Call it a flying-pig moment, or chalk it up to his concern for Dems' long-term best interests if you will. But there's no denying that on this morning's "Today," Matt Lauer absolutely unloaded on Nancy Pelosi and her ill-conceived venture into foreign policy.The segment was entitled "Democratic Diplomacy: Has Pelosi Gone Too Far?", virtually answering the question by its very asking. In the set-up piece, David Gregory rolled two telling clips. The first was of VP Cheney's comments on the Rush Limbaugh show yesterday to the effect that Pelosi's statement regarding her trip was
"nonsensical." The second was of former congressman Lee Hamilton, warning that if his fellow Dems box in the president on foreign policy, Americans might conclude that the Democrats have gone "too far."Interviewing Tim Russert at 7:06 AM ET, Lauer came out guns ablazin'.
LAUER: Vice-President Cheney called Nancy Pelosi's trip to Syria "bad behavior," a Washington Post editorial on Thursday called it "counter-productive and foolish," and op-ed in the Wall Street Journal this morning goes a step further and suggests her trip may actually have been a felony, that it may have violated something called the Logan Act. Tim, is this the way the Democrats wanted to get off the mark in terms of foreign affairs?
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RUSSERT: No, they clearly wanted to distinguish themselves from the president's policies, but you have to be careful, as Congressman Hamilton suggested. One ranking Democrat, Matt, said "we have an alternative Democratic foreign policy." That is going to be very difficult to articulate and put into place when you don't control the White House. On the other hand, Speaker Pelosi issued a statement last night on behalf of the bi-partisan delegation she is leading. Her delegation includes Republican congressmen. She is saying she has done nothing wrong or inconsistent with American foreign policy.LAUER: Well, that's their side of the story. However, if you look back at the mid-term elections, clearly some voters in this country were unhappy with the administration's foreign policy, specifically in Iraq; it's one of the reasons we think Democrats took control of Congress. But if the Democrats and Speaker Pelosi appear to be acting irresponsibly or incompetently, and let's face it, a lot of people think she messed up on this one, what's the impact for Democrats overall?
RUSSERT: It's considerable. The Democrats have always had a difficulty being competitive with the Republicans in the public voter's mind on national security and foreign policy issues. And if the people perceive missteps, it's going to create and underscore that perceptual problem of Democrats.
LAUER: And let's go back to the point you touched on a second ago. If it's seen . . . what is the bigger and longer-term issue here if a political party is seen as usurping presidential power in designing and implementing foreign policy?
RUSSERT: As we learned in 1994 Matt, when Republicans took control of Congress with the Republican revolution and the Contract With America, people voted for change. But the voters are also willing to turn that around on its head, if they believe people have gone too far. That's why this debate is so important.
Message to Speaker Pelosi: how do you know when you've put your foot in it? When David Gregory and Matt Lauer respectfully cite VP Cheney's criticism of you.
Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Pelosi's trip was a real head
April 6, 2007 - 08:12 ET by rimskyPelosi's trip was a real head-shaker. And THIS! Matt -it's a civil war- Lauer.. AND Tim Russert, unloading on the Democrats, and specifically on Pelosi. It's shocking! But seriously, how can anybody deny the idocy of her behavior?
Well if you noticed, Russer
April 6, 2007 - 08:26 ET by AJSHOPEWell if you noticed, Russert did try to defend Pelosi a little when he mentioned that there were Republicans on the trip as well. Of course he didn't mention names so for all we know they could have been Rinos.
WhoEVER made this trip is on
April 6, 2007 - 08:32 ET by rimskyWhoEVER made this trip is on my s***list! Demo, Republican, or RINO. IMO, it was shamefully arrogant for any of these people to, in affect, thumb their collective nose at the President with this trip, actually thinking they could make a difference. The Syrians no doubt had to hold back their laughter.
