A question about timing

Today Bush announced that he would launch a new space initative to go back to the moon. A few weeks ago he proposed a new imigration policy. But if he was serious about these wouldn't he first mention them in the state of the union?

I mean sure we'd hear about them from various "unnamed administration officials." But usually the president doesn't deliver the trial baloons in public. Unless he makes a push for them in the SOTU, I think announching the new space and imigration policies now means they will be pushed off the table soon.

Of course its possible that I just don't understand the process. But it seems to me that the goal is for him to get headlines and then be able to ignore these things.

•  My thoughts

  I think they're both a ploy to take the public mind of Iraq.

  Because we aren't safer, and all the troop deaths are proving it.

  Oh, and Read This Article.

  by AEDem2004 on Wed Jan 14, 2004 at 08:43:21 PM PDT

•  timing

  SOTU is used to both introduce and reinforce what has been previously introduced.  Right now GWB is trying to control the newscycle and not let any of the scandals simmering just below the surface bubble up and over.

  by Marie on Wed Jan 14, 2004 at 08:45:48 PM PDT

  •  Right but whats being reinforced

    usually doesn't come up for the first time weeks before the SOTU. Obviously there are other times to introduce legislation, and policies. But they don't usually come this close.

    by Carl Ballard on Wed Jan 14, 2004 at 08:53:06 PM PDT

    •  current events

      We have Phillips book, Suskinds book coming out, the Army War College conclusion, the Plame affair, Cheney's Energy cabal, potential flaring up of Enron with the Fastows' deals -- not to mention the continuing absence of WMD and no easy out on Iraq and then the economy is making some rich people richer but the jobs have not materialized (and they keep revising the prior rosier pictures downward).

      It also reflects what Rove wants to reinforce -- Bush as engaged, innovative and bold.  Or maybe they think the Mission to Mars snakeoil will bring the the votes of Trekkies.

      by Marie on Wed Jan 14, 2004 at 09:00:04 PM PDT

•  No Room Left

  He's coming out with it now because he won't have time in the SOTU. He'll be too busy telling us about how great marriage is (provided its between straight people), about how the economy is growing (as long as you're not looking for work), and about how the world is a safer place because of Republicans (unless you live somewhere other than America, in which case you're shitting your pants at the thought that Bush is the guy in charge of our nukes).

  So many positive developments for Bush to talk about, so little time.

  by Severian on Wed Jan 14, 2004 at 09:02:35 PM PDT