don't know about that...but he is amusing, in a smarmy sort of way.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Wow Blonde - this is outrageous
July 5, 2008 - 12:47 ET by Dee BunkThere are 100's of thousands in one group (religious terrorists) and handfuls here and there of people in non concerted efforts. There is no comparison and the fact that they can't see that is mind blowing.
A few isolated hate crimes does not equal 100's of thousands of Jihadists. It's just crazy.
It's obvious that this is how they have been acting but the fact that they are doing it with complete malice and foresight is what is so disturbing.
"Constantly attacking (peaceful) religions rather than politely sharing your own shows lack of faith " DB
Agreed, Dee
July 5, 2008 - 12:51 ET by BlondeI heard this late last night on a re-run of BOR while trying to sleep (too much good seafood for dinner)....and couldn't believe it. I had to search around for the correct combination of letters, but this is what was reported.
Note the date of the "Guidelines"....not even two months after 9/11.
Filthy and disgusting, yes?
Oh, excuse me, nothing to the "media bias" thing...I guess we're just all wasting our time here.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde - - Wait a minute ...Let's think about this one...
July 5, 2008 - 15:26 ET by JayTeeCover the victims of harassment, murder and other hate crimes as
thoroughly as you cover the victims of overt terrorist attacks.
with 15,000 murders a year in the USA, the Terrorists would not get any coverage, and we'd be Yelling "PULL OUT OF BALTIMORE".
Headlines would read "Detroit Insurgents attack", "Chicago Gangs are fighting the Police action", "Phillidelphia Police Surge is NOT Working".
Sometimes I think the MSM themselves are their OWN Victims via the Sin of Omisssion on REAL News.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised and neither will the Victory in Iraq.
Slowly getting rid of an incompetent
July 5, 2008 - 13:06 ET by sarcasmoMedical Examiner. The problem is, with a low enough salary the same bad incentives will remain, as the comments following the story made-clear.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Bush is the only War Reporter nowadays...
July 5, 2008 - 14:28 ET by JayTeeBush Should go to the Convention and Give Details of the 15 of 18 Pts the Iraqui Congress has Completed....and THEN...ask about our Congressional Accomplishments..
Safe since 911 counts for a LOT in my book, and in New York.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
yes JT, and then Junp on the demos'on to DRILLING and refining..
July 5, 2008 - 14:39 ET by upcountrywaterHe would be a big Plus...
I'm going to miss President Bush...ALOT.. don't know what you got till it's GONE
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Upcountry - - What exactly can the DNC talk about in Denver ?
July 5, 2008 - 15:17 ET by JayTeeIf you take away Bush Bashing, what do the Democrats have left to Talk About ? ?
I guess everyone can watch Obama say the Opposite of what he votes, and if he says anything positive about the War....it will be the Equivalent of BUSH was right, and so was McCain.
And there is going to be a lot of Pissed off Women there....he's still has to pick a VP....and I got a feeling it is going to be "Mistake" for VP pick....as his Messiah complex will make him think he can do no Wrong.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Jay, The public schooled under 30 gang, ain't watching DNC
July 5, 2008 - 15:47 ET by upcountrywaterhoards of them will BLINDLY vote, for change...
"If you take away Bush Bashing, what do the Democrats have left to Talk About ? ?"
NOTHING lol other than this, playing on screens in the background
To sum up worship and Bush Bashing..
NObama's best pick for vp is GOOGLE... of, for and by the people, poll driven...public servant, all knowing...never sleeps.
It is written anywhere that vp needs to be a person?
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Upcountry H2O....I have 3 voters in that Group u-30
July 5, 2008 - 18:17 ET by JayTeeI have 3 voting age "kids" in that Group, they got themselves registered and they get invited to Jury duty all the time....And Yes, you're right, they ain't watching TV or the DNC. One doesn't even own a TV.
They are not focused on the election, they're focused on other things, and they really don't care about change.....except recently....that has all changed....the Price of Gasoline got their complete attention.
They want the PRICE of GAS to CHANGE. Can the Messiah Deliver ? ?
DNC has to talk about that...and they have a Big festering sore in that Democratic Problem area.......You can't TALK your way into Cheap Oil...you have to DRILL .....and then PUMP your way to cheaper energy.
Obama needs to FLIP FLOP again....Pelosi is an Anchor around his Neck, and Obama is a Member in bad standing with an 18% approval rating of the Do Nothing Congress (DNC).
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Jay Tee, Under 30 sez: It's Bushes fault, flip flops sooo what!!
July 5, 2008 - 20:57 ET by upcountrywaterI'm enjoying your thoughts. Drilling and refining will take more time than, the instant solutions of taxing and conserving.
My hope it that the under 30's , will just forget to vote.
