BUSH TO LAND ON CARRIER AT SEA

New York Post ^ | 5/01/03 | DEBORAH ORIN

[kattracks]

May 1, 2003 -- WASHINGTON - President Bush today turns "Top Gun" and boards a warplane to fly out over the Pacific for a dramatic landing on the homeward-bound aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, where he'll declare that "major combat" in Iraq is over.

[onedoug]

National Day of Prayer bump!

mc10, you're nuts.

[TC Rider]

Does anyone remember how Clinton and his 'people' looted an aircraft carrier?

I recall it was early in the administration and that he and his staff had ripped off bath robes and other cabin furnishings.

[Samwise]

Glad to see that Dubya is going to have some fun! The guys on the ship will have some sell-deserved fun too.

My dad always enjoyed reminiscing about seeing McArthur. This will give the guys something to remember.

[lawgirl]

You know, I was just reading about this on Fox and headed over to see if anyone else was talking about it. Fox's article is President Bush Takes Long Trip to USS Lincoln. They are saying how safe it is, but I'm scared. I think we all should pray earnestly that he'll be ok.

[Miss Marple]

The plane is a four-seater. There will the pilot, co-pilot, amd a Secret Service agent, besides the President. I assume one of those will be carrying the football.

Or do you just automatically assume that he would neglect his duty?

[Pompah]

A publicity stunt.???
Lighten up a bit will ya. When was the last time you saw George W Bush involve himself in a "Publicity Stunt".

If I was one of those lucky enough to watch my Commander in Chief land on a carrier deck. Right in front of me, I'd be so damn'd proud,and thrilled I bust a few buttons.

And have a good story for the grandkids.

[Willie Green]

Or do you just automatically assume that he would neglect his duty?

My assumption was that the plane was a two-seater.
Thanks for the clarification.

[sinkspur]

Since he is going to be within a stones throw from the border, maybe on the way to the carrier he they can fly over the border and drop a few thousand leaflets, giving directions to his ranch in Texas, offer up some of that good ol konservative compassion, invite a few hundred thousand more of those hard working illegals to go to Texas..

Another collossally-boring, one-note-Charlie heard from.

Joe, do you have a Mexican voodoo doll that you stick pins in when you post?

[lawgirl]

Symbolism is an important part of how any leader communicates.

You know, this is a great point. Everyone thinks that Bill Clinton is the eptiome of communicating greatness- I have a friend that teaches a speech class and uses him as the prime example of how to give a good speech. Ok, I'll grant him that he had a good delivery. But can you ever remember anything he ever said? All I can remember is "I did not have..." ok you get the point. But think of all the GREAT images I can remember of Reagan (even though I was in elementary school during his tenure) and Bush--oh my W has SO many great lines and feelings attributed to him. Both of them understood the power of symbolism. We live in a country where, I'd say, 90% of people tear up at a ballgame hearing the national anthem. It's foolish to say that symbols aren't part of the message. And I definitely think that W flying to an aircraft carrier is a wonderful show of support, courage, and trust in the military.

Although I am still terrified LOL!! But won't those be great images of his plane coming in and him getting out be fantastic?? I can't wait!

[votelife]

I agree. A speech from the Oval Office is more of a this is over message. But from the carrier, it's more of a "let's roll" speech. Syria, NK, Iran, Sudan, and others are much more on alert with this approach. Plus, the military and all but the wacko left will LOVE it!

Go GW!

[votelife]

Bush took a similar risk after 9/11 by throwing out the 1st pitch in NYC for the world series...

[WVNan]

lawgirl, I know you must be nervous about this, but I'm not too worried. I was much more nervous when he went to Dearborn, Mich. and waded into the crowd. Every time he appears in public, he is in much more danger than he will be today. The pilot will be the best they have, and the plane has ejector seats. And I'm sure they will have all sorts of escort support. Think of the thousands of take-offs and landings this ship supported in the most recent conflict. Not a single mishap. I'm sure that Dubya will be having a ball and he deserves it. I'm thrilled for all the troops on that carrier. I'll be saying a prayer for the safety of our beloved President as usual.

[azGOPgal]

I prayed for him last night, but I'll make sure I pray for him again today. I, too, am a little worried about the flight and hope that everything goes smoothly.

[joan_30]

I agree.. I think this is great for our President to do what " HIS TROOPS" are doing every day. WTG PRESIDENT BUSH WTG.

[Joe Hadenuf]

What's a matter, someone get out of step here. Hehehe....

Oh, and if your going to make a little joke, please, make sure it's funny....

[ohioWfan]

Actually, there's no need to be scared at all, lawgirl.

The same God who protects him in the White House protects him on an aircraft carrier. The same God who protects him on AF1 protects him on a fighter jet. Like Stonewall Jackson said (roughly paraphrased), he was as safe on the battlefield as he was in bed, if he was doing God's will......and our President is doing that too.

Besides.....he's going to have a LOT of fun doing it! This is GREAT!

[hchutch]

I'd rather have him in a Tomcat. Seems more appropriate for him given his dad flew Grummans on and off carriers as well.

Not to mention making for a good way to buzz the tower.

[ohioWfan]

If I was one of those lucky enough to watch my Commander in Chief land on a carrier deck. Right in front of me, I'd be so damn'd proud,and thrilled I bust a few buttons.

And you know that's the reason he's doing this too. He loved the troops as much as any other Commander in Chief in history.

Plus this will be great symbolism that we as Americans will NOT be made afraid by any enemy, foreign or domestic, just like the perfect pitch at Yankee Stadium and the bullhorn at the WTC were.

[ohioWfan]

Non-germane comment there Joe. Were you trying to be funny?

[Joe Hadenuf]

I just get tired of marching in cadence.....And while I am at it, this is nothing but a photo op and a PR move.

But don't get me wrong, I would love to fly around on a Navy fighter jet and land on a flat top....I just think this idea is just a bit over the top and somthing you would expect a flashy CEO to do.......