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Bush Follows Script With Soldiers

By TChris, Section War In Iraq
Posted on Thu Oct 13, 2005 at 01:18:55 PM EST
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by TChris

Update: More information about the coaching, from Voice of America:

Before the event, the officers were seen and heard rehearsing their statements to President Bush.

According to AP, Scott McClellan says "the troops were expressing their own thoughts." What a coincidence that they "all gave Bush an upbeat view of the situation." Editor & Publisher reports McClellan's furious attempt (including a futile "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're suggesting") to deflect inquiries into his earlier assertion that "there would be no screening of questions."

Update: NPR has an audio of part of the rehearsal on this page.

.....
original post:

Via video, the president spoke to the troops today, asking questions about the progress they were making as Iraq approaches a ratification vote on its proposed constitution. As we've come to expect from this administration, the seemingly impromptu session was carefully scripted.

Before it began, a Pentagon official coached the troops, telling them the president planned to ask questions on three topics: the overall security in Iraq, how they were preparing for Saturday's vote and how much progress had been made in the training of Iraqi troops.

Allison Barber, a Pentagon official, said Bush would ask them specifically, "In the last 10 months, what kind of progress have we seen?"

She asked who was prepared to answer the question. "Master Sgt. Lombardo," one said.

Heaven forbid the president should risk hearing the unvarnished truth from a soldier who hadn't been rehearsed.

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    Bush Follows Script With Soldiers | 78 comments (78 topical)
    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#75)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:27 PM EST
    'Posted by Sailor: "Has anyone else noticed that jim and mr charlie ALWAYS make a personal attack when they are proved wrong by the facts?" Yeah, that's because Chuck Shumer said to Louis Farrakan that Bill Clinton was homosexual. And that's why Bush didn't put the book down and do his job. Because of Shumer...or Farrakan...or Clinton, one of them.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#76)
    by john horse on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:27 PM EST
    According to crooks and liars, one of the soldiers asking Bush questions was a public affairs officer. Part of her job is to put a positive spin on Iraq. This is the equivalent of planting a ringer among the questioners. By the way, wasn't this promoted as a live and unscripted conversation with the troops? I would say that thie is a further erosion of Bush's credibility, but you can't lose what you no longer have.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#77)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:28 PM EST
    John Horse- This admin places ringers in the WH press pool (Gannon/Guckert), why wouldn't they when they are using the military as a propaganda tool?
    I would say that thie is a further erosion of Bush's credibility, but you can't lose what you no longer have.
    Truer words have seldom been spoken.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#78)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:03:28 PM EST
    Squeak - Frankly dear Squeak, you don't know what you are talking about. He was angry and made that most untoward suggestion after commenting that he probably would be barred from the blog. So now when edgey wants to talk about civilization, souls, etc., I feel that I must remind him of his comments. Of which, BTW, he has not offered an apology or made any other redeeming comment. Just as when you want to talk about racists, we can revisit your comments about Karl Rove's Grandfather. Darkly - Ah, the old, "I'm so intelligent statement." You use it a lot. Now, if you would just display... Debbie - In case you haven't noticed, we are in the middle of a war. My comment was that the Left's anti-war protests are encouraging the enemy, just as they did North Vietnam. I did not comment on what you seem to think is his other sins. But hey, don't let me stop a good rant. One small correction. The President can recommend, he can ask... But there is this group of elected officals... And, in this case, I seem to remember a huge majority of Senators voting for it. You might want to review this document. You may want to note the part where it says “enforce all UN resolutions..” You might try reading this interview of OBL and Peter Arnett. In it you will note that OBL says that all they want is the whole world. Buy your prayer rug, debbie.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#1)
    by Dadler on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    He is a rapidly disintegrating personality. I'd be surprised if he doesn't have a genuine nervous breakdown before he's termed out of office. And I wish I were joking. This is a man on the edge, held up only by the heavy meds he's apparently getting through the day with.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    Potemkin audiences is nothing new, the revelation of the prepping of the 'audience' is mere detail. They don't want what happened when Rummy was asked about the amouring of vehicles in Iraq by a soldier. Typical for Chimpy.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#3)
    by desertswine on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    This is pitiful.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#4)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    Y'know, if I had to listen to a coke-addled chimp in a suit tell me what to say, my resolve to defend Freedom might be weakened. Just saying.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#5)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    From the link:
    Before it began, a Pentagon official coached the troops, telling them the president planned to ask questions on three topics: The overall security in Iraq, how they were preparing for the vote on Saturday and how much progress had been made in the training of Iraqi troops.
    Telling them the topics in advance is not coaching. Telling what to say would be coaching. Of course coaching sounds sooooooo much more badddddd.; Dadler - Your powers of observation is far beyond those of ordinary mortals. Can you tell me if that is a learned skill, or were you born with it?

