Unusually frank assessment of Bushist incompetence from MSNBC reporter

[BurtWorm]

David Shuster:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8158450/#050620a

On Sunday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said criticism of the handling of the war isn't justified because "The administration, I think, has said to the American people that it is a generational commitment to Iraq." What? That was said... but it came from Senators pouring cold water on the administration's optimistic pre-war predictions. What were those predictions? Vice President Cheney (March 16, 2003) said, "My belief is we will, in fact, be greeted as liberators... I think it will go relatively quickly... in weeks rather than months." Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld on Feb. 7, 2003 said, "It is unknowable how long that conflict will last. It could last six days, six weeks. I doubt six months." Former Budget director Mitch Daniels (March 28, 2003) stated, "The United States is committed to helping Iraq recover from the conflict, but Iraq will not require sustained aid."

Iraq will not require sustained aid? Hmmm. Today, Congress voted to send the Pentagon another $45 billion for operations in Iraq. That brings the total amount appropriated so far, for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, to $322.40 billion.

The administration seems to think that by shifting the justification for the war or changing what administration officials said 3 years ago, the president's poll numbers will magically turn around. The pretzel shaped logic of this strategy is mind-boggling. And one begins to wonder if the gang that helped President Bush win a 2nd term has been stuffed into a closet.

The math on this is simple. If the war was going well, the public would support the occupation of Iraq, regardless of whatever reasons the administration gave for the invasion. The problem is, according to republican Senator Chuck Hagel, "The White House is completely disconnected from reality. It's like they're just making it up as they go along."...

[knowbody0]

1. it's a Celtic knot

easily turned into a noose for liars!

[Qanisqineq]

2. And half the population of the United States doesn't realize

how fucking stupid the people in this administration are. Or maybe the administration realizes that half the population is too fucking stupid to realize the contradictions this administration is constantly making. I don't know, but there must be a lot of really stupid people.

Or maybe I am just in a really pissy mood right now and should shut the hell up.

[Melodybe]

10. Please don't say people are too stupid,

Americans are working longer hours for less money than anyother time since the Great Depression. Just because people are too tired to pay attention doesn't mean that they are stupid.

Although 25% of the republican party is willfully ignorant, you know, the Bush base. But I want to defend the other 75% of Americans who really just don't have the time to keep up with the truth.

[Benhurst]

14. I agree with you up to a point. But many of those who "don't

have time to keep up with the truth" manage to keep with American Idol and the NFL. I guess it's a matter of priorities.

[paineinthearse]

3. David Shuster...

seems to have read DU. All these posts were made within minutes of Rice's statement.

Sheesh. We are all qualified to write for MSNBC.

[jobycom]

4. OMG, Did he really say "pretzel shaped logic?"

Damn! I'm impressed, and jealous I didn't think of it.

Okay, which DUer is this guy? Or is he just cribbing from our site?

[Hobarticus]

7. I caught that right away, too...pretty damn clever dig at Dubya

If that was indeed his intent.

[jobycom]

8. Had to be deliberate. That's the kind of line

you smile after you've written, and pat yourself on the back.

[Fridays Child]

5. A face to go with the name (I couldn't place him)

[OrlandoGator]

6. Send that man to be re-educated immediately.

Doesn't he know what the rules for our mass media are?

[MnFats]

9. think..."Three Days of the Condor." Don't open the door!

especially if it's a machine-gun toting mail carrier!

[deacon]

11. $322.40 billion and our soldiers are ill-equipped- where is this money

going???

[cornermouse]

12. Straight to the corporations pockets.

The Iraqis aren't seeing it either.

[Disturbed]

13. Ms. Rice is improving

I saw her recently and her half truths and blatant lies are flowing more smoothly than they were a few moths ago. She must be practicing more.

[Missy M]

15. Good report except for the statement...

"If the war was going well, the public would support the occupation of Iraq, regardless of whatever reasons the administration gave for the invasion". I take great offense with that statement and think it is an insult to the American people, specially the people of DU.