Bush refuses House GOP request to call special session of Congress on energy
posted at 4:00 pm on August 4, 2008 by Allahpundit
“We don’t have plans to call Congress into session — it won’t make a difference if Democratic leaders are unwilling to bring up a bill for an up-down vote,” said White House spokesman Tony Fratto.
Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) asked President Bush to convene the special session in an Aug. 1 letter. The same day, House Republicans launched an unusual protest on the House floor urging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to call Congress back to work.
“Since Speaker Pelosi has decided not to keep the House in session to allow this vote to take place, we urge you to use the power vested in you by the Constitution to convene an immediate energy special session of Congress,” the letter said…
House aides said that while the president can declare that Congress must sit for an emergency session, he cannot set the agenda – only the leadership of the majority party can do that.
Even if the White House could set the agenda, getting them involved accomplishes two things: It puts Bush’s dirty fingerprints on an issue that’s otherwise golden for the GOP — so golden that MoveOn admits they’re losing this debate — and it lets the Democrats play the victim by complaining about executive overreach. Which makes me think Pence’s and Hensarling’s letter was simply pro forma, a way to show the public how urgent they think the situation is. Besides, congressional Republicans need good press before the election even more desperately than McCain does; anything that can be done (or rather, not done) to leave them alone in the spotlight is worth (not) doing. Even McCain should try to keep some distance, although the way he plays it below, by not only challenging Obama but offering to come off the trail himself, is savvily done. Click the image to watch.
Blowback
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Bush PLEASE stay away from this, let the ones who can keep the balance close for the side of common sense.
TroubledMonkey on August 4, 2008 at 4:05 PM
Another fumble by the Bush admin!
sabbott on August 4, 2008 at 4:07 PM
First!
Good job McCain.
marklmail on August 4, 2008 at 4:07 PM
Things seem to be clicking along…like a well-oiled machine!
RushBaby on August 4, 2008 at 4:07 PM
Exactly right, let all those who went home or on vacation feel the wrath of Americans paying $4.50/gal and not being able to take a vacation themselves………..
Back in Washington, they will be surrounded by lobbyists and the “bubble” of the beltway that caused this in the first place……..
Let me sse Pelosi taking a walk in the park surrounded by families that just balanced thier checkbooks after paying for food, housing, insurance, back to school stuff, then gas, and then tell me they are not PISSED!
This is not going away………..
Seven Percent Solution on August 4, 2008 at 4:10 PM
For the WIN!
Chakra Hammer on August 4, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Especially when she’s spending her 5 week vacation jetting all over the country — hawking a book, presumably FOR PROFIT.
RushBaby on August 4, 2008 at 4:11 PM
I can’t believe the golden egg Pelosi has laid in the GOP’s lap. She must be sitting in her room with her fingers in her ears chanting not to see what she has done.
Call me paranoid, but I can’t shake the uneasy feeling things are starting to just go a little too well. I guess I’ve been watching the GOP for too long.
BacaDog on August 4, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Bush did his part..now it’s up to Congress
bevslape on August 4, 2008 at 4:14 PM
No it isn’t. The last thing we want is a special session of Congress. There’s an outside chance they might actually pass some watered-down, b.s. oil drilling bill, just to give the false appearance of action on the issue. Given that the price of gasoline is dropping every week, it’s going to be hard enough for us to keep energy as the #1 issue in the election. Letting the Dems flank us with a B.S. energy bill is not good.
Outlander on August 4, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Imagine what the Democrats will do to Pelosi if she loses the House this fall.
We are fortunate to have these people as opponents, because as bad as some of the RINOs are, none come close to the incompetence and idiocy of Pelosi and Reid.
NoDonkey on August 4, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Keep Bush out of this. He has his own battles to fight.
Wade on August 4, 2008 at 4:14 PM
George Bush, despite all his faults, is a consummate team player. I don’t think he’ll mind being the fall guy and letting McCain step in and look like he’s taking charge on this issue.
logis on August 4, 2008 at 4:16 PM
It puts Bush’s *perceived* dirty fingerprints on an issue that’s otherwise golden for the GOP …
Tony737 on August 4, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Go get ‘em. Cleverly played by both Bush and McCain. Don’t give the whining Dems any chance to cry victim. They could return on their own if they thought it was important enough. They won’t because they don’t.
McCain was clearly speaking honestly in that video clip. Unlike Obama, he doesn’t have to tiptoe around his choice of words and say uhhh, ummm, uhh 15 times a minute because he has to mull over the proper “framing” of a disingenuously calculating statement.
McCain = action. Obama = talk. Endless talk. Blah blah blah.
Gilda on August 4, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Well done,with one critique for JM: reverse the “nuclear power” with the “drill here, drill now.”
Nichevo on August 4, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Its’ up to Mccain and the House, Senate Repubs it is they not W. that is up for re-election. Do not cave, McCain, to a watered down drilling bill with so many requirements that drilling will never happen.
Should be a states rights issue. Who is the federal gov’t to tell Alaska for example what they can and cannot do. Its an abuse of Federal power for the Feds to assume they know better than the people closest to the resources what is best for the state. If I were governor there I’d order the drilling to begin and dare the feds to try to stop it.
dhunter on August 4, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Hensarling and Pence, you magnificent bastards!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 4, 2008 at 4:25 PM
I really hope no one here actually thought President Bush would call a special session. ;)
Connie on August 4, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Newt for Veep?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 4, 2008 at 4:25 PM
BS. Taking politics out of it for just a moment, even if Bush DID call Pelosi’s butt back to DC for a special session, Bush doesn’t control the agenda, Pelosi and Reid will. They’re not “required” to get anything done, and could, in fact, force legislation that Bush might not be willing to sign.
Now, putting politics back into it…
Congress got itself into this mess, why should Bush fix their mess for them?
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Yes, that’s a fine quibble, but when your approval rating’s 28% it doesn’t much matter.
Allahpundit on August 4, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Just wait 36-48 hours……His Holiness will come down from his “President” seat in O-Force One to proclaim to the people that “Congress needs to meet in a special session to ummmmmm, uhhhhhh, ummmm……”
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 4, 2008 at 4:27 PM
I for one was hoping they would call a special session… but I now see why it’s better that they didn’t.
But wow… is this the GOP on offense for the first time since 2005?
tigerinexile on August 4, 2008 at 4:27 PM
This really does put the drive for 5 (percent approval) alive.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 4, 2008 at 4:28 PM
from john culberson twitter post last night
maybe thats why Nan feels so safe to do her bird cage linning book tour
Mojack420 on August 4, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Bush is a political genius. Never, ever “misunderestimate” him when it comes time for a campaign.
It’s no accident that John McCain has been chipping away at Obama’s lead in the polls at the same time that Bush has virtually disappeared from view. Bush is giving the country a chance to test-drive both of these guys as President, and he knows which one is road-proven and which one has nice racing stripes outside but nothing under the hood. He has gladly accepted his status as a lame duck, for the good of his party and his country.
rockmom on August 4, 2008 at 4:30 PM
As much as I originally thought this would have been a good idea, I have re-examined my strategery and now think its not a good idea for GDub to get in on this.
He would quickly become the focus of the issue, and it would be him and his team, not the Mav, talking about it…the same nutty White House bunch who cant communicate their way out of a soaking-wet paper bag with a compass, map, scissors and a claw hammer.
The President is much more useful in China, holding high-profile meetings with gong-banging buddhist dudes during the Berlin…er, Beijing…Olympics, and generally crapping in the ChiComs carefully built PR hotpot.
Mike D. on August 4, 2008 at 4:31 PM
Very smart politics. I had not thought of it this way… I thought it would look better for Bush to stand w/ GOP and call congress back, you know, show some muscle to the dems. I now see the wisdom of his Laze Fair approach.
Hunt035 on August 4, 2008 at 4:34 PM
They are an undeserved gift to the GOP. If the donks had anything resembling competent leadership in the House and Senate, they would have seen this coming and made some compromises. Pelosi and Reid have led them off a cliff; I really thinnk there will be some vulnerable Dems jumping the party unity reservation over this issue, which will make Pelosi and reid look even more incompetent. Let the good times roll. Consumers are pissed and want a piece of somebody over fuel prices. Pelosi has stenciled a nice bullseye on her butt. Obama has to choose which way to jump. Delicious!
a capella on August 4, 2008 at 4:35 PM
If the President should call a special sesson, the D’s could say this is an ‘emergency’ and demand the ‘reserve’ be released. That is what they want done instead of drilling. Please Mr. President, don’t let these people use you in this way, just let the American public see what the D’s are.
L
letget on August 4, 2008 at 4:35 PM
It was a great idea to request the session providing Bush the opportunity to put it on Reid and Pelosi, Drillkilla and Bride, flatly demonstrating their failure and their open opportunity to act.
Maquis on August 4, 2008 at 4:37 PM
If the Republican members of the House can use this time to openly discuss and also build a bill or two, taking inpout from the public, in view of the public, when Pelosi comes back from Napa Valley the Republicans can offer these same publicly constructed energy bills to the full House, for a simple vote.
If Pelosi refuses. (which she will do) The GOP wins (again) and We, The People, can take it to the streets. Well, in November, we can vote accordingly. [sorry, almost got carried away by that takin' it to the streets thingie...just a flashback to my '60's days...]
coldwarrior on August 4, 2008 at 4:37 PM
What kind of Windfall Profit will Nancy Pelosi make on her book?
originalpechanga on August 4, 2008 at 4:38 PM
September 30th is when the boiler explodes.
The GOP has 8 weeks, and two political conventions to build up a head of steam. When the current ban on drilling expires, and comes up for renewal, that’s when the brown goo hits the air circulation apparatus.
rockhauler on August 4, 2008 at 4:39 PM
I think Bush was right here. He lifted the executive ban on offshore drilling and called for Congress to do the same. It is their call.
And by the way, Bush’s numbers have been inching up just the itsiest bit here lately. I like the guy, whatever others may say of him. He has had some difficult calls to make and despite all the back stabbers and arm chair generals out there he has remained the man he always was.
Terrye on August 4, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Perhaps someone could explain to Bush that while getting a vote would be great, these wonderful House Republicans are trying to show showcase to America exactly what the White House claims, that the Dems won’t do something as simple as allowing us to drill for our own oil to bring more and cheaper fuel to America.
RJL on August 4, 2008 at 4:40 PM
originalpechanga on August 4, 2008 at 4:38 PM –
damn little…sales are just not happening…even if you count the ones she is buying herself to give away. It is in the 1500 range on the best seller list at Amazon.
coldwarrior on August 4, 2008 at 4:40 PM
I’ve been needing to renew my voter’s registration since moving a few months ago. I was really ready to give the elephant the middle finger but this action in congress has made me flip-flop. I’m a Republican for at least one more election cycle.
innominatus on August 4, 2008 at 4:40 PM
good. This is a smart move.
upinak on August 4, 2008 at 4:42 PM
about $.06 (most recent market value) per pound for paper.
Mojack420 on August 4, 2008 at 4:42 PM
None. It ranks #944 in sales on Amazon. It’s being pushed on the front pages of Barnes and Noble as well as Borders. Funny…David Freddoso’s book is not on the front page of either of those websites. Hmmmmm…….
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 4, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Smart move by Dubya, all in all. Too bad he’s lost his stones or he’d make a dozen or so recess appointments. Watch Lolly Peloser have apoplexy and Harry Reid’d melt like one of The Bad Guys in “Raisers of the Lost Ark”. The rest of the CongressRats would be howling for weeks. Give McCoot a chance to re-appoint them in january.
GeneSmith on August 4, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Thank God you’re not anywhere near the White House…it’s important for President Bush to stay out of this.
Richard Romano on August 4, 2008 at 4:43 PM
I’m giddy with anticipation.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Gene Smith:
It is not that simple. Stones have nothing to do with it. If all presidents ever had to do was make recess appointments and voila! problem solved no president would ever bother with confirmation hearings again.
Terrye on August 4, 2008 at 4:46 PM
I suppose it is smart, but five weeks is a long time. If they have to stay there the entire time without any kind of victory to take home other than a little press, I imagine they’ll decide to leave early and make the thing seem more like a prank.
Smart politics isn’t exactly my area. What’s the best possible outcome here? Just that Pelosi is embarrassed and attention is drawn to the issue? Or are we hoping for something more?
Esthier on August 4, 2008 at 4:46 PM
“I’m giddy with anticipation.”
Me too, I’d gladly attend when they hang her in effigy.
You can also tell we’re winning by the lack of trolls around these threads today.
The lefties know the Democrats are taking a swift kick to the groin today, their silence is so sweet.
NoDonkey on August 4, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Verrry Astute.
ronsfi on August 4, 2008 at 4:49 PM
This could be a great opportunity for McCain to seperate himself from Bush, and even TIE BUSH AROUND THE DEMS NECK.
The GOP should be running ads complaining about how Nancy Pelosi and George Bush are standing in the way of drilling. George Bush and the Democrats: Wrong on Energy. :-)
Yes, throw Bush under the bus.
DaveS on August 4, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Yeah, I passed my local enviro-nut neighbor yesterday, he with the “No Blood for Oil” sticker and “Think Green” antenna ball. He was whining about the high price of gas. I made sure to mention that his contribution to the saving of the environment would not go unnoticed. Then I asked him if he would be so kind as to not run his car next weekend, so he could offset my weekend drive to the coast. He looked at me as if I were from another planet.
HA!
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 4:53 PM
McCain handled his remarks about our need for affordable energy now quite well.
Now, every time Pelosi bleats that she is trying to save the planet, all McCain has to say is that he intends to serve our country and its people.
onlineanalyst on August 4, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Just what do you think your doing, Dave? Tell us how you can possibly come up with that?
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Another Bush failure. You gotta wonder who’s looking out for the people.
Alas, come election day, this too will be forgotten and the incumbents will win yet again.
tgillian on August 4, 2008 at 4:55 PM
I really appreciate how McCain, Bush and the House Republicans are treating this as the serious issue it is, and blatantly putting the interests of the United States ahead of politics.
Even if it costs us this election, I still want Obama, Pelosi and the democrats to flip flop on drilling here, drilling now.
Did someone say Newt for veep?
myamphibian on August 4, 2008 at 4:58 PM
Another Bush failure. You gotta wonder who’s looking out for the people.
Alas, come election day, this too will be forgotten and the incumbents will win yet again.
tgillian on August 4, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Jeez, just when we notice that the dorks have been silent, they show up.
Bush knows better than to get involved in a legislative fight. See my entry at #21. It’s more than politics.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 4:59 PM
I had one of those epiphany things while half way listening to Limbaugh this afternoon. He had a caller complaining (more or less) that Rush was using more than his fair share of gasoline by driving one of those gas guzzlers. That’s when I understood the liberals are mad at all those people burning up ‘their’ gas, because they want it all for themselves.
I kinda went ‘oooohhhh’.
rockhauler on August 4, 2008 at 5:00 PM
I just sent a tweet to Rep. Culberson noting I had read about Bush refusing to call the house back, and making a small suggestion.
How about Bush asking politily for Pelosi to bring the house back into session to debate and vote on the drilling bans? No demands, no orders, just a simple request, noting that the people are suffering under the high costs of energy.
Basiclly put the onus back on her and maker look really bad…if that’s possible. ;)
evilned on August 4, 2008 at 5:00 PM
lemme try that again…I thought I hit the “quote” button…
Jeez, just when we notice that the dorks have been silent, they show up.
Bush knows better than to get involved in a legislative fight. See my entry at #21. It’s more than politics.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 5:01 PM
How is Bush standing in the way?
This is for the Senate and Congress to take care of and the Dems haven’t done a dang thing.
upinak on August 4, 2008 at 5:02 PM
August can be used for Republicans to discuss their energy plan – without Pelosi to gavel them down. In the senate, the 5 minute sessions can be challenged daily with a need to expand drilling.
And October 1 is the start of the federal fiscal year: A perfect time to shut down appropriations. A continuing resolution for every required appropriation is a fitting end to this democrat do-nothing congress.
Right_of_Attila on August 4, 2008 at 5:05 PM
What are the implications of Obama joining the drilling side of the debate? I don’t trust the Dems one bit on this issue. Any compromise reached with them on this will naturally come with stiff regulation, taxes, and preconditions. So much so that we won’t make any real progress. It will be a symbolic victory only and then when the regulations prevent oil from getting out of the ground and to market the Dems will be able to say, “see we told you additional drilling will have no effect”. Be wary GOP, be wary.
DerKrieger on August 4, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Even if President Bush did call them back, it is the leadership of the House and Senate (Democrats) that set the rules and the agenda…………….
…………. let the voters who are feeling the pain and voted them into office in the first place take some responsibility for this. Call your Representative, take ownership of this. Shake the damn tree!!!!!
Seven Percent Solution on August 4, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Is this a chance for McCain to call out Bush by name to order a special session of Congress on energy to distance himself from Bush and destroy Obama’s claim that he is nothing but Bush’s 3rd term?
Dollayo on August 4, 2008 at 5:13 PM
This is starting to remind me of Reagan piling on Carter.
McCain sounds righteous, and needs to keep it up.
Hening on August 4, 2008 at 5:17 PM
My apologies, I didn’t know you had the final say. List all your entries and I’ll read them at my leisure.
tgillian on August 4, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Heard Juan Williams and Bob Beckel on Hannity’s radio show a few minutes ago repeating the Meme that it is useless to drill oil, because it will take 10-20-30 years for the first dro of oil to be produced. 11 years ago when Clinton denied drilling in ANWR, his excuse was “It will take 10 years for it to produce”. NOW, the commie-libs are trying to extend that lying meme to 30 years.
I know that Juan Williams has gained some fans amongst conservatives since he has been sort of critical of Obama, but he is still an ignorant lib who deserves every smack down that Brit Hume has given him, and more. And Bob Beckel is even worse.
Then one of them, (I don’t know which, because it was raining so hard I couldn’t distinguish voices), said we should just go ahead and take all of Iraq’s oil for our own use.
These are the same guys who spluttered and screamed about the Iraq war being wrong because it was just Bush and Cheney stealing Iraq’s oil for Haliburton; Yet they have the audacity, NOW to say go ahead and take it.
LegendHasIt on August 4, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Sure, here ya go. I can understand that you don’t wanna look it up yourself. God forbid you should have to think.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Dave:
How is Bush standing in the way? He lifted the ban on offshore drilling and publicly called on the House to do the same. What else can he do? I think some people need to take a online course in civics because they do not seem to understand how our government works.
For years Bush has taken crap from the left for being an oil man. I wish people would make up their minds.
Terrye on August 4, 2008 at 5:40 PM
tgillian:
Same to you. Bush is the President, that is the Executive Branch. Pelosi is Speaker of the House. That makes her boss {shudder} of the Congress. She decides what gets voted on, not Bush. Even if Bush called them back in session, he would not have any control over what they did or did not do. Now if a Republican controlled the House and there was good reason a vote would be called on the Energy Bill, then calling them back might accomplish something.
Terrye on August 4, 2008 at 5:43 PM
I agree with you except on one small point. Most people need a civics course.
Wade on August 4, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Wade:
This is true. Do they even teach government in school anymore? I doubt it.
Terrye on August 4, 2008 at 5:47 PM
They don’t teach tollerance rather than government these days
Hunt035 on August 4, 2008 at 5:48 PM
A little slow…but it seems like McCain is finally “getting it” on energy.
He still needs a remedial course on ANWR, though.
landlines on August 4, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Sorry:
They teach tollerance rather than government these days.
Hunt035 on August 4, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Be careful what you wish for. If a session opens, if anything passes it will likely be the “gang of ten” compromise package (some limited drilling, plus lots of alternative energy research, benchmarks and tax breaks, etc.), which Obama has said he would support, and McCain probably would too. Probably most Americans who see it as a good thing. Advantage who?
okonkolo on August 4, 2008 at 5:51 PM
In TX they only teach half a year of government. Unreal. Only the most superficial of information is discussed.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Exactly, like one that won’t kick in until gas hits $10 a gallon.
peacenprosperity on August 4, 2008 at 5:56 PM
It was shrewd and gracious of Bush to decline the opportunity to call a special session of Congress.
Not ony can he not control it, but he gives the spotlight to those running for office in the fall. Great video clips for fall campaign ads. Hope they mix they with Granny Pelosi on her book tour.
Wethal on August 4, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Wow! McCain did really well with that one. He made me feel proud! I just hope he can continue with this and not do something stupid like pick a Lieberman for his VP or throw some good Republican under the bus anytime soon.
JellyToast on August 4, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Wow, you can almost taste the arrogance.
Bush calling a special session would highlight the issue and, in my opinion, force Congress to act.
Bush is given too much credit for lifting the Executive Order and calling for drilling with only a few months left. Why didn’t he do this years ago?
You can’t have it both ways – saying that if we’d started drilling when Clinton was President all would be fine, yet excuse Bush because gas just hit a threshold of $4.
tgillian on August 4, 2008 at 6:04 PM
Played very well by the Republicans indeed.
freevillage on August 4, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Then Apply Pressure, George W Bush is still the PRESIDENT RIGHT? Well MR PRESISDENT LEAD. Getting the Democrats back to work may be harder then herding cats that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do EVERYTHING. Is that what will be written in historical textbooks, what is that I see, in the caption, under George W Bush’s Presidential Legacy? He CAVED when confronted with one of the lowest rated Congresses in American History. Time To Cowboy up Dubbya.
Dr Evil on August 4, 2008 at 6:08 PM
That’s partly true. However, it is difficult enough to fight for a solution when the problem is obvious to everybody. It’s next to impossible to do it when people don’t feel any urgent need (see Social Security). It’s double impossible to do it when the President is a patent moron with no credibility on any issue.
freevillage on August 4, 2008 at 6:11 PM
But Congress won’t act. And if they are called back into special session, they can set the agenda.
Careful, tgillian, your BDS is showing.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 6:13 PM
I had a wonderful government teacher in high school (7 years ago) He was/is a huge lefty, but he made it very difficult for one to realize that. He always respected my politics, which is more than I can say for any of my college profs. His past & future students are truely lucky.
Hunt035 on August 4, 2008 at 6:16 PM
He knows he’s going to get what he wants. Don’t rely on the President to fight your battles for you. These are YOUR representatives. You should be demanding this of them every day.
A leader leads. Bush ain’t your mommy and daddy. He also doesn’t (as MANY have said on this forum) set the congressional agenda. They could sit on the house floor and stick their thumbs up their butts (agreed, that’s SOP on the hill) the entire time, and Bush would not be able to do a damn thing about it.
YOU put pressure on. Time for you to cowboy up, bubba.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 6:17 PM
I never had the pleasure of a completely objective gov’t teacher, in high school or in college. In high school, my teacher was a Johnson/Great Society type, and my college profs made Obama look like Reagan.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Yeah, exactly, Clinton on health care, terrorism, Social Security, Oil, I could go on, and on and on.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 6:23 PM
David Axelrod’s boy does realize the tires on his plane…the one with the seat…is made from oil, right? Without oil he couldn’t land.
SouthernGent on August 4, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Well, Clinton definitely finished wars he started with total success. As for all other topics, I’m not sure if accomplished much. Neither did Bush.
freevillage on August 4, 2008 at 6:44 PM
Like what, when he boldly went after Al-Qaeda? Like the Balkans? Yeah, we’re still making up for his mistakes in the Middle East, and we STILL have troops in the Balkans.
Hell, there’s only one thing Billy Jeff finished, and her name was Monica.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 6:48 PM
OH, and a followup…U.S.S. Cole ring a bell? Clinton used the office for one thing, to score with chicks. Everything else was someone else’ call.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 6:51 PM
johnsch1,
WRONG Bush Wears the Daddy Pants, this is his Legacy, thats all that’s left of his lame duck Presidency. If he wants to go out, with this “Stain” let him? He is part of the Government just because the Democrats took their ball and went home, doesn’t mean he gets to “Give Up” And I am not a Bubba. There are 3 BRANCHES of GOVERNMENT. So with your logic, one goes on Vacation they should all go on Vacation?
This Congress has about 30 days left till the next President is sworn in next January 2009. Unless they comeback for a lameduck session in November. I seem to remember Nancy Pelosi promising more days in session before the Dems took over in Nov of 2006. Do I think Bush should make a stink about them leaving for vacation, with no Energy Plan passed? YES, he should help his Political Party.
Dr Evil on August 4, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Props to McCain…well done sir! You’re doing much better this past week.
AUINSC on August 4, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Here’s a proposal. Next summer, you take a vacation trip in Iraq, and I’ll go to Bosnia or Croatia. Then we’ll exchange pictures. Alright?
freevillage on August 4, 2008 at 8:11 PM
No doubt you would feel much more at home in one of the old satellites of your old homeland. Perhaps you might even make it permanent? No need to share photos, but thanks for the offer.
LegendHasIt on August 4, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Probably right that “W” shouldn’t have called a special session. “BUT!” the language of the Bush spokesman could’ve been much more harsh. Biting. This was a perfect opportunity to take a deep and much deserved dig into the flesh of the democrats.
G.W. Bush has done some good things during his tenure. But, largely, people will look back and see an administration littered with entirely too many lost opportunities.
Certainly we can be grateful to President Bush for one thing. He has demonstrated and hence taught us, unwittingly, that the “New Tone” method of doing business and dealing with the democrats does not work. Darvin Dowdy
Darvin Dowdy on August 4, 2008 at 8:44 PM
Dr. Evil:
The two branches are co-equal. Do you think Bush is King? Do you have any idea of how the founding fathers went out of their way to make sure no single man could rule this country? Ever again? That is the whole idea.
You just want to blame Bush for everything because you don’t like the guy. For years I have been listening to people blame Bush for everything from bad weather to dishonest bankers and it is getting ridiculous.
If Bush had called a special session and the Democrats had come up with some half ass solution of their own to take the pressure off how does that help? Or worse, they do nothing.
We elected this bozos, not Bush and when he lifted the executive ban on off shore drilling he called for the Congress to do the same. But he can not make them do anything.
All through Miers and Dubai and immigration there has been this strain from the right of constant whining and complaints of betrayal. The left on the other hand has painted Bush as Hitler. Neither side seems to realize how completely unreasonable they themselves have been sometimes.
Terrye on August 4, 2008 at 9:42 PM
Like I figured. You’re a gutless punk.
john1schn on August 4, 2008 at 11:00 PM
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