And the one's that do vote will vote Juan Mc RINO...
WOAH I'm voting for Mc rino, stranger things HAVE NOT HAPPENED..
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Upcountry...you've been MSM'd by the Liberals
July 5, 2008 - 22:15 ET by JayTeeIt takes only 30 Days for a Rig (on Land) to Drill a MILE down and either HIT and start Pumping, or stop and go to another locations.
This BIG Oil field in North Dakota, took 50 days to Drill, and start producing.
Now, Offshore certainly is not that fast or easy, nor is the North Slope. But we have BILLIONS of Barrels there, and a Pipeline that's thawed out, right now.
WHO is the # 2 Country in TOTAL Oil Reserves in the World ?
Canada
becasue they took 5 years and build a Processing facility for their 15,000 square "miles" of Oil Sands. But it's CO2 intensive to heat the Tar Sand to extract the Oil.....Probably pisses off the Environmentalists....they won't let the USA be # 2...
We have 500 Years of Oil Shale out west, at present consumption.
I will Close this note with a Question. How long did it take to Build the Alaska Oil Pipeline ?
After the 5 Years to obtain a Permit, it took 2 years.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
JT, Bakken oil refinery needs to jump over 28 permits
July 5, 2008 - 22:28 ET by upcountrywaterThe people voted for it, soon green peace will file a suit..
The weight of the paper work, must equal the weight of the refinery before it can open.
Drilling is one thing, refining is the second necessary item to get gasoline.Need them both BAD
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
For Refinery's..Expansion of exsting refineries is the only opt.
July 5, 2008 - 22:38 ET by JayTeeCalif. state law forbids ANY new Refineries to be Built...they can live in their own Hell.
Refineries smelll....., like $$$'s and JOBS.
The expansion of existing Refineries is the only Immdiate Option...and it can be done as we do not have any Excess Capacity in USA Refineries.
Anyone heard about how much CO2 the Calif. Fires are putting up in the AIR ?? Natural pollution that Dwarfs anything we can do.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
JT, I think you have heard of this new project..
July 5, 2008 - 23:10 ET by upcountrywaterFirst one in 33 years, MAYBE
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
UpCH20...Did you notice the Price Tag...10 Billion
July 5, 2008 - 23:17 ET by JayTeeNorth Dakota is off the beaten Path....they might get a Permit.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Yea it's HUGE too
July 5, 2008 - 23:47 ET by upcountrywaterCheep at twice the price.
I want to Take those oil profits ! WELL then BUILD A REFINERY..
Like i said only 28 permits to go..
I wonder if this project will get revived? (3 years ago.. $59/bbl.)
All that alternative energy stuff that would be realized, only if oil goes to such and such ( high price)..atomic cars could be running around.
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Price Drives Science ? Gold is at 800 an ounce
July 6, 2008 - 00:21 ET by JayTeeOr is it that Congress can Legislate Scientific Discoveries?....Pass the Law and they will Invent.
I heard Harry Reid had the Number 1 Video on YOU TUBE !!!!!
The Oil/Coal makes him Sick....LOL...Nevada...ReCALL ..PLEASE.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
"Calif. state law forbids
July 6, 2008 - 00:48 ET by NL207"Calif. state law forbids ANY new Refineries to be Built"
You mean Liberal Democrat State Law forbids ....
And do not let the electorate forget who put us in this predicament.
Need a loving parent? Try the Philadelphia Inquirer
July 5, 2008 - 14:48 ET by KC MulvilleA couple days ago, the Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Christ Satullo published an anti-American lament, urging us to spend Independence Day in atonement instead of celebration, because of all our recent sins -- namely, not storming Washington in anger over torure.
Today, he followed it up with a spectacularly self-adoring, obtuse, and condescending reply to all the people who rejected his suggestion.
Satullo reminds me of something a student once said to me, back in my teaching days. "If we're supposed to love our neighbor, but some guy loves himself twice as much as he should, can't we just ignore him, to balance things out?"
President Bush should
July 5, 2008 - 15:33 ET by MidAmericaPresident Bush should absolutely be there. The GOP nominated him twice and has supported him all these years. To not want him at the convention is to repudiate ourselves not him.
Of course the President
July 5, 2008 - 15:43 ET by bigtimerOf course the President better be invited to the convention....
McCain had better use the RINO brain of his...for once.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Arrogant, Self Indulgent and Bigoted
July 5, 2008 - 19:29 ET by stratmanRecently, a singer was to perform the National Anthem in Denver but instead sang the "Black National Anthem".
Nothing says "segregation" like having your own National Anthem!
The "Performance"
Media coverage here ("...National Anthem "doesn't represent" her.") and here (City Councilman Charlie Brown, "There is no substitute for the national anthem.").
