Rice limits embassies' aid for candidates

[sabra]

Source: WashTimes

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has instructed U.S. overseas missions to provide only minimal support to foreign visits by the two main presidential candidates, Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain, forbidding diplomats to hold events or arrange meetings for them.

In a cable sent late Thursday on the eve of Mr. Obama's swing through the Middle East and Europe, Miss Rice told U.S. diplomats to treat the candidates as "members of Congress visiting in personal or semi-personal capacities," but "with additional restrictions based on rules related to political activity."

"Provide de minimis assistance to the candidate with logistical arrangements," said the cable, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Times. "If the campaign staff wants to rent a bus for press, tell them where they can rent a bus."

Mr. Obama, Illinois Democrat, is in the midst of a high-profile foreign trip to Asia, the Middle East and Western Europe that is being intensely scrutinized for its political impact back home.

Mr. McCain, Arizona Republican, traveled to Europe and the Middle East more than four months earlier than Mr. Obama, but the State Department did not issue special instructions for overseas missions because during that trip he led an official congressional delegation, officials said.

Read more: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/21/rice-limits-embassies-aid-for-candidates/

[gratuitous]

1. Let me guess

These new rules were promulgated just in time for Obama's tour, but the resulting embarrassment of their publication will cause them to be withdrawn whenever McThuselah decides to shuffle his dumpy white ass over to the Middle East for a series of gaffes and photo ops.

Did I win? Do I get a cookie? Or is the game so transparent now than even a four-year-old can see these things coming a mile away?

[hisownpetard]

19. McThuseleh!!!!!!! I think you've earned a McDUzeleh!

:headbang:

[unapatriciated]

33. You win- but I think a lot will come in second, third and so on ...

with the same opinion, including my eight year old grandson.

Don't have a cookie but will this do?
:toast:

[Jackpine Radical]

37. "even a four-year-old can see these things coming...

I dunno--how old are you? :P

[No DUplicitous DUpe]

45. You Get A Cookie.

K&R!

[Ian David]

2. ROFL!!!! This foreign tour that McCain pushed Obama to take is working too well for him, isn't it?nt

[Lars39]

3. The release of this information right now jeopardizes Obama's security.

They're trying their damnedest to paint a bullseye on him. :grr:

[Jackpine Radical]

39. Ya mean, like when McCain announced Obama's trip schedule?

[Patriot Abroad]

51. Remember the good old days . . .

When you only had to go as far as Dallas to get shot on the campaign trail?

[hisownpetard]

52. Yeah. Something an old military hack like McCain should've known not to do.

Maybe he wants to draw a diagram in the sand, like Geraldo...

[wicket]

68. He's really lost it

Either he's really out of his mind, or he's really stupid to do something like this. Most likely both.

[hisownpetard]

74. I vote: Both.

Give him the hook!

[hisownpetard]

75. I vote: Both. Give him the hook!

[liberal N proud]

4. Coincidence? on the eve of Obama's visit?

I think not.

What a bunch of shit

[Supersedeas]

25. another little something for the GoP Media Establishment to ignore

[Tempest]

5. Obama is also leading an official congressional delegation

This is partisan politics, plain and simple.

[JPZenger]

56. Not just Senators, they are foreign relations committee members

This is not just a trip by 3 senators - it is a trip by 2 foreign relations committee members - Hagel and Obama. For the State Dept. to refuse to cooperate with them is a real abuse - they are supposed to be overseeing the State Dept.

Is Condi also risking their security by refusing cooperation by the embassy staffs?

[liberalmuse]

6. WTF?

This is absolutely incredible. Just when you think the Bush administration can't possibly be more petty, transparent and disgusting, here you are. And I agree that this will be withdrawn once McCain decides to go overseas. I hope one day to see them all punished for their crimes.

[Hawkeye-X]

7. Fine - Condi will be indicted as a war criminal then.

Since she doesn't care for anyone in Iraq.

