Rockefeller: Bush doesn't understand the world, isn't curious about it; doesn't read like he says

[DeepModem Mom]

NYT: Leading Senator Assails President Over Iran Stance

(Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D., WV) was biting in his criticism of how President Bush has dealt with the threat of Islamic radicalism since the Sept. 11 attacks, saying he believed that the campaign against international terrorism was “still a mystery” to the president.

“I don’t think he understands the world,” Mr. Rockefeller said. “I don’t think he’s particularly curious about the world. I don’t think he reads like he says he does.”

He added, “Every time he’s read something he tells you about it, I think.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/20/washington/20intel.html?hp&ex=1169269200&en=d42bf61bb75ced9b&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[TahitiNut]

1. I'd say Jay has the credentials to make that assessment. He's probably ...

... one of the most well-attuned Senators to other cultures in this world. He'd be my pick for Secretary of State.

[brer cat]

6. I'm glad that you pointed that out , TN.

I've always respected Jay, but I've donen no real research into his views and experience. Thanks for sharing, and that's why I love DU...we can learn so much from each other.

[TahitiNut]

9. With 22 years in the Senate, he's still the "junior" Senator from West Virginia.

A humanitarian, he's an unusual Rockefeller, to say the least. He speaks Japanese and is an expert on Asia. He was part of the Peace Corps in the Kennedy Administration then worked as a VISTA volunteer in the 60s. In effect, he 'bought' his way into politics (against heavily moneyed corporate interests) and has served West Virgina quite well. He was one of the saner voices against NAFTA - a very unusual stance for a Rockefeller. He's been married to the same woman for 40 years, also unusual for a Rockefeller. He's a long-time proponent of national health care, too. As early as late 2001, He was also tuned into the Cheney/Bush intention to invade Iraq.

I've watched him, off and on, since he was Governor of West Virginia ... intrigued by a (purported) descendant of old John D. Rockefeller, a stereotypical "robber baron," who seems to lack the same greed genes. He seems to be a genuinely decent guy.

[Missy M]

14. Maybe he should be our candidate for president....

in 2008. I like what he stands for.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

2. And like everything else out of **'s mouth

most of it is a lie.

[Elwood P Dowd]

3. Uncle KKKarl and Uncle Dick read to Bush, so he doesn't have to read

Just last night they read Little Red Riding Hood for little George. They also help him with his comic book collection.

[lligrd]

7. I Bet They Made Ahmadinejad The Wolf

and Saddam the wolf when they read him the three little pigs.

[PerfectSage]

4. How many Dubya conceptual maps of reality...

...could dance on the head of a pin?;-)

[Poiuyt]

5. “Every time he’s read something he tells you about it, I think.”

"Mommy, Mommy, I just went poopies all by myself!"

[Cass]

8. That's the 2nd person to describe him as being not "curious" about things.

Interesting. I can't for the life of me remember who the other person was that said this also but it was a pretty recognizable name.

[WinkyDink]

10. I should think it is obvious.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

12. Jay Leno said it during the 2000 campaign

* had been a recent guest and when asked by a guest on a subsequent show what he thought of the GOP nominee, Leno said (more or less), "I was surprised he didn't seem curious about anything." Given how apolitical Leno strives to be this was an amazing statement.

[Cass]

15. I just googled bush is incurious and found out so many people have used that word

to describe him. I had no idea that word was used so frequently to describe him but, like the poster above notes, its a pretty obvious description.

I didn't know Leno said that but it seems he's not alone in that thought.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

11. Didn't he read about The History Of Salt and also Camus' Stranger?

What more does Bush have to know about the world?

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. Actually the history of salt is relevant

but I frankly doubt he read it

[rman]

16. Yeah, well - what about his advisors?

I mean, you don't really think Bush comes up with all these plans and policies all by himself, do you?

[DeepModem Mom]

17. He had some words about his advisers, too --

Mr. Rockefeller said he believed President Bush was getting poor advice from advisers who argue that an uncompromising stance toward the government in Tehran will serve American interests.

“I don’t think that policy makers in this administration particularly understand Iran,” he said.