"transparent" government but NOT Transparent trips.

[atprm]

ALERT: President Obama in Baghdad

BAGHDAD (AP) -- On a trip shrouded in secrecy, President Barack Obama flew into Iraq on Tuesday for a brief look at a war he opposed as a candidate and now vows to end as commander in chief.

Obama flew into the country hours after a car bomb exploded in a Shiite neighborhood of the capital city, a deadly reminder of the violence that has claimed the lives at least 4,266 members of the U.S. military and thousands more Iraqis since March 2003.

The visit came at the conclusion of a long overseas trip that included economic and NATO summits in Europe and two days in Turkey.

Shortly before leaving Turkey, the president held out Iraq as an example of the change he seeks in policies inherited from former President George W. Bush.

"Moving the ship of state takes time," he told a group of students in Istanbul. He noted his long-standing opposition to the war, yet said, "Now that we're there," the U.S. troop withdrawal has to be done "in a careful enough way that we don't see a collapse into violence."

In office only 11 weeks, Obama has already announced plans to withdraw most U.S. combat troops on a 19-month timetable. The drawdown is to begin slowly, so American forces can provide security for Iraqi elections, then accelerate in 2010. As many as 50,000 troops are expected to remain in the country at the end of the 19 months to perform counterterrorism duties. (underlined for mikej's benefit -- most everyone else knew this)

Tuesday's trip was Obama's third to Iraq, and his first since taking office. He met with U.S. commanders and troops last summer while seeking the presidency.

Because of security concerns, the White House made no advance announcement of the visit, and released no details for his activities on the ground.

It was the last stop of an eight-day trip to Europe and Turkey during which Obama sought to place his stamp on U.S. foreign policy after eight years of the Bush administration.

He and other world leaders pledged cooperation to combat a global recession, and he appealed with limited success for additional assistance in Afghanistan, a war he has vowed to intensify. The new president drew large crowds as he offered repeated assurances that the United States would not seek to dictate to other countries.

"I am personally committed to a new chapter of American engagement. We can't afford to talk past one another, to focus only on our differences, or to let the walls of mistrust go up around us." Obama said before leaving Turkey. The visit to a nation that straddles Europe and Asia was designed to signal a new era. He had pledged as a candidate to visit a majority-Muslim nation in his first 100 days in office.

The president flew into Baghdad, and was spending his day at Camp Victory, where he arranged to speak to some of the 140,000 U.S. troops stationed in the country. He was awarding medals to several.

Plans to travel to the Green Zone - the heavily fortified U.S. nerve center in Baghdad - were scrapped because of bad weather.

Instead, officials said the president would speak by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani.

While U.S. casualties are down sharply from the war's height, there were constant reminders of violence. A half-dozen bombs rocked Shiite neighborhoods on Monday, killing 37 people. There was no immediate death toll available from the car bomb incident that occurred a few hours before the president arrived on Tuesday.

The military is in the process of thinning out its presence ahead of a June 30 deadline, under a U.S.-Iraq agreement negotiated last year that requires all American combat troops to leave Iraq's cities. As that process moves forward, the increase in bombings and other incidents is creating concern that extremists may be regrouping.

There was no indication Obama planned to visit Afghanistan before flying home to Washington aboard Air Force One, although he has emphasized the importance of that war over Iraq

Little more than a week ago, the president announced a revamped Afghanistan strategy that calls for adding 21,000 troops, narrowing the focus from nation-building to stamping out the Taliban and al-Qaida and broadening the mission to include pressure on Pakistan to root out terrorist camps in its lawless regions.

Afghanistan was a big topic of conversation with fellow world leaders on the earlier portion of Obama's trip, particularly the part that took him to a NATO summit in Strasbourg, France.

Obama's opposition to the Iraq war helped him enormously in his campaign for the presidency. It helped him defeat former rival - now Secretary of State - Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Iowa caucuses that were the first test of the race, and aided his campaign against Republican Sen. John McCain last fall.

The end-the-war plan Obama announced in February was aimed at fulfilling his campaign promise to end combat in Iraq within 16 months of taking office. Contrary to hopes among some Democrats and grass-roots supporters, the plan calls for a 19-month timetable instead.



so mikej asked "what's the difference?" the difference is 3 months -- do you know how many people can DIE in 3 months???

[hesnothere]

From what I understood when I saw this on the news before, most of these visits are done unannounced for security reasons. Former President Bush did the same thing

U.S. President George W. Bush made an unannounced farewell visit to Baghdad on Sunday, just weeks before he leaves office and bequeaths the unpopular Iraq war to President-elect Barack Obama. Slipping out of the White House over the weekend, Bush flew secretly to the Iraqi capital to hold talks with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and address a rally of U.S. troops.
http://www.welt.de/english-news/article2876129/George-W-Bush-visits-Iraq-for-the-last-time.html

[whatever]

so mikej asked "what's the difference?" the difference is 3 months -- do you know how many people can DIE in 3 months???
You mean they are shooting "REAL" bullets? lol Okay BAD joke
NOT only that more people die , more families in dispair, more time away from home, more trauma these troops can witness and the list goes on.......

[hesnothere]

so mikej asked "what's the difference?" the difference is 3 months -- do you know how many people can DIE in 3 months???
You mean they are shooting "REAL" bullets? lol Okay BAD joke
NOT only that more people die , more families in dispair, more time away from home, more trauma these troops can witness and the list goes on.......

I actually don't think he said this, I don't see it posted anywhere. Perhaps the OP was anticipating a similar reply?

Apparently he did make this statement in another thread, I stand corrected.

[whatever]

I actually don't think he said this, I don't see it posted anywhere. Perhaps the OP was anticipating a similar reply?

I'm taking it from atprm's post.......
So you'll have to ask her. I do believe I think I saw it posted somewhere. Don't recall where however. Because i'm not on here for hours scanning thru posts. But I know he (mike) disputed alot of Obama stuff with these ladies.

[atprm]

he did ask it on another post about something similar...

he said -- edited -- found the post ... see below ...

3 months is still 3 months...

[ElleGee]

If we weren't there to begin with ..........

[atprm]

The biggest difference between Bush's secret trips and Obama's is...

Bush never promised a transparent government.

[jeanea33]

I actually don't think he said this, I don't see it posted anywhere. Perhaps the OP was anticipating a similar reply?


You will have to read the link. I believe this was the discussion referred too.

http://www.bigbigforums.com/news-information/616779-imagine-if-obama-had-told-truth-gasp.html




The troops are scheduled to leave Iraq. So, it's a couple of months after he originally promised; big deal!

He's getting the dog this month. Did you think that it would be the very first order of business? If so, you're a EDITED.

When did he ever promise to "take care" of the auto industry? Nobody ever held out any hope for Chrysler. GM will survive as will Ford.

[atprm]

I just found it ... but Jeanea beat me to posting it.


So, I stand a bit corrected -- but it has the same impact....


"a couple of months after he promised ... big deal"

it is a big deal to the families of our military, and to our military members...

[freeby4me]

I can understand why some of you would want him to be transparent with it, after all, the easier for someone to attempt or succeed in an assasination.

[jeanea33]

I just found it ... but Jeanea beat me to posting it.


So, I stand a bit corrected -- but it has the same impact....


"a couple of months after he promised ... big deal"

it is a big deal to the families of our military, and to our military members...



It's not even a couple months later. If we are leaving 50,000 soliders in Iraq, we are not pulling all the way out. All the way out to me is 0 left behind.

[hesnothere]

I can understand why some of you would want him to be transparent with it, after all, the easier for someone to attempt or succeed in an assasination.

Other than it being protocol, it's just plain ole common sense that this particular part of his very public trip would be a secret to most until absolutely necessary.

[atprm]

I can understand why some of you would want him to be transparent with it, after all, the easier for someone to attempt or succeed in an assasination.

that's a little presumptious to group a "lot" of people together under that guise.

I wouldn't wish death on anyone or the repercussions for their family.

Don't you think letting the press know that 500+ staff were going overseas (to what has turned out to be hostile areas) a risk as well? that was transparency on his part...except for his "quickie"

[Jolie Rouge]

Tuesday, April 07, 2009
After Apologizing For the Liberation of Iraq All Week
... Obama Arrives in Baghdad

http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/04/after-apologizing-for-liberation-of.html

For the past week Barack Obama has traveled Europe attacking President Bush and apologizing for the liberation of Iraq from the brutal Saddam Hussein regime. http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/04/president-oba-8.html

Just hours ago Obama landed in Baghdad for a surprise visit.

For some reason the media payed little attention to the thousands who protested Obama in Turkey. http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=f4e6d114-40f7-450f-bb91-7fa2ed6e40d0&Headline=Thousands+demonstrate+against+US%2c+NATO% 3a+Turkey


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L6pDyjqqsvY/SdtxaQMpu6I/AAAAAAAAa-Y/QskSYJQJ158/s1600-h/obama+turkey.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L6pDyjqqsvY/SdtxaQMpu6I/AAAAAAAAa-Y/QskSYJQJ158/s1600-h/obama+turkey.jpg
Turkish demonstrators step on a poster of U.S. President Barack Obama during a protest in Istanbul April 7, 2009. (REUTERS/Gurcan Ozturk)

Reuters reported: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N07443261.htm


U.S. President Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to Baghdad on Tuesday, marking a new chapter in his strategy to wind down the unpopular war in Iraq and shift the United States' military focus to Afghanistan.

The White House said that Obama would meet U.S. commanders and troops, and speak to Iraqi leaders by telephone. He would call the Iraqi leaders because bad weather prevented helicopter travel to see them in person, the White House said.


To the media and liberals- It's always about "winding down the unpopular war."

It's never about winning.

Although, Obama and the liberal media ignore the good news, the US is making incredible gains in Iraq. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/5094461/American-Iraq-deaths-hit-all-time-low.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_L6pDyjqqsvY/Sdtdrzg8xyI/AAAAAAAAa-Q/pwv8E_VgN7Y/s1600-h/us+deaths+in+iraq
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_L6pDyjqqsvY/Sdtdrzg8xyI/AAAAAAAAa-Q/pwv8E_VgN7Y/s1600-h/us+deaths+in+iraq
The number of American troops killed in Iraq in March dropped to single figures for the first time since the war began in 2003. The US lost 9 soldiers in March, the lowest number of US deaths since the 2003 invasion.

You have to wonder what the soldiers currently serving in Iraq think of this visit?

UPDATE: KCMike adds this:

Maybe he's there to change the name from Camp Victory to "Camp Apologize" or "Camp Retreat"???


Not that that would surprise us.


I can understand why some of you would want him to be transparent with it, after all, the easier for someone to attempt or succeed in an assasination.

One must wonder where your heart and mind is - who said anything about assasinatins ? Seems that certain tender hearted liberal were the ones casting curses and deathwishes at the Bush administration ... I have not noticed anyone HERE saying that kind of trashtalk ...

[justice250]

Think Obama would put Saddam back in power if he could?

[whatever]

I can understand why some of you would want him to be transparent with it, after all, the easier for someone to attempt or succeed in an assasination.

I think thats a little radical to say. But I guess its no different than innuendos saying we are racist if we don't like Obama either. lol

[Jolie Rouge]

Our Dear Leader explained his surprise drive-by visit to one of America's overseas contingency operation sites today with the press: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032402818.html



A trip to Iraq was critical because progress in a country rocked by a new round of bombings lies "in political solutions."


Political solutions?

Political progress will not get Al-Qaeda from blowing up women & children in markets.
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/02/iraqi-woman-had-80-women-raped-turned.html Series of bombings in Baghdad Shiite areas kill 37 April 6, 2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090406/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq
Death toll rises to 8 in Baghdad car bombing April 7, 2009 http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/07/content_11144491.htm
He can't be that naive.

He just can't be?

Right ??

It appears that Obama thinks his mere presence and aura will help “resolve problems.” http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ml_obama_iraq;_ylt=Asm8bwf3Cd4cnMGMrZgBIECs0NUE;_y lu=X3oDMTJlZ29ubjNrBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkwNDA3L21sX29 iYW1hX2lyYXEEY3BvcwMxBHBvcwMyBHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3Rvc nkEc2xrA29iYW1haW5iYWdoZA--



“It’s important for us to use all of our influence to encourage the parties to resolve these issues in ways that are equitable. I think that my presence here can help do that,” he said.


Because of reported bad weather, he won’t make it into the IZ (still called the Green Zone by some) to talk with Iraqi leaders. Instead, he’ll be at Camp Victory making phone calls and meeting with Iraqi PM al Maliki. Later, according to ABC News, he’ll participate in a ceremony awarding 10 Medals of Valor.

Let’s hope he refrains from telling the troops they’re fighting in a “dumb war.” http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=7272544&page=1



Army officers had intended to have at least 1,500 troops from Camp Victory and nearby Camp Liberty, but the secret trip happened faster than expected, beating most of the troops by a couple of hours.

Only about 600 made it to his dog and pony show.

I can only imagine the scorn the Left would heap on President Bush if this had been his trip (drive-by visit! dog-and-pony show! holed up on a military base instead of getting out among the people! bad weather? b.s.!)…

[freeby4me]

I think thats a little radical to say. But I guess its no different than innuendos saying we are racist if we don't like Obama either. lol

I have defended far right Republicans who voted for McCain and I stood my ground defending them and told everyone who would read that their reasoning for not voting for Obama has nothing to do with the color of his skin.

Its for security reasons that they dont announce the Presidents trips to Iraq, same for Bush. I'm not exactly "stretching" with what I said.

[hesnothere]

I have defended far right Republicans who voted for McCain and I stood my ground defending them and told everyone who would read that their reasoning for not voting for Obama has nothing to do with the color of his skin.

Its for security reasons that they dont announce the Presidents trips to Iraq, same for Bush. I'm not exactly "stretching" with what I said.

But Free don't you understand? It's security when it's every other president. When it's Obama, it's deception.

[LuvBigRip]

Ok, so he is supposed to announce he is going into a war zone? I am not an Obama fan, but I can't imagine that he, or any sitting President would announce a trip to a war zone. Hell, didn't one of the princes get sent home when people found out where he was?

[freeby4me]

But Free don't you understand? It's security when it's every other president. When it's Obama, it's deception.

Yea, I know it. I just call BS when I see it. If someone doesnt like Obama thats just fine and dandy but theres no need to make crap up just to stir crap.

Everyone knows what his transparency was meant to be and if someone seriously wants to make something out of this then all I can think of is why? Well, its quite obvious, they'd just love for him to be attempted to be assisinated over there or worse. Especially Atprm and her blatant hatred of anyone who's even remotely ARAB.

If you want to b*tch about him, do it about stuff that at least makes sense.

[mikej]

so mikej asked "what's the difference?" the difference is 3 months -- do you know how many people can DIE in 3 months???
You mean they are shooting "REAL" bullets? lol Okay BAD joke
NOT only that more people die , more families in dispair, more time away from home, more trauma these troops can witness and the list goes on.......

Where are you coming from? What's the difference about what? I loathe unclear references.

Security is far from good in Iraq or Afghanistan. It's sick to joke about civilians or soldiers being shot. When you consider that we have taken more than a million lives in Iraq, to joke about the grief of an entire nation is in extremely poor taste.

Since you don't seem to know how many people can die in 3 months, I shall tell you. 6.77 billion can die in the course of 3 months. That's the same amount of people that can die in 3 seconds.

despair (correct spelling)
dispair (incorrect spelling)

[atprm]

http://www.bigbigforums.com/news-information/616779-imagine-if-obama-had-told-truth-gasp.html

The troops are scheduled to leave Iraq. So, it's a couple of months after he originally promised; big deal![/QUOTE]



what a difference a whole week makes, huh??



Where are you coming from? What's the difference about what? I loathe unclear references.

Security is far from good in Iraq or Afghanistan. It's sick to joke about civilians or soldiers being shot. When you consider that we have taken more than a million lives in Iraq, to joke about the grief of an entire nation is in extremely poor taste.

Since you don't seem to know how many people can die in 3 months, I shall tell you. 6.77 billion can die in the course of 3 months. That's the same amount of people that can die in 3 seconds.

despair (correct spelling)
dispair (incorrect spelling)

[SurferGirl]

MikeJ, didn't your parents ever teach you that it was impolite to correct other people's spelling.

This is a board, not a spelling class.

[pepperpot]

Where are you coming from? What's the difference about what? I loathe unclear references.

Security is far from good in Iraq or Afghanistan. It's sick to joke about civilians or soldiers being shot. When you consider that we have taken more than a million lives in Iraq, to joke about the grief of an entire nation is in extremely poor taste.

Since you don't seem to know how many people can die in 3 months, I shall tell you. 6.77 billion can die in the course of 3 months. That's the same amount of people that can die in 3 seconds.

despair (correct spelling)
dispair (incorrect spelling)

Not this carp again....:sigh:


Won't mention run on sentences nor the absense of links to back up stats.....:rolleyes:

[ahippiechic]

Ok, before I get more complaints about this.....

No one has to post any links, no one has to back up anything they post.
Because this is not a debate forum.

You can post your opinion on the story.

[pepperpot]

I just did a google search on Iraq casualties...this is what I found (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr2jlCyCJBI):rolleyes:

[pepperpot]

Ok, before I get more complaints about this.....

No one has to post any links, no one has to back up anything they post.
Because this is not a debate forum.

You can post your opinion on the story.

JMO if you post some stats, it's more credible if you can substantiate them.... making up numbers is not an opinion...it's lying....:shrug

[Jolie Rouge]

Who’s using the military as a “global propaganda machine” now, AP?

The Associated Press has really outdone itself. Just look at this headline:


Analysis: Obama achieves defining TV shot in Iraq

It’s a drool-drenched piece on Obama’s masterful “achievement” — manipulating a politically expedient photo op with the troops in Baghdad. The AP “analysis” — or rather, adjunct public relations release — praises Obama for creating an image that will help him politically: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090407/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_iraq_analysis;_ylt=ApOeONq3tQXBZJ6Lb9G90K4D5 gcF


President Barack Obama went for the defining television shot in Iraq and got it — pictures of hundreds of U.S. troops cheering wildly as he told them it was time for the Iraqis to take charge of their own future.

The war zone photo opportunity produced a stunning show of appreciation for Obama from military men and women who have made great sacrifices, many serving repeated tours in a highly unpopular war.
And the televised outpouring of affection likely will prove critical to the credibility of a new and liberal commander in chief as he tries to sell U.S. warriors and the American public on the grim prospects now facing them in Afghanistan.


So.... Using American troops to “achieve a defining TV shot” is a stroke of genius if you are Barack Obama.

But heaven forbid a Republican president ever dare to be pictured with our troops — and heaven forbid a Republican president take precautions to ensure that suspected Iraqi insurgents aren’t posing as journalists for hostile Western media outlets.

Flashback: AP chief: Bush turned military into global propaganda machine. http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/17035

Tools. :rolleyes:
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/04/08/whos-using-the-military-as-a-global-propaganda-machine-now-ap/

[Jolie Rouge]

White House e-mail gaffe by “sleep-deprived” staffer is revealing


A few weeks ago, President Obama complained about being so darned tired and overwhelmed that he couldn’t deal with international matters and economic crises at the same time.

