Posted on 10/13/2005 4:14:50 PM PDT by Former Military Chick
The White House found itself at the centre of another public relations disaster yesterday after a Pentagon official was seen coaching a group of handpicked US troops before a live teleconference with President George Bush.
In a cringingly wooden exchange the group of soldiers stationed in Saddam Hussein's home town of Tikrit told the president exactly what he wanted to hear - that Iraqis were eager to vote on a new constitution this weekend and the country's fledgling security forces were ready to meet the challenge.
But before Mr Bush entered the room Alison Barber, a senior defence department official, went through a list of topics the president would later ask them about. At her prompting, the soldiers, who were displayed on a large video screen in a room of the Eisenhower Building next to the White House, raised their hands when the topic they were to answer came up.
At one point, she said, Mr Bush would ask them specifically, "In the last 10 months, what kind of progress have we seen?" before asking who was prepared to answer the question. "Master Sgt Lombardo," one of the soldiers replied.
Minutes later Mr Bush asked the same question and Master Sgt Corine Lombardo responded: "Over the past 10 months, the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces are improving ... They continue to develop and grow into a sustainable force." Mr Bush then asked: "Do the Iraqis want to fight, and are they capable of fighting?" He was told they were.
Ms Barber insisted later the questions were not rehearsed. The military had been told ahead of time only about topics the president might want to talk about, not specific questions. "We just knew broad themes," she said. The White House spokesman Scott McClellan said: "All they were doing was talking to the troops and letting them know what to expect."
But Democrats dismissed the event as a sham. The Senate minority leader, Harry Reid, said: "The American people and our brave troops deserve better than a photo-op for the president and a pep-rally about Iraq. They deserve a plan. Unfortunately, today's event only served to highlight the fact that the president refuses to engage in a frank conversation about the realities on the ground."
You make a very reasonable point.
What my question is...what was all the stuff about "the Pentagon was outraged!!!"?
Whose side is the Pentagon on? And they have never gotten ready for any photo ops? Can someone explain what the F they were so outraged about?
Is that the same president that was dancing with his wife on the beach to show how much they were in "love"?
Great post! - lol
So, Einstein, other than complete surrender what brilliant plan have the Democrats come up with?
Hmmm...never thought of that. Good point.
But a reporter feeds questions to one of the guys, and that's ok?
I don't know. Each soldier was chosen to talk about their certain expertise of duty. Because of the sat. delay it has to be worked out ahead of time to look right on TV. Everytime the Prez or one of the Soldiers made an off-hand remark it was awkward due to over-talking. They were publicising the Iraqi referendum on their new Constitution. It's a cynch that the media won't talk about it so we have to do it ourselves. We are not Hollywood types with stage presence and I'm glad.
You know I just want to have someone get the story right and then STOP. Move to another important story.
I have been on several installations where Presidents have stopped by. Most military are required to be in formation, it is after all their commander in chief. I also KNOW that there are folks who are asked if they would like to participate in Q and As and photo ops. It happens, it is NO BIG deal.
Yet again, a bunch of in fighting, White House, Brass, Pentagon .... folks in Iraq ... jeez will it end.
This reminds me of the stupid Bush had a small box - a wire - hidden under his jacket so that he could be coached during the debates thing. The Democrats and their media lapdogs are so stupid that it hurts.
I think this tells us that unless something happens to change the situation...
That President Bush should just stay at the White House behind closed doors....because it is obvious that now, not on the libs, dems, and media are gonna nit-pick him apart...
so are conservatives and people that normally at least have shown respect for the office he holds if nothing else.
It seems that Shep got so many accolades for showing up the POTUS while standing on that freeway in New Orleans...that he now has license to belittle him and tear apart everything he does now...
I guess these people do NOT care that as they tear this fine man DOWN....they are also ruining the respect of the office of the CIC and the POTUS for all of the world to see, and mimic.
one and the same....no staging there...LOL....(they would have had to drug me to do that!)
Why did they let anybody see this? You know damn well that no matter what Bush says or does, he's going to be crucified. But why give them the nails?
During "Desert Shield" the press was usually sent to the "CAT" Company ..... hand picked .... very ....
Oh - this will FOR SURE be the end of Bush!! How lame can ya get? He's a politician, for cryin' out loud! All politicians do this!
Check FReepmail, pliz.
I am not being lame, and frankly I am not bothered by his actions just by the differing ways the media is covering this.
At one point, she said, Mr Bush would ask them specifically, "In the last 10 months, what kind of progress have we seen?" before asking who was prepared to answer the question. "Master Sgt Lombardo," one of the soldiers replied.
The President wanted to ask questions, and receive information.
The question phrased differently:
" The President wants information from you guys and gals on the job; on the ground. He's going to ask you folks about the following subjects.... Anyone here feel that they are well versed enough to answer?"
Nothing wrong with that.
This wasn't supposed to be a debate with the left, I assume.
;-)
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