Daily Kos: Helen Thomas Tears McClellan A New One (with poll)

Helen Thomas Tears McClellan A New One (with poll)

by freepress4all

Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:08:36 PM PDT

Helen Thomas apparently tore into White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan today and challenged him on his claims that the United States is in Afghanistan and Iraq by invitation.

(Was that with an RSVP?)

freepress4all's diary :: ::

From today's Press Briefing by Scott McClellan

March 25, 2005

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050525-3.html

First question after he opened the floor for questions:

Q The other day -- in fact, this week, you said that we, the United States, is in Afghanistan and Iraq by invitation. Would you like to correct that incredible distortion of American history --

MR. McCLELLAN: No, we are -- that's where we currently --

Q -- in view of your credibility is already mired? How can you say that?

MR. McCLELLAN: Helen, I think everyone in this room knows that you're taking that comment out of context. There are two democratically-elected governments in Iraq and --

Q Were we invited into Iraq?

MR. McCLELLAN: There are two democratically-elected governments now in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are there at their invitation. They are sovereign governments, and we are there today --

Q You mean if they had asked us out, that we would have left?

MR. McCLELLAN: No, Helen, I'm talking about today. We are there at their invitation. They are sovereign governments -- Q I'm talking about today, too.

MR. McCLELLAN: -- and we are doing all we can to train and equip their security forces so that they can provide for their own security as they move forward on a free and democratic future. Q Did we invade those countries?

MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead, Steve.

Don't you know Scotty was wishing and hoping for his buddy Guckert to be there.

How much longer can this guy survive in that job?

Tags: (all tags) :: Previous Tag Versions

Tips for the Helen Thomas Fan Club (3.99 / 123)

Helen Thomas is a dear lady and does not deserve the treatement she has received under the oppressive Bush administration.
One thing is for sure, she will be there when McClellan is long gone.

by freepress4all on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:06:20 PM PDT
- Go Helen, go! (1.10 / 29)
  
  In truth, all holy books should be flushed
  
  My blog: PolitIcalSmartAss.com
  
  by PoliticalSmartAss on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:08:53 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - I gave you a 1... (3.42 / 7)
    
    Because you have been pimping your diary all over the place. Bad form.
    
    by RichM on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:26:33 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
    - And no books should be mistreated. (4.00 / 7)
      
      I like literacy. What next, book-burning?
      
      "Let all the dreamers wake the nation." -- Carly Simon
      
      by Cream City on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:54:45 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
      - So if I, a Zen Buddhist, said... (none / 0)
        
        "If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him!", a commonly seen Zen saying, would you give me a 0 for condoning murder?
        If I couldn't be a Zen Buddhist my second choice would be Bokononist.
        "The First Book of Bokonon:
        Don't be a fool! Close this book at once! It is nothing but foma!" ~ Bokonon
        (Foma = untruths, BS)
        
        -- "I decline utterly to be impartial between the fire brigade and the fire." ~Winston Churchill
        
        by Eleftheria on Wed May 25, 2005 at 07:36:07 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
    - oh come on, (none / 0)
      
      that can't be the real reason you gave me a 1 if the diary were: I love Jesus and Jesus loves you and I "pimped" it I doubt you'd be quite so harsh I feel the intolerance and I, well I, just feeling like crying
      
      My blog: PolitIcalSmartAss.com
      
      by PoliticalSmartAss on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:57:46 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
      - If you're going to pimp... (none / 0)
        
        ...spell correctly, please.
        You have 'politcal' in your blog link.
        Sorry, I worked four years as a professional proofreader and I just can't stop.
        
        -- "I decline utterly to be impartial between the fire brigade and the fire." ~Winston Churchill
        
        by Eleftheria on Wed May 25, 2005 at 07:38:31 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        so if I fix it can I have license to pimp? (none / 0)
        
        My blog: PolitIcalSmartAss.com
        
        by PoliticalSmartAss on Wed May 25, 2005 at 08:40:21 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        No, you can have a license... (none / 0)
        
        ...to spell things correctly ;).
        
        -- "I decline utterly to be impartial between the fire brigade and the fire." ~Winston Churchill
        
        by Eleftheria on Wed May 25, 2005 at 08:50:59 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        is that like a poetic license? (none / 0)
        
        My blog: PolitIcalSmartAss.com
        
        by PoliticalSmartAss on Wed May 25, 2005 at 09:54:59 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        Yes, 007. (none / 0)
        
        You have your license, now go have a martini, very dry, shaken, not stirred.
        
        -- "I decline utterly to be impartial between the fire brigade and the fire." ~Winston Churchill
        
        by Eleftheria on Wed May 25, 2005 at 11:47:44 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
    - I gave you a 1 b/c (none / 0)
      
      you're comment was unproductive if you'd notice, in all of the comments that I made (but one) were to diaries about the exact topic in which the comment was made in fact, I pimped 6 times 1-a diary with breaking news 2-a diary with the same breaking news 3-a diary with the same breaking news as 1 & 2 4-kos's entry on the same news as 1, 2, 3 & 4 5-open thread 6-this one now - if the comment is topical, I figure it's fair game, and in 1-4 it was totally topical. It's not my fault that there were 4 exact diaries. as for the open thread, well it's allowed there and as for this diary, the topic is somewhat related, and I figured that the title was topical so I think your comment was unproductive, and a bit nasty as well
      
      My blog: PolitIcalSmartAss.com
      
      by PoliticalSmartAss on Wed May 25, 2005 at 08:46:30 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
    - I gave you a 1 b/c (none / 0)
      
      you're comment was unproductive
      if you'd notice, in all of the comments that I made (but one) were to diaries about the exact topic in which the comment was made
      in fact, I pimped 6 times
      1-a diary with breaking news
      2-a diary with the same breaking news
      3-a diary with the same breaking news as 1 & 2
      4-kos's entry on the same news as 1, 2, 3 & 4
      5-open thread
      6-this one
      now - if the comment is topical, I figure it's fair game, and in 1-4 it was totally topical. It's not my fault that there were 4 exact diaries.
      as for the open thread, well it's allowed there
      and as for this diary, the topic is somewhat related, and I figured that the title was topical
      so I think your comment was unproductive, and a bit nasty as well
      
      My blog: PolitIcalSmartAss.com
      
      by PoliticalSmartAss on Wed May 25, 2005 at 08:46:49 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
- Option (none / 0)
  
  "No, he is a wind-up doll & the warranty on his voice box expires tomorrow."
  
  Dean DNC ka-ching! button
  
  by x on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:11:52 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Promotion should be an option (4.00 / 2)
    
    He's obviously an incompetent ninny, so he will be promoted.
    
    "A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." Mark Twain
    
    by Shaniriver on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:10:40 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
    - Seriously! (none / 0)
      
      I'm surprised he hasn't been made a cabinet secretary or ambassador to the Vatican, or something.
      UncommonSense
      
      UncommonSense
      
      by hbyronk on Wed May 25, 2005 at 06:19:28 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
- Would someone explain a "3"... (3.38 / 13)
  
  I understand 4's, 2,s, 1's and 0's but 3's seem redundant. Extra energy to technically say "good" while in reality lowering a posters mojo.
  
  My candle burns at both ends It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - It gives a lovely light! - Edna St. Vincent Millay
  
  by SteveK on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:17:32 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - it seems that the main use ... (none / 0)
    
    ... is for people to say they think some comment is overrated.
    
    by Joe Buck on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:25:48 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
    - A '3' (none / 1)
      
      Has become a way of damning with faint praise.
      Kind of like refusing to vote for someone on a Hall Of Fame ballot the first year, but voting "yes" the second time.
      
      "L'enfer, c'est les autres." - Jean Paul Sartre, Huis Clos
      "L'enfer, c'est le GOP!" - JJB, from an idea by oratorio
      
      by JJB on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:11:03 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
  - I think some people just can't stand to see 4.00 (3.66 / 12)
    
    Some people just do not think that anyone should be able to pitch a shut-out, shoot par, run the table, bowl 300, or bat 1000.
    
    by freepress4all on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:28:16 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
    - god I feel so dirty for that... (none / 0)
      
      but I couldn't resist. That damn 4 kept looking at me funny.
      
      "If we outlaw everything some people find offensive, there wouldn't even be a Texas in the first place." - Cindy Campos, Lifeguard
      
      by jandrewmorrison on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:55:30 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
      - Contrarians of the world UNITE (none / 0)
        
        lets not argue about this damn it ...
        it's kinda like herding chickens
        
        by knowthings on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:58:08 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        Dyslexics of the world UNTIE (none / 1)
        
        Sorry.
        
        by kcole16 on Wed May 25, 2005 at 08:05:29 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
  - Considering your comment (4.00 / 4)
    
    I think you do understand the general concensus about 3's. I use 3's mostly for helping pull comments out of Hidden Valley that are not really "troll" comments per se but would be hard to justify a rating a 4 (a passerby might make the wrong assumption that you agree with it instead of just doing your TU duty of pulling comments that shouldn't be hidden out of the hidden comments section)
    
    What would Jesus Do? He would impeach Bush.
    (-6.75, -3.85)
    
    by mapKY on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:30:51 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
    - NO to the Apostrophe! (2.75 / 4)
      
      Please, no more possessive apostrophes to make "3's"! It makes no sense!
      
      by futisaba on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:26:19 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
      - 3's (none / 1)
        
        You have something against the "belonging to 3"?
        
        conscietious objector in the battle of the sexes
        
        by plymouth on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:31:02 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        3 is (none / 0)
        
        by TomB on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:04:01 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        George Bush's "ownership society" (none / 0)
        
        oh yeah, I'm on to you
        
        by knowthings on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:59:43 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
      - huh (none / 0)
        
        I thought that did make sense for things like numerals.
        
        tunesmith's latest song: My Favorite Clown
        
        by tunesmith on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:47:08 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
      - If you knew my grammar then my use of apostrophes (none / 1)
        
        would be least concern regarding my writing.
        Your"'"s truly,
        Mike Perkins
        
        What would Jesus Do? He would impeach Bush.
        (-6.75, -3.85)
        
        by mapKY on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:47:43 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
  - I give threes (3.33 / 6)
    
    when it is good solid post, or somethgin funny but not brilliant.
    
    cheers,
    Mitch Gore
    Wanna win in '08...?
    Put your money where your mouth is.
    
    by Lestatdelc on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:40:18 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
  - That was a very thoughtful comment (3.28 / 7)
    
    Made me think. Not electrifying, but provocative nevertheless. I gave it a "3."
    
    Intelligent Designer Laments Lapse in Intelligence
    
    by mrblifil on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:40:45 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
  - Unlike Dr. Dobson's world (3.50 / 2)
    
    Reality isn't binary. It's analog. Not black/white, not 0/1. Sometimes 3 instead of 4.
    
    Everyone will start to cheer when you put on your sailin' shoes.
    
    by hndrcks on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:43:09 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
  - It's a Carl Nyberg "4" (none / 1)
    
    the only other use for a 3 is when JamesB3 makes a good comment
    
    by knowthings on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:56:51 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
  - a 3 is like: I like you (none / 0)
    
    but let's stop at 3rd base
    
    My blog: PolitIcalSmartAss.com
    
    by PoliticalSmartAss on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:58:59 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
- Hey.... (none / 0)
  
  Who's "Steve"?
  Scotty boy cuts Ms. Thomas off and cuts to "Steve".
  Who is he?
  
  Greetings from Deep Space!
  
  by xxdr zombiexx on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:40:06 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Steve Garvy (none / 0)
    
    Male Prostitute.
    
    I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.
    
    by beemerr90s on Wed May 25, 2005 at 07:58:41 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
I say "good" (4.00 / 2)

because I don't like the "dear lady." She's a journalist after the truth, and one that refuses to be fed any bullshit. Unfortunately, that's rare these days.

"While there is a lower class, I am in it. While there is a criminal element, I am of it. While there is a soul in prison, I am not free." - Eugene Debs

by matthewc on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:09:47 PM PDT
- So, if she is after the turth, why not like her? (4.00 / 2)
  
  She has been in that White House chasing the truth since the days of Harry Truman?
  What is not to like about her?
  She is 100% one of us. You are not?
  
  by freepress4all on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:13:12 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - I thought (3.66 / 3)
    
    he was calling the "dear lady" moniker a patronizing one, while applauding Helen Thomas' integrity and guts.
    
    Angie and Bill: Colorado's bright future!
    
    by ubikkibu on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:16:23 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
    - Then why screw with my mojo with a 3? (2.57 / 7)
      
      But, what I read is that the does not like her.
      It is a confusing statement.
      
      by freepress4all on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:22:25 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
      - Let's shift concern from MOJO to ISSUES. (3.28 / 7)
        
        It isn't a popularity contest.
        
        Won't vote for the Dem? I guess your kids will thank you for the far-right Supreme Court.
        
        by td on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:47:15 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        I Agree n/t (4.00 / 2)
        
        by freepress4all on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:51:15 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        then mojo me w/ a 4! (3.00 / 7)
        
        just kidding... :P
        
        Won't vote for the Dem? I guess your kids will thank you for the far-right Supreme Court.
        
        by td on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:58:13 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        Ok there is your 4 (none / 1)
        
        Hey, I've got broad shoulders and a kind heart . . . as I said in the beginning, this is about Helen Thomas and that is what matters.
        This is her fan club.
        
        by freepress4all on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:30:17 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        Unnecessary... (none / 0)
        
        I was completely joking. But never about my respect for Helen Thomas!
        
        Won't vote for the Dem? I guess your kids will thank you for the far-right Supreme Court.
        
        by td on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:05:47 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        you handed out the 1 (2.33 / 3)
        
        for no reason...and now want to change the subject? :-)
        
        by markymarx on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:45:30 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        Unfair portrayal (none / 1)
        
        Rating comments that others have posted was on the basis of the subject. Why is it hypocritical to ask to change the subject, then?
        
        Won't vote for the Dem? I guess your kids will thank you for the far-right Supreme Court.
        
        by td on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:10:07 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        huh? (1.00 / 2)
        
        Rating comments that others have posted was on the basis of the subject.
        That passive voice sentence makes no sense either. Take a deep breath, reconsider your ratings abuse, and make a clear comment.
        There is nothing wrong with the comment you responded to at all and you gave it a "1." Now, you're giving me a "1" for no good reason as well.
        
        by markymarx on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:15:17 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        I am giving you a 1... (2.50 / 2)
        
        because it is, by definition of the name, unproductive to sit here and fight with me.
        
        Won't vote for the Dem? I guess your kids will thank you for the far-right Supreme Court.
        
        by td on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:55:44 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        fuck off (none / 1)
        
        asshole....
        
        by markymarx on Wed May 25, 2005 at 10:00:24 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        Very mature n/t (none / 1)
        
        Won't vote for the Dem? I guess your kids will thank you for the far-right Supreme Court.
        
        by td on Wed May 25, 2005 at 10:59:29 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        if not mature (none / 1)
        
        at least it was heartfelt, and to the point. unlike your ratings abuse, and other nonsense.
        
        by markymarx on Wed May 25, 2005 at 11:06:03 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        seriously (none / 1)
        
        if you scroll back, I was defending someone else against your bullying ratings abuse.
        that's it...
        
        by markymarx on Wed May 25, 2005 at 11:11:14 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        you are... (none / 1)
        
        definitely one to know about rating abuse.
        I felt a comment "Unproductive." I labeled it a one. Who made you the thought police?
        
        Won't vote for the Dem? I guess your kids will thank you for the far-right Supreme Court.
        
        by td on Wed May 25, 2005 at 11:13:28 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        that's ratings abuse (none / 1)
        
        I am not the thought police, but you're not being at all honest. He made a completely reasonable comment. He didn't attack anyone. There's no reason to give it a "1"
        Your own participation here, on the other hand, including your ratings abuse, is unproductive.
        
        by markymarx on Thu May 26, 2005 at 09:47:58 AM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        Amazing (none / 1)
        
        Stop worrying about semantics.
        Stop worrying about what other people are doing with their ratings.
        Stop the name-calling and pettiness.
        Stop calling me dishonest when you have no idea what my beliefs and intentions are.
        Start worrying about something that matters.
        
        Won't vote for the Dem? I guess your kids will thank you for the far-right Supreme Court.
        
        by td on Thu May 26, 2005 at 10:32:53 AM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        laughable (none / 1)
        
        I defended a person who's comment you rated unfairly. You abused the ratings system, and you continue refuse to admit that you were wrong. That is all.
        Over and out.
        
        by markymarx on Thu May 26, 2005 at 11:04:27 AM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        My abuse of the rating system? (none / 0)
        
        If you feel my ratings, based on my opinions, why have you felt the need to go through and zero rate all my posts based clearly on spite?
        You are obvious immature, and a negative force on the dKos community. I will not resort to swearing at you as you did to me, and I will not waste any more time arguing with a blatant troll, looking for an internet fight.
        
        Won't vote for the Dem? I guess your kids will thank you for the far-right Supreme Court.
        
        by td on Wed May 25, 2005 at 11:05:57 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        obvious=obviously n/t (none / 0)
        
        Won't vote for the Dem? I guess your kids will thank you for the far-right Supreme Court.
        
        by td on Wed May 25, 2005 at 11:10:41 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
      - One little three... (none / 0)
        
        ...won't hurt you. I've taken a fair handful of them and haven't lost my TU status.
        
        conscietious objector in the battle of the sexes
        
        by plymouth on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:32:47 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
        
        got my first zeros a (4.00 / 2)
        
        couple days ago. Feels like a right of passage, in a way. :)
        And hey! Only Carl Nyberg is supposed to be giving out 3s!!!
        
        by georgia10 on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:52:39 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
  - good point (none / 0)
    
    it's unclear, I agree
    
    by markymarx on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:47:35 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
- You gave someone a 3 (none / 1)
  
  because you didn't like the adjectives they used in describing a person? I just want to make sure I'm clear on that.
  
  There is no way to peace. Peace is the way. - Mahatma Gandhi
  
  by otis704 on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:41:35 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Well, she wouldn't like the noun, either (none / 0)
    
    I've heard her talk about being a woman in a man's field, not journalism but the WH press corps. She didn't succeed by being "lady"like.
    
    "Let all the dreamers wake the nation." -- Carly Simon
    
    by Cream City on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:57:15 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
Wat to go Ms. Thomas! (none / 0)

More power to her. Sick of these snotty bullying characters. Invitation my arse.

"conservatives are the worshipers of dead radicals".

by gandalf on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:10:26 PM PDT
- Way to go, I meant, n/t (none / 0)
  
  "conservatives are the worshipers of dead radicals".
  
  by gandalf on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:11:38 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
By *invitation*? (4.00 / 5)

What the fuck?
I've never heard that one before.
GAH!!!

Blind faith in your leaders, or in anything, will get you killed. -- Bruce Springsteen

by Plutonium Page on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:11:37 PM PDT
- Yea, & they're currently (4.00 / 7)
  
  inviting us to kiss their ass in Macy's window.
  
  Dean DNC ka-ching! button
  
  by x on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:13:23 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- exactly (4.00 / 3)
  
  Who came up with that spin? That one's GOT to swing around and spin right back at 'em.
  Jesus.
  invitation. who BUYS this crap?
  
  "Revolutionary change does not come as one cataclysmic moment...but as an endless succession of surprises, moving zigzag toward a more decent society."
  
  by saint on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:19:04 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - It's not original (4.00 / 4)
    
    It's exactly what the Soviets said when they went into Afghanistan.
    
    Ut Puto, Deus Fio
    
    by paraphrase on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:26:01 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
    - You've made the Kossacks' point exactly (n/t) (none / 0)
      
      -4.00, -5.79 | Visit Illinois Reason.
      
      by thesill on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:46:52 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
- The Same Way People Are Parents (4.00 / 14)
  
  by invitation of their children.
  (Almost exactly the same way, considering both cases begin with somebody getting screwed.)
  
  We are called to speak for the weak, for the voiceless, for victims of our nation and for those it calls enemy.... --ML King "Beyond Vietnam"
  
  by Gooserock on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:22:58 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- well sort of (none / 0)
  
  By invitation of Iraq expatriots like Chalabi who expected the US to install him at the head of the government in Iraq.
  We really don't here enough about how manipulative Chalabi was/is in getting the US to pay for (in money and blood) his ambitions.
  
  by brighton on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:43:48 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- All that oil (4.00 / 6)
  
  looked awfully inviting.
  
  by Steve M on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:00:09 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- C'mon. Every tinhorn dictator the U.S. (none / 0)
  
  has ever installed, from Diem to Thieu to Park to Marcos to the Shah to Karzai, subsequently "invited" the U.S. to install or maintain troops and military bases on their "sovereign" soil.
  Otherwise their own people would have had them out in no time.
  The "invitation" is just another step in the same old imperialism waltz.
  
  by YellowDogBlue on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:26:31 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
Flack Happens (4.00 / 7)

when a veteran newsie meets an Orwellian newsspeaker.
Here's to more carnivorous toe-to-toe, until MickeyC doesn't have a leg left to stand on.

They burn our children in their wars and grow rich beyond the dreams of avarice.

by Limelite on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:14:14 PM PDT
He'll stay... Don't forget.... (4.00 / 8)

Rummy survived, Condi survived, etc. There are great examples of fabulous failure in this administration and the people responsible always seem to fail upwards. All they require in that organization is a loyalty to the ideology no matter how much lying, cheating or stealing the job requires. McClellan seems perfectly happy not only towing the line, but also weaving it. Check out either Monday or Tuesday's briefing. I was listening to CSPAN radio so I don't know who the reporter was, but HE started it. Seems Thomas is following up. Good for her...

by inclusiveheart on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:17:52 PM PDT
- I don't know about that. (none / 0)
  
  All the others could lay low or act out vetted scripts if they where caught in a tight spot. He's out there every day and he has to improvise. If the press core goes after him, he's toast.
  
  by petewsh61 on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:11:24 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - So why don't they (none / 0)
    
    go after him?
    Or anyone else in the Bush cabal?
    Seems in many ways the press would rather feed on itself these days. They ought to give up being cannibals...
    ...and eat some TOAST, dammit.
    
    Civil marriage is a civil right.
    
    by stitchmd on Wed May 25, 2005 at 06:15:47 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
  - If the press corps goes after McClellan (none / 1)
    
    they don't get a day pass for the next briefing. This fact is common knowlege. Don't think for a second that they aren't thinking of ways to discredit Helen Thomas as we write. Her aggression may well result in payback.
    Did you ever think you'd see such a grand and devastating fall for Dan Rather? Did you ever think they could take out Newsweek? They have done it before very successfully and they will do it again. There is a reason why the endoctrinated gay prositute got his passes.
    
    by inclusiveheart on Wed May 25, 2005 at 08:40:06 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
- "...always seem to fail upwards." (none / 0)
  
  We can always hope that the higher they go, the harder they will eventually fall.
  
  "Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." - Mark Twain
  
  by Donna in Rome on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:00:56 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
I have a feeling (4.00 / 5)

That between Newsweek getting spanked over the knee of this administration, and yesterday's media forum that the media may just be sprouting little bitty cohones and will begin testing their new-found freedom to actually DO THEIR JOB and give them ACTUAL QUESTIONS to answer.
Here's to hoping so, anyway.
http://screamingme.blogspot.com/

"Revolutionary change does not come as one cataclysmic moment...but as an endless succession of surprises, moving zigzag toward a more decent society."

by saint on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:18:00 PM PDT
- asdf (4.00 / 2)
  
  Geez, somehow you've managed to maintain some optimism. Good for you; I can't say the same for myself.
  
  MA-02
  
  by Dancing Larry on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:28:27 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - I'm trying... man (4.00 / 2)
    
    REALLY trying. Some days are better than others.
    
    "Revolutionary change does not come as one cataclysmic moment...but as an endless succession of surprises, moving zigzag toward a more decent society."
    
    by saint on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:30:55 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
- Helen Thomas never lost her stones (none / 0)
  
  It's just that McClellan was too busy calling on ~~the local escort~~ JG/JG to ask her questions... That, and didn't she try to retire for a while (before realizing the Bush Administration truly was 1984 in the flesh)?
  
  -4.00, -5.79 | Visit Illinois Reason.
  
  by thesill on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:52:47 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
His arse is in a pucker (4.00 / 3)

and he has passed his sell by date. He will need a lube job for sure if he wants any more mileage with this administration.
GO HELEN GO!!!!
Sock it to 'em.

2012

by Maine Atticus on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:21:59 PM PDT
He will be promoted (4.00 / 9)

the trend in this administration is to promote someone to their point of unqualified absurdity:
--Who wrote memos advocating torture: Gonzales, so he gets promoted to the highest attorney
--Who is the world's most crass, undiplomatic thug: Bolton, so he's promoted to the nation's top diplomat
This puts Scotty squarely in line for something like Secretary of Education.

by egoldstein on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:25:15 PM PDT
- He'll resign just like Ari (none / 1)
  
  and the rest. This is not an easy job to do and most people resign before their term is up.
  
  by retired on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:31:38 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- Don't forget... (none / 1)
  
  Tenent, Franks, Bremer getting Medal of Freedom;
  Wolfie getting World Bank;
  Condi getting Sec of State;
  aaaaaand...
  Below-average student, failed businessman, and joke governor LOSING THE ELECTION and yet becoming President!!
  