Alan Colmes could (and did) d
April 6, 2007 - 08:37 ET by SouthJersey1953Alan Colmes could (and did) deny the idiocy of her behavior last night on H&C. But, of course, Alan will always defend the Demos. He is humorous at times with his grasping for an excuse. Not sure what it would take for him to say anything bad about any Demo.
(edit - fixed typo)
Cant see how you watch that
April 6, 2007 - 08:43 ET by E4PukeCan not see how you watch that show. Sean Hannity is the most annoying right wing personality I have ever seen. He repeats himself ad naseum and has the biggest fattest head of anyone on tv. How many times can he say your a great american in a day?
That whole "you're a g
April 6, 2007 - 08:54 ET by AJSHOPEThat whole "you're a great American" saying was actually started by Bill Cunningham from 700 WLW in Cincinnati. Hannity comes to Dayton and Cincinnati a lot and they became pretty good friends over the many visits he's made Ohio. Of course Cunningham gave him permission to use it though.
I saw just enough of Combs la
April 6, 2007 - 10:09 ET by RODVALI saw just enough of Combs last night to find out he was still saying the same old things.
"The Republicans did it first! The Republicans did it first! The Republicans did it first!"
He is a parrot.
He actually named the Republicans on the trip.
His only other defense is "It hasn't been proven in a court of law in front of 12 peers." But he didn't need that one last night. That's usually used for the Clintons.
The Pelosi Polooza rolls on.
April 6, 2007 - 08:22 ET by CTCan anyone imagine Nancy and Hilliary in office at the same time?
ick
April 6, 2007 - 10:13 ET by MC RovePlease! I'm trying to eat breakfast here!
Lauer and Gregory are finall
April 6, 2007 - 08:23 ET by Senior ChiefLauer and Gregory are finally acting like journalists- putting out the news without spin. We, the audience will decipher who's wrong and who's right. Russert is still defending some of democracks bad behavior. The democracks have gone too far in usurping the authority of the president. While Pelosi was being criticized, even from the leftoids, for her lies regarding the "message" from Israel's Olmert to Syria's Assad, she hasn't apologized but continue with her journey as a representative of the United States. She should have come home.
There's a pattern here with the democracks Pelosi, Kerry, Gore and even Bill Clinton, going overseas criticizing their own government's foreign policy. No wonder America is the most hated country in the world.
Nose
April 6, 2007 - 09:29 ET by Paul DetrickI think you've hit it right on the nose Senior Chief--Lauer did do an excellent job here, he mentioned the Op-Eds with differing opinions and played devil's advocate against Russert.
It should not be up to Matt Lauer to editorialize this situation--and he did the right thing in not letting his questions with Russert pander all to one side.
I honestly want to ask myself of Mr. Lauer's political affliliations more often, "Where in the world is Matt Lauer?"
Yes, I said it.
SC - I'm gonna have to disagr
April 6, 2007 - 10:26 ET by FastEdSC - I'm gonna have to disagree with the "acting like journalists" remark. As proof, look at the Lauer statement, " . .that it may have violated something called the Logan Act." For all his wanna-be taken seriously self-appreciation, couldn't little matt done a little Google search? Report to us, his viewers, just what the Logan Act is? To take this guy seriously, one has to throw out all respect for REAL reporting and fact finding. If he would only admit that his role is to "Opinionate", then, I might want to hear what he has to say, until then, he's just noise in the background.
Then, Russert - " . . on behalf of the bi-partisan delegation", - other then dim tim, who believes the "bi-partisan" line. What was reported when the pubs spoke with dumb-Assad? If it were truely bi-partisan, then there would be "joint statements" and more balanced reporting of what the "visit" really was about - Putting palooney's name and face on the news. Could this be a subverted bid for the White House?
As far as apologies go - that would admit a defeat - a very small one, but a defeat none-the-less. demolibs will never admit defeat, even though they practice defeatist strategies in all things politic. One must remember, they have a long, long term goal of political dominance and the "righting" of social injustices. In short Socialism, for everyone else but the leaders of the movement, who can then benefit in the hypocracy of their words and deeds.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Ed, I would like to stand cor
April 6, 2007 - 14:45 ET by Senior ChiefEd, I would like to stand corrected, but to this segment of Today show, he initiated and suggested that pelosi may have violated the Logan's Act. He wasn't hiding his disgust, and coming from a lefty journalist himself, he recognized his fellow leftoids hit the president and the United States below the belt.
I like what I read from Logan's Act, "...or to defeat the measures of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both." Pelosi, Kerry, Carter, Gore and Clinton are all guilty and should be in jail until after the next election.
Senior Chief, if such a thing
April 6, 2007 - 15:07 ET by bassndudeSenior Chief, if such a thing would only happen. I would love to see the mug shots of Pelosi, Kerry, Carter and Gore....Clinton? I think they would look better on death row. But then thats where I would really like to see Kerry at to.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Not being able to take either
April 6, 2007 - 20:43 ET by FastEdNot being able to take either, and not watching, I'll take your word - I was only going by the trascript submitted. And, I agree that there is a violation of the Logan Act, but politically, and politically only, the pres can't make the move. Someone else, elected representative or some vocal citizen, needs to PUSH for the law to be observed. I can't wait to hear, if it happens at all, that the palloony group is asked about the Logan Law. The tops will be spinning.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
My opinion
April 6, 2007 - 08:32 ET by E4PukeMy opinion on this is that they are more worried about that one picture of her in a little headscarf than anything else. Kinda like when Dukakis was in that tank or John Kerry in his space suit. Pictures like that do not need commentary or partisan voice over they speak for themselves. Seeing her in that headscarf (I know I have seen pictures of Laura Bush in one too thats beside the point) is more telling about what she was actually doing on her overseas trip than anything anyone else could say. She was traveling to a terrorist sponsoring country and kissing ass, at the same time her political party was at home deleting the words War on Terror from government documents. Leftist like Matt Lauer just do not like the images, her message was probably fine with them. Seeing her in that headscarf is a visual reminder of what foriegn policy will look like when the next democrat is in the oval office.
E4, you are probably correc
April 6, 2007 - 08:48 ET by John in CAE4, you are probably correct. Lauer and Russert likely don't have a problem with what SanFranNan did, per se. They have a problem in that it is not going over well with the American public and it might hurt the democratics.
Give a Democrat Party free America a chance!
Was this a carrot or a stick
April 6, 2007 - 08:40 ET by ucWas this a carrot or a stick trip? Pelosi carrying a stick is just too unimaginable to pass up putting to you. Get House to pass resolution to remove not just some of our troops but even if she had her dithers all of our troops and then go speak to Syria's Leader.
Can anyone say STRATEGY?
Go abroad as a Democrat collaborator in essentially running to stop America from standing by others in their struggles for freedom and rights so that we can have a return to the excesses of the maybe the Clinton years.
Surprised she didn't also take pom-poms and a skit for "go dictators go." "You don't need human and civil rights for all." "Go dictators go."
Did anyone actually discover a foreign policy in this or is it just an attempt to isolate us and keep us home?
I guess it is more "cook
April 6, 2007 - 08:48 ET by ucI guess it is more "cookies and hugs" than "carrots and sticks" from Pelosi. I hear her support from radical Middle Eastern groups is up since her trip.
bakery bribery
April 6, 2007 - 10:16 ET by MC RoveNancy does make some nice cookies! And her biscotti, to. die. for.
say what we will about her San-Fran liberalism destroying America, but that baltimore Eye-Talian in her can bake better than betty crocker.I DEMAND AN INVESTIGATION!
April 6, 2007 - 08:43 ET by blackrain4xmasSpeaker Pelosi's Syria trip clearly violated the Logan Act. Why don't Republicans step up, realize they are the opposition party, and act like it. When Democrats were the opposition party, they demanded investigations over anything and everything just to make the insinuation that a crime had been committed. Here, clearly a crime WAS committed. Why not investigate??!
Indeed, why not investigate..
April 6, 2007 - 09:24 ET by rimskyI cannot agree more that Pelo
April 6, 2007 - 09:57 ET by Gat New YorkI cannot agree more that Pelosi clearly violated the Logan Act but Bush will never use the office of the Presidency to play partisan politics which has been his one major flaw. If not him then people like Trent Lott and Peter King - the more vocal and articulate of the leadership - should push this in the news and demand hearings and investigation. If not then they can expect more of the same bad behavior.
Terrorists Heart Nancy P
April 6, 2007 - 08:57 ET by Sua Sponte 75(HTLGF)
The Speaker of the House is getting rave reviews for her appearances in the Middle East—from Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Syria Wednesday – in which she called for dialogue with Damascus – was “brave” and “very appreciated” and could bring about “important changes” to America’s foreign policy, including talks with “Middle East resistance groups,” according to members of Palestinian terror organizations whose top leaders live in Syria.
One terror leader, Khaled Al-Batch, a militant and spokesman for Islamic Jihad, expressed hope Pelosi would continue winning elections, explaining the House speaker’s Damascus visit demonstrated she understands the Middle East.
“Nancy Pelosi understands the area (Middle East) well, more than Bush and Dr. (Condoleezza) Rice,” said Al-Batch, speaking to WND from Gaza. “If the Democrats want to make negotiations with Syria, Hamas, and Hizbullah, this means the Democratic Party understands well what happens in this area and I think Pelosi will succeed. ... I hope she wins the next elections.” ...
Ramadan Shallah, overall chief of Islamic Jihad, lives in Syria, as does Hamas chieftain Khaled Mashaal. Israel has accused the Syrian-based Hamas and Islamic Jihad leadership of ordering militants in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to carry out terror attacks.
Al-Batch expressed hope Pelosi and the Democratic Party will pressure Bush to create dialogue with Syria and Middle East “resistance movements” and prompt an American withdrawal from Iraq.
“Bush and Dr. Rice made so many mistakes in the Middle East. Just look at Palestinian clashes and Iraq. But I think some changes are happening for the Bush administration’s foreign policy because of the hand of Nancy Pelosi. I think the Democratic Party can do things the best. ... Pelosi is going down a good road by this policy of dialogue,” he said.
Abu Abdullah, a leader of Hamas’ military wing in the Gaza Strip, said the willingness by some lawmakers to talk with Syria “is proof of the importance of the resistance against the US. ”The Americans know and understand they are losing in Iraq and the Middle East and that their only chance to survive is to reduce hostilities with Arab countries and with Islam. Islam is the new giant of the world,“ he said.
”Pelosi’s visit to Syria was very brave. She is a brave woman,“ Jihad Jaara, a senior member of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror group and the infamous leader of the 2002 siege of Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, told WND.
”I think it’s very nice and I think it’s much better when you sit face to face and talk to (Syrian President Bashar) Assad. It’s a very good idea. I think she is brave and hope all the people will support her. All the American people must make peace with Syria and Iran and with Hamas. Why not?" Jaara said.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3385140,00.html
Un-fricken believable.......
"You're either part of the solution or part of the problem"
nice
April 6, 2007 - 09:08 ET by E4PukeI read that article and here is my favorite quote
Abu Abdullah, a leader of Hamas' military wing in the Gaza Strip, said the willingness by some lawmakers to talk with Syria "is proof of the importance of the resistance against the US.
"The Americans know and understand they are losing in Iraq and the Middle East and that their only chance to survive is to reduce hostilities with Arab countries and with Islam. Islam is the new giant of the world," he said.
Good job Pelosi it seems you are making friends.
I hope a lot of people see
April 6, 2007 - 09:11 ET by AJSHOPEI hope a lot of people see this and in turn I would hope that America will wake up and see that if the terrorists say outright that they want them (Democrats) to win, then we shouldn't.
Comrade Pelosi
April 6, 2007 - 08:58 ET by Dave RUmm, let's see. We have Speaker of the House Nancy the defector Pelosi flying around the Middle East and kissing up to its terrorist enabling (and in some cases, terrorist sponsoring) leaders.
Over in the Senate, we have Majority Leader Harry Neville Chamberlain Reid doing his best to effect the outright surrender of the United States of America to a bunch of 7th Century bass-ackward illiterate murderers and who is now threatening to pull the rug out from under our troops (you know, the very troops the liberal Democrats keep telling us they support) by cutting off the funding for the war in Iraq.
Personally, I hope they both keep it up. Perhaps now the members of the dumb masses out there will finally see what these people are really all about.
This republic will not survive the continued neglect of its people.- Neal Boortz.
Dingy Harry Reid at address
April 6, 2007 - 09:11 ET by John in CADingy Harry Reid addressing a veteran's group.
Give a Democrat Party free America a chance!
Speaker with the head dress
April 6, 2007 - 08:59 ET by John in CASpeaker with the head dress, head dress, head dress,
Speaker with the head dress on.
Fe fe fi fi fo fo fum,
Look out America's foes, here she comes,
Wearing a scarf and Armani to match,
High heel shoes thinking she's all that
Wearing pearls and a diamond ring,
Got bracelets on her arm and everything,
She's the Speaker with the head dress, head dress, head dress,
She's the Speaker,here she comes now.
Give a Democrat Party free America a chance!
LOL-John, you should forwar
April 6, 2007 - 09:15 ET by Dave RLOL-John, you should forward that to Rush Limbaugh. Maybe he could get his parody guy to record it.
This republic will not survive the continued neglect of its people.- Neal Boortz.
I sort of got the idea from
April 6, 2007 - 09:21 ET by John in CAI sort of got the idea from Bill Bennett this morning. He said "Speaker with the head dress on" to the tune of the Mitch Ryder song. I just took that and adapted a couple of the words so it would be a bit longer.
Give a Democrat Party free America a chance!
John...LMAO!That parody was g
April 6, 2007 - 12:24 ET by bigtimerJohn...
LMAO!
That parody was great, saw it about an hour ago and just had to get back here and comment cuz now I'm humming it in my head...
Only problem is I'm singing Nancy with the head dress head dress head dress...
Thanks fella it is great!
I'm not ready to congratulate
April 6, 2007 - 09:19 ET by soosanI'm not ready to congratulate Lauer or Russert for stepping up on this one - what I watched indicates that they are soft selling the whole issue because they have to. Where is the glee that they normally exhibit when someone from the right makes a misstep?
Last evening the left was already spinning this. "Why Dennis Hastert did exactly the same thing back in 97 blah, blah, blah...."
I don't know much about Logan acts but I do know that giving aid and comfort to the enemy in time of war is a bad thing - maybe someone in the administration should pitch an official fit.
These are the moments that remind me why, in spite of our ability to get off track at times (;-)), I will never be able to leave the GOP. she's not only scary she's dangerous.
Don't be fooled by this one
April 6, 2007 - 09:39 ET by MightyMouthDon't be fooled by this one folks. Notice how they worked in the "c" word (change). This is the drumbeat you will hear from the MSM right thru the election. America needs "change" meaning all GOP out and Dems in!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
I agree and I am not fooled b
April 6, 2007 - 09:53 ET by Gat New YorkI agree and I am not fooled by this. Lauer is acting as if he is the lead strategist for the Democrats and warning them to change behavior before it is too late. Frankly between witch hunts and usurping the powers granted the President under the Constitution I don't think these leaders can control themselves.
Pelosi and other GOP member
April 6, 2007 - 10:05 ET by mtwokayPelosi and other GOP members of congress clearly violated the Logan Act. They should be handcuffed and arrested upon their return to the US but Gonzalez doesn’t have the gonads to do it.
