Why Bush’s War College Speech Fell Flat -- Know Your Audience, Speak to Them

Special to FreeRepublic ^ | 29 May, 2004 | John Armor (Congressman Billybob)

[PMCarey]

Kerry is not advocating cutting and running. He is suggesting that the mission was ill advised in the first instance and now we are stuck.

Which is why he voted for it ...

[Congressman Billybob]

No, Kerry's real position is cut and run. Kerry says we sray and get the job done. However, he ALSO says, let the UN run things. That means the French, with their veto, run things. And that means cut and run.

The first time I crossed swords with Kerry in a college debate in 1963, his goal was to score rhetorical points. He had neither the interest nor the capacity to see where his position would inevitably wind up. Other than more money and more wrinkles, he's the same failed guy.

John

[Texasforever]

Apparently this soldier doesn't seem to understand that it's all going to crap around him. I guess he doesn't have the insights that some of our internet generals do.

It is amazing how little it takes for this country to fold like a cheap suit.

[Texasforever]

Oh come on Tex. That doesn't even rate a response.

So as usual you are just talking out of your ass.

[Torie]

My sense of it is that the majority of Iraqis wish the US were gone, but are terrified of the consequences if we in fact were. In an nutshell, the majority are ambivalent. Wasn't it the Brits were observed, that the problem of the GI's emcamped in Britain during WWII was that they were oversexed, and over here? Granted, that was just jive, but still.

[MJY1288]

My brother has been to Iraq 6 times in the past year and I communicate with him daily, and you simply dont know WTF you are talking about AS USUAL

[no dems]

True. What do you think are the chances of that happening? The First Lady was on Jay Leno a week or so ago and she did a superb job.

[gilliam]

Although Bush’s speech emphasized repeatedly that it is mandatory that this war be won, he never addressed what it takes to win a war.

That was not the purpose of the speech. The speech was to address compaints from those inside the beltway that he did not have a plan to get us out of Iraq. He laid one out in the speech in clear English.

As for what it takes to win a war and speaking to the American people, that will come in subsequent talks, remember this is a first in a series.

heck, even the alphabet press knew this.

[gilliam]

Although Bush’s speech emphasized repeatedly that it is mandatory that this war be won, he never addressed what it takes to win a war.

That was not the purpose of the speech. The speech was to address compaints from those inside the beltway that he did not have a plan to get us out of Iraq. He laid one out in the speech in clear English.

As for what it takes to win a war and speaking to the American people, that will come in subsequent talks, remember this is a first in a series.

heck, even the alphabet press knew this.

[CWOJackson]

I don't think it's a done deal. FR isn't representative of this country...thank God. The press isn't representative of the nation either.

The soldier who wrote that e-mail is.

[SkyPilot]

As a graduate of War College, let me tell you something: it is not as noble as you say. 80% of the curriculum is cliche and inane.

To have a leader like President Bush speak to them was the highlight of the academic year.

[Joe Hadenuf]

OK, OK, OK Tex, the Iraqi people are totally behind us, we can trust them, and they are more than willing to lay down their *own* lives for what we believe is right and just. Go get um Tex!

[nunya bidness]

The ones that have "lost their way" are those on the "conservative" side that have lost their guts and are running for cover. The American people are starting to make Spaniards look heroic.

Well, you can start by looking at the progeny of Irving Kristol and the gang at the Weekly Standard. They could barely contain themselves in their micro-managing of the war from the beginning. They'd jump ship in a minute if it kept their ideology afloat.

And all the while American blood and treasure would be wasted in a heartbeat. "Either we should pull out or redouble our efforts." I wish these guys would make up their minds.

I trust Bush and Rumsfeld far more than I do our "so called" friends on the right.

And I'm a fricken' libertarian!

[Texasforever]

OK, OK, OK Tex, the Iraqi people are totally behind us, we can trust them, and they are more than willing to lay down their *own* lives for what we believe is right and just. Go get um Tex!

How many Iraqi police have been blown to smithereens?

[CWOJackson]

I agree to a point; I'm not sure the average Iraqi is that ambivalent. There is a lot of information out there that would suggest otherwise; if you look for it.

There have been some excellent first person accounts right here on FR that say otherwise...and they're lucky if they get ten posts. Why?

[Texasforever]

I trust Bush and Rumsfeld far more than I do our "so called" friends on the right.

Yup.

[Keith]

Your posits make sense...which is why the MSM would never behave that way...sad to say.

[MJY1288]

"OK, OK, OK Tex, the Iraqi people are totally behind us, we can trust them, and they are more than willing to lay down their *own* lives for what we believe is right and just. Go get um Tex!"

You failed at much more than "Anger Management", How about "Logic 101" and "Preventative Cranial Rectumitus"

[Joe Hadenuf]

How many Iraqi police have been blown to smithereens?

A bunch. Thanks for proving my point.

[Barlowmaker]

Rumsfeld, during his visit to Baghdad last week, stated that over 350 Iraqi policemen and military personnel have died in service to freedom.