  Liberal parenting funnies at The Hausfrau Blog
  
  by jamfan on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:01:49 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
He's there to stay (4.00 / 8)

He's perfect. He stands there and lies without flinching. He is a human pincushion, as I suspect will be borne out as fact when the media begins to recover their testicles and consistently asks him some Helenesque questions. That's all Bush needs -- an obfuscator with a pulse and a comb.

"I've waited all my life for a Republican Barack Obama. Now he shows up and he's a Democrat." - Frank Luntz

by The Termite on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:29:55 PM PDT
- I agree (none / 0)
  
  he's not a "top" in the Gannon vernacular.
  
  by Bill Section 147 on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:03:14 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- Yep (4.00 / 2)
  He's got no reason to leave. He's got a great job - it involves no real thought or effort, and the only qualification required is utter unconcern for one's reputation. Seriously, I've never been a spokesperson, and I hate public speaking, but I could handle it for the Bush administration, were I sufficiently shameless. I just tape my 5 standard answers to the podium and repeat them, no matter what the question.
  1. The President has every confidence in XYZ, and he's confident that the matter will be handled appropriate (or the process will work, or similar buck passing).
  2. It's all the fault of Clinton/Democrats/the media. Insert bullshit reason here, knowing you'll never be called on it.
  3. You'll have to ask the XYZ that question. Where XYZ is usually the Pentagon, but can refer to any other agency or organization.
  4. The President doesn't agree with the premise of your question.
  5. Next question!
  Cycle through those five and you'll be fine, without ever actually imparting any information. If there's a specific company line to be pushed, you can add it to the bottom of the list. Keep a handy list of keywords to drop in all the spots where you have the option to insert verbiage.
  Note that if a questioner is particularly insistent, you may have to use two or even three of these dodges on a single question. While it's bad form to use the same one twice in a row, you can do it confident that nobody will call bullshit on you.
  -7.63/-6.67
  
  by libdevil on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:42:00 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - "He's got a great job . . ." (none / 0)
    
    You forgot to mention the man-whores. :-)
    
    by corvo on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:28:08 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
Go Vote in the Lou Dobbs Poll (none / 1)

The question of the day 'is the WH trying to control the media'? When I voted it was 100-0

"I'm not going to be your monkey", Jon Stewart

by gabie on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:30:40 PM PDT
- The poll should say... (4.00 / 4)
  
  Knowing that the White House controls the media, Does that bother you?
  
  It's Obamazing!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  by Chamonix on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:35:11 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- Link? n/t (none / 0)
  
  Custom Gear for Volunteers
  
  by Illegitimi non carborundum on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:16:42 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Never mind (none / 0)
    
    Should have read downthread...
    http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/lou.dobbs.tonight/
    
    Custom Gear for Volunteers
    
    by Illegitimi non carborundum on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:24:12 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
- just wanted to say that it's now (none / 0)
  
  3780-155
  
  I got nuthin (-6.88, -6.15)
  
  by guyermo on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:23:40 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Now at 96% yes to 4% no (none / 0)
    
    Must not've hit freeperland yet.
    
    -4.00, -5.79 | Visit Illinois Reason.
    
    by thesill on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:56:35 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
    - too late (none / 0)
      
      he already broadcast the results on national tv
      
      I got nuthin (-6.88, -6.15)
      
      by guyermo on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:21:45 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
      - No it's not (none / 0)
        
        Despite having broadcast results, the poll stays open online and the data are always there to be used in the future...
        
        -8.38, -4.97 "...there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." Hamlet, Act II, Scene ii.
        
        by thingamabob on Wed May 25, 2005 at 06:33:44 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
- It is 96 - 4 now. (4.00 / 2)
  
  More Americans believe the Earth is flat than believe that the White House isn't controlling the media.
  
  "At times, to be silent is to lie."
  
  by CK Dexter Haven on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:40:24 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- Lou Dobbs (none / 0)
  
  96-4....who would click No on that survey ...Even Bush says yes!
  
  by AsH on Wed May 25, 2005 at 06:17:56 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
Ms. Thomas (4.00 / 8)

has bigger balls than every one of those White House reporters. There's something awesome about being old enough to not give a shit what people think of you or how much you might piss off the powers that be. I'm getting there.

by getmeoutofdixie on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:31:33 PM PDT
- thinking ahead... (none / 0)
  
  THOMAS/BOXER '08
  
  It's Obamazing!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  by Chamonix on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:36:32 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Wow (none / 1)
    
    God, could they kick some ass.
    
    by getmeoutofdixie on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:40:31 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
- Helen Thomas has been like that her (4.00 / 6)
  
  whole career..LOL. Never gave a damn if the powers that be liked her, her goal was to get the story and get it out. And she has been very good at it for years. Until these people came along, she used to start and finish the Presidential news conferences as the dean of the White House news corp. She would ask the first question, and then at the end, say "Thank you, Mr. President". Bush, with his "respect" for the older and more experienced, has relegated her to the back row. She is a force to be reckoned with, and this administration is scared to death of her. With reason.
  
  What happens when Bush takes Viagra? he gets taller. Robin Williams
  
  by Demfem on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:50:26 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Just was going to say the same thing (4.00 / 2)
    
    as I was raised in journalism school way too long ago to admit when to watch Helen Thomas, as I've been doing (decades, decades) ever since.
    And have heard her speak, and she had to work twice as hard and in heels, in the male domain of the WH press corps, to get where she is -- and even where she was when Scotty was in nursery school.
    
    "Let all the dreamers wake the nation." -- Carly Simon
    
    by Cream City on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:05:51 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
    - asdf (none / 0)
      
      She is a rare comodity in the world of political journalism, to be sure. I hope she has passed on her knowledge and wisdom to younger journalists, as we sure could use more of her.
      
      by getmeoutofdixie on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:25:34 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
      - One of the best kept secrets about Helen . . . (4.00 / 3)
        
        One of the best kept secrets about Helen Thomas is the number of young people, especially women, that she has inspired and mentored over the years.
        She has done more good quietly behind the scense than anyone will ever know.
        One of the benchmarks of Bush's failure as a human being is how he screwed over Helen Thomas.
        That might not be his low water mark, but it sure is very close to the bottom.
        Make no mistake about it, George W. Bush is one sorry excuse for a human being, and what he did to Helen Thomas is prima facia proof of his total lack of a moral compass and sense of values.
        
        by freepress4all on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:37:17 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
      - She does, she always has (none / 0)
        
        and beyond journalism. She is an icon in women's history as well.
        
