[Sally'sConcerns]

I usually find very little to criticize in how the WH handles things, although I do criticize or oppose some policies, but they really screwed the pooch on this one. As soon as it started, Bush should have been issued a statement on what the deal was, what was involved, and why it was a good thing. Instead they let the Democrats and the hand-wringers shape the debate.

My knee jerk reaction to the port deal was to say "heck no" but I refrained from posting anything until I had done my homework and could come to a conclusion based on facts rather than emotion. Once I gathered the facts, I supported the port deal and began posting my reasons why.

In all of my fact gathering I didn't hear anything from the WH other than about the veto. I don't know whether the facts were presented and not reported on or whether the WH didn't make any statements except about the President using the veto.

Either way, there wasn't enough information coming from the WH to offset the naysayers. I see that as a failure on the part of the WH.

[clawrence3]

You must not be connected to cable or the Internet: www.whitehouse.gov ?

[jimbo123]

The White House never addressed the concerns head on. Instead, they sent out paid lobbyists that included a strange mix of Tommy Franks, Bob Dole, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Maddy Albright and Tom Dashle which added to the mess.

The good news is the deal is dead. The President should learn from this debacle and remember that he works for us and owes us a direct explanation for his actions. "Trust me" no longer suffices.