Theory on why * looks so bad recently

[central scrutinizer]

No, it's not booze or drugs. First, consider the way the White House stages everything: the "ranch", the photo ops with Mt. Rushmore or haloes of light around *'s head, the tailhook landing/mission accomplished/codpiece ploy, the plastic turkey in Baghdad, TelePrompTers and earpieces, etc. Next, * works out all the time and doesn't put in very many hours actually being pResident. Plus they have vast resources to spend on appearances. So, my theory: the White House makeup staff is purposely making * look older and more haggard. It is part of their "gravitas" campaign to make it appear that the heavy burden of being pResident is taking its toll. We have all seen pictures comparing the Abraham Lincoln of 1860 with the Lincoln of 1865, gaunt and drawn, with his face and posture clearly showing the strain of governing during the Civil War. I believe they are trying to do the same thing here to elicit sympathy for one of the least sympathetic figures in history. Comments?

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President-elect Lincoln on left, Lincoln's last photo on right

[bif]

1. I dissagree

I think it is the booze. You notice he usually looks the worst AFTER a week at the pig farm or at Camp David? That's when he should look well rested.

[rooboy]

2. I think he's just tired because...

Victor Ashe is heading off to Warsaw soon. :evilgrin:

[goclark]

22. Victor Ashe?

Don't know him do I?

[Soup Bean]

36. Yuk.

You can't spell VICTORY without VICTOR....

[FubarFly]

3. I think you may be on to something.

Does anyone honestly think that an administration so thoroughly consumed by style over substance, would allow b*sh to look this haggard unintentionally? The only accident that occurs during a chimp public appearance is when he goes off of the teleprompter.

[Jane Austin]

27. This would also explain his sad little boy

exit from the helicopter the other day.

[SoDesuKa]

4. They Changed His Hairstyle

They changed his hairstyle to make him look more senior. Everything is driven by what the focus groups say. People like to see humility, so Bush went into his self-effacing act that just slays 'em. Focus groups said they like Kerry's maturity, so the White House hairdresser combed out Bush's hair to make him look like a tribal chieftain.

Did I mention that Bush disgusts me? It took nearly a year before I could look at his face in a newspaper. Even now I can't stand to hear his voice on the radio.

[SoCalDem]

9. They are "almost there"

He's looking more and more like the "absent-minded" professor, himself

[dbt]

26. Dammit, SoCalDem!

bu$h only wishes he looked one tenth as good as Professor Irwin Corey, The World's Foremost Authority! To even compare The Chimp to THE MAN in terms of appearance is madness, I tell you!!

I would like to hear bu$h attempt to debate The Prof for thirty seconds. Mincemeat!

:bounce:
dbt

[spinbaby]

19. If they're trying to make him look mature...

...they failed.

[SammyWinstonJack]

38. My Yorkie sticks her tongue out like that

On her it's cute, though. He just looks like a doofus when doing that. Oh wait, he is a doofus.

[cliss]

25. Jeez, that's so funny....

tribal chieftain....love it. So many really funny posts on this thread.

It's dangerous to read these threads when you're at work, because you attract attention when you're trying hard to stifle the laughter.

[mr_hat]

5. They could be emulating Clinton. >

Remember how he (genuinely) aged during his first term?

[Failure]

6. Broken Man

He looks like a broken man...

and he should. He's got a lot of blood on his hands.

[powergirl]

7. AGREED - BROKEN MAN MISERABLE FAILURE

I think he is a broken man. I may be going out on a limb here and assume that he must be wracked with guilt about all the deaths he caused by loafing around and "delegating" all of his authority. Most people would have this feeling. I would feel that way even if I honestly thought I did all that I could do.

More likely, he is really depressed because he blew it and really thought that he could bank on 911 catapulting him to another "victory" as president. So, I don't think he looks like crap on purpose. His handlers like his image of being the spunky robust frat boy plain spoken president.

[central scrutinizer]

15. I don't agree

I don't think he gives a shit about the soldiers who have fallen, except for how it affects his re-selection chances. I believe it is all a juvenile game to him and he does not lose any sleep at night. To think he is a broken man, you have to think he has a conscience or has empathy or respect for others. I have never seen any evidence of that. That is why I believe that his appearance is just another carefully staged act.

[shanti]

24. yes

i agree with you. he gives less than a rat's a** about anyone besides himself.

