Mystery solved.
[boy...that was a real toughie]
Posted on 10/13/2004 4:56:10 AM PDT by governsleastgovernsbest
Some interesting tidbits from today's Today:
The show got off to a rousing Dem start with an opening screen shot that showed Kerry and Bush but in which only Kerry's voice was audible.
Campbell Brown stated that in tonight's debate, W "plans to argue Kerry is about more taxes and more government spending." She then offered as a fact that those arguments "have not always hit their mark." And who is shown to confirm that? Why, none other than objective expert Mike McCurry - a senior Kerry aide.
Campbell added that "the Kerry campaign is sounding almost overconfident, saying this will be the most difficult subject matter for the President yet."
Tim Russert then weighed in with predictable banality on tonight's debate.
And with all the news of the day to choose from - such as yesterday's bald-faced threat by the Kerry campaign to Sinclair broadcasting for airing Stolen Honor - what does Couric choose to discuss? Why, the moldy, debunked notion that W was in some way wired to receive assistance during one of the debates. No evidence is offered in support of the claim.
Couric also offers up - totally out of left field - that "a Cornell sociologist finds W's approval rating goes up a few points when the government issues a terrorism warning."
So let's see, Katie. W is Karl Rove's high-tech sock puppet, and the Bush administration exploits terrorism for cheap political gain. Got it.
Laura Bush is then interviewed by Norah O'Donnell.
Norah: "Voters favor Kerry on education, health care, the environment. Is tonight's debate a tougher area for the President?"
Lovely and gracious Laura: "Not at all, he has so many successes in those areas."
O'Donnell then tried to lure Laura into making an inflammatory statement: "Would you feel unsafe with Kerry as President.?"
Laura was way too smart to fall into Norah's trap, neatly sidestepping it by observing: "I feel very safe with George as President. And there's a big contrast with Kerry's voting record [and his views on important issues]."
O'Donnell bemoaned W's refusal to make himself a punching bag for the liberal press: "Why couldn't he name any mistakes [during the last debate]? Some people said it was an opportunity to show he was more flexible."
Laura mentioned that W did acknowledge some mistakes. If only she had added "Norah, when fighting an implacable foe determined to kill as many Americans as possible, give me George Bush's Churchillian obstinacy over John Kerry's flip-flops."
Norah then moved to Chris Reeve's death and the issue of stem cell research. Laura pointed out that there is private funding available.
In fairness, O'Donnell did air Edwards faith-healing comment about people getting out of wheelchairs and walking. Frankly, I can't remember Laura's precise comment, but any criticism of Edwards was muted.
There followed a live interview by Katie of Elizabeth Edwards. How's this for a super-slo-mo softball to open the questioning:"What do you think is the single most important domestic issue for Kerry'Edwards?"
Elizabeth thought it was health care. "We've seen the situation deteriorate over last four years, premiums going up 50-60% in last four years."
Katie: "Can it be accomplished without bankrupting the government? W has accused Kerry of being tax and spend liberal. Can it be done without so much spending as to become repugnant to the electorate?"
Edwards emphasized private sector approaches and claimed the Kerry proposal "is not even that expensive."
Katie did hit Elizabeth with Edwards faith-healing claim, and quoted Bill Frist to the effect that the statement was "shameful and offers false hope."
And in fairness, clearly expressing her own view, Couric asked "do you think your husband went a little too far?"
Naturally, Elizabeth thought that her husband had "absolutely not" gone too far, though her answer was totally unrelated to the question, veering off into a discussion of personalizing the issue by highighting the plights of Reeve and Michael Fox.
Interestingly, Elizabeth directly took on Laura: "Mrs. Bush referred to private funding, but everyone knows this problem will only be solved through government investment."
Today Show ping.
The media is leading the cheers for Kerry.
That bulge in under the President's jacket is a SPINE.
Probably why the democrats don't know what to make of it.
Earth to Russert: The draft hysteria was a DNC production, Timmy. Everything from the rumors to the legislation. You left that part out, genius.
An aside: MSM loves to ignore and deride bloggers and the pajamahadeen. But for purposes of touting the bogus story on W's box-on-the-back, Katie was even willing to give a nod in their direction. Her hook and justification for the story was the fact that it has been the object of lots of speculation by people on the internet.
She referred to "Oliver Stone-type" theories. So if Katie admits these are paranoid conspiracy ravings, why air it, other than out of a partisan desire to besmirch W?
arrrrrrrrrgh... but thanks for the ping! lol
Faith healers in the White House!...Imus treated the Edwards statement with derision...said he sounded like Jimmy Swaggart.
See..The Plan, The Plan!
Great line.
Mystery solved.
[boy...that was a real toughie]
HUH? Well, there's nothing like having it both ways, girl.
Good point about W being forced to debunk the Dem put-up job about the draft.
Great post. Hadn't thought about that.
Interesting that Mr. Integrity couldn't be bothered. Jeez, Russert. Hope your pants are reinforced so they don't bust from all that ankle grabbing.
Everyone knows this problem will only be solved through government investment."
Every good democrat knows that all problems are solved by the government. No personal inginuity or ambition. Get in line for a handout.
That's because the MSM is breaking their backs to keep the *obvious* answer out of the equation.
[their viewers also believe the X-Files was a reality show]....:))
ROFL!
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