President Bush to Speak at 4:30 pm ET LIVE THREAD

CNN | Feb. 6, 2003 | CNN

[Peach]

CNN just announced that President Bush will speak at 4:30. That's all they said. Didn't sound like it was previously scheduled.

[azGOPgal]

I think I will put the sign right on the screen. If, and it's a big if, I do watch Larry (not the) King, I think I'm going to have to put a GWB speech in the VCR afterwards to settle my stomach. A whole hour of Clinton is equevlant to hours of torture.

[txradioguy]

I agree. I've worried about Gen. Powell in this job for awhile. I just remember the fact that then SecDef Cheney had to basically give him a direct order, to begin preparing offensive war plans in 1991. But I'm relieved to see him finally getting on board and backing his boss.

[Miss Marple]

Well, I will leave you to your opinion, which I believe is in error. I just heard the panel on Fox reiterate a couple of my thoughts. Only Fred barnes was close to agreeing with you, and Brit Hume vehemently disagreed with Fred.

We will just have to wait and see. I will tell you again, however, that the President doesn't do things impulsively or without a darn good reason.

[txradioguy]

I'll take an extra Tums just for you tonite before I watch.

[azGOPgal]

Thanks! Enjoy the Sleeze ball.

[txradioguy]

Speaking of BARF and slimeball, Scott Ritter has spoken, I'm about to post it. Ugh!

[luckodeirish]

Things I would rather do than watch Clinton:
1. Root canal
2. Smile at a liberal
3. Watch a Susan Saradon movie
4. Eat live bugs
5. Stay in California
The list is endless..

[ArneFufkin]

Arne, you are only looking at this from one perspective

I'm looking at it from various perspectives, but the only one I care about is the perspective of our neighbors and allies who need to be sold on the immediacy and criticalness of this mission. I'm sold. My neighbors have fears and doubts, but the involvement of General Powell helps assuage those emotions.

Powell needed to set the deadlines, articulate the consequences of U.N. inaction, and reaffirm the legal and just American soverign prerogative to remove Iraq's WMDs through independent military action that protects our citizens.

Like it or not, HIS ultimatum carries more weight than does our President's among people, here and abroad, who are not yet on board. He has the cult of personality developed through fawning media construct over the last 12 years, not our President. He's the deal closer for the Americans and Americas allies who are wobbling fearfully on the edge.

[Miss Marple]

I don't understand your complaint. Powell got attention. The President supported it. I don't think this has a great deal to do with who was on camera when.

Powell got one group of people on board. For the ditherers, Bush just gave them a heads up. He is the Commander in Chief and has the final word, and now all can see that he and Powell are on the same page.

I guess I am not subtle enough to see your point. Have a good evening. I won't waste your time going back and forth on this.

[bvw]

Created: Thu Feb 06 15:48:23 EST 2003
Which president do you most admire?
Ronald Reagan 20% 1766 votes
George Herbert Walker Bush 2% 139 votes
Bill Clinton 58% 5087 votes
George W. Bush 20% 1704 votes
Total: 8696 votes

My guess is they have a bot voting for Clinton for every other vote cast.

[bvw]

See 750, appears to be rigged poll. Anyone votes for Reagan or Dubya, they throw in a vote for Clinton. Cute, eh?

[Wolverine]

Like it or not, HIS ultimatum carries more weight than does our President's among people, here and abroad, who are not yet on board. He has the cult of personality developed through fawning media construct over the last 12 years, not our President. He's the deal closer for the Americans and Americas allies who are wobbling fearfully on the edge.

POPPYCOCK!!!!

[ArneFufkin]

Powell got one group of people on board

I'm gonna give this one more, just because it amuses me. ;^) The great value of Colin Powell is that he commands a universal perception of integrity, honor, experience and measured competence. The people who came "on board" were persuaded LESS by the information and evidence than they were by the MAN who presented the information. Powell weilds a presumption of serious and incorruptable import. This perception is an asset to this Administration in exactly this milieu ... but the pesuasive value is maximized the FURTHER he SEEMS from Bush and the WH military tong. He looks to be an Independent "Seal of Approval" to people when HE is sincerely, solemnly laying out the Iraqi violations, threat and danger.

Everything the Administration gained from the Powell imprimtaur yesterday was lost today, because his standing behind the President served to remind people that "oh, yeah, he works for Bush what else is he going to say?" Powell should have taken the U.N. process to it's conclusion, good or bad ... THEN stood up with the President when we declared War on Saddam Hussein. Americans would then KNOW that the mission was just, vital and moral.

That's how you use Powell to achieve your diplomatic objectives and assume a position of moral legitimacy in the use of military force. Powell's just a hired hand again.

[Wolverine]

MORE POPPYCOCK

[Miss Marple]

Sorry. I don't agree. Have a nice evening.

[swheats]

Seems you're giving Powell too much power of persuasion, it could be that Bush, who have been consistent all along that we will disarm Saddam, has brought Colin around and is now drumming the same beat as the rest of the administration.

Powell is only the spokesman, Bush wields the pen and the power and brings with it integrity and leadership. I don't believe it was stressed yesterday that Saddam has authorized his field commanders to use the very same weapons against our military, that he's vowed to not have. Also the Iraqis needed to know our resolve considering their response to Powell that it was a typical show the Americans are good for putting on.

Another point, Iraq harboring members who needed medical attention and other Al Quaeda associates that has followed after. Today was the final answer to all those who have whined about the connection of Al Quaeda and Iraq.

Are there really any other arguments, other than appearance over substance?

[eccl1212]

The UN has until Monday PM...
After that, I doubt jack straw or our man at the UN, will even bother to attend.

If the UN does NOT act. It will become the new official "League of Nations" organization and pass into oblivion.

They will pass a resolution... but I think it will be AS our action is underway... to make them appear thaty are NOT irrelevant.

[Constitutions Grandchild]

Saddle up and move 'em out, George, it's time. Just make sure we only hit what/who we're aiming at.

[A CA Guy]

Thanks for letting me know about this one, I was busy and will have to find a link on the net and hear it.
Again, thanks for the heads up earlier.

[cubreporter]

It's not that Ari has patience (which he does) it's just that He is being kind to an old lady with no manners. Ari could rip her a new one but he won't...he's a gentleman. Of course, he's on Bush's staff. He'll let helin show herself for what she truly is.