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#7)
    by desertswine on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    WH Pooler Geoff Earle of the New York Post writes of the teleconference: "The soldiers, nine U.S. men and one U.S. woman, plus an Iraqi, had been tipped off in advance about the questions in the highly scripted event. Allison Barber, deputy assistant to the Secretary of Defense for internal communication, could be heard asking one soldier before the start of the event, "Who are we going to give that [question] to?"
    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#8)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    Darkly - I ignore you and you just can't stand it... So what? "Who is prepared to answer...?" That's coaching? hahahahahahaha Gee, desertswine... tell me how is asking..who are we going to the question to.... coaching? Sounds like a simple, "who gets it?" You ever been on a panel that was being asked questions? Obviously not. I would like to ask the WH pooler some specifc questions.. like. Give us us some specific examples... quit making overhead statements....

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#9)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    So, Jim, when a cowboy walks into the bar and starts asking tough questions, does he send in a flunkie beforehand to hold a rehearsal?

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#10)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    Or, to be less snarky. Jim, one thing we America-hating Islamofascists always find annoying is the newly found Christian belief that words speak louder than actions, or to use a more modern example, that being photographed looking like you're doing something is more important than actually doing it. We often criticize the President for not really listening to the troops. "But look," Republicans say, "The President offers numerous opportunities for the troops to express their honest opinion, with no preconceived notions of what that opinion should be. Like today's videoconference! It just so happens that the media is there to view these honestly spontaneous events. Prove us wrong; prove that there was some sort of predetermined outcome!" Hmmmmm. Tell ya what, Jim. Just answer me this. What if your friend called you up and said, "Hey, Jim, I need some advice. But don't tell me now. Here's what the questions are, and here's what I'd like you to tell me. I'll be at your place in five minutes." Wouldn't you think that kind of strange? Wouldn't you wonder, "Why not just tell him now? Is it even my advice in the first place? Is he drunk?" And then, to top that off, the dude shows up with a film crew. And so you have your bizarre rehearsed fake conversation and he leaves. You see him later in the day and ask him, "Uhh... why'd you do that?" And he responds, "Did what?" as though nothing is out of the ordinary. Wouldn't you think that friend was a little weird, Jim? Just a little?

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#11)
    by john horse on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    ... tell me how is asking..who are we going to the question to.... coaching? Sounds like a simple, "who gets it?"
    PPJ, Read the update. "...the officers were seen and heard rehearsing their statements to President Bush." Oops.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#12)
    by desertswine on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    WH aide: “Okay this is for the money. We are going to time this and remember that if the president cuts it short, if he asks more questions, if you have the microphone and he follows up with a question to you, no matter who has it, Captain Pratt if you have the microphone and the president hears something and he wants more information, you just keep that microphone and talk to the president.” Kennedy: “Okay.” WH aide: “But if he gives us a question that is not something that we have scripted Captain Kennedy you are going to have the mic and that’s your chance to impress us all.” Kennedy: “Okay.”
    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#13)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    And now, Jim Clinton will explain to us that it depends on what your definition of "scripted" is.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#14)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    It is nice that this kind of thing is being reported publicly now. It is nothing new, but now the MSM has lost their fear of Barbara Bush.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#15)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    The truth is we all know it was a 100% pure Propaganda show. Even PPJ knows it. Don't get your pants in a knot over ppjs lame responses. We all know he is merely a pupet of spin. Anyone who thinks they can have a logical discussion with the Nuts of wing are wasting their time.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#16)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    It's all worth it for the chance to make Jim finally cave in and say "So what's wrong with a little propaganda?"

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#17)
    by Al on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    Of course the soldiers were coached. What is equally depressing is that Bush was probably coached. Why go through this farce at all? I think it's an attempt to reach the troops, many of whom must be feeling pretty demoralized by now. I doubt this little skit was aimed at the general public.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#19)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    John Horse is right. I viewed the soldiers rehearsing not only their answers but how to deliver them on CNN, MSNBC, NBC news, and even FOX. I saw the live "show", and of course you could tell it was staged. I was surprised when Scott said it wasn't, and then the media actually proved him wrong. The Iraqi in the "show" could be our next Supreme Court justice because he told Bush that he "liked" him.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#20)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    It isn't necessary to instruct anyone what to say specifically. Of course one could tell the necessarily incomplete story that rehearsal is necessary to assure an efficient production. But that fails to address the crucial institutional point that in carefully rehearsed propaganda pieces like this, where the questions and answers are known in advance, the participants are self-selecting, or they are selected out if they don't provide "appropriate" answers. If, during the rehearsal, someone were to say, "we're getting hammered" or "when are we getting out of this cesspit?" their remarks will be edited from the script. You simply won't make it to the Q&A session, let alone past the cutting room, floor if you come into the exercise without having internalized the "appropriately upbeat" responses.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#21)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    was he told what answer to give?
    Yes, it is called a script that all the 'good soldiers' followed, and stumbled on when bush couldn't follow it. Listen to the tape! Jeebus, the exact questions rehearsed by the BUSH aid, and coached by the BUSH aid, happened ... until bush went off script, and then the poor soldiers tried to read their lines, but bush kept forgetting his. You wrongwingers can't spin this one. Li'l scottie lied, and the evidence is on tape. The amazing thing by this point is that all bushlickers haven't had their genitals scorched by their pants afire.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#22)
    by Ernesto Del Mundo on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:58 PM EST
    The good news is, of course, that NO ONE believes Bush about ANYTHING anymore. Why it took five f-ing years to get to this point remains an evolutionary mystery.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#23)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    debbie writes:
    John Horse is right. I viewed the soldiers rehearsing not only their answers but how to deliver them on CNN, MSNBC, NBC news, and even FOX.
    Gee, let me see. I am going to be on national TV, and I am going to be asked for my opinion in three general areas. Now, should I practice my answers, or should I just stumble around and look dumb..... I know! I'll organize my thoughts and be ready. Duhhhhh. Darkly - As you

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#24)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    Gee, bush aids hand out the Qs and As, rehearse them before hand with picked sodjers, and the EXACT script comes to pass until bush can't follow it, and then the actors stumble. BTW, li'l scottie claimed none of this was true, YET WE ALL HEARD IT! At what point of cognitive dissonance will bushlickers finally admit the truth!

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#25)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    Whizzy attempts independent thinking: "Gee, let me see. I am going to be on national TV, and I am going to be asked for my opinion in three general areas. Now, should I practice my answers, or should I just stumble around and look dumb..... I know! I'll organize my thoughts and be ready. Duhhhhh."
    But it was only fantasy. The wall was too high, As you can see. No matter how he tried, He could not break free. And the worms ate into his brain. Hey you, standing in the road Always doing what you’re told, Can you help me?
    Heh! ROTFLMFAO, Whizzy.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#26)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    Deconstructingly yours, Edgey

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#27)
    by Kitt on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    Telling them the topics in advance is not coaching. Telling what to say would be coaching. Of course coaching sounds sooooooo much more badddddd.
    Well, let's see, I just watched Keith Olbermann's show (MSNBC) - coaching. Originally saw it on CNN - coaching. I saw the 'original' live interchange between "the troops" (all of whom were officers & senior enlisted) & the prezident on CNN. Thought then it was amazingly stilted & phony. Then saw the coaching exchanges. And Bush still didn't get it 'right' with the woman who is a Sgt Major from New York.... doink!

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#28)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    edgey - Still grinning at you from the rear of the room. I'm that one guy you run into at every presentation that grins and says, bullsh*t. Got any good invites??? Kitt - You mean Oberman called it coaching? Gasp!! I am shocked. Yes shocked. Darkly - As usual you've got it backwards. et al.... Now let me see... I'm about to be on nationwide TV to answer questions about what... what will the President ask.... Oh, I know. "How's the weather..." Hmmm, probably not. "Any you guys ever see a Rangers Game?".... Nope. I got it. He'll ask about IRAQ and how the training is going and what do we think about...Now. Should I rehearse my answer, or just stumble around and look as dumb as dirt.... I know! I'll rehearse! duhhhhhhhh

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#29)
    by Kitt on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    the audio from NPR Even the person (Allison Barber) doing the scripting calls it "scripting" - as evidenced here from NPR. "But if he gives us a question that’s not something that we’ve scripted, Capt. Kennedy you’re going to have that mic and that is your chance to impress us all."

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#30)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    By George, I think you've hit a home run, Whizzy!