[SammyWinstonJack]

40. Agreed!

bu$h* by his own admission is nothing more than a media creation. It's all he's got. bush* wouldn't know from empathy or respect for others if he tripped over those emotions.

[belle]

41. He doesn't feel guilty, but he's feeling the pressure, I'm sure

Even sociopaths understand the concept of "I'm in trouble," even if they never really quite get why. He probably loks as good as he's going to look. He's a mess. And given how badly every last one of his administration has misjudged things, it certainly doesn't surprise me that it extends right down to his wardrobe and makeup people. I mean: how else do you explain that tie?? Or those highwater pants? As for make-up: you can't make a silk purse out of a chimp's ass. And there's only so much a man can wear in public without starting to look like Michael Jackson.

[Options Remain]

10. remember the boils?

Bush has a history of looking like crap when he is under stress.

TearForger

[noonwitch]

11. Carter aged a lot in his 4 years, too.

Reagan could not have possibly aged much, as he was so old when he was elected. Bush I didn't seem to age very much, Ford was only in office a couple of years. Nixon was in office for 6 and he aged a lot, but then again, those last two years or so were likely hell on him.

[DeepModem Mom]

8. Does the new look date from Karen's reappearance?

If so, I'm guessing you've "scrutinized" pretty well --

[Lex]

12. I really think he's haggard and worried

and Cheney and Rummy and the boyz aren't happy about the way things are going.

And I bet Rove and the WH are having a hard time getting their usual Repuke Senators and Representatives to return their calls.

I think after Tuesday night's ramble-thon AND the 9/11 Commission Hearings, even the most 'loyal' of Repukes are distancing themselves from the *Bush White House.

Even Smirky senses that the tide is turning. And even Smirky can smell the fear and disgust his Adminstration has caused.

[robbedvoter]

13. Someone found the portrait in the attic?

nah, it would be much worse then!

[DeepModem Mom]

14. This post by JCMach1, in an earlier thread re. W's psychology...

might be interesting when thinking about the effects of the office on Bush. A sociopathic personality is presented as a possibility, and described:


Glibness/Superficial Charm
Language can be used without effort by them to confuse and convince their audience. Captivating storytellers that exude self-confidence, they can spin a web that intrigues others. Since they are persuasive, they have the capacity to destroy their critics verbally or emotionally.

Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They dominate and humiliate their victims.

Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right." Craves adulation and attendance. Must be the center of attention with their own fantasies as the "spokesman for God," "enlightened," "leader of humankind," etc. Creates an us-versus-them mentality

Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and able to pass lie detector tests.

Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion, it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

Incapacity for Love
While they talk about "God's love" they are unable to give or receive it. Since they do not believe in the genuineness of their followers' love, they are very harsh in testing it from their devotees and expect them to feel guilt for their failings. Expects unconditional surrender.

Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge, yet testing the beliefs of their followers with bizarre rules, punishments and behaviors. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal.

Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them. Their skills are used to exploit, abuse and exert power. Since the follower cannot believe their leader would callously hurt them, they rationalize the behavior as necessary for their (or the group's) own "good" and deny the abuse. When devotees become aware of the exploitation it feels like a "spiritual rape" to them.

Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others. The followers only see them as near perfect.

Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blame their followers or others outside their group. Blame reinforces passivity and obedience and produces guilt, shame, terror and conformity in the followers.

Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Totalist leaders frequently practice promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts. This is usually kept hidden from all but the inner circle. Stringent sexual control of their followers, such as forced breakups and divorces, removal of children from parents, rules for dating, etc.

THIS IS THE ONLY ONE WE CANNOT BE SURE ABOUT...


Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future. Many groups claim as their goal world-domination or other utopian promises. Great contrast between the leader's opulent lifestyle and the followers' impoverishment. Support by gifts and donations from the followers who are pressured to give through fear and guilt. Highly sensitive to their own pain and health.

Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image and that of the group as needed to avoid prosecution and to increase income and to recruit a range of members. Is able to adapt or relocate as needed to preserve the group. Can resurface later with a new name, a new front group and a new twist on the scam.

http://home.datawest.net/esn-recovery/artcls/socio.htm

[jobycom]

16. Nah, I think it's just booze

They are trying to make him look more serious to evoke sympathy, I'll give you that. But he tends to look bad under pressure without makeup help. If you can find an original video of his speech in Louisiana on 9-11, watch it and tell me he was sober. Watch his eyes, watch his cheeks, listen to his slurring.

He was drunk on stage the other night. It might have been from near beers (which contain some alcohol), it might have been harder stuff. But he was flat gone. There was no dry drunk about it.

[BillZBubb]

17. I fully agree, this is for political purposes

Karen Hughes is on board and running the show. She knew the public was drifting from Bush* and part of the reason was his noticable lack of concern about the many deaths he is causing. She is more sophisticated than Bush I's handler's who's answer to a similar lack of empathy was a pathetic "Message: I care". That didn't sell.

Hughes told Bush* no joking around, no goofy smiles. Act like you care. And it is an act.

[skippysmom]

20. It's got to be an act

Because he's SO BAD at acting like he cares. He always looks like he's going to smirk, even when he's talking about dying soldiers. Pathetic.

I do think he still drinks, though. His nose is always red.

[hippiegranny]

18. they all age in office

therefore, this complete new queer eye for the hate guy make-over has karen's fingerprints all over it. he needs to look aged and worried, otherwise he is exposed to have the complete lack of empathy we all know he possesses. it's completely staged, this psychopath NEVER loses sleep.

[CatWoman]

21. i posted this last night

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1411119

[goclark]

23. Booze and Pure Evil In His Soul

He doesn't give a s*** about anyone but GWB.
He could care less about his job. I don't even think he wants to be President. He acts like someone that is doing the job because he thought he would be having fun and playing like a kid with big cars and airplanes and FUN!
Now he is in deep do do because people want him to ACT like a President.
He does not known how to do that and really wants to go to baseball games,hang out like a frat guy and eat pretzels at the bar.

[Jane Austin]

28. But how do you explain Laura's black handbag

with the pale green Easter suit and spring-y pumps?

[belle]

42. Or the Partidge Family Van tie?? I mean, hoo, THAT's dignified.

talk about undercutting gravitas.

[liarliartieonfire]

29. Would Bush look better with a full beard and stasch?

I would like to find a website that allows you to download a photo (George), and mix & match different facial features & colors..Bush w/a Osama beard, etc.
Anyone know of such a site?

[central scrutinizer]

34. try this one

http://www.colonize.com/warp/index.html

not exactly what you wanted but fun to play with

[liarliartieonfire]

44. Thanks. Amusing site! LOL

I made George look like Rummy!! HAAAA

[PfcHammer]

30. condi's pregnant with the shrub demon child

[DeepModem Mom]

32. Okay, most-original-comment prize goes to you, KleverKittie --

LOL!

[PfcHammer]

33. thank you. i enthusiastically accept ! :)

[Lisa]

31. remember Peggy Noonan gushing about how dignified * looked

... with his grey hair?

This was a couple of years ago. I've noticed that the grey tends to come and go.

[Jane Austin]

35. It sure does!

Is that how Grecian Formula works?

[Lisa]

39. maybe he quickly combs some handy Athlete's Foot powder into it

Whenever he sees Peggy coming. Just to impress her with his dignitude and "greasy imminence, like them French guys say".

[Jane Austin]

43. Hahahahaha!

Thanks for the laff. :)

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

37. Other politicians have gone to great lengths to get sympathy vote

I'm not going to accuse * of doing anything underhanded, because of course I believe that the most fragrant roses bloom wherever his feet touch the earth. But SOME politicians have been known to go to great lengths to get sympathy when their political fortunes were turning sour. Charles DeGaulle, for example, was accused by his opponents of having faked at least one assassination attempt.

[Zorra]

45. Bu$h looks genuinely ill to me.

Or like he is on some type of depression or anxiety medication.

I was thinking that he acts like he may have Parkinson's Disease, MS, or something like that.

[Lindsey]

46. I hadn't thought of that but he really did look

pathetic. And in the new Dean book, "Worse than Watergate," Dean talks about how things with Bush are always staged. VERY, VERY interesting. Man...I don't know what to think. After Tues. night, I was thinkin' he's about to have a breakdown. However, does that put him in a light that the gang of thugs would want?

[jmowreader]

47. No way. They can't hold him down long enough.

Everything I've seen about Dubya's time in the makeup chair indicates that Bush fidgets worse than a 2 year old getting his first haircut.

Bush looks like shit naturally.

[SuffragetteSal]

48. It's a syndrome

America is co-dependent...