Video: Hey Dana, how come you don’t get so many Iraq questions anymore?

posted at 11:59 am on March 6, 2008 by Allahpundit

Any theories? It’s as curious to me as the nutroots’ sudden disinterest in Anthony Cordesman’s battlefield assessments. Let me know in the comments if you stumble onto any answers.

If she wants questions, wait until this constitutional confrontation in the making starts heating up. I’ve written about it before, assuming that Bush was going to try to frame the new security partnership with Iraq as an “executive agreement,” which wouldn’t require Senate ratification, instead of a treaty. Instead the argument is that Congress already ratified the partnership when it passed the original AUMF against Iraq under 2002 stating its intent “to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States.” So long as jihadis are trying to establish a base in Iraq, the logic goes, then the president has all the authority he needs to take necessary security measures. That’s too cute by half for me, as it’s an obvious end-around public sentiment (for the moment, anyway), but if the claims in the article are right about the next president not being bound by it, then no harm, no foul, I suppose.

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Let me know in the comments if you stumble onto any answers.

Every time they’re about to ask one, they get distracted by Dana Perino’s beauty. Did I get it right?

amerpundit on March 6, 2008 at 12:07 PM

Thank you AP – since we don’t get any Jeri Thompson these days, a healthy dose of Dana Perino works wonders for this American male. It’s your patriotic duty!

rhodeymark on March 6, 2008 at 12:08 PM

Is it just me, or does Dana have a little Katie Couric perkiness going on there?

Lawrence on March 6, 2008 at 12:08 PM

Because the yobs asking the questions lose their train of thought when they look at the lovely Ms. Dana Perino?

Blake on March 6, 2008 at 12:08 PM

I likes me some Dana Perino!

CP on March 6, 2008 at 12:09 PM

Any theories?

There’s not a whole lot left to question.

We’re winning. Casualties are low. The surge worked. Iran really is evil. Terrorists were in Iraq when we arrived.

All of that, and more, has been proven true, and the left is probably tired of getting their faces slapped with those pesky facts.

yo on March 6, 2008 at 12:10 PM

Ok.. three guys, posting similar comments almost at the same time… indicating the answer to my question is, Yes.

Lawrence on March 6, 2008 at 12:10 PM

Lawrence on March 6, 2008 at 12:10 PM

Correction. Five guys.

Lawrence on March 6, 2008 at 12:11 PM

That’s too cute by half for me

She’s too cute by two for me.

txsurveyor on March 6, 2008 at 12:11 PM

“to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States.” So long as jihadis are trying to establish a base in Iraq, the logic goes, then the president has all the authority he needs to take necessary security measures. That’s too cute by half for me…

Not for me. The question is, does the President need to seek re-authorization, or does the Congress need to revoke the authorization already granted? I think the President is free to interpret the Congressional authorization in any reasonable fashion unless told otherwise. Staying in Iraq now is at least arguably consistent with the initial authorization. So, if Congress disagrees, they could always pass a bill to say otherwise. The ball is in Congress’ court. If they want to loose the war, they can vote to loose over the President’s objection. Then it would be clear for all the history books.

tommylotto on March 6, 2008 at 12:12 PM

Dana single?

THE CHOSEN ONE on March 6, 2008 at 12:15 PM

“If it’s good for Bush, don’t push” – - The Media

Entelechy on March 6, 2008 at 12:15 PM

Okay, so Iraq is not the topic of this thread….

Perino….
Is she Italian by birth or injection?

tommylotto on March 6, 2008 at 12:15 PM

I wonder if there’s a way to get the picture on the homepage set up to desktop wallpaper size….?

You know, just curious. For my own information and all…

JohnTant on March 6, 2008 at 12:16 PM

Perino….Is she Italian by birth or injection?
tommylotto on March 6, 2008 at 12:15 PM

By marriage. But she’s only like, 5’2″.

Akzed on March 6, 2008 at 12:17 PM

I’ll be in my bunk.

JohnTant on March 6, 2008 at 12:18 PM

“If it’s good for Bush, don’t push” – - The Media

Entelechy on March 6, 2008 at 12:15 PM

Uh,…better not to comment.

Rick on March 6, 2008 at 12:18 PM

The most obvious answer is usually right. The left doesn’t want to concede the bad war lines despite steady improvement. I expect we’ll hear a lot more about the war if anything significant happens that contradicts the progress we’re hearing about now. The more news we get supporting Iran’s involvement, or increased tribal cooperation isn’t getting media attention, but if the Sadr goes crazy or Sunnis suddenly realize they hate the Shia you can bet meat will be back on the menu…much to the detriment of McCain and Hillary.

blankminde on March 6, 2008 at 12:19 PM

Dana is being too nice. I have my grimy little hands
into the MSM pie all day and talk to these people.

They hate Bush and won’t report anything pro Bush or
pro GOP. This isn’t conspiratorial, it’s just fact.

Don’t believe me? Find a directory of email address for
MSM members and contact them yourselves. You’ll see.

ikez78 on March 6, 2008 at 12:21 PM

Uh,…better not to comment.

Rick on March 6, 2008 at 12:18 PM

Dear Rick, there are sex threads, and there are Iraq threads. This one is for the real brain. Yes, seriously, and I like the other ones too, and still like you,

Entelechy on March 6, 2008 at 12:22 PM

Sadly, Dana lost a lot her appeal after her Cuban Missile Crisis admission.

The_Freeze on March 6, 2008 at 12:23 PM

Dana single?

THE CHOSEN ONE on March 6, 2008 at 12:15 PM

Nope. Married to Peter McMahon.

amerpundit on March 6, 2008 at 12:24 PM

This bipolar MSM moment brought to you by Obamamania.

…that and Iraq doesn’t fit the “if it bleeds, it leads” mold anymore. Afterall, it’s no fun if they can’t bash Bush for something.

Wyznowski on March 6, 2008 at 12:26 PM

She is sooo hot!

dawgsleadtheway on March 6, 2008 at 12:26 PM

One one right answer….red, white, and blue body count. Without that they have to call the home office and ask for directions. No sense getting fired over reporting good news.

Limerick on March 6, 2008 at 12:28 PM

I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to see a post with a genuine subject for debate in it, i.e. the Iraq security agreement, reduced to “Dana’s so hot!” nonsense. Keep up the good work.

Allahpundit on March 6, 2008 at 12:36 PM

If it ain’t bleeding, the MSM discovers just enough “objectivity” to ignore the story of the growing stability of Iraq.

It’s memes don’t fit that paradigm, as they might say.

profitsbeard on March 6, 2008 at 12:36 PM

You gotta give us more of Dana. That little taste was too much of a tease.

peacenprosperity on March 6, 2008 at 12:37 PM

Any theories?

There’s not a whole lot left to question.

We’re winning. Casualties are low. The surge worked. Iran really is evil. Terrorists were in Iraq when we arrived.

All of that, and more, has been proven true, and the left is probably tired of getting their faces slapped with those pesky facts.

yo on March 6, 2008 at 12:10 PM

Yo I agree with you totally! What you said, and even as a chick (and one who despises Couric), Ms. Perino does look pretty good sitting in Brit Hume’s chair.

Branch Rickey on March 6, 2008 at 12:39 PM

By marriage. But she’s only like, 5′2″.

Cool, that’s perfect. I’m 5’6″. But, uh oh, I’m a beta male…

gxpgxp on March 6, 2008 at 12:41 PM

Michael Ramsey, Harvard Law Professor and former Scalia clerk, makes a pretty good case as to why Bush would be right here with the Executive agreement:

The Textual Basis for the Presidents Foreign Affairs Powers

not that politics can’t get in the way of the constitution though.

jp on March 6, 2008 at 12:41 PM

This bipolar MSM moment brought to you by Obamamania.

…that and Iraq doesn’t fit the “if it bleeds, it leads” mold anymore. Afterall, it’s no fun if they can’t bash Bush for something anything.

Wyznowski on March 6, 2008 at 12:26 PM

just kidding.

Branch Rickey on March 6, 2008 at 12:42 PM

good sitting in Brit Hume Tony Snow’s chair.

Branch Rickey on March 6, 2008 at 12:39 PM

Entelechy on March 6, 2008 at 12:43 PM

…that and Iraq doesn’t fit the “if it bleeds, it leads” mold anymore. Afterall, it’s no fun if they can’t bash Bush for something anything EVERYTHING.

Wyznowski on March 6, 2008 at 12:26 PM

Branch Rickey on March 6, 2008 at 12:42 PM

Now that’s fixed.

KelliD on March 6, 2008 at 12:48 PM

I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to see a post with a genuine subject for debate in it, i.e. the Iraq security agreement, reduced to “Dana’s so hot!” nonsense. Keep up the good work.

Right. As if you never thought with your “little pundit.”

Blake on March 6, 2008 at 12:50 PM

good sitting in Brit Hume Tony Snow’s chair.

Branch Rickey on March 6, 2008 at 12:39 PM

Entelechy on March 6, 2008 at 12:43 PM

…EVERYTHING.

Wyznowski on March 6, 2008 at 12:26 PM

Branch Rickey on March 6, 2008 at 12:42 PM

Now that’s fixed.

KelliD on March 6, 2008 at 12:48 PM

TOUCHE and Silante

Branch Rickey on March 6, 2008 at 12:54 PM

I can’t remember hearing Clinton or Obama saying anything that would indicate that either is aware of any improvement in Iraq. I doubt thay rven care. They will take an Iraq discussion as far as

snaggletoothie on March 6, 2008 at 1:01 PM

You know, if you spent less time coveting married women and more time doing housework, you MAY get more sex.

tlynch001 on March 6, 2008 at 1:02 PM

[hit wrong key] the war is illegal so how do we end it. They are not interested in debate or discussion.

snaggletoothie on March 6, 2008 at 1:04 PM

No news is good news is no news today

Kini on March 6, 2008 at 1:04 PM

Nope. Married to Peter McMahon.

amerpundit on March 6, 2008 at 12:24 PM

I might have to have a “word” with Petey.

THE CHOSEN ONE on March 6, 2008 at 1:05 PM

It’s a simple MSM formula: NEWS THAT HELPS LIBS IN ELECTION = GOOD, NEWS THAT HELPS BUSH OR MCCAIN = BAD

jimbo2008 on March 6, 2008 at 1:25 PM

Sadly, Dana lost a lot her appeal after her Cuban Missile Crisis admission.

The_Freeze on March 6, 2008 at 12:23 PM

Yeah, I hate when hot chicks don’t know stuff good like me do.

Chuck Schick on March 6, 2008 at 2:01 PM

Instead of her waiting for a question about Iraq, maybe give some good news about Iraq everyday before the question and answer session. >:}

Chakra Hammer on March 6, 2008 at 2:24 PM

With due respect to my fellow commenters, y’all are a bunch of horndogs. Not that I can blame you – I just have to keep my mouth shut :)

fourstringfuror on March 6, 2008 at 2:25 PM

You gotta give us more of Dana. That little taste was too much of a tease.

peacenprosperity on March 6, 2008 at 12:37 PM

Then watch the daily press briefings.

Allahpundit on March 6, 2008 at 12:36 PM

What is there to say? News from Iraq is good. She took more questions over SCHIP then Iraq from the WHPC. Bush’s long-term strategic partnership may get some fireworks in the future, but right now even the dems are able to agree with it rhetorically as long as they can spin it as not “war” but peace, and as Hill said, a consequence of the pressure brought to bear by her ‘time-table talk’.

Spirit of 1776 on March 6, 2008 at 2:35 PM

mmmmmmmmmm That’s some creamy spokesperson.

Hucklebuck on March 6, 2008 at 2:44 PM

I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to see a post with a genuine subject for debate in it, i.e. the Iraq security agreement, reduced to “Dana’s so hot!” nonsense. Keep up the good work.

Allahpundit on March 6, 2008 at 12:36 PM

In total agreement with you. It’s the same thing that happens when you show a Michelle Malkin clip.

I’m sure the people making these comments think they’re being complimentary, but it’s being sexist and objectifying women.

I’ve normally refrained from commenting about this, but I’ve noticed others have recently begun to voice their concerns about this on the HotAir boards.

I’ve normally refrained because absolutely nothing I could say here would register with these people on how sexist and immature they come off. I’m certainly not perfect when it comes to things like this, but I know after watching MM talk about the Obama/Clinton campaign on FOX not to say, “Oh God! Michelle is so hot!”

asc85 on March 6, 2008 at 2:50 PM

Dana is hell of a good lookin’ babe.

Dana for VP!

mylegsareswollen on March 6, 2008 at 2:59 PM

I’m sure the people making these comments think they’re being complimentary, but it’s being sexist and objectifying women.

asc85 on March 6, 2008 at 2:50 PM

Sexist? Probably. Red Blooded- Male- American- You get the picture.

Objectifying? Yeah. In an honest way.

Complementary? Absolutely. And that’s the point.

Lawrence on March 6, 2008 at 3:04 PM

Actually – you wrote this back in Nov and got on point response, so it isn’t like everyone is ignoring your take.

It’s a dynamite issue for the Dems in the general since the GOP will have to triangulate between winning the war/securing the peace and responding to the public’s war fatigue, so expect to hear plenty about it from the left once the nominees are set

Well, it would appear that Bush actually has an extended timetable to work this issue. Unlike you, I rather imagine that smart people have looked at this from both sides, and the consensus probably was Iraq is too important to willingly let the Democrats piss it away for electoral politics. I’m sure they want veto power for a reason.

rhodeymark on March 6, 2008 at 3:27 PM

Hey Allah, Press disinterested in news from Iraq if it indicates an improving situation. In other news, dog bites man.

Interestingly tho, I have noticed that there is less vitriol and hatred spewed at Dana than at the past 2 WH Press Sec’y. Is it because she’s a woman? Or is it due to an overall improvement on WH affairs?

Does she ever mix it up with Helen Thomas.

Kai on March 6, 2008 at 3:35 PM

…Keep up the good work.
Allahpundit on March 6, 2008 at 12:36 PM

Does she ever mix it up with Helen Thomas?
Kai on March 6, 2008 at 3:35 PM

Thank you and yes, the two have tangoed. See it in the HotAir archives (if you must).

Why not cut the participants some slack, AP? They’ve been subjected to video/audio imagery of Helen Thomas (at the White House Press conferences) for YEARS. I think they’ve earned a certain amount of drooling rights w.r.t. Dana Perino. Just keep it clean, people.

My collie says:

Helen Thomas vs. Dana Perino, huh? Classic example of Newton’s third law, donchathink?

What would Pinkybigglesworth say? Wait. Don’t answer that.

CyberCipher on March 6, 2008 at 4:23 PM

Interestingly tho, I have noticed that there is less vitriol and hatred spewed at Dana than at the past 2 WH Press Sec’y. Is it because she’s a woman?

Did you really have to ask that question?

You must be Stevie Wonder.

mylegsareswollen on March 6, 2008 at 4:23 PM

I do see a little bit of Couric there, 20 years ago before it was too late.

Jim Treacher on March 6, 2008 at 5:40 PM

Man, Bush should have put Perino in there to begin with. Fleischer and McClellan were morons.

Seixon on March 7, 2008 at 3:55 AM