Hawkeye-X

[saigon68]

65. She is a Nasty War Criminal

[beac]

8. "Provide de minimis" could be the slogan for the whole Bush Administration.

Condi better get a few foreign trips of her own in while she can. I have a feeling she won't be welcome in many places after Jan '08.

[SeattleGirl]

31. Except for when it comes to their own chickenshit asses. Then, it's

"Provide de maximus".

[southern_belle]

9. WTF!!!

This needs to be seen! Please kick and rec. :wtf:

[DCKit]

10. Could that woman have any less class? n/t

[madeline_con]

26. She has oodles of class.

Too bad it's all LOW.

[ooglymoogly]

48. Hannibal would have at least a years supply of meat if this bunch of charletons

ever darkened his path.

[jwirr]

70. Please do not insult my class.

[mod mom]

91. Shopping for expensive shoes while folks are w/o water & suffering during Katrina.

Rice has shown less class in the past.

[mrs_p]

11. i don't think i can

wait for these poop heads to leave office...

[kimmylavin]

12. Translation:

Don't give the Democrats shit.

[rebel with a cause]

13. What an a**hole;

In fact this whole administration is made up of a**holes. And pardon my language but I have little patience today for this type of stuff. :grr:

[Pierre.Suave]

14. Geez...

this isnt obvious or anything...

:eyes:

[CubicleGuy]

15. They've been snubbed bigtime by those they "liberated" in Iraq

Now that it's been announced that Obama's 16-month timeline to withdrawal from Iraq looks really good to the Iraiq leaders, the Bush administration will do its darndest to make sure that there are no further end runs around their own worthless foreign policy diplomacy.

They're ticked off, bigtime.

[Name removed]

16. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[WatchWhatISay]

21. She disgusts me too, but dont call her that.

It implies that her problem is related to her gender, and it isn't

[Name removed]

24. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Ed76638]

79. Was that my name revomed?

I agree, her gender is irrelavent. If she was a man, I'd be calling her something else.

[matt819]

17. This is unlikely to work

The candidates are entitled to Secret Service protection. The Secret Service has certain requirements for coordinating with local security services, and this work must be done in conjunction with the embassy. This directive compromises the security not of the candidates but, in the case of Obama's current visit, the reset of the Congressional delegation as well. A blatant political move that will backfire.

[Diane R]

47. Thank you. I hadn't thought of that, but you're absolutely correct.

[ooglymoogly]

49. Every other agency has been politisised...why not the secret service? nt

[riona]

18. That's subtle

[TechBear_Seattle]

36. As subtle as ...

... a ten pound hammer to the head.
... a heart attack.
... a nuclear explosion.
... Bruce Wayne's Lamborghini.

[sourmilk]

20. Interesting that she has never done this before...

WTF?

KindaSleazy showing her true colours again with preference for the Gimpy, Old Party.

"Provide de minimis assistance to the candidate with logistical arrangements," said the cable, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Times. "If the campaign staff wants to rent a bus for press, tell them where they can rent a bus."

I seem to remember arrangements for a force of about 100 marines in armoured HumVees supported by four Apache helicopter gunships who escorted McThuselah through what he called a "safe" Baghdad market about a year ago...

short note: Same "safe" market was attacked the next day. 21 people kidnapped, taken to outskirts of Baghdad and executed.

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[fryguy]

23. what support was provided on McBush's visit?

seems to me I recall elements of the military were used for security on his last visit. surely there was coordination of that by the state department....

[lutefisk]

27. Disgusting. In addition to the security issues, it's about appearance.

McCain had an escort fitting a POTUS. They want Obama to appear as a weak "wannabe" touring the ME in a bus that says "Rent Me" on the side. They don't want anyone clearing the streets for his motorcade (or rental bus and scooter escort)- they want him sitting in traffic looking completely ineffectual. They want to create photo-ops that make Obama look small and un-Presidential.