We can all direct our anger towards Pelosi and what she did but the real anger should be directed at Bush, GOP members of congress, and especially Gonzalez. Gonzalez allowed himself to be neutered unnecessarily over the AG firing non-scandal and now doesn’t have the political will or backing (too bad it takes political will to enforce the law) to chase down Pelosi, handcuff, charge, and throw the traitor in jail (wow the libs would come unglued but it would be fun to watch). By his inaction/silence on this and many other issues, Gonzalez is allowing this country and the Presidency to be undermined by a group of rogue, commie traitors.
I hate to say this but if Bush/Gonzales keeps doing nothing they are just as guilty as the dems in undermining this country. I absolutely question lib’s patriotism but if nothing is done about this “shadow government” I’ll have to question the patriotism of certain GOP members.
Bush did take an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, didn’t he? Doesn’t that mean enforcing the law as well?
Nancy's Mid-East Excursion
April 6, 2007 - 10:28 ET by River City"Bush did take an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, didn’t he? Doesn’t that mean enforcing the law as well?"
I have been asking that same question for years about the illegal immigrant mess. He is about to end his second term and hasn't seen the need to enforce immigration laws yet. I wouldn't wait on him to enforce the Logan Act either. Too bad though, he has missed a lot of good opportunities to gain supporters.
I'ts sad but true, GWB was
April 6, 2007 - 10:30 ET by MightyMouthI'ts sad but true, GWB was finally neutered by the last election. Any testicullar fortitude he had left is all but gone.. Gonzales on the the other hand, never had any! All the prez can do now is dust of the old veto pen and try to stave off disaster untill Hillary and Obama get into office. I am thinking of moving to Costa Rica after '08.
Oh and Mr. president...pardon some people, would ya!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
MM...Just had to comment on y
April 6, 2007 - 12:37 ET by bigtimerMM...
Just had to comment on your comment about '08 and moving to Costa Rica...
My other half and I were seriously considering doing this if this country were stupid enough to elect Clinton again in '96..we were going to sell everything, looked into property job opportunities the whole bit...
Obviously we didn't move..struggled through another four years of the Clintoon regime...er...wait a minute..we are still struggling through the Clintoon Cartoon Show aren't we?
I really think it is going to come to say at least a half-way halt after '08..I do not think Shrillary can ever be Prez.
Just my humble opinion...for now...lol!
BT, we had that little runt
April 6, 2007 - 14:54 ET by MightyMouthBT, we had that little runt Ross Perot to blame back then. If the dems do get in, we have only ourselves to blame this time. I doubt I will leave, but one things for sure, the country will get a good dose of reality with a triple dem government!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
i said it before. i will sa
April 6, 2007 - 11:45 ET by buddyci said it before. i will say it again. russert is nothing more than a prostitute for the liberal agenda. his response was pure liberal talking points, 1,2,3!
buddyc...I totally agree.The
April 6, 2007 - 12:31 ET by bigtimerbuddyc...
I totally agree.
The leftist media is just warning the dems they are going to far..they had better watch their step...'08 may not be theirs to take if they keep up with their arrogant treasonous ridiculous outrageous behavior.
It is all for an agenda and an outcome of total power...the leftist media are leading the way...the dems had better get a clue and march in lock-step.
Too funny all in all really....if it weren't so danged serious.
Two photos that define the Democratic Party
April 6, 2007 - 15:54 ET by w0tm1. A photo of the World Trade Center with people jumping to their deaths as Hell surrounds them. 2. Nancy Pelosi wearing a Muslim required head scarf with a deer in the headlights look of abject ignorance. These two photos define the Democratic Party in 2007. The Party of Surrender. The party that will surely be the end of of us all if they gain the White House next year. This is what our country has become. Half of our country is now either cowards and traitors or Useful Idiots who vote for them. May God save America. No one else can.