RRAM Tough!
Absolutely, He should go!
July 5, 2008 - 19:36 ET by SyriusI would love to see him at the Convention endorsing the next President of the United States. He'll show the World how united we are in combating terrorists, developing better lines of communication with our enemies and allies through diplomacy, economic muscle through more manufacturing jobs, a domestic agenda establishing health care reforms to cover all Americans not just a few, a better global warming initiative to curb greenhouse gases, a moratorium on coal, prosecuting the corporations profiting from the Iraq war, supporting our troops by bringing them home sooner than later, etc...Oh, did you say "Dubya"?...Oh, never mind.
He should still go...he could raise money by sitting in the dunk tank- 3 balls for a quarter- I'm sure he'll raise a million bucks within the first day!
Syrius
"...the dire consequences to society when people begin to believe that by
renaming someone to erase their humanity opens the door to the
devaluation of everyone's life..."-dscott
Syrius, arg...
July 5, 2008 - 20:43 ET by MrShyOkay, gotta stop what I'm doing, log on to NB, and reply to each of your dingbat BDS talking points:
"He'll show the World how united we are in combating terrorists"
Yup, he's been doing exactly that. He's showing the world how polarized it is -- how it consists of two factions: One that wants to defeat (notice "defeat", not just "combat") it, and one that has neither the will, courage or backbone to do anything to truly defeat it.
"developing better lines of communication with our enemies..."
Better communication with our..... enemies?? Syrius, (deep breath)...... never mind.
"...and allies through diplomacy"
The world was increasingly dangerous right up to September 10th, 2001. For decades, the strategy employed in dealing with rogue states and characters was lots of diplomacy and sanctions. This strategy was foolhardy and an utter failure, and it very sadly took September 11th to open SOME of our eyes to this, including President Bush. Thankfully, we had a smart and competent administration in the W.H. that wisely changed how we do business from that fateful day forward. In barely 7 years we now live in a world far safer than it's ever been, at least in my lifetime. You can thank your president for that. Instead, you'll be heinously doing just the opposite.
"a better global warming initiative to curb greenhouse gases"
What kind of global warming initiatives do you have in mind? Wait, let me guess, it involves government subsidies and more money out of my pocket. Money spent to combat something that, unlike, say, Muslim extremism, is totally unproven: man-made global warming. Funny, you want to return to the old "initiatives" previous administrations employed to combat terrorism that were failing completely, and then you want new ones for something as grey-area and scientifically debatable as this apparent "climate crisis" we're told we're in.
"prosecuting the corporations profiting from the Iraq war"
Ugh. Corporations profit from everything from a war, to toothpaste, to fast food restaurants. So? Combining your disdain for capitalism AND necessary battles with our enemies. Ho-hum.
"supporting our troops by bringing them home sooner than later, etc.."
How selfish. You let your personal dislike -- no matter what the circumstances are -- for war, get in the way of real support of our country to succeed and win a war. You beg for our troops to come home, period, and disguise this as "supporting our troops"? Please.
I won't mince words here. It disgusts me how you and your ilk pile it on on this president, who deserves so little of it, and who actually deserves your gratitude. It's all just blind, utterly irrational hatred. It would be funny if it weren't so real and rampant.
* * * SOCKS THE CAT '08 * * *
For REAL Change
McCain is the one who needs to stay away from the RNC.
July 5, 2008 - 20:36 ET by R D HelmFar away.
And Siberia isn't far enough, IYAM.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
RD
July 5, 2008 - 20:44 ET by Noel SheppardRD,
LOL! :-) Who's asking?!? :-)
Thanks for the giggle you MDS sufferer you! :-) ns
Noel, lol-and I have it bad, too. Acute, even!
July 5, 2008 - 21:07 ET by R D HelmAs I was reading through Matthew's MDS article last night, I couldn't help but think, "Gee, Matt, what about us conservatives who are afflicted with this?"
If the McCain camp doesn't get its act together soon, I expect this affliction will spread far beyond just our lefty friends. :-)
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
RD
July 5, 2008 - 21:12 ET by Noel SheppardRD,
Well, you're lucky -- the vodka's put me in a tolerant mood. :-)
Actually, the article I was writing about MDS while Matt was posting his would have annoyed you more -- as I was writing it with people like you in mind!!! :-) ns
Noel, Vodka, eh? I was sampling JD and Sam Adams...
July 5, 2008 - 22:43 ET by R D Helm...which explains the god-awful headache I woke up with. :-(
BTW-As of yesterday, I think the nice folks at Weber-Stephen Products Co. owe me a gold-plated one of these. I already have a blue and a black one in that size. Heck, you would think by now I would be their poster guy!