As for the security issues they are creating for Obama- I wouldn't be surprised if the Bush, Inc. thugs will find ways to have security personnel reassigned/standing down during Obama's visit.

[lark]

30. for some reason Pakistan's treatment of Bhutto

comes to mind with this. They better hope that Obama doesn't meet the same end, although that's probably the plan.

[TooBigaTent]

46. The same M.O. Daddy Bush used in 1963 in Dallas... Will this item see the light of day

in the repuke media?

[jimshoes]

82. Exactly, there was a standdown

of certain security issues back then as well. It all smells of the bush family again.

[Jefferson23]

28. K/R for this is another example of the contemptable Bush Regime.

God I can't stand the bullshit they pull, it never ends.

[Historic NY]

29. Interesting yet these guys actually hold the purse strings......

for the State Dept. budget. I'd be howling if I was them. American government failing to aid Americans abroad.....if they treat political figures that way what hope is there for Joe six-pack.

[defendandprotect]

32. They abused the system by using government agencies politically . . .

but even ordinary assistance to Obama is out ---

what pigs!!!

[Bette Noir]

34. I wouldn't be surprised

to see the embassy ignoring these instructions. Obama is still a sitting Senator, and probably the next President. The embassy staff can't afford to be seen to snub him, let alone put him in danger.

Condi is going to be seeking employment in the private sector in a few months. She's a lamer duck than W himself.

[immoderate]

93. That was my thought.

I can't imagine this being carried out in practice. Condi is asking career officials to go down with the ship.

--IMM

[slackmaster]

35. Is our only source for this story a right-wing birdcage liner?

Even Rawstory cites Washington Times as its source.

[Imagevision]

38. GD. Codi should just do her fu*king job, they Americans and you protect them bitch...!

[ooglymoogly]

40. KR because every KR is one more nail in the coffin of this

treasonous admin. She might as well have ended her directive with "now who will rid us of this meddlesome priest" These shysters with no clothss will never be forgotten. There will be plays and movies about the skulduggery that is now rampant.

[Corgigal]

41. Obama doesn't need shit from you Condi

Now pick up your powerball ball and go home. He can afford to purchase what he needs and has the support of others overseas that will make his visit enjoyable and proper.


To think someday, someone will have to fire this worthless woman. I'm sure someone will because she's so loyal. Not competent but loyal.

[ooglymoogly]

43. SD...sorry wrong place.

[ooglymoogly]

42. send this to KO....MY bet it will be nothing but the odd blurb at midnight

on corporate news

[lutefisk]

64. It will likely be dismissed as a "blogosphere conspiracy theory"

If forced to deal with the story, it will be laughed off and dismissed with a condescending chuckle and smirk.

Just a bunch of internet nuts who hate Bush misunderstanding standard State Department procedures, etc...

[ooglymoogly]

44. So what happens if Mc Shame decides he needs to go back

will they then quietly change it for just the Mc Shame visit; So that a whole squadron of f16,s and a dozen blackhawks will protect his every move with a phalanx of Trojans from sky and ground ready to massacre an entire village if they even look at him with a perceived malevolent demeanor.

[chemenger]

95. "... a phalanx of Trojans ..."

OMG! For just a moment I pictured McInsane surrounded by condoms.

What a brain fart that was.

[ooglymoogly]

50. This is a chance for an Obama scacco matto

He should abruptly end his trip for security reasons, saying our government is no longer providing security as per order of Rice. ....He is already a smash hit and I cant see it getting much better; Especially with these thugs plotting and conniving for his demise. The press would then have no choice but to cover it. I for one, have been worried about this trip from the beginning.

[fascisthunter]

53. That Says it all doesn't it.... the right wing mind set is extremely sociopathic

placing our candidate in danger? You freak!

[kmac3]

54. Never any end to this unbelievable s - - -

This petty, partisan, behavior only magnifies the fact that the Repubs are running scared and are desperate. They know the only chance they have left to win this election is by using the same strategic technique they used in 2004 ... crooked voting machines!
:tinfoilhat:

[MilesColtrane]

55. Doesn't the lizard woman have anything better to do?

I mean it's not like her boss isn't trying to start WW III or anything.

[JPZenger]

57. Remember Condi Shoe Shopping After Katrina??

Remember right after Katrina, many other nations were offering to immediately fly emergency supplies into New Orleans. For instance, Canada, Israel and Sweden had planes loaded and waiting on their runways for clearance. Several countries offered medical teams and search and rescue teams. However, they couldn't help because the US State Dept. never gave them permission. Most offers of help from other countries were NEVER answered.

Where was our illustrious Sec. of State? According to the Daily News, she was buying thousands of dollars of shoes in New York.

[wurzel]

58. We have to start economizing somewhere.

[lob1]

59. Barack looked too good talking and mingling with the troops.

I doubt we'll see any more of that, either. Bush "supports" our troops, and we can't see our troops supporting Obama. What kind of loyalty is that.

[jonmiller74]

60. Omarosa

and Crabs in a bucket. That's all I saying.

[wowimthere]

61. Whose not patriotic? Rice! Talk about anti-American!

[happydreams]

62. Here's fascism folks; obstructing the political opposition with selective...

denial government protection.

[JPZenger]

63. Remember when Karen Hughes was in charge of Middle East relations

Remember when George W. picked his buddy Karen Hughes to improve attitudes about the US among people in the Middle East. How did that work out?

This trip has great potential to improve attitudes towards the US in many countries. I hope people realize that the American people (at least 76% of them) are very different from the American government.

[Historic NY]

85. He just made her one of the board of visitors at West Point...

funny picture of her trying to open a MRE at the beast barracks in sundays papers. She looked like a tired and uncomfortable hot old women.

[paparush]

66. Rice can't event be diplomatic to other Americans. A disgrace that she is the face of America.

[TankLV]

67. Just when you think they couldn't sink any lower...

And, as usual, our dems just sit there on their hands...if this were a dem admin with a fucking repuke photo-op, you can bet your sweet ass that ALL of these asshole would be howlin' bigtime!!!

Good, god - these assholes have absolutely NO SHAME...

So, this is NOT and "official congressional delegation"?!?! Dems should DEMAND that kindasleezy explain herself fully on this one...but they won't...

They're only doing this because so far, none of the "liabilities" and "screw-ups" that these weasels had hoped for have materialized, and in fact, the "rock star" reception has only been more than obama could have hoped for...

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

69. Had McCain already announced his candidacy the last time he went abroad?

How about when McCain went to Colombia? Was an order issued to limit U.S. Embassy cooperation? He was in fact not just a candidate, but the party nominee.

[bushmeister0]

71. Maybe she's doing Obama a favor.

I mean, the DOS uses Blackwater USA for protection, right? She might be worried one of Eric Prince's pretorians might have an accidental weapon "discharge" in a country where Blackwater personnel are inmmune from prosecusion. That sort of thing might be good for the GOP but bad for her chances of ever getting a job post-administration. Imagine being the person responsible for letting the first, viable, black presidential candidate killed.

Shoes are expensive and Wal-Mart wages don't even pay the rent.

[snappyturtle]

72. I haven't read the replies yet because I want you to have my first

impression of this Rice tidbit: WHAT A BITCH!

She and her comrades have disemboweled our country and she is going to continue doing it 'til Jan.20, 2009 in any manner possible.

[whistle]

73. Is this move like Cheney ordering the military to stand down on 9/11

http://www.oilempire.us/standdown.html

This ought to be a RED FLAG for the security of candidate Obama

[old guy]

77. Possible.

Believe me, she didn't come up with this on her own. This came down from * and or Cheney for sure.

