Bush stuns congressional Republicans by crashing Iraq meeting
posted at 7:51 pm on July 16, 2007 by Allahpundit
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Kind of awesome, if perhaps unnecessary. Hey — when a man with a 29% approval rating tells you to do something, you do it:
President Bush shocked Capitol Hill staffers and Republican leaders Monday when he crashed a meeting at the White House to deliver a blunt message that he wasn’t backing down on Iraq and Republicans need to understand that.
“It was stunning,” said one GOP aide who attended the meeting. “We couldn’t believe he came in.”
“We kept looking at each other, amazed he came in,” said another Republican aide.
Bush was described as folksy, adamant and mildly profane as he interrupted the meeting between senior White House communications staffers Tony Snow and Ed Gillespie and GOP leaders. His message: the policy on Iraq isn’t changing. He is not backing down and no one on Capitol Hill should be confused into thinking he is letting up.
The interruption precedes what is expected to be an all-nighter in the Senate on Tuesday, ordered by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as a way to protest GOP blocking tactics on moves to compel U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq…
Senate Republican leaders, alerted to Reid’s plans on Monday, said they have the votes to keep the president’s surge policy in place, at least for now, and called Reid’s up-all-night gambit a stunt that wouldn’t change any minds.
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Uhm, hes President – how does he crash a meeting with his own mouthpiece in the White House?
Neo on July 16, 2007 at 7:55 PM
Thank you, President Bush.
Now.. if we could only get you to do that with the shamnesty bill, but this time, how about you choose the right side, this time.
ataloss on July 16, 2007 at 7:57 PM
Ohhh… you mean the President was giving Personal Direction to his staff??? and ensuring the party Hacks were there to hear it???
Go PRES!!! This is the guy I liked… not the wimpy Bush we’ve seen the last couple of years!
Romeo13 on July 16, 2007 at 7:57 PM
It’s tough to explain Neo, but it can be done. I live alone, but I crash my own dinner on a pretty regular basis.
And oh yeah, there is no spoon.
RightWinged on July 16, 2007 at 7:57 PM
It’s about time.
boomer on July 16, 2007 at 7:58 PM
Rasmussen says 39%
tarpon on July 16, 2007 at 7:59 PM
Oh and for what it’s worth, I’d be as excited as the rest of you, had he done this 6 months in to the war, when all those Dems who had previously supported it and spent 13 years arguing for it decided to do a 180 because they had a year until the 2004 elections. If he had “crashed” meetings then, I believe the situation wouldn’t be as it is… but I have trouble supporting staying there in our current role, because as long as there are Democrats they’ll promise the enemy that if they just keep up the attacks and causing chaos, they (the Democrats) will force us to surrender. I’ve said it hundreds of times, if we were a united front, most of what is going on in Iraq wouldn’t be going on because they’d recognize that it was pointless. But the democrats promise a surrender from us is on the horizon so the enemy has a reason to get up and fight each day.
Again, for that reason, I have trouble wanting to stay there because no matter what happens the Dems will do what they’ve done since 6 months in. Promise to retreat. They’re evil SoBs and care about nothing but winning elections, even if that means giving a victory to terrorism, which in turn is a recruiting tool, not to mention how many will follow us here, say nothing of those Americans that will have died in vain.
RightWinged on July 16, 2007 at 8:03 PM
I’m with the crowd here-
President “crashes” meeting being held in the White House by his own staff……..hmmmmm….. How exactly does that happen unless one joins Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in thinking that all the power resides at the other end of Pennsylvania Ave?
highhopes on July 16, 2007 at 8:03 PM
Leadership has a way of confusing the hacks in D.C.
Next, Night Of The Long Knives for RHINOS.
Hening on July 16, 2007 at 8:05 PM
OK, who mail Boosh back his balls?
Wade on July 16, 2007 at 8:13 PM
Makes me wish Bush would crash more meetings.
.
GT on July 16, 2007 at 8:14 PM
Give them hell Mr. president . . . but be careful, Reid will surely threaten to jump up and down and hold his breath until he turns blue.
rplat on July 16, 2007 at 8:20 PM
*Bush kicks open the door walks in wearing his cowboy hat and pair of six shooters” lol
EnochCain on July 16, 2007 at 8:25 PM
Thank you Mr. President! I wish you would crash more meetings with the RINOS and let them know just what the hell they are supposed to be doing. The one thing that I remember about LBJ was that if one of his party was going against what he was for, a visit to the woodshed would not be far behind! We need more of this, not less!
NEMETI IN SYRACUSE on July 16, 2007 at 8:26 PM
Now, George fights for a national security cause like he should have all along.
Now, George is paying attention to ROE that should have been place all along.
Now, George should acknowledge the threat flooding across our southern border and give the same attention to fundamental sovereignty, if you can’t beat us George..join us.
Speakup on July 16, 2007 at 8:32 PM
“>Now you know the rest of the story!
sonnyspats1 on July 16, 2007 at 8:33 PM
“>Story II
sonnyspats1 on July 16, 2007 at 8:34 PM
Story III link
sonnyspats1 on July 16, 2007 at 8:35 PM
You do if you only have half the approval ratings he does.
amerpundit on July 16, 2007 at 8:36 PM
In an unrelated story, British Citizen Austin Powers was seen leaving the White House today… when asked about why he was there he just said “Mojo, Baby”….
Romeo13 on July 16, 2007 at 8:37 PM
“Dammit y’all, I ain’t changin’ mah mind!”
infidel4life on July 16, 2007 at 8:38 PM
I agree that it’s about durned time.
He could have been doing the same thing with his VETO pen. Oh well, with so little good coming out right now, I guess I will enjoy this one moment of genuine LEADERSHIP!
JannyMae on July 16, 2007 at 8:39 PM
If this is how Bush plays hardball, it’s an awfully small ball. I don’t take this show of ‘resolve’ seriously.
I lost all confidence in this president a while ago. The list of reasons is long, but it boils down to weakness in the face of liberalism and liberals’ obvious betrayal of America in favor of Islamofascism.
At this point, I won’t trust or back Bush unless he fires off a few baby nukes on those terror training camps reported to be in Iran.
Liam on July 16, 2007 at 8:40 PM
Well, thank goodness I didn’t dismantle my Bush Shrine. But dang it! Now I guess I’m going to have to rummage through the trash and retrieve my Bush bumper sticker.
Laura! I know you’re here tonight. Any tips on how to reapply it???
RushBaby on July 16, 2007 at 8:42 PM
George….where ya been? Have a beer…take a hand full of rinds…and keep punching noses. Welcome back Mr. President.
Limerick on July 16, 2007 at 8:44 PM
I, for one, really dig this. I know it could’ve, should’ve been done long ago, but with the domestic fight reaching a crescendo, I think this kind of direct, behind-the-scenes, involvement is quite right. The fact that it is playing out in the press the way it is, is also helpful. Remember, both the Pres. and support for the war effort, have higher approval ratings than congress; that’s net political capital, baby. This news, along with Pace suggesting that they will actually increase and extend the surge, is going to drive the Dems. over the edge. The next week should be very interesting.
Weight of Glory on July 16, 2007 at 8:47 PM
Wow. Good to see that W hasn’t completely been neutered.
O/T – Just saw the Boss and KP on O’Reilly. Pretty good segment. Just so you know AP, Kirstin is almost one of us.
BacaDog on July 16, 2007 at 8:47 PM
If it was Clinton, he wouldn’t have crashed the meeting. He would either be out golfing, raising money for his library, or schmoozing some fat chick. Go Bush!!
jediwebdude on July 16, 2007 at 8:51 PM
It would have been a good story if he’d crashed a meeting of Dems.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on July 16, 2007 at 8:55 PM
Twilight Zone music please. WTF is going on? You know what? I just crashed my own house after work today! Walked right in, just like that. Told everyone , guess what? We are eating dinner tonight! They were shocked…
JWS on July 16, 2007 at 8:57 PM
Lets see him on a whim, grab the keys to the limo and march up the Capitol Steps and punch Harry Reid in the nose! He has my permission to hit a lady, Nancy P. while you at it. :)
StuLongIsland on July 16, 2007 at 8:57 PM
Allahpundit
Sorry to have to smack you down to the pavement like Superman visiting Lex Luther’s Sub-Park Ave. Penthouse AP, but you seem in your recent anger to have forgotten one tiny little detail. He is still The President Of The United States.
doriangrey on July 16, 2007 at 8:58 PM
…He has my permission to hit a lady, Nancy P. while you at it. :)
StuLongIsland on July 16, 2007 at 8:57 PM
Lady?
JWS on July 16, 2007 at 9:03 PM
Now that….is the guy I voted for twice!
Would have been even better with a little Texas Ass-Whumping to go with it!
conservnut on July 16, 2007 at 9:06 PM
Dorian
I would seriously doubt that Allah has forgotten that fact. Otherwise, why would Allah issue statements that may be regarded as complaints that President Bush is not performing as generally indicative of the actions of an effective President?
The President should stay up past his bedtime and join the Senate all-nighter tomorrow. Bet that would get the attention of the MSM.
News2Use on July 16, 2007 at 9:09 PM
Yep seriously that is kind of awesome. That’s what I love about the guy.
Dash on July 16, 2007 at 9:10 PM
JWS :-) You are right she is no lady :-P
StuLongIsland on July 16, 2007 at 9:14 PM
Exactly when has Bush ever been the most steadfast person on the war against radical Islam?
More than Clinton.
More than Bush I.
More than Reagan.
You guys can hammer him all you want but facts are facts. George Bush II has been the most stalwart man we have had in this 30+ year war and he refuses to abandon our military. History wil reward him for this even as they forget the name Harriet Miers.
JackStraw on July 16, 2007 at 9:26 PM
damn..now that sucks. ever should be never.
JackStraw on July 16, 2007 at 9:27 PM
I’m still not giving him asny credit. This is his last shot at a legacy, that’s as much motivation as he will to continue the fight in Iraq.
Theworldisnotenough on July 16, 2007 at 9:32 PM
“They’re gonna hear all of us.”
Griz on July 16, 2007 at 9:37 PM
Completely out of topic, but as the token Portuguese guy on this blog (at least i think i am), i can’t just let that Saramago article on the headlines go unanswered.
Hey, Mr. Saramago? VAI-TE FODER!
Since Hot Air is a family oriented website, i’ll refrain from translating that.
madne0 on July 16, 2007 at 9:40 PM
Whats that you say?
Topsecretk9 on July 16, 2007 at 9:42 PM
If there’s one thing he’s been pretty consistent on, it’s this. Add to that, the tax cuts. Everything else, not so much. And to think he did it knowing St Cindy stands poised and ready to defeat Speaker Pelousy and introduce her articles of impeachment. Such courage. But really, does Bush have anything left to lose? If he’s going to make a stand on anything, it SHOULD be this.
thedecider on July 16, 2007 at 9:43 PM
News2Use on July 16, 2007 at 9:09 PM
The phrase tunnel vision does come to mind. Bush’s immigration reform cluster fu#k has caused a lot of people to forget an awful lot about what Bush has managed to do.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/13/AR2007071301709.html
doriangrey on July 16, 2007 at 9:43 PM
Although I can understand how you feel, I think he really doesn’t care. He freed two countries. That is a big enough legacy.
I think he wants to do what is right, although he gets and takes BAD advice. But overall, he is tough and truly cares about the US and people.
CrimsonFisted on July 16, 2007 at 9:44 PM
That make me the token Portuguese “gal” I guess..
Topsecretk9 on July 16, 2007 at 9:44 PM
I hope this lasts more than one day. I agree with the person who said go to the all-nighter and tell the Dumocrats that we are at WAR. We’re not playing baseball where you can pick up your ball and go home if you don’t like the way things are going. This is a fight to the finish and if we don’t finish it, WE’RE FINISHED!
TruthToBeTold on July 16, 2007 at 9:44 PM
Funny, I didn’t hear of any MSM reporting an increase … oh, wait. They only report decreases in Bush approval rates. Silly me.
IrishEyes on July 16, 2007 at 9:56 PM
Topsecretk9: Are you actually from Portugal, or are you Portuguese in the sense that Conan O’Brien is Irish?
Either way, i think we can agree that Saramago is a douchebag ;)
madne0 on July 16, 2007 at 9:57 PM
If he’d been kicking ass (politically) like this and taking names, his approval ratings would be in the high 40’s or low 50’s.
More, please GWB.
Good Lt on July 16, 2007 at 10:02 PM
Well yea, that, and completely changing the face of the Supreme Court to be a constructionist court, amongst the first things it did was do away with the McCain/Thompson anti-1st constitutional piece of crap.
So yea, all Bush did was finally begin the war against Islamic faciscism and put constitutionalists back on the Supreme Court. Not like he did midnight baskeball or anything. BDS of the right is worse than than BDS of the left.
JackStraw on July 16, 2007 at 10:04 PM
Could it be that Bush is finally growing a spine and defending his Iraq War policies?
Well, better late than never I suppose.
Vyce on July 16, 2007 at 10:06 PM
Bush with a bit of a backbone? Don’t worry, Harry and Nancy won’t believe it till they see it on Al Jazeera. On second thought, did CNN carry this story?
And why only ‘mildly’ profane? Doesn’t WAR deserve Fluent and Vociferous Profanity???
ncpatriot on July 16, 2007 at 10:08 PM
Good Lt on July 16, 2007 at 10:02 PM
That and if he hadnt tried to cram that damn amnesty bill down our throat he would probably be a damn sight higher than that.
doriangrey on July 16, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Thats the Bush that I want back – the guy with the huevos who said that.
Keli on July 16, 2007 at 10:18 PM
Bush lied, Dow closed at 13, 950!
Oh wait, that’s a record. Nevermind.
Bush is the devil!!!!!!
JackStraw on July 16, 2007 at 10:19 PM
I wouldn’t consider dragging out Harriet Myers a consistent strategy when his later choice was far, far superior and should have been delivered up front. Why is any criticism of this president considered BDS of the right? I voted for my pres twice and never regretted it to this very day. That doesn’t mean I can’t question his decisions, and in fact, I would be an irresponsible citizen not to.
thedecider on July 16, 2007 at 10:21 PM
JackStraw, I don’t disagree with you. I just have been frustrated at how he’s not spoken up, and has let the MSM walk all over him. It would be much harder for the Reid’s and Pelosis to get a footing with their surrender monkey mentality if the President was at least trying to get the truth out about the war on terror.
So, the Dems accuse him of simultaneously, “playing on people’s fears, and making us less safe?” Point it out. Get the truth out. Let the Dimmy’s scoff and let the American people decide who is right. Bush’s biggest mistake has been in giving them a pass on too much of their rhetoric…to the point where too many people are believing their LIES.
JannyMae on July 16, 2007 at 10:22 PM
She’s one of the D.C. Madams.
He should crash the sleepless/spineless Senate tomorrow night, in gown and slippers, lecture them in a “folksy, adamant and mildly profane” way and abruptly leave.
Entelechy on July 16, 2007 at 10:23 PM
Agree this is a step in the right direction…
But I like the idea others mentioned before. He should sit in on the ‘all-nighter’.
LegendHasIt on July 16, 2007 at 10:25 PM
If there were any killing or angry dogs, I would think this was an episode of “In My World” on
IMAO.
TBinSTL on July 16, 2007 at 10:39 PM
The testicles have returned… at last.
D2Boston on July 16, 2007 at 10:40 PM
Entelechy on July 16, 2007 at 10:23 PM
Hmmm, and all this time I thought that the Madam was just a female pimp and not one of the whores…Damn I just learned something new…
doriangrey on July 16, 2007 at 10:45 PM
doriangrey, you must be accountable for your interpretation :)
Entelechy on July 16, 2007 at 10:48 PM
Entelechy on July 16, 2007 at 10:48 PM
Oh I am, I’m a Californian and that
“rhythms with witch”is one of my states congressmen…doriangrey on July 16, 2007 at 10:53 PM
I wonder if that valve Graham was there. If he was, he probably had to dab his eyes with a tissue
LtE126 on July 16, 2007 at 10:54 PM
Yes, this is true. BUT WHY does he seem so inept? He obviously screwed up when we first went in and even now he keeps allowing our war plans to be announced all over the MSM before the fact.
csdeven on July 16, 2007 at 10:55 PM
ATTA BOY GEORGE!!! WAY TO GO Mr. PRESIDENT! Sometimes you just have to straighten people out.
sonnyspats1 on July 16, 2007 at 10:58 PM
I think Barney has been having long talks with him, and the point finally got through.
Tenacity + killer instinct = a chance at salvaging what the Undermine-America-First opposition has been trying to screw up for 2 /12 years.
In this fight against Islamofascism, the fools on the hill have never learned Franklin’s fatal truism: we must all hang together, or we shall certainly hang seperately.
profitsbeard on July 16, 2007 at 10:58 PM
csdeven on July 16, 2007 at 10:55 PM
There is a damn good question buried in there, which is…why does he keeps allowing our war plans to be announced all over the MSM before the fact??? Hell Roosevelt would have had the heads of CNN ABC CBS and The Slimes locked up and on trial for treason if they had tried that during WWII.
doriangrey on July 16, 2007 at 11:00 PM
It seems obvious to me he thinks there’s a dem 5th columnist somewhere on staff who is leaking and/or fabricating stuff for the media.
Purple Avenger on July 16, 2007 at 11:02 PM
It’s about time.
Probably about a year late actually…we needed this last September.
Stand up for yourself “W.” , now and for the rest of your term.
shooter on July 16, 2007 at 11:10 PM
I think Michelle should apologize.
Sorry,
dumb arseGeraldo-ine moment.On-my-soap-box on July 16, 2007 at 11:13 PM
It would be quite inspirational to me to think that GW was firmly and profanely setting this daffy group of pansies straight on his intentions in Iraq.
When he gets done with them, I’d like to hear it myself.
Jaibones on July 16, 2007 at 11:15 PM
I love this! No more Mr. Nice Guy. W is for winner and don’t you forget it Mr. President.
Although I’ll be more convinced when I hear that Karen Hughes is going back to spend time with her family…again.
Buy Danish on July 16, 2007 at 11:18 PM
Just two and a half years? I think it’s been much, much longer than that.
thedecider on July 16, 2007 at 11:26 PM
If Bush is finally ready to let his balls swing and fight back he wont be 28% for long and proof of that is the bump he already has received that someone above mentioned and all he has done his held his ground on the Surge.
Bush’s rating are in the tank not because the pansies hate him that will never change its because after 5yrs of constant attacks from the LLL’s with no counter strikes “don’t question their patriotism” idiotic policy comes to mind it just makes the gen pop who only has time for sound bites of news here and there wonder and doubt.
Now if we can just get him on prime time hammering how we can’t just close our eyes and ignore the war its been raging literally for decades and 9-11 just temporarily singed its reality into our eyelids. The sacrifices are heart felt but our forefathers endured worse and so can we. Victory is our only option WHATEVER it takes. Rally the people send his staff X generals, himself, and whoever else can/will rally the gen pop.
If we retreat from Iraq in 5yrs if it takes that long we will be going back in with a super embolden enemy and 0 allies to even build up. If you doubt that reality See Warizistan were Pakistan retreated after being bleed down in the field only to see the enemy push into paki proper even the capitol Red Mosque and now they face going back into Warizistan starting all over with a more powerful enemy and less allies. Or even See Afghanistan were we tried to ignore and forget but we were forced to go in and build back up our N Alliance allies who back in the 80’s could have been done without our boots on the ground.
It only gets worse when you ignore a festering boil.
C-Low on July 16, 2007 at 11:26 PM
While being frustrated, irritated and feeling downright downhearted by his actions of late, I always kept this nagging loyalty about him.But it didn’t have anything to do with admitting I was wrong along or a sense of hurt pride..but more like it is with family with me (as in a fellow Christian)…I can say all I want about my family..but you say anything and I’m going to to be really offended. I think my faith in God and having this deep convincing calm that he was working through Bush and that He (meaning God) had full control. Why would I feel this way? Maybe because it’s was a shock to the secular side of this nation that there were that many conservatives out there banding and making their voices heard like never before. Why..maybe because it’s the first time in history that Christians and other conservatives who have faith in God have for the first time have felt threatened like never before. These last two elections are the first time in at least in my life time where I saw conservatism vs liberalism really come to a combative force that actually showed itself of a sort for all to see for themselves how it’s dividing this country more than ever in this nations’history. In saying this..and feeling this way…why would God lead him this far only for nothing? I don’t think so..he knows the whole picture and there’s so much we don’t know behind everything. I chose to keep the faith and believe he is good and has been responsible for no telling how many “near” catastrophies and will keep thanking him for that..even though I can’t and don’t understand his other decisions that involve other issues. Keep questioning and demanding answers..but at the same time..don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. I can’t believe I just wrote that…but it makes my point.
hotvol on July 16, 2007 at 11:41 PM
Bush after shooting a RINO defector:
“Well, he shoulda armed himself, if he’s gonna talk shit about my war policy.”
Zach on July 16, 2007 at 11:49 PM
Definitely a step in the right direction. The only thing I don’t like about him when he shows his cowboy colors is the profanity…it’s beneath him to speak that way. BUT, I prefer him cursing while being strong (as opposed to polite and mild-mannered.)
JustTruth101 on July 16, 2007 at 11:51 PM
In the words of RR, “I paid for that damn microphone”
It’s his party, and he’ll “crash” if he wants to, damnit.
Captain America on July 17, 2007 at 12:01 AM
Ten to one he’s off the wagon. I would be.
wordwarp on July 17, 2007 at 12:02 AM
About the Democrat slumber party:
So it’s not enough to have Congress run the war? The American people should be running the war? Anyway, the Dems are listening to pollsters that aren’t asking good questions. “Not happy with the war in Iraq,” does not necessarily mean you hold with the Democrats. It might mean, “I’m pissed because we haven’t used tactical nukes yet.” I think it’s pretty clear who is ignorant of the will of the people.
smellthecoffee on July 17, 2007 at 12:06 AM
“Next one of you politically expedient, armchair generals wants to question our troops ability or my war policy… is goin on a huntin trip with the Vice President and it’s open season on chickensh*t. Ya’ll hava nice evenin…”
christophercube on July 17, 2007 at 12:15 AM
Me too – something we have in common, and can be proud of. No Kali-bashing for the r.o.y. :)
Entelechy on July 17, 2007 at 12:31 AM
There’s an old sherrif in town…
About the all nighter in the Senate. You just know Kennedy’s gonna pull that old trick out. The sleepwalking and getting in someone else’s cot by “accident” one. But who?
PowWow on July 17, 2007 at 12:33 AM
He is on a mission from God.
SilverStar830 on July 17, 2007 at 12:48 AM
*voice of PeeWee Herman* Pajama party!
Mojave Mark on July 17, 2007 at 1:05 AM
thedecider-
Overall, sure.
I only meant since they abandoned the Iraq War that they all voted for, specifically.
profitsbeard on July 17, 2007 at 1:15 AM
I cried when Lowell passed on. Maybe the finest slide guitar player ever and a gifted songwriter and witty lyricist.
A pleasure though, to find another fan of de Feat here on Hot Air.
BTW, though my ears tell me that the lyric is
“an eloquent profanity”, not “and”, all the lyric guides I could find on the web say “the eloquent profanity”.
Tripe my shorts.
rokemronnie on July 17, 2007 at 1:19 AM
You know, I just got this stunningly amusing image of Bush crashing into an anti-war policy meeting of Democrats and saying “WASSSSSSSSSUP Reid?”
That would be so awesome.
BKennedy on July 17, 2007 at 1:47 AM
Oh how I wish he’d do this to the DEMOCRATS who are the ones calling him “Hitler” and “a dictator”…
SouthernGent on July 17, 2007 at 8:20 AM
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