And I should be in a series of Kingsford commercials, too. But hey, I'm not bitter. :-^)
So, you wrote an MDS article and didn't post it? Too bad, as I would have been interested in your take on all this.
If there is anything that might sway me in November as it relates to casting a vote for McCain, it might just be the fact the we came within one vote last week of "losing" our 2nd Amendments rights.
Now, I realize that I am in the minority of Americans in that I know full well that the SCOTUS is not the final authority on our God-given rights, as those are set in stone by the Constitution of the United States. However, had that vote been different, I can easily see the MSM haven taken off and run with it.
I forget exactly who said this, but whoever it was that coined the term "We are damned if we do, and damned if we don't" all those years ago had a mind that ranged rather far - far enough to see the dilemma that we who truly love and cherish freedom face in November.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
Absolutely President Bush
July 5, 2008 - 21:01 ET by Cureboy675Absolutely President Bush should go! And please try to arrange as many photo ops as possible where Bush and McCain are holding hands raised in triumph, or McCain smiling broadly and nodding enthusiastically as Bush speaks, and most importantly lotsa pictures of Bush and McCain hugging! Pleeeeeeeeeeeease?? :-)
Anyone Heard about how much CO2 the Calif. fires are puttin out?
July 5, 2008 - 22:21 ET by JayTee800 Fires...lots and Lots of smoke...anyone heard Estimates on the CO2 contribution ? ? ?
Crickets chirping....besides, it's Natural, the CO 2 impact must be Zero...since it's natural.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
JT natural and organic, cept the houses of course..
July 5, 2008 - 22:50 ET by upcountrywatersmoke from space (Quick time)
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Thanks Upcountry....fer tha Sattelite pic
July 5, 2008 - 23:02 ET by JayTeeLooks like an Environmental Disaster brewing......but hey, it's Natural, lets Ignore it and don't Measure anything.
Meanwhile.....FOX Poll shows 67% of Democrats Wanna DRILL NOW...and over 70% of Republicans.....
Pelosi....you're approval ratings are gonna Drop "Again"
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Mouthpieces
July 5, 2008 - 22:56 ET by dboStrange that the greenies always talk the talk when it comes to the enviroment but have you ever seen them volunteer their time to help put forrest fires out?
Are environmentalists known
July 5, 2008 - 23:03 ET by balboaAre environmentalists known for their forest fire-fighting skills? Ya' think the _real_ firemen want them out there?
Balboa...can you imagine a Fireman handing one an Axe...
July 5, 2008 - 23:10 ET by JayTeeQuick, clear a Fire Break !!!
As you say, I don't think they could be Helpful. Maybe they could take the Plastics out of a House, right before it Burns down?
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Yes! They could make sure
July 5, 2008 - 23:15 ET by balboaYes! They could make sure the melted plastic and glass is recycled. :-)
Not sure the Birkenstocks are ideal footware for this type of gig.
Nothing but trees around here
July 5, 2008 - 23:14 ET by dboYa' think the _real_ firemen want them out there?
Absolutely!! It's a huge issue every summer where I live. Many small communities are at risk and volunteerism is encouraged. Nowhere near enough fireman or waterbombers to go around. All you get from enviros is excuses. Hardcore enviros like fires...it's nature.
JayTee, just wait. Pelosi and Reid will propose a bill to outlaw
July 6, 2008 - 02:45 ET by R D Helm...forest fires.
LOL-Makes about as much sense as anything else they have proposed.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
McCain can't win ... either way
July 6, 2008 - 02:39 ET by savvyconsumer7I don't think it matters whether GW Bush attends the GOP Convention ... McCain cannot win ... either way.
Keyes '08 for President, Independent Candidate
www.alankeyes.com
America's Independent Party National Committee
www.SelfGovernment.US or www.aipnc.com
Absolutly President Bush should go
July 6, 2008 - 03:19 ET by Delsawhat makes the RNC so special and perfect?
We and the world owe President Bush our gratitude. His presidency has not been a bed of roses or walk in the park.
He is the right man for this moment in time.
Can anyone imagine where we'd be if Carter, Gore, or Clinton had been at the helm on September 11?
Bush isn't perfect but he is owed our thanks and respect!
And if 9-11 had never happend, he would still have my respect for
1. Cleaning the carpets in the oval office and
2. Keeping them clean
That's easy Delsa
July 6, 2008 - 03:44 ET by Cool ArrowIf it were Gore, copious apologies for each decadancy that caused radical Islam to correct us for our unrightousness before allah.
If it were Carter . . . never mind, that got replayed 444 days on Nightline with toupee man.
If it were Clinton . . . Well, Al Qaeda tried its best to get his attention, but he ignored the cancer.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE