The Xsociate Files

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Phoning It In

President Bush's brief appearance at a peace summit yesterday in Annapolis once again illustrates that not only should he be forever sequestered from attending any event with "peace" as the principal subject but also from giving any further speeches which may afford him more opportunities to mangle the name of a foreign head of state. For a president who has overseen some of the worst geopolitical upheaval in a generation to suddenly be spouting the need for two sides in a conflict he has thus far, and continues, to neglect is the height of irony.

Then again, even the Bushies weren't making this summit out to be anything other than the "mother of all photo-ops", one last attempt to spit shine a waning presidency so lacking in glorified successes that have yet to occur. And it does not say much when expectations have fallen so low that this latest bit of presidenting by proxy is deemed a success simply because more than just the janitors were in attendance.

Gordon brings us the illustrated version of Bush's Middle East peace process.

Eric says if we are going to focus on who RSVP this little shindig, perhaps we should consider the potential for actually accomplishing something.

AJ Rossmiller is glad that some narratives weren't allowed to stand uncontested. Some however...

And Maureen Dowd says that just like her exercise routines, Condi Rice's idea of diplomacy involves a lot of running but not getting anywhere.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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As with most anniversaries, it becomes exceedingly harder to write something profound year after year. I find it doubly hard to put down in words my thoughts on days like today. You see it is Veterans Day and while I feel compelled to say something on this solemn day, words fail me. But it is not surprising that I should find the effort difficult. Indeed what do you say to a man or a woman who has literally put their lives on the line time after time to defend you, your family, your livelihood. All the pageantry and ceremony in the world will never seem to be enough to thank this thankless lot of brave souls.

But there are some things we can do as a means of making amends for their sacrifice. We can ensure it is not done in vain. We can ensure they are afforded all the benefits that come with that highest of service to country. We can ensure there will not be those who seek to profit from their service. And most important of all, we can ensure their leaders will not take lightly the responsibility we bestow upon them and that they will be held accountable if they do fail.

John Nichols: 11th Hour, 11th Day, 11th Month

Fixer: Veterans Day

Jeff Huber: Breakfast of Veterans

The Mahablog: Armistice Day

Minstrel Boy: Veteran's Day 2007

RendRF: The Visual Veteran

Jonathan Powers: Honoring the Price of Freedom

Justin Hudnall: All Soldiers Fade Away

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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George and Pervez: Peas in a Pak

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf continues his crackdown, rounding up more of the opposition. And it would seem my prediction that it might be awkward for the Bushies to continue to support Pervez was a bit off. Turns out that "nightmare scenario" was just a pipe dream since they apparently aren't feeling awkward at all. In fact some are giddy over the developments. And the Pentagon certainly isn't willing to disrupt business as usual over little things like human rights abuses, political imprisonment and military coups.

Such a half-hearted response almost makes one wonder if President Bush is casting a knowing wink and a nod towards his fellow Decider-in-chief.

Josh Marshall wondered how Pakistan's "mixed government" works. Good question given it's even less mixed than before.

Andy Borowitz reports that Bush has given Pervez some pointers.

Paula Newberg tallies up the score to find the rule of law down but hopefully not out.

The Heretik teaches us about high steps and goosesteps. Or something.

And Barnett Rubin, blogging from Islamabad, says that Pervez has taken on Bush's penchant for combating an overzealous judiciary.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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The Not So Thrilla in Phila.

The Democrats held a debate last night in Philadelphia, yet another in the seemingly endless pre-pre-season horse race. For some live blogging of the main event check in with native Philadelphian Will Bunch, with more observations at Josh's and Kevin's.

Pretty much all day yesterday, the inside the Beltway media was breathless with speculation about whether Barack Obama would begin to poke some sharpened elbows at his front runner rival Hillary Clinton. But aside from a few jabs at her wishy washy record and a dated Rocky reference, the Thrilla from Illa(nois) failed to land any knock out blows.

That is not to say that Clinton wasn't the proverbial punching bag in the debate. She took a bruising for her waffling on driver licenses for illegal immigrants. Was pelted for her votes on Iraq and Iran. But despite the barrage, I have a feeling that Hilla will come through this, especially considering that the GOPers seem to have already singled her out as the opponent to beat. And really, as harsh as some of the things said about Clinton were last night, they are nothing compared to what has been and no doubt will be said about her by the Repubs.

Some other notable moments: Joe Biden got the biggest applause for a dig at Rescue Rudy for his limited vocabulary. Dennis Kucinich once again made calls for impeachment but because he also claims to have seen a UFO, that means no one should take him seriously. At least MSNBC had the good sense to forgo any overly long cutaway shots of Mrs. Kucinich.

Hunter lists reasons to be freaking sick of pre-primary season.

Michael Roston says that some of the digs at Hillary seemed more befitting of a Three Stooges routine.

Booman tells us some of the new things he learned.

And Walter Shapiro says that some of the dueling Dems appear to have sharpened their rapiers and are looking to draw some primary colors out of Hillary.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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Setting the World Ablaze

Apologies again for being delinquent in my blogging duties but I have been inundated with all sorts of trials and troubles, resulting in a delay in this week's OTF. I have been trying to catch up on all the news and views, much of it devoted to the goings on in Southern California. It is not at all surprising given the human interest angle of the disaster but there are others fires threatening the illuminate the horizon as well.

The embers of war with Iran have smoldered for some time, flaring up and subsiding at irregular intervals. Last week, the Bushies began the last effort to fan the flames once more. President Bush's off-hand remark about preventing Iran from starting "World War III" perturbed many. Equal distressing was Vice President Cheney's follow-up, invoking language eerily similar to that in the run-up to the war in Iraq. Now if only Cheney can stay awake long enough to watch his handiwork.

For this week saw them up the ante, not only officially designating a part of Iran's military as a terrorist organization but also imposing some of the harshest unilateral sanctions against their government. And despite protestations from the Bush administration that these sanctions are in no way meant to force a military confrontation, few remain convinced. Bush's ever increasing trips to the Congressional ATM and hidden budget requests have some worried we may soon be looking at a conflagration that can not be extinguished.

But hey, just as we can't let those young whippersnappers in Iraq beat us, we certainly can't let all those Islamofascists in Iran do it.

The estimated costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have now been pegged at over two trillion dollars. That's trillion with a T. But the Bushies aren't worried about the numbers. Perhaps they're more interested in the dividends.

Arianna says its time for the Dems to play hardball.

Maureen Dowd says the there is no method to Cheney's madness. Rosa Brooks, meanwhile, posits another route to rout the "crazies" in the White House.

The Washington Post reports that bombing Iran would send oil prices skyrocketing (as if they aren't already breaking records). Kevin Drum says they obviously didn't get that memo about how great bombing Iran would be.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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An Assault on Nobel Reason

Depending on ones political slant, yesterday you were either suffering from Goremania or Gore-aphobia with the news that Al Gore had won the Nobel Peace Prize. Righties immediately sought to downplay the significance of the award. They were joined by the always obliging Fox News who, though a little slow on the uptake, were soon smearing in style.

With this cap to a year of awards, naturally the topic soon turned to the heated speculation (pun intended) of whether Al would seek out the most coveted prize of all: the Presidency. It's not all that surprising that in the wake of this award, the thirst for a Gore candidacy would only become more parched. After all, it is but another example of how were it not for the decision of nine Supreme Court justices seven years ago to award Bush the presidency, we may not find ourselves in such dire straits regarding a multitude of problems facing humanity.

In light of that, it's not surprising there are those pondering what might have been.

Noam Scheiber wonders what effect all the gaga over Gore is having on Bush. Al probably shouldn't wait up for that congratulatory call.

Gotta love Fox News' suggestion about who should have been awarded a "peace" prize. Then again, "peace" has been a pretty relative term with them for a while. Hunter, meanwhile, has some other suggestions.

Bob Franken ponders what a head to head with fellow Tennessean Fred Thompson would look like should Al run. For Fred's stake, lets hope it doesn't come down to giving short, concise answers.

And some wonder what Gore's advocacy of confronting climate change has to go with a world peace. My bloghost at ASZ Richard Blair connects the dots for us.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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Of Symbolism and Sophistry

There was a lot of news to choose from for this weeks OTF. But there was a reoccurring theme I noticed throughout. Whether it was Bush's veto of expanding health care for kids, his administration's endorsement of torture, the phony flap over Obama's lack of patriotic pins or the righties rushing to Rush's side in the phony soldier faux pas, the underlying theme may well have been:

We don't play by the same rules you do.

Indeed that theme has become prevalent within the current state of political discourse and governance. Keen observers will of course know this has been present for some time. But the casual observer, sadly a large chunk of the general electorate, can be easily taken in by a particular slant on any given story or the lack of in depth coverage for that matter. We hear all about the latest news on Britney Spears or dieting tips but when it comes to such things as the war in Iraq, the drumbeat for war with Iran or the slow dismantlement of the Constitution, the media has been failing in their role as conduits to truth.

And if nothing else, the righties have become very deft at manipulating this phenomenon. They have honed the skill of emphasizing symbolism over substance to a fine art. And unfortunately for the rest of us, far too few in the media have been willing to cast a skeptical eye at the various wares that are forever being pawned off as the genuine article.

It should be noted that some media figures like Chris Matthews and Katie Couric are speaking up. Better late than never I suppose.

The Washington Post, meanwhile, offered up their fluffer services to help some soul-searching ex-loyal Bushies get a restful nights sleep. Carpetbagger noticed that Bush's Brain wasn't likely to be amongst those whose sleep, perchance, would be interrupted by his conscience.

A study finds the GOP has a problem with their religious base who say that the Bush years may well come to be seen as an anomaly. It's hard to see why since, as Paul Krugman reports, Bush is far more of a modern conservative than you might think.

But there are those still willing to pray for Bush and Speaker Nancy Pelosi appears to be one of them. Predictably, Fox News has to ask if they are the right kinds of prayers.

I've noticed something about what the media chooses to focus on. First it was John Edwards' haircut, then it was Clinton's cleavage and now it's the missing flare on Obama's chest. If they keep working their way south, will we be eventually be wondering whether boxers or briefs is more befitting of a Commander-in-Chief? Perhaps codpieces will be back in vogue by then.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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Another Tour for the Phony Brigade

The "Rush Mad Rush" continues, this time with Senate Dems condemning his remarks about soldiers against the war. Majority Leader Harry Reid called his remarks "unpatriotic" and asked Senate Republicans to act with "equal fervor" in denouncing them. If by "equal fervor" you mean offering a resolution that praises Rush for his "ongoing public support of American troops serving both here and abroad" then yea, I guess you could say the Repubs are on board. No word yet on whether that "support" extends to the phony ones. Perhaps Rush wasn't the only one in need of a drug test.

Rush of course fired back at the charge in the only way he knew how: he dissembled more than Gonzo giving a committee testimony. Only in RushWorld could accusations that his words were taken out of context be "proven" by providing audio that completely removes the context. Then again, perhaps it is this contextlessness that has made him the darling of the right and why they are so willing to go to the mat for him.

Jane Hamsher says Rush should be booted from the Armed Forces Radio Network. Might as well since they aren't getting the whole story anyway.

Sen. Reid demanded that Rush apologize. Digby thinks such calls won't last long given how ineffectual they are when someone like Limbaugh is the one giving the "apology".

And Anonymous Liberal says that who the rightie blogs picked for their favorite people explains a lot.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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Manic Mahmoud Monday

It was Mahmoudapalooza yesterday in Right Blogtopia. Apparently giddy from their triumph in squashing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's trip to Ground Zero, they set their outrage phasers to "pearl clutch" and directed their ire to Columbia University, where the New Hitler spoke and held a Q&A cession. But they mightn't have bothered, since after a blistering introduction by CU President Lee Bollinger, Mahmoud proceeded to make a complete ass of himself. His claims about women's rights and the lack of gays in Iran were met with the only howls they truly deserved: laughter.

But for the righties, the mere thought of giving this man a platform from which to make himself look the fool is just too much and once again our lawmakers seem intent on making everyone wonder who the real fools are. Love those priorities. For a party that projects itself as the "Tough Daddies", the GOPers sure need to change their undergarments often. Are we really that fearful?