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#31)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    I guess TChris has never experienced the joy of a briefing with a technology analyst (Gartner Group, et. al.). You submit your questions in advance, and they get answered over a 30 minute phone conference. And you get to pay for that. This kind of scripting is common in interview situations. Heck, from what I understand, it's common when lawyers question friendly witnesses. What profession is it that TChris is supposed to be in again?

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#32)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    What profession is it that TChris is supposed to be in again? One that tries to get at the truth, generally.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#33)
    by Al on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    Lay off, PPJ. We all understand that you've got to have something in writing to show the boss, but really, don't insult our intelligence. Rehearsal my left foot. To start with, if the president wants to know how things are going, he probably shouldn't ask Master Sgt. Lombardo. Surely his secretary can get a couple of generals on the phone. Secondly, if the president is going to ask Master Sgt. Lombardo, she better have her lines perfectly memorized. Master Sgt. Lombardo was not selected to respond to the president because she has an interesting personal take on the situation in Iraq that the president is really curious to hear about.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#34)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    BTW, was bush wearing his flightsuit or his tool belt when he tried to say his lines?

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#35)
    by soccerdad on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    Yet once again, JR has equated two completely different situations in order to show everyone his lack of critical thinking skills. This is just another in a long long series of events in which Bush is "catapulting the propaganda"

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#36)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    Jim - The soldiers were setting in the exact place that they were during the "show". A woman was standing in the place of the president on the exact set that the president stood for the "show". She was asking the soldiers the questions that the president asked during the "show", and when she didn't like the way the soldiers answered she gave them pointers. You view this as understandable behavior, but THE PRESIDENT'S MAN SAID THAT THERE WAS NO REHEARSING. I also heard that the pentagon was upset about the way the soldiers were used. Apparently, you didn't see the "show", or you would understand everyone's concern. It was pitiful. Bush got off his lines. He should have rehearsed.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#37)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    This is so embarrassing for the United States. Humiliating. What a disgrace.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#38)
    by The Heretik on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    Um, if this was supposed to be a free give and take with the President and the troops, why are there pre-defined topics at all? And why does the President need to be told who might have an answer? Worse than any soldiers being coached is that the President of the United States needs these extraordinary assists just to appear competent in an event of his own timing and choosing.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#39)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    "Yet once again, JR has equated two completely different situations in order to show everyone his lack of critical thinking skills." I was giving an example. You think that the talking head shows on TV don't do the same thing? Also, for TChris - I hope you never, ever coach a witness in your line of work. Because that would be hypocritical.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#40)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    James Robertson, we're not talking about lawyers or talking heads, we're talking about the President of the United States. We're talking about a war in Iraq. We're talking about real human life and death. We watched Bush present a phoney Kodak moment this morning. We know it was phoney, and we're disgusted and embarrassed.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#41)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    I've been in plenty of question-and-answer sessions in my lifetime. Heck, I have a differential equations test tomorrow afternoon, I think that counts. Sadly, I didn't get a rehearsal. I wonder, if I had an advance copy of all the questions and answers, would the professor approve? I wish Jim and JR taught the class!

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#42)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    Also, can any 'wingers show me where, exactly, some sort of exchange of information took place this morning? From what I gather, Bush learned the following important information: 1) We're makin' progress. 2) An Iraqi likes him. Am I really to believe that NOBODY involved here had anything better to do today? Because otherwise, it seems like this "meeting" was a complete and inexplicable waste of time.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#44)
    by TomStewart on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    You know, it's not so much they were coached, I mean, Bush scripts a burp fer christ's sake! It's the fact that they tried to play the thing like it was some spontaneous 'visit with the troops', just folks kinda thing that is so disgusting. Even Scottie Boy was up there lying his ass off to reporters that had seen the uneditied footage and know better. It's not the scripting, that's expected, it's the lying about it thats the problem. Of course, we should expect the lying as well.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#45)
    by john horse on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    Tom, You may not have a problem with the staging and scripting, but I do. This is all about photo ops, public relations and propaganda. What Bush wanted to avoid were scenes like when Rumsfeld was asked about the lack of body armor. This is an administration that issues a White House press pass to a male escort so that Bush can have field some powderpuff questions when the questions from the real reporters is getting too tough. This is an administration that hired actors to pose as news reporters so it could provide local news stations with pro-administration propaganda. This is an administration that felt the need to directly bribe columnists. Why does the Bush administration do this? I guess when you lie as much as this administration does, you'd want to control the news as much as possible.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#46)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    'Hey, who ya going to believe, me? Or that stack of facts.' -- GWB, GWBing Damn facts, damn, damn spot. Out out, damn spot. Off off, damn bugs. Away, worms.
    Was the hope drunk Wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since? And wakes it now to look so green and pale At what it did so freely?


    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#47)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    debbie - The interesting thing about the Internet is that you never know the background of the people you are debating/discussing things with. So, beyond the fact that I regard 97% of the folks who comment here as dedicated Lefties, and I put you in that group, you just don't know their real world experience. So let us start over. I am going to assume you have zero experience. You are going to set up a video telecast Q&A between a single person, and a group of people. Now the single person will be in one location, and will have lots of resources and has experience in doing this. You have the other group. The other location is, basically, in the middle of nowhere and has a mixed group of people with no experience in TV interviews. So what do you do? First you figure out how to seat them so that the camera can get a good picture. You arrange them so that the tall ones are in the back, short ones in front. You tell them to not talk to each other during the broadcast, to not move around, to look into the camera when speaking and to not move their heads when speaking. No gum, reduced eye movement, head/chin level, a slight smile on their face. In other words, say “cheese” you are having your picture taken. Pretty basic stuff, eh? Well, you would be surprised at the number of people who don't follow those guide lines , and wind up looking terrible on the screen. Now since they are in the middle of Iraq, and undoubtedly know that the questions they will be asked will be about Iraq, you figure they will be informed. But just as you would do if your were setting up a press panel for a technical forum, you will remind them of what areas the questions will probably be in, and you remind them to think through their answers and be ready with them. Some may even choose to practice their answers to avoid stumbling around. All pretty routine stuff. But no, the press, in its usual, let's attack mode, has to try and create this big flap, aided by the Left and the usual suspects. I find this dumb, and I see no useful information beyond a clear demonstration of “try and get you” actions by the press. And they wonder why their approval polls makes W's look very good.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#48)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    PPJ-we will just call you Knucklehead Smith from now on, a true dummy. TTFN Paul Winchel

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#49)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    For those still in denial about the coaching of US troops, here's a lovely little link to a page with the actual video showing US troops being prepared. Click on it, look for "Free Video" on the upper right, and click "troops coached". After all, this is the admin. that puts plants with specific questions in their loyalty oath-approved "Open Town Hall" meetings.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#50)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    Another coaching video link, from Crooks and Liars.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#51)
    by glanton on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    PPJ is right that there should be no big flap over this, albeit for reasons he doesn't quite grasp. He seems to be suggesting that Bush's "interview" with troops in Iraq was meritable. In fact, I see no reason why this "meeting with the troops" should have been covered at all. If people in the media are tired of being had by this Administration, then why do they keep putting their heads under the blade? They didn't have to plaster the flight suit stunt all over everything, and they didn't have to cover this either. But they did cover it, knowing full well that it was a polished political promotion. And now they act surprised? And TChris, you're surprised? Charley Brown, meet Lucy.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#52)
    by Al on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    PPJ, I have been interviewed on the radio several times, on different topics that I have an interest in. It works like this: A few days before, a producer contacts me, and we have a brief conversation where the producer asks me about the things they are interested in, largely to gauge my responses. Sometimes I have asked them what specific questions they may have for me, so that I may think about them and perhaps gather some information. What we are talking about here is totally different. The soldiers are set up and coached exactly like actors. They are there to play a set piece. The only reason why they didn't actually hire actors is because a real soldier looks more authentic. But then, for all we know "Master Sgt. Lombardo" is really a very good Shakespearian actor making a few bucks. Maybe next time they should hire an actor to play Bush.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#54)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    Editor & Publisher - Friday October 14, 2005 One more example of a "good soldier" following his PNAC script, in this case a blatant attempt to intimidate the press and one of the most respected and knowledgable journalists around. McClellan is such a good soldier... Scott McClellan Says Helen Thomas Opposes 'War on Terrorism'

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#55)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    Darkly writes:
    you just don't know their real world experience.
    If capable, you should note I didn't say they had none, just that the writer doesn't know them. Obviously, I didn't know you had a reading problem. I do, however, know that now. So why should I be talking about why they do, or don't? BTW - Are you a trust fund libereal? I thought you was a hard working tax guy. Al - I would say being interviewed on a local (national??) talk radio show is somewhat different than being in a televised national Q&A session. Wouldn't you?? If you think not, ask those radio stars who died on TV. glanton writes:
    And TChris, you're surprised?
    No glanton, he is not surprised. Someone coached him to act surprised. ;-) Screech, you can call me anything but late for supper. As before, no free passes. Now that would be Darkly, Screech and Edgey.... "The Three Stooges of TalkLeft..." Works for me.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#56)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    Two essays and a poem. Every American should read and understand what has already happened to them. Either this gets corrected peacefully, or we will have to kill them all. "The people never give up their freedom, except under some delusion." -- James Madison
    Observations of Tyranny

