Peggy Noonan: Philosophy, Not Policy - Why Bush isn't good at interviews(Bush and Russert on MTP)

WSJ via Drudge ^ | 2/9/04 | Peggy Noonan

[Consort]

I like Noonan, but I think she pulled a Novak on this one. Even a Liberal talking head on CNBC said that Bush helped himself in the interview.

[onedoug]

Sorry to have evidently offended your manhood. But Peggy seems more feminine to me, and is aging better than Ann.

A general rule is what will she look like at eighty. 'Working pretty well so far.

[Fenris6]

AND these are words +24 hrs AFTER the fact - and without benefit of review - so I give them little credence! All I can say is I hope your not on his comm team. Your insistence on "review" is meaningless - most of America (audience remember?) will see a few choice clips on the news - thats it. Even the Bush crowd here only caught it once. If Bush needs "benefit of review" to get his msg across, we're in trouble.

[Fenris6]

"Even a Liberal talking head on CNBC said that Bush helped himself in the interview"

Not to badger you - but what do you expect from peeps who constantly underestimate Bush. Of course they were impressed - he didn't stumble over any 3-syllable words.

[Condor51]

I didn't see the whole interview as I was spending too much time here reading threads. But in what I did see I was patently OFFENDED by Russert's lack of respect in throwing those 'gotcha' questions at Bush.

I mean, what the fu heck was up with that "Why does Europe hate you" question?!? Who gives a rats patoot about how europe (he really meant France & Germany) 'feel'. Last I looked they don't vote here. And that cr@p question about Tiny Tammy Dashound and 'divisiveness'? Then as some have mentioned the 'question' about Dubya's NG service. Hell why didn't Russert just say excuse me, gotta go and let Terry McAwful do the interview? The whole thing was a blatant hit-piece right from the DNC fax machine!

That a-hole Russert BETTER ask that frickin Kerry about HIS bugging out early from both NAM & his Navy enlistment commitment AND his pro-communist activities with Jane Fonda!!!

Grrrrrr... I'm still ticked-off.

[cheme]

After further consideration, I maintain my position. The president did fine.

[Consort]

The way he speaks is part of his popularity, as has been said before.

[Fenris6]

Oh I agree. Bush was "fine" last night.

"Fine" doesn't win the Electoral College

[cheme]

It gets his base and then eveything else is guesswork.

[Fenris6]

"It gets his base and then eveything else is guesswork."

Hope thats not our strategy. Sure, lets go prime-time with Russert to secure a base that already agrees with us.

[cheme]

I respect the President's knowledge about winning support and elections. He has significant experience with this subject. Unless you have credentials comparable to the President with respect to winning elections, I maintain my position, Ms. Noonan has something other than the President's election success in mind by writing this piece.

[Fenris6]

Noonan & I share an appreciation for constructive criticism, thats all. And one would hope that the President is more invested in "governance" than "electoral strategy". Thats why we pay Rowe the big bucks, yes?

C'mon people. Your loyalty is commendable, but lets not blind ourselves with it. Back on point: Someone explain why the propaganda & lies of the Left re Iraq & the WoT has remained unchallenged? Half the country remains ignorant despite factual evidence to the contrary. Who's fault is that?

Don't you peeps remember Bush I - lost a gime-put election because the left parroted "it's the economy stupid" even though the truth was the economy was recovering? What did that get us? Eight years of Clinton. Wake up already!

[cheme]

I have no problem with constructive criticism, but yours in not constructive and is misplaced. What is it with your term "peep"? Your starting to reveal yourself.

[over3Owithabrain]

I agree that we must counter these lies with the facts. So many of us are getting frustrated because we don't think Bush and his administration are doing a good enough job in the PR department lately. I'm getting so PO'd with all the blatants lies being espoused, even constantly on Foxnews. It seems we all, and I include the conservative pundits like Noonan and the talk radio guys, are a bit taken aback by the brazenness and level of viciousness of the Dem attacks and Kerry's ascendancy.

But it's time to stand up, adjust the pair, withstand these attacks and go on offense. All of us. Noonan, Rush, etc. need to forget that Bush isn't the best wordsmith and focus on going after the liberals and defending our country from their "leadership". There's alot at stake here -we need to rally around Bush and do for him what he cannot do himself.

[Fenris6]

"I have no problem with constructive criticism, but yours in not constructive and is misplaced."

please provide examples

"What is it with your term "peep"? Your starting to reveal yourself."

?? "Peep" is a casual net term for "people". Quit projecting :)

[Fenris6]

"There's alot at stake here -we need to rally around Bush and do for him what he cannot do himself."

Oh don't get me wrong - I support Bush 100%, even when he stumbles. Western Civ is at stake here. I live near DC and plan to volunteer for the RNC or whomever. I'm just afraid our people are getting arrogant and complacent, thats all.

[cheme]

There are plenty of examples, but I'll just agree to disagree.

[Fenris6]

uh-huh. one example shouldn't be too difficult....