Anyone else getting the feeling that was really has people like William Kristol, Michelle Malkin, and Glenn Reynolds worried is that we might go over our blow hard quota?

The Garlic has the scoop on the real reason for Ahmadinejad's visit.

Will Bunch isn't holding his breath that anyone will point out how much ol' Mahmoud's rhetoric sounds eerily similar to that of certain members of the right. Martin Lewis, meanwhile, says Iran is starting to sound like a paradise.

Dilbert creator Scott Adams feels like he's been had.

Steve Soto wants proof beyond just the regurgitated talking points from the media.

And Joe Gandelman wonders who the target audience was for this made-for-TV drama.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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The Week Everything Changed...or Not

Last week, with its Petraeus parade and MoveOn ad apoplexy, was billed by the Beltway punditocracy as the week that was suppose to change everything. But if trends are any indication, P.T. Bush still has his work cut out for him convincing the American people that all those droppings left behind by his parade of prodigious pachyderms are anything but steaming piles of partially digested agitprop. Because despite even the copious amounts of Febreze from "fair and balanced" Fox, the public is still holding their collective noses.

A slew of post Petraeus polls show that Americans just aren't buying the PR surge. And they also go along way toward explaining the sudden spinal regeneration on the part of the Democrats. As much as I don't wish to devalue the significance of this development but it needs to be said that we have seen this song and dance play out before. Only time will tell if it's the same old two-step (usually backwards).

But what has been clear even before last week's "same strategy, new slogan" rollout is that Americans have soured on this war and nothing short of a deux ex machina moment will change that. That Dems would wait until they could gauge the publics reaction to the Petraeus parade also points to how little faith they have in our ability to understand the situation. Then again, a PR surge worked to get us into this war. But once bitten, twice shy as they say.

In any event, the Bushies are no doubt squirming and are already looking for a fall guy for when the eventual "return on success" shows little in the way of return and even less in the success department.

Will Durst helps us sort out Petraeus' testimony.

The ramparts at the Times may be no more but, as Digby points out, the Beltway Villagers still refuse to venture outside their comfort zone.

And like me, David Sirota is cautiously optimistic that the Dems have finally gotten over their phobia.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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I've already said my peace. So here is a simple roundup of what others are saying on this solemn day of remembrance.

Marie Cocco: Ignoring the Other Victims of 9/11

Gary Kamiya: The Real Lessons of 9/11

Steven D: Remembering the Dead

Penelope Trunk: When I Think About 9/11

Christy: How Fragile We Are...

Nancy Gibbs: How to Remember 9/11

Barbara O'Brien: Ground Zero of Dreams

Check back for more.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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The Commander Guy Stops By

While most Americans were off for Labor Day (sans yours truly), President Bush was making like a laborious used car salesman, making another surprise visit to Iraq to try to sell his surge strategy. Seems he's holding out hope that his successor will pick up the payments of blood and treasure on his lemon of a war.

Apparently Bush wanted to "see for himself" what was happening in Iraq, to get the skinny straight from the puppets mouth as it were. The not a photo-op photo-op took place outside of Baghdad because the security situation is still too dangerous to send a symbolic message of impatience with Iraq's leaders. So The Decider decided to "assess" the situation from the confines of a remote airbase in Anbar province surrounded by a 13 mile buffer zone and 10,000 US troops.

Now while Bush chose to forgo bringing any plastic poultry on this trip, he was still willing to serve up something equally chalky and tasteless. Namely that the success in Anbar was a result of the surge even though by all accounts, it started well before the surge was even conceived. For Bush to take credit for it is akin to a firefighter who was late to a blaze taking credit for being the one to stamp out the last remaining ember. And even then, there is still the potential for this conflagration to reignite at any time.

And despite his aforementioned admission, Bush also offered up another helping of the "we might withdraw soon if progress keeps up" casserole. Anyone care to guess what he as planned for dessert?

Georgia10 says that the only "surprise" is that anyone is actually buying the "New Way Forward" as anything but more of the same.

Fredrick Kagan, one of the authors of the surge strategy, says that this trip by Bush could be seen as "the Gettysburg of the war". Judging from the reviews, however, I doubt anyone outside of the most ardent sycophants would agree that this trip is on par with an oration from Honest Abe.

Andy Borowitz reports on a stop the President made on his way to Mesopotamia. Unfortunately, he didn't stay for very long.

Jill posted a snapshot from Dubya's trip. My only question is: who needs the warning more?

Suin reminds us of another place that is also heralded for its "peace and quiet".

And remember what I said about those "cordoned off markets filled with smiling Iraqi patrons straight out of central casting"? Sudarsan Raghavan has more on these Potemkin Villages.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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All The President's Organs

What is there to be said about Alberto Gonzales that hasn't already been said by countless others? Outside of Karl Rove, there is perhaps no other person whose name has come up in the course of so many scandals. And it this and not some sudden desire to spend time with loved ones, which no doubt has prompted this exodus of all the president's men. With subpoena showdowns coming to a head, Karl and Alberto have fallen on their swords, loyal Bushies to the end, hoping their exist will help ensure the cloud that hangs over the White House remains impermeable that much longer.

If Karl Rove was Bush's Brain, then Alberto Gonzales can best be called his liver. For it was his job, first as White House counsel and then Attorney General, to filter and make palatable some of the most odious practices and policies perpetrated by this administration. But as with its anatomical counterpart, there is only so much toxicity a body can take and this administration reached critical levels some time ago.

Whoever is named to replace Gonzales has his/her work cut out for them. For this presidency is suffering from organ failure, which coincidentally, was one of the criteria which Gonzales helped solidify as the standard definition of torture. Ironic that he should now suffer a similar fate.

Andy Borowitz reports that Alberto wants to spend more time "listening" to his family.

Sidney Blumenthal suggests that Gonzo's departure may be like something out of Edgar Allen Poe. Quote the Trapper John, "Nevermore".

Bob Cesca says the AG reminds him of another lawyer who palled around with a doped up has-been.

The Gonzo-meter gang can be forgiven for their bout of self indulgence, mainly because their other suggests for why Gonzales chose now to leave are so believable.

Meanwhile, fellow Slate colleague John Dickerson says that Alberto's long retainer is merely an outgrowth of his boss' inability to admit poor judgment.

And though the White House denies it, there was an unspoken rationale that even Bush couldn't help but let slip.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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Catapulting Phony Ponies

Last month, an op-ed in the New York Times prompted all sorts of media attention. Here we had two so-called "critics" of the Iraq war claiming the surge as actually working. Nevermind that these two "critics" were anything but. Nonetheless, the narrative was propagated far and wide in the mainstream media.

This past weekend, the Times ran another op-ed, this one written by seven soldiers coming off a 15 month tour in Iraq. Now one would think given the "boots on the ground" status of the authors, the media would be just as interested to know what they have to say. But outside of the blogosphere, this op-ed was met with crickets. And when it was finally discussed in the mainstream media, the authors were dismissed as not being credible and were even chastised for supposedly doing harm to their "moral authority".

Some have pointed out, this practice of the media of picking and choosing which stories or narratives will garner mainstream attention has been pervasive for some time now. This is why the need for alternative media has become so paramount. For in allowing the traditional media to choose which stories will be pushed and which ignored, we allow a narrative to be built that does not necessarily the reflect the truth. Indeed, it was how we came to be bogged down in Iraq in the first place.

Catapulting the propaganda is easy. Catapulting the truth takes real courage.

Paul Rieckhoff says he'll believe the grunts on the ground over the think tanks any day.

Robert Scheer says the Real Iraq Progress Report is taking place on the streets and if judged by that criterion, the surge isn't looking so hot.

Quite a few are upset with recent statements from Democrats which suggest they are falling for the dog and phony shows. But I wonder how much of this animosity is misplaced and could be chalked up to the media conflating the questions.

President Bush admits that there is "a certain level of frustration" with the progress of the war. Daniel DiRito wonders if that frustration extends to the Iraqi government. Something tells me that Maliki you may want to start polishing up his résumé.