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#58)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    Now that would be Darkly, Screech and Edgey.... "The Three Stooges of TalkLeft..." Works for me.
    Does this work for you, too? How much did you get for your soul, BTW? TTFN, Whizzy.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#59)
    by Al on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:00 PM EST
    PPJ:
    Al - I would say being interviewed on a local (national??) talk radio show is somewhat different than being in a televised national Q&A session. Wouldn't you??
    Nope. I have been on a panel on a national TV show, and I have also been interviewed on local radio stations, and by a student newspaper. It's all the same, if you are earnest about your topic. And none of these media even hinted at telling me what I should say. I would have walked away if they had. I suppose one of the good things about interviewing soldiers is that they are good at following orders.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#60)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    edgey - You speak of souls? You are the one who invited me to shoot myself. Encouraging someone to kill themselves is, at least, morally wrong. At worst it would be a deadly sin. You are the one who followed Darkly's clever "Whizzy" because you thought it cute and a put down. And you speak of souls? Look to your own, Edgey. Look to your own. Darkly - You always become obtuse when you have been caught making an illogical statement. Your point was that I was accusing Lefties of not having real world experience. My point was what I wrote. No one knows. BTW - I just took a poll and 99.9% of the American public had rather be a musketeer than a stooge.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#61)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    DA: And we have Whizzy, Whiffy(JR), and charley the untuna(chiffy? Suggestions please), Les Trois Imbeciles How about "Charlotte" ;) for(charlatan)
    A charlatan is a person practicing quackery or some similar confidence trick... The word comes from French charlatan, a version of "Charley", a seller of medicines... ...the person called a charlatan is being accused of resorting to quackery, pseudoscience, or some knowingly employed bogus means of impressing people in order to swindle his victims by selling them worthless nostrums and similar goods or services that will not deliver on the promises made for them....


    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#62)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    ppj-It is called euthanasia, a quite compassionate remark by edgar. Late stage victims of whatever it is you have often get involved with self-mutilation. Edgar suggestion was meant to spare you from more pain and suffering. It is a win win soultion.
    edgey - You speak of souls? You are the one who invited me to shoot myself. Encouraging someone to kill themselves is, at least, morally wrong. At worst it would be a deadly sin.
    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#63)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    Whizzy:
    ...you speak of souls? Look to your own...
    You protest quite loudly, don't you Whizzy, at the mere thought that someone might suggest something that a higher being of your moral stature considers morally wrong. TTFN, Whizzy

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#64)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    char-The reason recruitment is up is because the gov keeps moving the goal posts, that is moving the recruitment goals down so that the number of recruits exceed the expectation. Clever marketing and manipulation of PR. Keep up the lies Mr. Propaganda Minister.
    According to the Pentagon, the Army signed by 6,157 recruits -- exceeding its "goal" of 5,650 by 507 recruits. The goal of 5,650, however, seems suspiciously low. Here's why: The original recruiting goal for May was 8,050. Then, with no public notice, the Army lowered its May goal to just 6,700. (Recruiting was so bad in May the Army still came up 25 percent short of the revised goal.)
    link
    The Army is closing the books on one of the leanest recruiting years since it became an all-volunteer service three decades ago, missing its enlistment target by the largest margin since 1979 and raising questions about its plans for growth.
    AP

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#66)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    Edgey - You are the one always bringing the subject up, not me. So if you don't want to be told about it, why bring it up? As to your refernce to the WOT, I again note that in wars, people get killed. The way to stop it is to stop the fighting. The way to stop the fighting is to win the war. And the way to extend the war is to protest about it in such a way that the terrorists think they can win by just hanging on and killing a few more civilians with car bombs.... waiting for the Left to cripple the Bush administration to the point that Congress cuts and runs, as it did in Vietnam. I support the former. You support the latter. And you want to discuss morals? I'm still the guy in the back of the room grinning at your BS. Darkly - You have so little to say. And so many words to say it with.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#67)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    So is TChris right, or is this guy who was there right?

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#69)
    by Ernesto Del Mundo on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    So is TChris right, or is this guy who was there right?
    Sure, take the word of a carefully screened Bush supporter as bond. If he wasn't a true believer would he have been chosen for the event? Hmmm....

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#70)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    Jim – The left is not crippling the Bush administration. They are doing that all by themselves. The left did not force Bush to invade Iraq and conduct the war the way he has. The left did not force Bush to nominate Miers against the wishes of his base. The Democrats in congress did not force Bush to invade Iraq and conduct the war the way he has. Jim, before you scream – some of them voted for the war so it is their fault too - keep reading. Bush said in a speech before the vote: “Later this week, the United States Congress will vote on this matter. I have asked congress to authorize the use of America’s military, if it proves necessary, to enforce UN Security Council demands. Approving this resolution does not mean that military action is imminent or unavoidable. The resolution will tell the United Nations, and all nations, that America speaks with one voice and is determined to make the demands of the ….”. Bush is suppose to be the commander in chief, so he is in charge of when, how, and if it comes to the war. The left did not tie Bush up and keep him from reacting to Katrina in a timely manner. Don’t yell yet Jim, read on. Bush and his people know they failed because of the way they rushed and gushed before Rita and the fact that Brownie was removed or encouraged to leave. You surely don’t think that the Bush administration has done an adequate job conducting the war and the reconstruction in Iraq. This is the reason that people are upset with this “show” that was put on. It doesn’t matter logistics of putting on the “show” or that they might have needed some rehearsing that is at the heart of the outrage from the “show”. It’s the fact that we have almost 2,000 dead, thousands wounded badly, troops suffering in war, their families suffering at home without them, and soldiers suffering when they get home remembering what they have been through, and what do we get for all this, a “show”. Apparently, you didn’t see the “show”, because it was pitiful. Bush didn’t give a good delivery.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#71)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    Has anyone else noticed that jim and mr charlie ALWAYS make a personal attack when they are proved wrong by the facts? I would suggest that instead of replying to their personal attacks, people who disagree with their posts keep on subject. In this case, the subject is that bushco scripted a 'visit with soldiers' just like they script every 'townhall meeting' etc, etc. The facts show this. Lie, spin, try to distract, the facts remain the same.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#72)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:01 PM EST
    Deputy Asst. Defense Secretary Allison BARBER, prepping the troops: If he gives us a question that's not something that we've scripted, Captain Kennedy you're gonna have that mic and that's your chance to impress us all.
    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#73)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:02 PM EST
    can anyone point out where on the video soldiers are coached as to how they should answer
    There is that pesky part at the end of the woman talking where she says "now, if the president asks a question that we haven't drilled, I'm going to turn the microphone immediately back to the Captain, who will handle". It's in the CNN link, and on CNN right now. OK, they weren't coached. They were drilled. Kind of like what the definition of "is" is.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#74)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:02 PM EST
    It's also in the NPR audio:
    Deputy Asst. Defense Secretary Allison BARBER, prepping the troops: If he gives us a question that's not something that we've scripted, Captain Kennedy you're gonna have that mic and that's your chance to impress us all.
    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#79)
    by Al on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:02 PM EST
    PPJ
    Debbie - In case you haven't noticed, we are in the middle of a war.
    Of course, but the question is why?
    My comment was that the Left's anti-war protests are encouraging the enemy, just as they did North Vietnam.
    The Vietcong did not win because of opposition to the war. One of Bish's many rationales for invading Iraq is that "they hate our freedoms". The freedom to criticize the government is a fundamental one.
    OBL says that all they want is the whole world.
    Well then, why is Saddam about to be "tried", and not Osama?