[solara]

76. For Shame...just .. shame on you Madame Secretary..How can you live with yourself?

You and your fellow minions just break my heart


INVESTIGATE IMPEACH INDICT INCARCERATE :patriot:

[Divine Discontent]

78. transparent WHORE!

why, 7 months into the election year, and oh, what do you know - the very week Obama is OVERSEAS and at risk, this whore for the B*sh family cabal sends out mixed signals DURING the highest profile trip of a US visitor in some time, who just HAPPENS to be from the opposition party?



More At - - - - www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable

[defendandprotect]

80. Understand how pitiful and spiteful these people are . . . bleech!!!

[Raster]

81. My two cents: If this were only McBush* doing the tour, the US State Department

would pull out the stops to represent McBush* as the heir apparent. But since there are two candidates taking two trips...

The worldwide HATRED of the bush*/cheney* administration is stunningly evident once one leaves the cocoon of the American main stream media. The vast majority of America has no idea of the rest of the world's displeasure. We in the US are constantly shielded from world opinion because that world opinion is OVERWHELMINGLY NEGATIVE. Even in so-called ally states, the anger and venom seethes from the populace toward bush* and cheney*. Whenever bush* would travel to a foreign country, elaborate measures had to be taken to "protect" the illegitimate pResident from public opinion. Unprecedented security actions were DEMANDED of foreign governments by the US State Department. Armies of security personnel closed wide swathes of host cities to protect the person and the ego of bush*. A bush* visit to a foreign nation bore all of the fun and excitement of a trip to the dentist.

And on the other hand, the world literally waits for Obama. He has that--dare I say it--Kennedy-esque quality. He represents everything about the US that bush* does not. He is hope. He is justice. He is decency. And the world desperately wants to believe that the United States has not turned to the dark side.

[Canuckistanian]

83. "de minimus"? She uses obscure Latin phrases? How "sophisticated"

An extensive University education - used for blindingly partisan purposes.

She must be hoping for some HUGE golden parachute from this administration.

Because I don't think she'll get the red carpet treatment from academia any more.

[Caria]

88. She is MIS-USING the Latin phrase!!!!!

Which is pretty funny...

[enuegii]

89. Yes, she may be mis-using the phrase...

de minimis, but I think that it expresses her attitude perfectly. As I understand it, the phrase means "trivial," or "inconsequential."

[flamingdem]

84. What happened to the investigation of the plane that almost crashed?

Did anything come of Obama's plane that had an emergency a few weeks ago? The emergency ramp inflated and the pilot lost the ability to steer up/down. They said it was highly unusual. Just saying.

[Divine Discontent]

87. they sure seem to be doing everything they can to stop the threat of a DEM presidency

they're terrified of Edwards getting in as AG and Obama finding out all they've done, so they appear to be do all the LIHOP & MIHOP incidents they can to prevent the "Obama Administration" from coming to fruition...

my point is, do they think that they're won't be extreme changes in the world if anything happens to him? the world does NOT trust the B*sh Adm. and are bordering on considering us a bunch of warmongers, and if anything happened to the one bright light of hope this country has, it won't be a good day...

I like the point about Billions of bucks can go unaccounted for, but staffers who work for the govt aren't supposed to give anything more than 'de minimus' support to Obama's people and secret service personnel trying to protect him...

RICE IS A WHORE OF THE WORST KIND - POLITICALLY MOTIVATED AND SELLING OUT OF HER COUNTRY FOR A GOLDEN PARACHUTE...

[NBachers]

90. I am very apprehensive

about Obama not making it to the swearing-in podium.

[windoe]

86. Billions of dollars to the Pentagon

that can become unaccounted for and that is okay.... yet provide minimus assistance to 'the candidate'- you know who- the guy who is embarrassing us by being so popular and loved-- don't give him special treatment-the boss is not happy.

[happygoluckytoyou]

92. RULE TO CHANGE>....... when McCain returns to the middle east ! ! ! ! LOL

[wicket]

94. I'd be willing to bet on it

n/t