The fish snoozes from the head down. A White House staffer who apparently shares Obama’s weariness was so “sleep-deprived,” reports CNN, that he/she sent out a draft schedule *with private staffers’ notes attached*

D’oh:


The White House Press Office accidentally e-mailed a draft version of President Obama’s Thursday schedule on Wednesday night that included the back-and-forth between White House staffers.

Members of the media got a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into President Obama’s schedule.

The e-mail, sent on a daily basis to inform the media of the next day’s events, at first appeared to be like any other press schedule. But at the bottom of the e-mail, there was a series of exchanges from the press team, as well as a draft of the schedule.

The first section of the schedule noted that in the morning, Obama planned to talk with homeowners who have refinanced their homes and benefited from lower mortgage payments.

One staffer, recommending changes to that line, wrote to “put more emphasis on the real people aspect of this.” …The White House says the error was made by a sleep-deprived staffer, adding that the staffer will not suffer repercussions for the mistake.


The most revealing part of the draft schedule gaffe:



In another exchange, one staffer recommended nixing a line about Obama meeting with leaders from the Veterans Service Organizations and Military Service Organizations since the president was now meeting with them before his remarks in an event closed to the media.


“Can we keep it and just change it to say before. It[']s good for us to say we are meeting with them,” another replied. “It’s good for us to say we are meeting with them.”

If this were Bush, of course, the media would pound his administration for cynically exploiting a meeting with veterans for political expediency.

But since it’s Obama, he’s just “achieving another moment.”



The White House says the error was made by a sleep-deprived staffer, adding that the staffer will not suffer repercussions for the mistake.

Why do I have a feeling that those already under the bus are about to get some more company.

[Jolie Rouge]

A few weeks ago, President Obama complained about being so darned tired and overwhelmed that he couldn’t deal with international matters and economic crises at the same time.

:link: http://www.michaelgraham.com/post/2009/03/09/Obamas-Tired-So-Tired.aspx

[atprm]

I hear a bus horn beeping.

[whatever]

]
Where are you coming from? What's the difference about what? I loathe unclear references.

Security is far from good in Iraq or Afghanistan. It's sick to joke about civilians or soldiers being shot. When you consider that we have taken more than a million lives in Iraq, to joke about the grief of an entire nation is in extremely poor taste.

Since you don't seem to know how many people can die in 3 months, I shall tell you. 6.77 billion can die in the course of 3 months. That's the same amount of people that can die in 3 seconds.

despair (correct spelling)
dispair (incorrect spelling)

Well No schit more can die thats the whole point!!!! WE have not taken lives in Iraq. Terriorists,soldiers etc. have. So don't lump ME in with THEM!
I don't believe in the war, NEVER have, NEVER will. ANd what part of BAD joke I know was hard ass english for you? You do read english don't you?
And we have been at war for years and NOT EVEN CLOSE to a million have died, so where you come up with a billion is beyond me. It would not fall on our soldiers if that happened or are you saying it would? Because if so you are puting them down.
And references, you have YET to give any for your info. So don't even get me started!

[Jolie Rouge]

:beep: :beep: :beep: :beep: the horn went :beep: :beep: :beep:

[Jolie Rouge]

Staged Military Photo Ops Suddenly Awesome
posted at 6:54 am on April 14, 2009 by Jim Treacher
http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2009/04/14/staged-military-photo-ops-suddenly-awesome/

Back in 2003, the left was astonished and dismayed that George W. Bush got such a warm Thanksgiving welcome from our troops in Iraq, even after he was evil enough to send our troops to Iraq. So what did our friends on the port side do? Oh, the usual: They concocted a controversy out of whole cloth.

“Hey, that Thanksgiving turkey Bush was carrying looked pretty fake. Wait a second, I know… It was plastic! What a perfect metaphor for this whole fake war! Plastic turkey, plastic president. Am I right, people?”