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#80)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:02 PM EST
    Yes, some democrats voted for the resolution - I SAID THAT, but Bush himself said that the resolution does not mean that military action is imminent or unavoidable. They just gave Bush the power to wage the war if it was needed. They didn't tell him HOW to do it. The planning, the execution, and the "reconstruction" was all the Bush administration. That's what I said before - didn't you read it. Read the speech. Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#81)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:02 PM EST
    Darkly - Ah, the old, "I'm so intelligent statement." You use it a lot. Now, if you would just display... Can you show us where in my latest comment you found the evidence to base the above statment on? Catch a clue, PPJ, as you're so fond of telling us. I stated that you envied my vocabulary, and you've written nothing that proves my hypothesis wrong. It's amazing to watch how hypocritical you become as you've touted your own intelligence here against other folks(curiously, whose who don't brown-nose Chimpy as you do here), despite the fact there are plenty of examples in the archives to belie your frequent, inaccurate claim. Link 1 Link 2 Link 3 and for the bonus: Link 4 Where you asked for, and received, two examples of Chimpy not telling the truth. TTFN, Whizzy. Still hasn't addressed the fact that the event was scripted, but that's SOP for the top liar and dissembler of Talkleft, PPJ aka dim.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#82)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:02 PM EST
    Whizzy: So now when edgey wants to talk about civilization, souls, etc., I feel that I must remind him of his comments. Of which, BTW, he has not offered an apology or made any other redeeming comment. I'm awfully sorry to disappoint you Whizzy, but to be perfectly clear I have no intention of apologizing to you. Don't hold your breath. You, and everyone else subscribing to the sick twisted mindset that has trapped you (with your own permission, I might add) are doing such a fine job of killing your own souls, along with producing the mountain of bodies created by your "preemptive" misadventure that you stand on top of wailing "look at me, aren't I wonderful" through your bullhorns, that you need no help from my suggestions. I, and everyone else here, are under no illusions that you would listen to anyone's suggestions for anything that threatened your determination for power at any cost. Hitler, Stalin, Mao, the pope, and Genghis must be so proud of you. Whizzy: In case you haven't noticed, we are in the middle of a war. My comment was that the Left's anti-war protests are encouraging the enemy, just as they did North Vietnam. You are, sickeningly, so far past the point of no return now, Whizzy, as evidenced by the fact that you’ve been completely unable, in even the smallest way, in spite of all your endless repetition, to convince anyone here to subscribe to your ingrown, self-serving, black hearted worldview that you now attempt, as a last ditch back to the wall desperation effort, to deflect responsibility for what your mindset has spawned to those who oppose preemptive attacks by claiming they extend the war that you started by protesting the idea of "preemption" in this first place. Well, we've seen enough of your deflections here before, Whizzy... They don't work, bud. You, your worldview, and the Rove/Cheney axis of socio-pathology has [finally] slammed into a depleted uranium wall. One that you are incapable of seeing, even when it’s slapping you in the face. Sickening. You don’t need to commit suicide, Whizzy. You’ve already done it. You’ve had such little success converting anyone here, that you’ve thereby cheated even those you sold your shriveled soul to. They may have paid you well for it, in money, ego stroking, or something else equally worthless, but in return they got nothing but damaged goods when they bought your soul. They certainly didn’t get their money’s worth, you’ve produced zero results for their investment, and you know… I doubt very much that they like being cheated... look over your shoulder, man...one of these days they’ll be coming back to collect on the debt, Whizzy… It might be a good idea now to crawl back in the hole you crawled out of... pathetic. TTFN, Whizzy

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#83)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:02 PM EST
    PPJ-not only was the event scripted but Master Sgt./ Lombardo is a flack and Bush is a hack.
    Allison Barber, a Pentagon official, said Bush would ask them specifically, "In the last 10 months, what kind of progress have we seen?" She asked who was prepared to answer the question. "Master Sgt. Lombardo," one said.
    Master Sergeant Lombardo, hmm.... how spontaneous.
    ... Lombardo probably sees more action watching CNN than action. (For a sample of her work, click here.) There are tens of thousands of training officers and NCOs in Iraq who work with Iraqi forces on a daily basis; Lombardo is not one of them.... Her job when I was with the 42nd Infantry Division included taking reporters to lunch. She lives in a fortified compound in Tikrit and rarely leaves. Many public-affairs types in Iraq never leave their bases, and they're speaking for those who do the fighting and dying.
    link Oh, and I do remember edger worried that he would be banned and he was not. I still maintain he was offering euthanasia advice. The pain must be driving you to madness at this point, it is certainly having that affect on us.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#84)
    by john horse on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:02 PM EST
    Bush's problem is that he lives inside this bubble. By carefully managing his appearances, he avoids any political embarassment, such as when Rumsfeld was asked by the soldier about the lack of protective armor. The downside of this is that he stays isolated from the reality based world. The fact that Bush needs ringers like Sgt Lombardo and Gannon/Guckert, and prescreened questioners such as at his "townhall" meeting for social security, I think shows that Bush is basically an insecure person.

    Re: Bush Follows Script With Soldiers (none / 0) (#85)
    by Edger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:05:02 PM EST
    Squeaky: Your link (above) was broken - here it is:
    .. Lombardo probably sees more action watching CNN than action. (For a sample of her work, click here.)

    Bush Follows Script With Soldiers | 78 comments (78 topical)