(Filed at State of the Day and All Spin Zone)

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Spot Cleaning the Mark of Rove

Well the big news this week that will overshadow everything else is the timely departure of Karl Rove from the West Wing. That the chickenhawk won't be frog marched from the hallowed halls is unfortunate but many are glad to be rid of the man who has indeed left his mark on just about everything he ever touched. Actual it's more of a smear, a description far more befitting of his style of politics.

The next few news cycles will of course be devoted to downplaying the significant role that Karl played in the Bush presidency. The questionable outcome of the 2000 election, the Plamegate saga, the US Attorney firings, all will be swept under the rug as friends and colleagues will fan out, manning the talk show circuits to heap praise on the man affectionately known as Turd Blossom.

But we all know the truth. That Rove is one of the biggest opportunist to ever disgrace the halls of government. Nothing is out of bounds to this man. If there was an angle to be exploited, Karl latched onto like a pitbull at a Micheal Vick function. But unlike those poor canines forced to fight for others amusement, Karl did what he did it not for the good of the country but to ensure his own political viability and that of his clients. That his miscalculation of "The Math" lead the GOP to electoral defeat last winter and may lead to further losses in '08 is beside the point. He was the brains of the outfit, whose need for a lobotomy is long overdue.

And as much as I would like to take solace in his leaving, I and many others should be under no illusions that he will truly be gone. For like the stain that won't come out of your underwear no matter how much you scrub, Turd Blossom will also be there in the nether regions, a constant reminder of just how fetid our political discourse can get.

What was it I was saying about heaping praise? Think Progress as predictable media fawning over of the 'Boy Genius'.

Many are speculating about the true reason for Karl's impromptu departure. Is it because of the many clouds of scandal he finds himself under? Is he hoping to hitch his wagon to another? Is the pull of summer just too much to ignore? Heck, maybe he just wants to start up an ice cream store.

The Great White Whale says he understands the harpoons are still aimed his way. To Ahab's Leahy and Conyers all I can say is: Thar she blows!

Lots of "Roving" commentary at The Huffington Post. Arianna says his MO remains solidly intact. Paul Abrams wondered why all the pontificating about The Almighty during his farewell presser given that he is said to be a nonbeliever (also strange when you also consider that he is rumored to have once referred to evangelical leaders at "the nuts"). Erik Lundegaard speculates on Rove in retirement while Bob Cesca isn't too keen on the idea of him walking the streets.

Shorter Eugene Robinson: if only it were truly goodbye.

And Jurassicpork says that with his leaving, the Bush administration loses one of the few individuals who ever came the closest to being transparent. Transparently partisan maybe, but hey, it still counts.

(Filed at State of the Day)

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Of Conventions and Capitulation

This past weekend, hundreds of bloggers and their readers gathered in Chicago for the second annual YearlyKos. That seven of the eight Democratic presidential candidates were also in attendance is a testament to the powerhouse that the progressive blogosphere has become. But other events this weekend show that there is still far more work to be done. For at the same time that progressives were holding discussions on how best to help Democrats win in future elections, those same Democrats were once again caving to White House demands.

The capitulation this past week has many dispirited and angry. We must harness that emotion, focus it into productive endeavors. Mere ranting at how the Democrats seem intent on proving the Republicans claims against them aren't enough. We must remind the Democrats, indeed all members of Congress, that they work for us. And we have had enough of this administration. Those who will not stand up to this President as his continues to lead this country astray must be reminded that if they will not do so, they must step aside for those who will.

To Congress I say this: enjoy your vacation while it lasts. From now on, there are no more free rides.

Christy suggests starting up a summer tour. Though I think it is one tour the Dems probably wish wasn't coming to town.

Cenk Uygur asks a question that a lot of us are wondering right now.

The latest installment of the Bourne franchise was tops at the box office this weekend. Barry Yourgrau reports on the other "ultimatum" that was a big hit, at least with the Bush crowd.

And The NY Times says there's only one thing the Dems are afraid of. And despite the fact it no longer works, they still seem to fall for it every time.

(Filed at State of the Day)

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