Interesting look back at 2000 debate transcript...

[Sparkly]

http://www.debates.org/pages/trans2000b.html

You'll see a lot of sabre-rattling from Chimp about Iraq here, and salient quotes like this one:

BUSH: First let me just say one comment about what the vice president said. I think one of the lessons in between World War I and World War II is we let our military atrophy. And we can't do that. We've got to rebuild our military. But one of the problems we have in the military is we're in a lot of places around the world. And I mentioned one, and that's the Balkans. I would very much like to get our troops out of there.

(Snip -- btw, at this point, the troop levels in the Balkans were low.)

More:

BUSH: I don't think so. I think what we need to do is convince people who live in the lands they live in to build the nations. Maybe I'm missing something here. I mean, we're going to have kind of a nation building core from America? Absolutely not. Our military is meant to fight and win war. That's what it's meant to do. And when it gets overextended, morale drops. I strongly believe we need to have a military presence in the peninsula, not only to keep the peace in the peninsula, but to keep regional stability. And I strongly believe we need to keep a presence in NATO, but I'm going to be judicious as to how to use the military. It needs to be in our vital interest, the mission needs to be clear, and the extra strategy obvious.

[JuniperLea]

1. No surprise

When he says something you can expect the opposite. What a dumbass he is.

[zanne]

3. And he's never held accountable.

Nobody's going to point out that he's contradicting himself, so he can say whatever is convenient at the time.

[Sparkly]

4. This is also the debate where he talked about "humble" foreign policy.

BUSH: Well, I think they ought to look at us as a country that understands freedom where it doesn't matter who you are or how you're raised or where you're from, that you can succeed. I don't think they'll look at us with envy. It really depends upon how our nation conducts itself in foreign policy. If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. And it's -- our nation stands alone right now in the world in terms of power, and that's why we have to be humble. And yet project strength in a way that promotes freedom. So I don't think they ought to look at us in any way other than what we are. We're a freedom-loving nation and if we're an arrogant nation they'll view us that way, but if we're a humble nation they'll respect us.

Talk about contradicting himself!!!

[gasperc]

2. yeah, the DNC needs to run an ad

but that would make sense

Cindy's our hero, someone that's down there should give this quote to her to read during one of her interviews. That would certainely puncture Bush's Base support.

[JuniperLea]

5. Good call!

That would rule!

[ktowntennesseedem]

6. Yeah, but all that was BEFORE 9/11. (sarcasm alert)

Everything has changed, didn't you get the memo?

Now, it is necessary to overextend the military, because terror is everywhere! And if morale drops and recruiting comes up short, it's only because of all the liberals who hate America!

We don't need any vital interest; we go fight because the president says we need to! We don't need a clear mission; the president's "reason-of-the-month" is enough for me! We don't need an exit strategy; the war against terror will never end, and any plans to leave will give the terrorists the victory!

Support the troops! Support the president! Wave the flag! Praise Jesus!

(OK, I'll stop. I'm about to make myself sick!:puke:)