They weren’t right. They didn’t even bother to find out if they were. But that didn’t stop this weird, fact-free, too-good-to-check meme from oozing through the Internet until it finally dripped onto the desks of our finest bastion of journalistic certitude, the New York Times. Here’s what Richard L. Berke said about it on July 4, 2004, in the middle of a thumbsucker about John Kerry (remember him?) trying to find some way to grab the nation’s attention. Kerry was having a tough time because, well, he’s John Kerry. But also because the wicked and nefarious George Bush kept stealing the spotlight:

http://michellemalkin.cachefly.net/hotair.com/greenroom/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/notfake.jpg


And how does Mr. Kerry top the suspense-filled plot line of this White House, which regularly negotiates hairpin turns? Just last week, the handover of Iraq happened two days earlier than expected.
There are also the manufactured surprises, like Mr. Bush’s cloak-and-dagger Thanksgiving trip to Baghdad, which drew praise even from Democrats. (The public relations bonanza fizzled after the press reported that Mr. Bush had posed with a mouth-watering - but fake - turkey.)

It took a week for the NYT to issue a correction, but at least they finally did:


An article last Sunday about surprises in politics referred incorrectly to the turkey carried by President Bush during his unannounced visit to American troops in Baghdad over Thanksgiving. It was real, not fake.
Which would seem to be no small matter, considering that this “fact” was being used far and wide to triumphantly prove the fundamental fakeness of the Bush administration. But then, this is the same newspaper that, just two months later, would run the headline “Memos on Bush Are Fake but Accurate, Typist Says.”

Fake, real, accurate, inaccurate… whatever!

Despite the NYT’s correction, the meme of “Bush’s plastic turkey proves he sucks and stuff” survives to this day, still popping up occasionally on the Internet and in “reputable” publications all over the world. Just ask the great Tim Blair, who has served as Turkey-Tracker #1 ever since the first outbreak of this particular form of mental illness.

Which brings us to 2009, and a new president who’s on record as saying our troops in Afghanistan are “just air-raiding villages and killing civilians” indiscriminately. A president who opposed the Iraq War and, during his brief, stepping-stone tenure as a senator, voted against the surge. A president who’s even more image-conscious than most (mainly because it’s his one and only qualification for the job), and who’s obviously stung by the rather lukewarm reception he’s received from military audiences in the early days of his presidency.

So you’re the president, you’re making a surprise visit to Iraq, and you want to look good. But so far, the troops haven’t really been falling all over themselves whenever you glide into the room. What do you do?

How do you shut up those pundits who dare to take note of reality? Well, according to Macsmind:
…about that “surprise visit”. http://macsmind.com/wordpress/2009/04/07/about-that-obama-iraq-visit/

It wasn’t. The visit was communicated a full 24 hours in advance and a small contingent of soldiers - not screaming hordes - were rustled into a meeting place at Camp Victory.

Got this email from a sergeant that was there.


We were pre-screened, asked by officials “Who voted for Obama?”, and then those who raised their hands were shuffled to the front of the receiving line. They even handed out digital cameras and asked them to hold them up.

Take a look at the picture at AP and notice all the cameras are the same models. Coincidence? I think not.

http://michellemalkin.cachefly.net/hotair.com/greenroom/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/obamasuprisevisittoiraq2.jpg



How do you make sure a crowd likes you? Screen out anybody who didn’t vote for you. Even if they’re serving their country under your watch.

Flopping Aces and Redstate have followed up on this. Will they be the only ones? Will the American press try to confirm or debunk this claim? Will it make its way to the hallowed halls of the NYT?

Guess it all depends on how eager they really are to flush out a fake turkey.


Whoops, sorry, I forgot… Allegedly.

[pepperpot]

Take a look at the picture at AP and notice all the cameras are the same models. Coincidence? I think not.


:rolling: