"This was not a speech about Iraq . . . or partisanship" said Snow,

[bigtree]

White House denies exploiting Sept 11

"This was not a speech about Iraq," said Snow, who insisted that most of Bush's comments on what to do in that war-torn country were "uncontroversial."

"It really comes down to three or four sentences that may be construed as controversial, but the president was making the point that, according to (terrorist chief Osama) bin Laden, who, by acclamation, is an important figure in the war on terror, this has become the central front," said Snow.

The spokesman blamed Democrats, instead, for using the occasion to assail the president and his policies, and made clear that the White House would resume its aggressive political strategy ahead of the election.

"It is a hugely important issue for the United States, arguably, the most important issue we face right now. And we welcome the political debate. But the president decided yesterday was not a day for partisanship," said Snow.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060912/pl_afp/usattacksbushwhouse

[Avalux]

1. Well, according to EVERYONE in my office, it was.

At lunch today, we all agreed Bush should have said a few words in commemoration of 9/11 and left it at that. Even those I wouldn't consider political, or sharing my views, were angered he brought up Iraq and then quoted Bin Laden.

[RedStateShame]

2. "But the president decided yesterday was not a day for partisanship."

C'mon, everyone! He's the Decider, and when he decides we can debate the war, he'll let us know!!!:sarcasm:

[npincus]

3. Snow got his ass kicked at today's WH Press conf.

Most questions were about B*sh politicizing his 9-11 speech-- some reporters sounded genuinely pissed. Worth watching.

Methinks there will be a backlash-- a BIG one.

[rodeodance]

4. tony, how do like being Jr's lapdog?

[MidwestTransplant]

11. He has been for ages....just gets paid less now.

[damntexdem]

15. Sure, he's been Dubya's dog for years ...

but now he gets to be in Dubya's lap -- that's worth the cut in salary.

[ComerPerro]

5. my finacee yesterday announced that

9/11 is like a holiday for Republicans, and Bush is definately the "reason for the season"

[underpants]

6. I'm sorry but is Bin Laden the voice of authority on all things now?

Did I miss something?

Oh and another thing-what they hell was the deal with "Either we will win or the dangerous extremists will win" Is he taking that into consideration now? I don't mean that in terms of his BS "Swagger" I mean that in terms of - is there something he isn't telling us? Is there something we should know that is coming that we dont know about now????

[kurth]

7. It's Winston Churchill vs. Neville Chamberlain

"We have no intention of ignoring or appeasing history's latest gang of fanatics trying to murder their way to power," the vice president said Monday at a Pentagon ceremony.

Such comparisons "are designed to make listeners think of George W. Bush as Winston Churchill, and to compare his critics with the discredited Neville Chamberlain," said Stephen Cimbala, a Penn State University professor who studies war and its impact on domestic politics.

BUT WAIT.. Isn't Bush - The President Who Is Truly Not Concerned About Bin Laden - Neville Chamberlain???

[ClintonTyree]

9. Bush as Churchill........

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Bush isn't fit to cup Churchill's balls. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[gratuitous]

8. Yesterday was not a day for partisanship

Well, yesterday is over Tony; welcome to today. And your boss WAS politicizing September 11, whether you want to admit it or not. For example, where were the Democratic Senators from New York at your little Hole in the Ground comemoration? That alone, in and of itself, shows the political grandstanding that Bush was doing. Why was the public shut out from all events, instead only a handful of hand-picked persons were allowed in The Presence yesterday? If this day was truly about all Americans, why didn't Bush allow all Americans in to the "public" events?

You're not a very good liar, Tony. At least, not when people can ask you questions directly. Maybe you should tape your press availability appearances and just read your prepared statement and not respond to any questions? Your job doesn't involve a studio where you get complete control anymore.

[hlthe2b]

10. How did he justify using prime time for this speech?

There was nothing new to announce... Prime time tv (yeah, despite the crap that was on) slots right before the new season kick-off? Why would network execs give him this time? This isn't the first time he has pulled this crap, after all... :shrug:

[damntexdem]

16. Oh, it didn't bother ABC:

they just had some low-rated miniseries on -- or was it an infomercial?

[liberal N proud]

12. There should have been no chance that speech was political

But we all know the bu$h couldn't resist taking advantage of the day to take aim at those who do not agree with him.
"It comes down to three or four sentences that may be construed as controversial" There shouldn't have even been one sentence that could have been even remotely construed as political.
Anything that should have been said about the events that took place on 9/11/2001 should have been designed to heal the nation.
We all know the reason there is still a hole in the ground where the World Trade Center once stood is so they could march up there when ever they needed a fresh dose of "FEAR"

Damn you Mr. Bu$h for using 9/11 for political gain. Damn you all Republicans who have enabled the monster bu$h to destroy the republic.

[MurrayDelph]

13. He's right: "yesterday was not a day for partisanship,"

unfortunately, his-assholiness-in-chief DID use the day for partisanship!

But then again, it's only partisan when you call him on it.

[damntexdem]

14. Well, it must not have been about Osama --

because Dubya never thinks about him.

Hmm, I wonder if it was even about 9/11.

Maybe it was about what Dubya understands best: nothing.

Or maybe Snow was snowing about some other speech.