Weakened Bush hosts G8 summit

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=1504&e=7&u=/afp/20040606/bs_afp/g8_summit_us_bush_040606213605

WASHINGTON (AFP) - With his re-election prospects clouded by the war in Iraq (news - web sites), President George W. Bush (news - web sites) is seeking to restore luster to his global image by spotlighting the softer side of US power at the Group of Eight summit.


Bush, who once warned that the United Nations (news - web sites) would be "irrelevant" if it failed to back the invasion of Iraq, hosts the multilateral G8 forum eager to discuss US efforts in the fight against AIDS (news - web sites) and efforts to spread democratic reforms in the Middle East.


The war on terrorism will of course loom large, and violence in Iraq could overshadow the gathering, but Bush aides have shifted the emphasis away from divisive issues such as the March 2003 invasion and are focusing instead on consensus building.


Bush arrives Sunday at the posh Atlantic Ocean resort of Sea Island, Georgia, even as his poll numbers have dropped to their lowest point ever, below the 50-point approval rating considered crucial for incumbents seeking a new term.

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[coloradodem2005]

1. Other things that loom for Bush.

The shitty economy. Republicans can say it is good but that does not make it good.

The high gas prices
The fact that he cannot string a sentence together to save his life.

[shraby]

2. AND

Valerie Plame.

[coloradodem2005]

10. How could I forget that?

[drfemoe]

3. The security is immense..

I'm beginning to think jr likes to go about very well *defended*. Even if he weren't *afraid* (if that's possible), he may just be the type who likes lots of armor.

<snip>
Gun boats now cruise the coastline, military helicopters comb the skies, and thousands of police and National Guard troops patrol roadways and bridges. They are among the final security measures implemented for the Group of Eight Summit starting Tuesday on adjoining Sea Island.

The increased security became obvious over the weekend as concrete barriers, metal fencing and checkpoints were put into place around key buildings and routes. Officers were stationed for
the first time Sunday at many intersections, watching for any suspicious vehicles or individuals.
...
All the security makes the Georgia coast this week either the safest place on earth or the most dangerous because it's a tempting terrorist target. Attorney General John Ashcroft has said the summit could be one of several high-profile U.S. events targeted this summer by al-Qaida terrorists.
...
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=47810

[dbt]

6. There's your "softer side of US power."

bu$h has not been able to go out among The People since day one. He's had to have his bubble, lest he see how hated he is even in his "own" land.

People would line up for blocks on the off chance of getting to touch Bill Clinton!

:evilgrin:
dbt

[DoYouEverWonder]

4. I get the feeling

this is going to be a bad week for poor ol' W.

First of all, he hates traveling without any breaks. There were reports of him being in a bad temper already over in Europe. People were trying to write it off has jet lag. Imagine the case of jet lag he'll have by Tuesday?

Plus he's probably po'd about Ronnie dieing and taking the spotlight away from him. That and the fact that once the G8 is over, instead of getting a few days off, he's going to have to get ready for the funeral.

Then he's got to play host to all these dignitaries who are not too happy with him, since the war in Iraq was based on a pack of lies, the economy has gone to hell in a hand cart and oil is at the highest prices ever. Not to mention the fact that the US dollar ain't what it used to be.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a major W melt down, it would be so much fun to watch.

[Judi Lynn]

5. Bush Turns Attention to Economic Summit

Posted on Mon, Jun. 07, 2004

Bush Turns Attention to Economic Summit

SCOTT LINDLAW
Associated Press


SAVANNAH, Ga. - Following his quick dash through Europe, President Bush planned to relax and perhaps get in a round of golf before opening a week of summitry with world leaders.

Bush wants to build on the camaraderie established last weekend as he and leaders from throughout Europe marked the 60th anniversary of World War II's triumphs.

After three days of travel through Rome, Vatican City and Paris, Bush was keeping a light schedule and a low profile Monday. He was likely to play golf and inspect the facilities at Sea Island, Ga., site of the Group of Eight summit he was hosting.
(snip/...)

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/breaking_news/8858723.htm
Free registration required

[LittleApple81]

7. who is the guy with him in the picture? thanks. n/t

[Gingersnapsback]

8. Bubba

[KoKo]

9. You mean "Bubba De Lay?" n/t

[Demeter]

11. America's Softer Side is the Rot Bush Fosters

It started with Reagan, and every GOP since has helped it fester. There won't be anything left of this country if Bush gets another term.