[oceanview]

why do they release the text of these speeches in advance, don't they know the media will just edit and cut it up and trash it before he actually delivers it?

[ARCADIA]

It's a crappy speach; it sucks no matter when and how it is released.

This pretty mush sums it up for me:

"Analysts called the address an attempt by Bush to take command at a time when his justification for the war has proved factually flawed, his planning for the occupation is being criticized as inadequate, and Iraq is beset by rising sectarianism, sabotage and chaos."

I remember that in the old days international diplomacy took place behind close doors and only the resolutions were included in speaches. When, you try to negotiate world opinion in a speech, you just make an ass out of yourself. Bush should consider firing his entire State Department.

[Timesink]

why do they release the text of these speeches in advance, don't they know the media will just edit and cut it up and trash it before he actually delivers it?

This isn't a text release; these are intentional leaks by the White House. Don't assume this article tells the whole story.