BUSH CAN WRITE??????????????

[keta11]

I woke up an hour ago and just started blog-surfing. According to the Wall Street Journal, George W. Bush (yes that George W. Bush) authored an Op-Ed today.

{Coffee on screen and keyboard!!!!!!!!!}

The WSJ owes me a new laptop if current one fails. LOL!

[AndyA]

1. George had one of his people actually write it for him.

He told them what he wanted to say, they had to ask him what certain words were, "...and what is murka, President Bush?"

Bush: "Murka is right here. Yer standin' on it."

"Huh?"

"You know, Murka. A-M-E-R-I...uh...C or K..."

"Uh, yeah, got it. Thanks."

[keta11]

3. It was quite funny.

I read the editorial and somehow I just do not see George W. Bush writing that!!!

[wtmusic]

2. In a word, no.

Karl probably had five people working on that POS.

[pitohui]

4. he has servants to do that EOM

.

[jean]

5. Stephanie Miller said this morning it's the first ever Op-Ed done in crayon

[CrazyOrangeCat]

7. !!!

:spray:

[Ganja Ninja]

15. So he can write but I'll bet ...

he has to have someone else sharpen the crayons.

[happy5]

6. Here is the link for the article

http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110009473

[newyawker99]

16. Hi happy5!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[sammythecat]

8. No, bush can not write.

I'm not being sarcastic either. He's clever in a mean way, but he does not read, he's not curious, he has no heart, he's thoughtless and has a dull mind. He does not write. I don't believe that at all. It's a lie. Again.

He says, "I want this, and I want that." Somebody else then writes and phrases his wants into something sounding more palatable and adult.

[keta11]

12. That sounds more like it.

He doesn't look or walk like an intellectual, writing kind of President.

[Lisa]

17. indeed ... and I bet that explains why his speechwriters are squabbling

Karen Hughes and Michael Gerson both have their own ideas about what a Bush speech should be like. Hughes likes a blunt, aggressive style, while Gerson is more flowery and incorporates a lot of religious symbolism. As you point out, Bush isn't interested in writing his own stuff, so what are supposed to be heartfelt words come out with other people's fingerprints all over them. And Bush doesn't have a clear sense of who HE is, either, so he is influenced by the person he talked to most recently.

I was reading a fascinating description of what happens behind the scenes in the White House -- Bush has a meeting with Gerson, and Gerson comes out with some bits which Bush dotes on because they make him seem educated, pious, and statesmanlike. Then Hughes reads the draft and gets all upset because she thinks it sounds too intellectual and will put off Bush's base -- so she crosses out some of it and writes in cowboy-type phrases which she figures Bush won't mispronounce. Bush agrees with her because he starts seeing himself as tough, plain-spoken, and resolute. Then Gerson comes back with some more stuff that Bush suddenly decides he likes, too. As a result, a lot of Bush's longer speeches (like the State of the Union) end up with a patchwork feel to them, because Hughes and Gerson have such different styles. Bush comes out sounding like he's got a split personality (which in a way, he does!).

Not that I'm opposed to the concept of hiring speechwriters -- but in this case, either they can't agree on what kind of person he is, and write with some kind of consistency (pretty revealing in itself!) -- or Bush can't even be bothered presenting a consistent persona, let alone express himself in a clear and inspiring manner. (I forced myself to read that awkward "autobiography" he wrote before the 2000 election, and I swear it was one of the dullest, most painful pieces of writing I've seen in a long time ... if Karen Hughes played a role in it, both of them should be sent to stand in the corner!)

By contrast, other leaders such as Carter, Clinton, and Gore all found the time and energy to work on speeches or articles which they felt were really important, even when in office or campaigning.

[sammythecat]

19. You mention Carter, Clinton, and Gore.

I listen to them, and whether I agree or not, I know I'm listening to intelligent, articulate, people who actually KNOW of what they speak. They think about things and consider things. These are capable, sane, people.

Contrast that with bush attempting to make a point. You can easily tell he has little or no understanding of the issue. If he has any understanding at all, it's juvenile and simplistic. It's just astounding that this inferior man is the leader of this nation, and the fact that many millions in this country have confidence in his "leadership" is downright frightening.

[happy5]

9. And no big deal...

He just copy and pasted all the B.S. he says on his stump speeches - should know them cold by now. Otherwise, this looks just like a press release... no inspired prose or thoughts.

[onethatcares]

10. I'd like to see him speechify that

he'd be a mumblin and stumblin and hem, ha , uhhin. Some one is trying to put lipstick on a pig.

[rock]

11. There is a trick to it

He holds the crayon between his toes!

[Mr. Jinx]

13. Maybe Karen Hughes worked her magic

She tends to help him when he's speechifying, after all.

[Rex]

14. Can't you smell the desperation in the air?

Next we will learn that George is a ping-pong champion, followed by wonderful guitar player, avid horse rider and later found out he can speak 6 different languages. Nuclear physicist and Rhodes scholar. Philanthropist, policy wonk, soybean guru. Environmentally hip W. Honest and smart.

[Lisa]

18. don't forget philosopher and classical pianist!

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/31077

"Ah, W. was in top form tonight," Spanish foreign minister Josep Pique Camps said. "We were all held captive by his erudition and charm. First, a brief history of the opium trade, then a bit of Brahms on the piano, then a rousing discussion of Virgil. That boy is a wonder, isn't he?"

[Rex]

20. A student of Socrates, adept of Kronos, seery er of a thousand points

of light, ambidextrous, never flaccid, puerile before dawn, bakewity and lately feeling a little dorce.
W, Man of the Century and all around James Bond better times 10 man.