[doug from upland]

I read a report earlier that it would have been more expensive on land. And thank goodness, this commander in chief got off the ship and let the crew and families enjoy their glorious reunion without him getting in the way.

[knak]

Excellent work Doug!

[Vinnie]

You da Man Doug.

Personally, I think the WH should ignore the dims. This is a non-issue that is biting the dims in the a$$. Most citizens loved it and see the petty dims for what they are.

The only people upset are the dyed in the wool dims that would be upset if Bush walked out to the carrier.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

thank goodness, this commander in chief got off the ship and let the crew and families enjoy their glorious reunion without him getting in the way.

No kidding. Everyone knows damn well that The 'Toon would have disembarked in port to get the exposure to another 25,000 voters.

[CyberAnt]

Yes, I heard that too about him staying on land in California. He came to the west coast to give a speech in Santa Clara (Silicon Valley), so he would have been required to stay in a hotel somewhere. Staying in a hotel is a logical nightmare. You have to pay for 3 floors; the one the President's on - the one above, and the one below - for security. I dare say that would have been a little pricey, plus all the food for a security staff to monitor the rooms at the hotel.

[maxwellp]

I also read someplace that President Bush did not want to arrive in port when the Abraham Lincoln arrived because he did not want to distract from the military personnel meeting their families after so long. Class act on the President's part.

I also want you to know that I ran from the room when I heard Hillary's God-awful screaming and rant!

[cubreporter]

He would never do that. He is GENUINE!