Reply #3: A desperate gambit [View All]

[markses]

This is the first move in Bush attempting to portray himself as grievously decived by the CIA, or some other force (perhaps rising to the level of the VP, depending on the polls). It is a desperate gambit because Bush can only avoid responsibility for the Iraq debacle by portraying himself as out of the loop and as, basically, a weak leader. The only plus here is preserving his "honesty" and "integrity" against the obvious collapse and utter falsity of the Iraq invasion/occupation.

The crucial polling will determine whether his "honesty" and "integrity" polls better against his "tuned-in-ness" with respect to the other forces in the Federal government. If "honesty" prevails in the polls, Bush will be a "Poor-Deceived-Bush." If "leadership" prevails, the whole story will have to be reconceptualized. They are assuming "honesty" as the winner now, for good reason (they appear to be straight liars at this point, and the blood keeps spilling daily). Contrary to popular belief at DU, the American people have a specific and, I think, rather low threshold of obvious bullshit that they are willing to put up with - especially when their sons and cousins are getting their asses blown off. I think we're just past the threshold now..........