Fineman gives a little insight why Bushco picked Philly for Mondays speech

[sabra]

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10467148/site/newsweek/page/2/


Say Cheese, Senator Santorum
Why the White House is arm-twisting and sweet-talking all the president's 'friends.'


<snip>

But the key is keeping the GOP base together. And that’s what the Philly event was all about. One reason why Bush went to Philadelphia last week to speak to the World Affairs Council was history. White House speechwriters wanted a suitable backdrop for discussing the difficulties of forging a democracy. But the other reason was political: the chance to get (read require) Santorum in the picture. Since it was Philadelphia, Sen. Arlen Specter would want to be there, giving a sense of formality to the occasion. And the august, non-partisan Council gave additional cover: this was an “official” event, not a campaign rally. Then there was the biggest inducement of all: a ride on Air Force One.

Just in case Santorum had had any reluctance to come aboard, there was another factor for him to consider. Being “independent” of the White House can have its costs. If Santorum is going to win reelection, it’s going to take out-of-state help -– and, more specifically, money. Millions already are pouring in from across the country to help Santorum. Can Rove affect the volume of that flow from conservative, activist sources? Maybe just a little bit….

So, as the door of Air Force One swung open, there was a smiling and waving president. A few steps behind him, smiling a little sheepishly: the junior senator from Pennsylvania. They didn’t walk down the gangway to the tarmac arm-in-arm. But it was close enough to suit the political purpose at hand.

Now comes the question: will they stand together next fall? And if they are, will they be smiling?

[BOSSHOG]

1. rove has to force people to be bush's friends

Beautiful. If santorum had a spine or any sense of decency he would have passed at the invite, but then again he doesn't, does he?

[sabra]

3. I would of loved to of heard the conversation between Rove and Santorum

Rove: "You better be there"

Rick: "No, I don't want to"

Rove: "You rember that favor...."

[TheCowsCameHome]

4. I bet it wasn't quite that civil................

[underpants]

5. I've asked this before-Have you ever heard of W having any friends?

Okay Rafael Palmiero and Roger Clemens other than that I have never heard of him having any friends. No one from "back in the day" especially.

He basically hangs around in the corner of the room his dad's friends are meeting in.

[BOSSHOG]

6. Just like limbaugh

No friends, no social life, nothing but a heart full of hate and head full of rocks.

bush certainly doesn't have any buddies from the old TANG unit to hang out with.

[Tactical Progressive]

7. Evan Thomas says Bush sees a few of his close friends

quite regularly. From back in his school days apparently. They sit around and talk about everything except politics supposedly. I don't think he has nearly as many friends as his father or Bill Clinton does, but he has a few.

[napi21]

2. I say "Stick with Shrub, Rickey!" It will help us beat you!

I don't think it matters much that Shrub & Rove can get $$ into Rickey campaign. From everything I've heard Rickey is doing a fine job of screwing himself! Shrub is only going to help him do that!!!!

[dusmcj]

8. Sanatorium should reconsider bending over and taking it

from every conservative special interest group in return for advancement to crown prince in the Repubican Party. He would be a better representative of the people, and his asshole would be less sore. Loser.

[dusmcj]

9. deletia

deleted; slow browser