        "Let all the dreamers wake the nation." -- Carly Simon
        
        by Cream City on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:51:17 PM PDT
        
        [ Parent ]
    - I hope that the first press conference of the (4.00 / 2)
      
      next administration(Democratic, of course!!) the first words out of the President's mouth are "Yes, Helen". And the last words of the conference are hers, "Thank you, Mr. President."
      
      What happens when Bush takes Viagra? he gets taller. Robin Williams
      
      by Demfem on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:10:14 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
He'll leave to ostensibly (none / 1)

"spend more time with his family."
Of course, in his case, it may be correct. He'll have to help his mom, Carol Keeton McClellan Rylander Strayhorn, defeat Karen Hughes for governor of Texas or some such office.

Oh well, I wasn't using that civil liberty anyway.

by think2004 on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:36:57 PM PDT
- Did You Miss Some Six Of Momma's Names? (4.00 / 3)
  
  "Carol Keeton McClellan Rylander Strayhorn"
  Is that all. Thought she had more than that.
  She must ride 'em hard and put 'em up wet.
  
  by freepress4all on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:50:19 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- He'll leave (none / 1)
  
  for Faux News.
  
  Custom Gear for Volunteers
  
  by Illegitimi non carborundum on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:19:44 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Eventually he will be back to help Mama run . . . (none / 0)
    
    Eventually he will be back in Austin, Texas to help Mama run for governor against Governo "Good Hair" Perry.
    She has not a snowballs's chance in hell of being governor of Texas.
    No one will if they cannot find a way to beat Kinky Friedman. http://www.kinkyfriedman.com/
    Ole Kinky is getting ready to open up a can of whoop ass and have some fun in Texas politics.
    
    by freepress4all on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:40:21 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
    - Just can't wait to watch (none / 0)
      
      the Kinkster eat Little Ricky alive in a televised debate.
      "Why the hell not?" indeed.
      
      by moiv on Wed May 25, 2005 at 06:14:44 PM PDT
      
      [ Parent ]
Scotty will continue to smile and blink (4.00 / 2)

and repeat his talking points ad nauseum and get beaten up worse and worse as the press remembers their jobs.
Go, Helen!!!! She didn't give a damn when she wasn't old - she was Reagan's worst nightmare.

My new bumper sticker: Cheney-Satan '08

by adigal on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:37:47 PM PDT
Invitation? (4.00 / 6)

The US was invited to invade Iraq like the gang members in San Francisco were invited to take over an 84 year-old woman's apartment, eat her meals on wheels, sell drugs from her home and keep the police and social workers out.

Reel Bad Arabs: a crash course on Orientalism

by Rusty Pipes on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:41:26 PM PDT
- I'm off topic here (none / 0)
  
  However, I am completely shocked by the news reported in the link you attached.
  How the hell does that sort of thing happen!
  Thanks for the link!
  
  Ala Ka Tile Here Caya (may we have peace in the day)
  
  by montanamatt on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:53:24 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- Interesting coincidence. Two 84 year old women (none / 0)
  
  in this diary.
  Someday we will lose Helen Thomas.
  
  Well, Mark, the President has worked to elevate the discourse in this town.
  -- Scott McClellan 5/17/2005
  
  by coloradobl on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:55:50 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
He will survive and he'll prosper (none / 0)

The bar set by this administration for competence in one's job has been set so low that it is virtually impossible to ever be fired. As long as he spouts the party line, no matter how inaccurate or lame, McClellan will survive.
What I really wonder about, however, is does he actually believe that what he is saying has even a passing acquaintance with the truth. In 10 or 15 years, will he wake up at night with nightmares of remorse for the total bullshit he spewed during this period.
I also wonder if even his mother believes a single word that comes out of his mouth.

The Constitution isn't perfect, but it's better than what we have now

by sizzzzlerz on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:41:53 PM PDT
- He'll get blamed (none / 0)
  
  When the heat is on the White House, Scott will be the first one to get blamed. He'll be canned. "Scott was lying to you all. We had no idea the Press Secretary would say those things."
  He's not one of Daddy's old friends who can spank the President when he gets uppity.
  
  Gotta make it somehow on the dreams we still believe. - R. Hunter.
  
  by mungley on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:56:31 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- He'll prosper... (none / 0)
  
  ...so he'll be able to afford the down pillows and 800 thread count linens to sleep very well, every night.
  
  "Sir, we've already lost the dock." A Zion Lieutenant to Commander Lock, The Matrix Revolutions
  
  by AuntiePeachy on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:57:03 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - And if he can't sleep (none / 1)
    
    well, good vodka is expensive, but xanax is cheap.
    From Canada, that is...OOPS!
    
    Civil marriage is a civil right.
    
    by stitchmd on Wed May 25, 2005 at 06:23:13 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
- You are correct... (none / 1)
  
  But sometimes I wonder what it would be like is Scotty just had a complete meltdown in the middle of a press conference... You know by suddenly actually answering questions honestly.
  "Yes we invaded Iraq and we did it for oil just like everyone thought. Of course I'm a cheep political hack, what did you expect from this administration."
  Ahhh, I can dream.
  
  by shwabout on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:29:51 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
I think Scotty will quit before he's fired (none / 0)

Devil's advocate - On a micro level, Scotty's skill in repeating absurd statements under fire is admirable. Scotty deserves credit for his skill at continuing to stick to scripts he's handed, that make absolutely no sense, and consistently avoiding being drawn into revealing even deeper contradictions, by simple repetition with slight variations.
I think Ari split 'cause taking heat for defending lies became too much for him.

"Think. It ain't illegal yet." - George Clinton

by jbeach on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:42:07 PM PDT
- Baghdad Scottie Will NOT (none / 0)
  
  quit. I'll bet a lot on that. He is a born hanger on and he will never achieve anything better than where he is right now.
  He is a dullard who, in the private sector, would be flippin burgers.
  At best.
  And watching Helen coming at him is like watching someone trying to flag down a train with a "Bic".
  
  You can't always tell the truth because you don't always know the truth - but you can ALWAYS be honest.
  
  by mattman on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:53:19 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Oh, I think he'll resign. (none / 1)
    
    When the idiocy reaches critical mass - even more than it has already - to a point where even he can't spin it or repeat the official line with a straight face, he'll have to get out to save himself.
    Don't they all at some point? It's got to be stressful, lying for the Presnit publicly day after day. Unless he's a pathological liar, of course. In which case expect him to wait until the Titanic starts taking a nose-dive before he hijacks the last life boat to save his own ass.
    
    by Quirkygrl on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:44:37 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
- Sounds reasonable. (none / 1)
  
  The only scenario I can think of where Scotti resigns is where the press, as a whole, gets a lot of courage and asks questions like this every time. But that likely wont happen.
  Scotti stays.
  I wonder what kind of blunder could get him fired? I mean, Scotti could be getting hammered by Gannon's "pipe bomb" right on the podium, and Gannon could ask a puff ball question while Scotti squeals, and there still would be no consequences.
  
  Investigate War Lies --> Evidence for Senate Conviction --> End the War. Got it?
  
  by bejammin075 on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:53:52 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Oh my brain! (none / 0)
    
    The image is seared into it forever!
    eek!
    
    Proud member of the Cult of Issues and Substance!
    
    by Fabian on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:01:57 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
Bet Scotti misses JG (none / 0)

Where's a tax-evading, gay male hooker/pimp fake marine with a fake name, fake journalism degree, fake news organization when you need one?
Have mercy on Scotti!

Investigate War Lies --> Evidence for Senate Conviction --> End the War. Got it?

by bejammin075 on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:48:22 PM PDT
- forgot to add (none / 0)
  
  gay-bashing gay male hooker/pimp.
  
  Investigate War Lies --> Evidence for Senate Conviction --> End the War. Got it?
  
  by bejammin075 on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:54:50 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
Torn between 6 months & empty suit (none / 1)

Scott's lame.
Like his lame duck boss.
Go, Helen.
Maybe his brother can get him a job at the FDA.
(Or wherever he works)
I like that Thomas called him on his credibility.....

Gotta make it somehow on the dreams we still believe. - R. Hunter.

by mungley on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:50:50 PM PDT
PR (none / 1)

I think there's a special place in Hell reserved for McClellan. Every time Beelzebub implements a new torture policy, poor Scott will have to inform the masses about it. Actually it won't be much of a change for him.

Welcome to Bizarro World.

by starkness on Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:58:47 PM PDT
Helen Thomas answers her email personally (none / 0)

And sent me kind words last year
A keeper.

When dealing with the insane, the best method is to pretend to be sane. - Herman Hesse

by jpwillis on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:05:14 PM PDT
- wow, that's so cool! (none / 0)
  
  I would love to chat with her for even five minutes. It does not surpirse me that she's been an important mentor of women either; women in male-dominated professions tend to do that if they're any good. And I love the Simpsons riff on her when Lisa is President -- she's a little senile, but she'd also be 100+ years old!
  
  reduce polarization -- hug a republican
  
  by golightly21 on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:55:16 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
White House media control... 94% yes (4.00 / 2)

Lou Dobbs was as close to speechless as this person has ever seen him. It was grand!

Do you think the Bush White House is trying to control the media?
Yes 96% 2910 votes
No 4% 125 votes
Total: 3035 votes

My candle burns at both ends It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - It gives a lovely light! - Edna St. Vincent Millay

by SteveK on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:09:17 PM PDT
- When he read the results? n/t (none / 0)
  
  Help me reach my Goal!
  
  by sgilman on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:11:06 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- I am for sure watching the re-play tonight. (none / 0)
  
  I got nuthin (-6.88, -6.15)
  
  by guyermo on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:50:21 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- How could anyone vote no? (none / 0)
  
  Do 125 people work in the White House?
  
  Well, Mark, the President has worked to elevate the discourse in this town.
  -- Scott McClellan 5/17/2005
  
  by coloradobl on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:58:25 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- 96/4 (none / 0)
  
  Just popped in iva your link - and since I was in the neighborhood I voted.
  4228 - 96%
  189 - 4%
  
  It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle
  
  by Catte Nappe on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:17:45 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
You go, girl! (none / 0)

Helen Thomas is the one who said:
"If George Bush is re-elected he will go down as the worst president ever."
Well, he wasn't, and he is.

by Apian on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:10:19 PM PDT
What Really Stands Out To Me (none / 1)

Is how none of the Ink-Stained Wretches in attendance helped her out with a follow up question.
The most devastating portrait of the White House press corp in action was written by Timothy Crouse in his book The Boys On The Bus. Try to run down a copy somewhere, I read and re-read this book obsessively in the mid-1970s, and remember it vividly. But for the names of the persons involved, if you read it now, you'd have a very hard time convincing yourself it wasn't written very recently. At one point, he attends a session of the afternoon WH press briefing, and when it's over says (approximate quote here) "the WH press corps conducts itself with all the dignity of the French Chamber of Deputies."
The latter grouping of homo sapiens likes to hurl epithets like "sale bete" (and much worse) back and forth, so keep that in mind as your read Crouse's devastating description of the WH hacks confronting the Neandrathal Ron Ziegler.

"L'enfer, c'est les autres." - Jean Paul Sartre, Huis Clos
"L'enfer, c'est le GOP!" - JJB, from an idea by oratorio

by JJB on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:19:00 PM PDT
Right Wing Slant (none / 0)

Wouldn't you expect conservative talk radio to ignore this exchange between Helen Thomas and Scott McClellan? They're not. Apparently, they think it makes McClellan look good!
I just heard the audio on Hugh Hewitt's show. He set up the piece by saying, "They finally let Helen Thomas back into the White House. Here she is attempting to swordfight with Scott McClellan." Then he played the whole thing... and segued into a clip of Aunt Bethany, the senile character in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Building a better RenderMan

by stabguy on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:23:43 PM PDT
I never want to hear... (none / 0)

...another word about Bill Clinton's habit of equivocation. Clinton was, at least, playing with the natural ambiguity of the English language. "Invitation", on the other hand, does not contain the least hint of "invasion".

Support Our Troops: Send the Commander-in-Chief to the Front!

by eodell on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:25:50 PM PDT
- Of course it does... (4.00 / 2)
  
  They both begin with "inv" and end with "ion".
  What more do you want?
  
  "Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." - Mark Twain
  
  by Donna in Rome on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:16:10 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
How about a LINK to the full-text? (none / 0)

I hate it when this happens. Is this about you or about Helan Thomas?
For those fans of Ms. Thomas (such as myself) who might not know how to find the source of this story, please, please add a link to the original
I'd rate the story a 4, otherwise, but the presentation gets a -5.

by Not2Me on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:30:47 PM PDT
- Sorry about that . . . . (none / 0)
  
  I will edit and add, but in the interim,
  http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050525-3.html
  It is right near the beginning of today's briefing.
  They can alwasy be found at www.whitehouse.gov
  
  by freepress4all on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:43:19 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
It is time for McClellan to resign. (none / 0)

It's obvious he no longer wants to be there; he has told one factual howler after another.

Conservatism is Dead!

by Eternal Hope on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:43:21 PM PDT
- But this is what makes Scotty so GOOD! (none / 1)
  
  It is exactly like Iraq's Minister of Information before and during the invasion(or invitation?). He stands up there slinging BS like he's cleaning the barn and transforms into a parody of himself.
  Why get some new spinmeister whose credibility will have to be trashed when you have Scotty who stands up there and lies and prays that the audience doesn't start laughing like hyenas at the spectacle?
  "C'mon Scotty, tell us another one! I haven't had a good laugh all week."
  
  Proud member of the Cult of Issues and Substance!
  
  by Fabian on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:09:21 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
helen thomas lectured... (4.00 / 2)

...at the university of northern colorado a few years ago. it was great. she said dubya was the biggest idiot she'd ever met. said jimmy carter and clinton were the two smartest guys who've ever been president and spoke with great fondness of jfk. it's killed me to see the current administration diss her so much. i miss seeing her being regularly called on in press conferences...well, i miss the regular press conferences that were more substantive in days of old, too...

The radical invents views. When he has worn them out the conservative adopts them. - Mark Twain

by FemiNazi on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:48:46 PM PDT
- i wonder what would happen if (none / 0)
  
  just once, the bush administration had a press conference where they let people finish their questions and then answer honestly.
  
  I got nuthin (-6.88, -6.15)
  
  by guyermo on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:51:51 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Might get messy (none / 0)
    
    The exodus of monkeys from sensitive areas would probably result in significant damage to the sphincter and blood loss.
    
    "... the best of us did not return." Viktor Frankl
    
    by RMeister on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:55:37 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
lol (none / 0)

I just saw this on C-SPAN 2. I heart Helen!

"I have lived with several Zen masters -- all of them cats." - Eckhart Tolle

by catnip on Wed May 25, 2005 at 04:57:39 PM PDT
- She turns 85 on August 4. Let's throw a birthday (none / 1)
  
  party.
  Assuming we still have a country in 2 months.
  Wikipedia bio
  
  Well, Mark, the President has worked to elevate the discourse in this town.
  -- Scott McClellan 5/17/2005
  
  by coloradobl on Wed May 25, 2005 at 05:01:50 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Right on! (none / 0)
    
    A strong woman li

	Yes, he will be in the job for the rest of Bush's term
35%	316 votes
	No, he will be gone within one year
9%	89 votes
	No, he will be gone within six months
11%	99 votes
	No, he might be gone within the next month
4%	38 votes
	No, he might be gone by morning
0%	3 votes
	No, he has never been there, that is only an empty suit
38%	347 votes

Helen Thomas Tears McClellan A New One (with poll)

by freepress4all

Wed May 25, 2005 at 03:08:36 PM PDT

Daily Kos Help

Tips for the Helen Thomas Fan Club (3.99 / 123)

Go Helen, go! (1.10 / 29)

I gave you a 1... (3.42 / 7)

And no books should be mistreated. (4.00 / 7)

So if I, a Zen Buddhist, said... (none / 0)

oh come on, (none / 0)

If you're going to pimp... (none / 0)

so if I fix it can I have license to pimp? (none / 0)

No, you can have a license... (none / 0)

is that like a poetic license? (none / 0)

Yes, 007. (none / 0)

I gave you a 1 b/c (none / 0)

I gave you a 1 b/c (none / 0)

Option (none / 0)

Promotion should be an option (4.00 / 2)

Seriously! (none / 0)

Would someone explain a "3"... (3.38 / 13)

it seems that the main use ... (none / 0)

A '3' (none / 1)

I think some people just can't stand to see 4.00 (3.66 / 12)

god I feel so dirty for that... (none / 0)

Contrarians of the world UNITE (none / 0)

Dyslexics of the world UNTIE (none / 1)

Considering your comment (4.00 / 4)

NO to the Apostrophe! (2.75 / 4)

3's (none / 1)

3 is (none / 0)

George Bush's "ownership society" (none / 0)

huh (none / 0)

If you knew my grammar then my use of apostrophes (none / 1)

I give threes (3.33 / 6)

That was a very thoughtful comment (3.28 / 7)

Unlike Dr. Dobson's world (3.50 / 2)

It's a Carl Nyberg "4" (none / 1)

a 3 is like: I like you (none / 0)

Hey.... (none / 0)

Steve Garvy (none / 0)

I say "good" (4.00 / 2)

So, if she is after the turth, why not like her? (4.00 / 2)

I thought (3.66 / 3)

Then why screw with my mojo with a 3? (2.57 / 7)

Let's shift concern from MOJO to ISSUES. (3.28 / 7)

I Agree n/t (4.00 / 2)

then mojo me w/ a 4! (3.00 / 7)

Ok there is your 4 (none / 1)

Unnecessary... (none / 0)

you handed out the 1 (2.33 / 3)

Unfair portrayal (none / 1)

huh? (1.00 / 2)

I am giving you a 1... (2.50 / 2)

fuck off (none / 1)

Very mature n/t (none / 1)

if not mature (none / 1)

seriously (none / 1)

you are... (none / 1)

that's ratings abuse (none / 1)

Amazing (none / 1)

laughable (none / 1)

My abuse of the rating system? (none / 0)

obvious=obviously n/t (none / 0)

One little three... (none / 0)

got my first zeros a (4.00 / 2)

good point (none / 0)

You gave someone a 3 (none / 1)

Well, she wouldn't like the noun, either (none / 0)

Wat to go Ms. Thomas! (none / 0)

Way to go, I meant, n/t (none / 0)

By *invitation*? (4.00 / 5)

Yea, & they're currently (4.00 / 7)

exactly (4.00 / 3)

It's not original (4.00 / 4)

You've made the Kossacks' point exactly (n/t) (none / 0)

The Same Way People Are Parents (4.00 / 14)

well sort of (none / 0)

All that oil (4.00 / 6)

C'mon. Every tinhorn dictator the U.S. (none / 0)

By invitation? (4.00 / 5)