Posted on 10/13/2005 4:31:05 PM PDT by Conservative Coulter Fan
White House press secretary Scott McClellan today got a bit impatient with reporters asking him about the possibility of Harriet Miers withdrawing her nomination to the Supreme Court, asking rhetorically at one point, "Isn't it my right to talk and say what I want to?"
The verbal jousting began as a reporter asked about a possible withdrawal by Miers, President Bush's choice to fill the seat of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
"Some conservatives have suggested this week, or speculated, that while President Bush would never withdraw Miers' nomination, that she might decide that she can't weather the storm and withdraw. Can you give us just some idea of her tenacity to be able to withstand all this fire from the right and the left?" asked one reporter, according to the official transcript.
McClellan bristled at the suggestion, saying, "Those who know Harriet Miers are strongly supportive of her nomination, and strongly support her being confirmed to the United States Senate [sic]."
The spokesman then challenged the reporter, saying he had not reported on Miers' qualifications.
Said McClellan: "I haven't seen you out there reporting about some of her qualifications and her record, and I see by the tone of your question that you want to get into some of these side issues."
A charge then came back to McClellan: "You divided your own party," referring to the many GOP senators who have not committed to supporting Miers.
Later, the spokesman responded again to the possibility of a Miers withdrawal, saying, "Anyone that knows her record and experience wouldn't be making such a suggestion. … Some of you all wanted to focus more on religion. We focused on her qualifications and record."
Indeed, WND asked McClellan earlier about Miers' religion, receiving a response devoid of the subject. Said McClellan: " The President believes that a Supreme Court justice should strictly interpret our Constitution and laws and not try to legislate from the bench, and that's what Harriet Miers is committed to doing."
At one point during the fracas, McClellan was asked, "Scott, isn't the idea we ask the questions and you provide the answers?"
McClellan...deer...headlights
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Absolutely, you put out information, and then those that behave rationally and responsibly may ask questions and be recognized.
Then answer their questions. If they can't follow the rules...tell'em they are STUCK ON STUPID and make them submit written questions for awhile.
I would rather see McClellann combative than whiney.
"My right to speak" needs some testosterone.
All it takes is watching McClellan for 5 minutes to put to rest the idea that Bush is good at nominating people for important positions.
My only guess is W picked McClellan for that spot because, compared to McClellan, Bush's public speaking skills are good!
"Just because McClellan is getting testy, it doesn't mean the Republicans in Washington are getting testies."
Superb line, simply superb. Have you thought of using it as a tag line?
Oops! I forgot to suggest that it may be "testes" instead if "testies".
Still, one of the best line today.
I completely agree with you. I still don't understand how McClennan became the press secretary because that guy has a problem speaking clearly and concisely.
I hate to say this because I'm a Bush supporter... but he's been with Bush for a while also when he was a governor and I believe he was given this position out of loyalty. I read this from an article somewhere. Bring back Ari!!!!
I really cannot believe that grown men think acting out in a press briefing is a real job. Their behavior is awful and accomplishes nothing.
Put Harriet Meiers' bio up against Janice Rogers Browns'.
Now who would you rather have on the highest court in the land?
Hey Coulter fan. Guess what? Many of us will stand beside our President, while you and the full of themselves crown take the Coulter train to nowhere.
By the way, do you want my Coulter and Irgrahm books, if not I am mailing back to them.
" This was COMPLETELY out of line for the reporter. Their job is to ask questions, not make accusations."
Great point.
It was probably David Gregory.
Thanks. It's yours if you want to use it.
I can.
The far left is for abortion, homosexuality, Marxism, Socialism, and secularism.
The far right is pro-life, traditional marriage, freedom, and Judeo-Christianity.
What the "I heart Miers" T-shirt wearers refuse to acknowledge is that there are serious doubts and questions regarding her. A former democrat who has displayed far more loyalty to a single man (Bush) than towards Conservative principles is a cause for tremendous skepticism--and it is totally justified.
The White House response has been to smear anyone who disagrees with her nomination as a sexist and elitist.
This is what we expect from Democrats.
This nomination is far, far too important to gamble with, and that is what we are being asked to do.
By the way, welcome to FR.
"Anyone that knows her record and experience wouldn't be making such a suggestion
Gee, don't you think that's the issue? There is no record.
McClellan has no personality; speaks in a monotone. I always wonder how such a lemon could get that job.
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