MSM & Cheney Hunting Trip–Eager to Find Scandal in every Administration Error, no Matter How Minor
If anybody has any doubt about the MSM’s interest in finding scandal in each and every action the Bush Administration, he need only locate the transcript of White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan’s briefing today. As I listened this morning (Pacific Time), it seemed that with every questions reporters asked, they were certain a conspiracy was afoot. They wanted to account for what one writer (not in the press conference as far as I can tell) called “an 18-hour delay in reporting” the Vice President’s hunting accident on Saturday.
It seems these reporters are back in their Watergate mood, acting as if this delay amounts to a cover-up. One reporter even asked if someone had made a decision not to report this. NBC’s David Gregory (at least it appeared to be he) wondered why the White House didn’t get this information out, given the White House Situation room. One reporter asked if this were a criminal offense. Another reported suggested this reminded him of the levee story while one woman wondered if the Vice President were going to resign.
Scott McClellan calmly made clear that the Vice President, not on an official trip, was not traveling with his normal entourage and that the first priority of those there was tending to Harry Whittington, the man injured. There’s no scandal here, no attempt to cover up. It doesn’t seem a decision was made not to report this, but that the Vice President’s staff handled this in a clumsy manner. Given that this is not a matter of government policy nor of national consequence, it is only a minor misdeed. For the hunting accident is merely an indication that the Vice President, like all his predecessors, is human and makes mistakes.
I would hope the White House Situation Room serves to address issues of national security and domestic policy — and not the imperfections of the Vice President on his own time. The press’s persistent baiting of Mr. McClellan says far more about them than it does about the Vice President or the delay in reporting the story. From the tone of their questioning to the content of those questions, it seemed they were certain this delay amounted to scandal.
That the Vice President — and his staff — did all in their power to see to the health of Mr. Whittington after the accident occurred is evidence enough that there is no scandal here, merely a good man concerned for the health of a hunting companion whom he had accidentally injured. With angry Islamicists stirring up Muslims and an anti-American tyranny trying to get nuclear arms, the press should not dwell so much on an inconsequential delay in reporting an error (unrelated to his official duties) the Vice President made on his own time. And so we add one example (to the accumulating body of evidence) of MSM bias against this Administration — and its zeal to find scandal in every Administration mistake.
-Dan (AKA GayPatriotWest): GayPatriotWest@aol.com
UPDATE: Byron York looks into the Vice President’s delay in contacting the press. Via Michelle Malkin who has video of the press briefing.
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This is why the left and the press are so out of touch with Sane America. People with Common Sense recognize that this was a minor hunting accident. The press are trying to make it look like Cheney massacred a schoolbus full of orphans… orphans with diseases.
Comment by V the K — February 13, 2006 @ 2:04 pm - February 13, 2006
Lets see:
Senator Kerry refuses to release his full military records? MSM yawns
Senator Kennedy has an out of wedlock son? Yawns again.
CBS uses fake documents attempting to tip a close presidential election? Yawns.
Muslims riot and kill over cartoons that the MSM refuses to publish? MSM yawns again (while keeping it’s eyes tightly shut – and hoping their newsrooms don’t get torched)
Dick Cheney is injures a man in a hunting accident? Scandal! Cover-up! Investigation!
Vera would sooner go hunting with Dick Cheney, than ride shotgun with Ted Kennedy – or go into battle with John Kerry – or rely on CBS to cover anything more than a kitten up a tree – or invite flag burning Muslims to a panel discussion on free speech.
Comment by Vera Charles — February 13, 2006 @ 2:28 pm - February 13, 2006
CBS to cover anything more than a kitten up a tree
Why did the administration wait for so long before informing the media that the kitten was in the tree? Could the adminstration have done more to prevent the kitten from climbing the tree? Was the kitten forced into the tree by fears of global warming?
Comment by V the K — February 13, 2006 @ 2:32 pm - February 13, 2006
The Press Cry “Conspiracy” Over Cheney Accident
Un-freaking-believable. I just watched several news shows today, including some bits and pieces of the White House press briefing (poor Scott…you couldn’t pay me enough to do his job!). The press is fuming because they weren’t told three seconds …
Trackback by Iowa Voice — February 13, 2006 @ 3:17 pm - February 13, 2006
This just in: John Kerry has asked to go shooting with the Vice President. Apparently, Kerry is hoping for another Purple Heart.
Comment by Rik — February 13, 2006 @ 3:29 pm - February 13, 2006
Hmmm, let’s see;
Republican VP accidently sprays friend with birdshot while hunting; calls ambulance but not the press…SCANDAL.
Democratic Senator (while drunk?) accidently drives off a bridge and KILLS his passenger; calls the press but not the ambulance…an American Hero.
Comment by Ted B. (Charging Rhino) — February 13, 2006 @ 4:16 pm - February 13, 2006
Ted, I never thought of it that way. I wonder if the MSM will pick up on that.
Don’t bet on it.
But, the conservative blogosphere might. Let me know if you post on that.
Comment by GayPatriotWest — February 13, 2006 @ 4:30 pm - February 13, 2006
This is all, as my Momma used to say, a bunch of hooey. Stupid accident, sure. Conspiracy… ummm… no. By the way VK, #3 made me chuckle.
Comment by blowhard — February 13, 2006 @ 4:46 pm - February 13, 2006
This ain’t Chappaquiddick, but there are a few items that are worthy of further scrutiny. Lets have a normal investigation of events as if the person who shot another man wasn’t the VP of the USA. I’m not talking about some crazy conspiracy theory. Its probably for the best for him if they do that.
1) What were the circumstances of the accident? Did the accident happen at night? If it wasn’t at night, then why did an air ambulance not arrive at the hospital till 2 hours after sunset? It could be that they decided to use the air ambulance because the area was remote and they wanted to make sure he was okay. But why the wait? There could be a reasonable explaination. But I haven’t heard it.
2) Was there drinking going on?
3) Why wasn’t the media notified on Saturday? or on Sunday morning?
4) Why was there no police investigation? What is the normal procedure in these cases? Was it followed?
This appears to be handled quite poorly by the Administration. Just level with everyone, and have a normal procedure to investigate. Then the story will die.
People are going to ridicule VP Cheney over this. Its the way things work. Congressman Linder (R-Georgia) had a campaign staffer dress up like Yosemite Sam and follow his opponent around after a gun he was holding accidently discharged (hitting nobody) at a campaign event.
So we will have our laugh about this. And we are going to ask for full disclosure. The current response from the Adminstration will keep the story alive longer than necessary. Please don’t tell me you guys wouldn’t have a field day if Gore or Clinton did the same thing while hunting.
Comment by Tom in Utrecht — February 13, 2006 @ 4:48 pm - February 13, 2006
Tom:
According to the Associated Press, the accident occured at about 5:30pm local time. Sunset there, near Corpus Christi, TX, today (according to http://www.weather.com) is 6:19pm. We can assume it was a couple of minutes before that on Saturday. According to eye witnesses, the ambulance that accompanies the V.P. was had to be called to the scene and arrived about 20 - 25 minutes after the accident occured. Mr. Whittington was first taken to a hospital in Kingston, then transferred by helicopter to Corpus Christi about 40 miles away. Thus the delay seems pretty understandable. The local sheriff’s department is investigating, although there is some suggestion, not yet confirmed, that the Secret Service kept a deputy from interviewing the V.P. If that is the case, that should be immediately rectified.
What difference does it make that the media was not alerted until 18 hours after the incident? What would be different? What possible strategy would the V.P.’s office have in delaying this news?
Why ask at this point if drinking was involved? Is there any information to suggest that the V.P. has ever hunted after consuming alcoholic beverages?
——
Never:
What charge, exactly, would be brought against someone else in this situation?
What is the connection between a heart condition such as the V.P. has and hunting? Why is there an increased risk? Do you typically require a physical exam and full report before engaging in any potentially dangerous activity with a companion?
Let’s be clear. Cheney was at fault. The person with the gun has the responsiblity of firing it safely. At the same time, this was a relatively minor hunting accident. No one was killed or even seriously injured. This involves no allegation of dishonesty or governmental misconduct. Cheney should be chastised, briefly ridiculed and sent to a hunter’s safety refresher course. That’s all this story deserves.
Comment by mkb — February 13, 2006 @ 5:18 pm - February 13, 2006
#6&7 — Thanks, Ridor. It’s always fun to see what people who are screamin’ ape-shit nuts think about current events.
Comment by V the K — February 13, 2006 @ 5:26 pm - February 13, 2006
What were the circumstances of the accident? Did the accident happen at night?
No, it was in mid-afternoon. Something like 2:30 CST.
If it wasn’t at night, then why did an air ambulance not arrive at the hospital till 2 hours after sunset?
Query when the Medevac (medical evacuation) helicopter was called. Here in the Boston area, Medevac helicopters respond to the scene of an accident relatively quickly. I would have trouble believing that Texas isn’t as well outfitted.
Comment by raj — February 13, 2006 @ 5:31 pm - February 13, 2006
According to the Associated Press, the accident occured at about 5:30pm local time.
I stand corrected. I had read somewhere that the accident occurred at something like 2:38 in the afternoon.
Comment by raj — February 13, 2006 @ 5:37 pm - February 13, 2006
I stand corrected on the night hunting thing. See how easy that was.
I asked the alcohol question because its the first question that I would ask in any case of an accidental hunting shooting. People have been known to drink at the ole’ hunting camp. Its a question I would ask of anyone else.
Still looking for the answer to number 4. I really don’t know what standard procedure is where it regards to accidental shooting investigations.
Thanks for clearing the timing issue of events.
Don’t get so upset when the media questions the Bush/Cheney Administration. We certainly aren’t going to get any questions from Congress. Your real problem is that the Administration doesn’t have a track record of being forthcoming. You could probably say that about other Administrations too. Its part of the process. I’d be upset if the media wasn’t asking lots of questions about this. Its their job.
Comment by Tom in Utrecht — February 13, 2006 @ 5:47 pm - February 13, 2006
#3, #13 - V, you’re on a roll today
Comment by Calarato — February 13, 2006 @ 5:47 pm - February 13, 2006
16 The last paragraph was a general comment about media questions towards the President and his Administration, not specific to Cheney’s accidental exercision of his Second Amendment rights
Comment by Tom in Utrecht — February 13, 2006 @ 5:50 pm - February 13, 2006
Stupid accident, even stupider White House. I would think it difficult to not see someone in a bright orange, “here I am” vest. And sitting on the information was even stupider. If you read the transcript, McCellen sounds foolish, evasive and deceptive. And while the latter two qualities are ones that every press secretary should have, they should also conceal that fact.
There has to be a criminal investigation of some kind. You can’t just shoot someone and blow it off. Even if all parties agree it was an accident. More media frenzy is sure to follow, along with both sides of the Blogsphere claiming Vast Liberal/GOP MM plots to subvert “The Truth”.
This is going to be funny to watch.
Comment by Patrick (Gryph) — February 13, 2006 @ 6:10 pm - February 13, 2006
Patrick,
I don’t think this rises to the level of a full fledged criminal investigation. But a police investigation to see if Texas hunting laws and the presence of alcohol would be in order. And a timely and public police report would be nice here.
Comment by Tom in Utrecht — February 13, 2006 @ 6:14 pm - February 13, 2006
And BTW, this was apparently one of those “hunts” where they release tame coop-grown birds into someones backyard and pretend they are hunting wild pheasants, etc. It’s like catching salmon from a hatchery by dumping a truckload into your swimming pool. It’s a manly man’s “sport”. Contemptible. Reminds me of a video game I saw about hunters that gave the deer the guns. Cheney would have been better off sticking with Nintendo.
Comment by Patrick (Gryph) — February 13, 2006 @ 6:19 pm - February 13, 2006
And then a second investigation when the first one doesn’t find what the Democrats want, and then a third, and then a fourth…..
Comment by North Dallas Thirty — February 13, 2006 @ 6:20 pm - February 13, 2006
21. That would still be a criminal investigation I think. I don’t see a difference. I’m not saying it’s a criminal charge or something like that.
Comment by Patrick (Gryph) — February 13, 2006 @ 6:22 pm - February 13, 2006
Way to go, NDT!!!! Right on the money, man…
If at first you don’t get the answer you want…keep pushing until you can make some shit up.
Asshats.
Comment by HollywoodNeoCon — February 13, 2006 @ 6:23 pm - February 13, 2006
#2, #8 - you’re right on target…. Ooops. That was in bad taste.
Comment by sonicfrog — February 13, 2006 @ 6:38 pm - February 13, 2006
There has to be a criminal investigation of some kind. You can’t just shoot someone and blow it off. Even if all parties agree it was an accident. More media frenzy is sure to follow, along with both sides of the Blogsphere claiming Vast Liberal/GOP MM plots to subvert “The Truth”.
Gryph, in case your boyfriend hasn’t told you lately…
You’re a fucking idiot.
Just so ya know, sweetie.
Love,
Eric
Comment by HollywoodNeoCon — February 13, 2006 @ 6:41 pm - February 13, 2006
Gryph, do you have any CLUE how big the Armstrong Ranch is? 50,000 acrea. To put that in perspective, that’s over 78 square miles. It’s not exactly someone’s “backyard”.
Comment by North Dallas Thirty — February 13, 2006 @ 6:41 pm - February 13, 2006
There HAS BEEN a criminal investigation and it has been ruled an accident.
Comment by Calarato — February 13, 2006 @ 6:43 pm - February 13, 2006
Fellow HomoCons… the outrage of the MSM and the machinations of our fellow GayLefties here proves one thing:
They have never themselves been hunting nor understand anything about it.
Gryph lives in a city where they have made it ILLEGAL to own a gun, remember.
Birdshot ain’t buckshot, and buckshot ain’t a bullet. This is all just way too funny. It is like Marie Antoinette looking down at the stupid masses and wanting them to eat cake. The Left doesn’t understand America. They never will.
Comment by GayPatriot — February 13, 2006 @ 6:57 pm - February 13, 2006
#28: Then obviously that investigation was compromised and someone tampered with it! We need Congressional oversight, a task force, a special prosecutor, at LEAST four more investigations…..Harry Reid’s office is in a tizzy getting ready to shut down the Senate to get it!
Comment by North Dallas Thirty — February 13, 2006 @ 7:15 pm - February 13, 2006
This very same thing happened to one of the guards at my office, only he was the recipient of the buckshot. Luckily, neither of his eyes was hit, but he sported several bandaids on his face for a while. Ironically, he is a retired Wildlife Ranger. This type of accident occurs more often than one might think.
Comment by windybon — February 13, 2006 @ 7:15 pm - February 13, 2006
I always wonder, why don’t Leftists get tired from the endless series of meaningless tizzies?
Is it their ritual daily or weekly “Two Minutes Hate”? As Winston wondered in Orwell’s 1984: Wouldn’t a society such as the Leftists’, dependent on the next paroxysm of hate to keep itself going, and the next and the next, eventually have to burn itself out?
Comment by Calarato — February 13, 2006 @ 7:31 pm - February 13, 2006
The liberals posting here are showing their ignorance of hunting. Accidents happen esp the kind of quail dove hunting this group was engaged in. I think Tom earlier wondered if we would blow off a similar incident involving Clinton and Gore. No chance…they dont hunt. Remember our friend Sen Zell Miller said Dems would go to a fight with spitwads. Oh and the MSM needs to replay John Kerry going into a sportsmen shop saying “is this where I can get ME a hunting license?” Prior to the election. To show what a great gun rights guy he was. Ah the memories all this brings back.
Comment by Gene — February 13, 2006 @ 7:39 pm - February 13, 2006
Love how Gryph is offended that this may have been a bird release hunt. Not exactly sporting..to easy, not a “hunt”. Kinda of like having an affair in your office with an intern. Not exactly “sporting” was it.
Comment by Gene — February 13, 2006 @ 7:41 pm - February 13, 2006
Come on GayPatriot..its Gay Mainstream, not GayLefties :-).
We don’t need a special prosecutor here. Just standard police procedures and clear accounting for what happened. Thats it. Then this just becomes grist for the Daily Show and Jay Leno.
This lefty hunts several times a year (in the US - not over here in NL), owns a rifle and a shotgun, and knows how hunt with both of them.
Reid plays hardball. He shut down the Senate to focus attention on Plame/Rove/Libby and lack of oversight hearings on National Security. It was good politics, he didn’t lose one vote over it, and it served notice that he’s a different kind of Dem leader than Daschle.
Comment by Tom in Utrecht — February 13, 2006 @ 7:50 pm - February 13, 2006
BTW, who’s wearing orange in this pic?
Comment by ThatGayConservative — February 13, 2006 @ 8:08 pm - February 13, 2006
This pic:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3762770.stm
Or here
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/008260.php
Comment by ThatGayConservative — February 13, 2006 @ 8:11 pm - February 13, 2006
Gene,
Quasi-hunting (Fishing out of a stocked pond or seeding a field for deer/turkey, etc.) isn’t fishing/hunting. Its farming - you’re just collecting a crop. People do it, but don’t ask me to respect it as sport. At least that’s my opinion.
Comment by Tom in Utrecht — February 13, 2006 @ 8:12 pm - February 13, 2006
Gene,
Were you talking about President Clinton or Speaker Gingrich with the sleeping with an intern comment? Or both? Neither?
Comment by Tom in Utrecht — February 13, 2006 @ 8:18 pm - February 13, 2006
Never, I mean Ridor, look I think Cheney would have been wise to have gone to the press with this given that he should have known they would have reacted as a 16-year-old who is told he can’t have the car keys until he cleans his room (while refusing to clean it), but there’s no scandal here.
Cheney (or his staff) contacted the sheriff’s office once they had tended to Mr. Whittington and dispatched him to the hospital. So, it’s clear their primary concern was that of any ordinary human being (in such a situation)–protecting the life of the injured individual. If he was trying to do something devious, it seems he would not want to see this guy survive.
And then, he contacts the sheriff’s office. If you’re trying to cover something up, you don’t report it to the police. It’s all just the MSM being miffed that the White House didn’t make their job easy and didn’t contact them. And actually, perhaps it’s a good sign the White House failed to contact the media because they just didn’t think this was a big issue; they think the big issues are fighting the War on Terror, securing our nation and promoting policies to reform the government and improve the economy — and not advertising the Vice President’s hunting stories.
It seems that like the MSM, you’re eager to find a scandal where there is none. A sign of your jaundiced view of the Administration. And a sign that facts aren’t as relevant as feelings. And you — and your MSM allies — just feel that there has to be a scandal because Cheney is in the same party as Nixon and other “bad” people.
Comment by GayPatriotWest — February 13, 2006 @ 8:33 pm - February 13, 2006
#40
What’s the statute of limitations on murder, Ridor?
It was said that the White House knew of this incident but did not bother to inform the public until a PRIVATE CITIZEN who told the local press in Corpus Christi?
WTF difference would it have made in your life if nobody had told the public???
Guess what, dipshit. There’s stuff that happens all the time that the people don’t know about.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — February 13, 2006 @ 9:27 pm - February 13, 2006
According to TPW investigation, no alcohol or misconduct was involved. Much to the chagrin of the liberals and their accomplices in Big Media.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0213061cheney1.html
Even worse for the liberals, Mr. Whittington will live.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — February 13, 2006 @ 9:54 pm - February 13, 2006
My favorite question by a reporter from McClellan’s briefing today:
Scott, would this be much more serious if the man had died?
I nearly fell off my chair.
Comment by John — February 13, 2006 @ 10:28 pm - February 13, 2006
Yes, it must be true. During those 18 hours, the entire staff of the administration was gathered about the victim’s bed, praying fervently for his recovery, too worried about the health of their comrade for anyone to make a call to the press.
It’s just not even possible that they were anxious to avoid exactly the political fallout that has occurred.
The whole story is like a fable that expresses the relationship of the administration to a press that has become understandably paranoid about the Bushies’ willingness to tell the whole truth. It’s their job to pursue these questions. Teddy Kennedy’s 20 year old incident has nothing to do with this and you must be all very young not to know what a relentless subject of media scrutiny that was in its time.
I am especially pleased with the advice that this — a shooting that landed someone in the hospital — should be simply regarded as a triviality poorly handled by people in the grips of concern about a friend. Imagine if Clinton had shot Monica during a underwear shopping spree.
Oh well, GWB has his 39 percent approval ratings to keep him warm.
Comment by PeaceOut — February 13, 2006 @ 11:02 pm - February 13, 2006
Hey PeaceOut…same advice to you I just gave stevie…
Shut the fuck up and go jerk off to something, because you’re clearly suffering from a case of seminal backup.
You’re WAY in over your skis here, as is evidenced by the thrice-daily paranoia your contemporaries are suffering from.
My God, if I had a dog that acted as scared as you are right now, I’d show it some mercy and shoot the fuckin thing.
Eric in Hollywood
Comment by HollywoodNeoCon — February 13, 2006 @ 11:14 pm - February 13, 2006
Teddy Kennedy’s 20 year old incident has nothing to do with this and you must be all very young not to know what a relentless subject of media scrutiny that was in its time.
What an excellent illustration of liberal media accuracy; Chappaquiddick now happened in 1986.
Funny, I didn’t hear a damn thing about it then.
Oh, and PeaceOut, are you going to push the lies that these so-called media “truth tellers” were repeating today, that Cheney was drunk and that there was no police investigation? Didn’t they ask the right questions, or did they just fake the news because they know Bush-haters like yourself have no concern for accuracy as long as it’s anti-Bush?
Comment by North Dallas Thirty — February 13, 2006 @ 11:29 pm - February 13, 2006
What a cock up! Everyone should know that the VP’s Office should have followed the correct procedure when a person is shot and bleeding.
1. Determine if said person is injured
2. Call Washington Post
3. Issue press release
4. Hold news conference
5. Consult with Congress (in a bipartisan fashion of course)
6. Appoint a Special Prosecutor
7. Call an ambulance
Comment by Bobo — February 13, 2006 @ 11:55 pm - February 13, 2006
The media’s feeding frenzy is silly and the White House press corps made fools of themselves while badgering Scott McClellan today. And the leftwing blogs are out of line trying to make this a scandal when none exists.
But contrary to the comments of GayPatriotWest and others above, this was not some minor incident not worthy of much media attention. It IS news when the Vice President of the United States shoots someone, albeit accidentally in a private outing. I appreciate the fact that the first priority of the Vice President and his entourage was the health and comfort of the victim. But I was surprised by McClellan’s revelation that hours passed before the President was informed of the details.
The Vice President’s obsession with secrecy contributed to the media’s tizzy and gave legs to a story that should have moved to the inside pages by Monday.
Comment by Jack Allen — February 14, 2006 @ 12:26 am - February 14, 2006
Jack, just as I said to sonicfrog in another thread, thanks for one of the most intelligent posts I’ve read in ages.
Leaving the media contacts to a family friend was a bad idea, regardless of the good intentions. Hopefully, this ridiculous incident will find it’s rightful place in obscurity.
Eric (again) in Awe
Comment by HollywoodNeoCon — February 14, 2006 @ 12:38 am - February 14, 2006
Which is more relevant and/or damaging to the USA internally and internationally?
The former Vice-President doing this:
Former Vice President Al Gore told a mainly Saudi audience on Sunday that the U.S. government committed “terrible abuses” against Arabs after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Gore said Arabs had been “indiscriminately rounded up” and held in “unforgivable” conditions.
Or the current Vice-President waiting several hours!!! before contacting the press about a hunting accident.
Why is there such an obsession with private, personal conduct between consenting adults? We need to look forward, not back and focus on the real issues that are truly important to the American People. It’s way past time for the Left and the Press to move on.
Comment by Bobo — February 14, 2006 @ 12:51 am - February 14, 2006
Couple headlines from today:
‘Cheney Bags Lawyer’
‘Cheney’s Fowl Shot’
But my favorite quote was:
…this is the first time since Aaron Burr that a vice-president has shot someone
Pretty funny don’t you guys think?
Comment by reilly — February 14, 2006 @ 12:54 am - February 14, 2006
How about
“VP Reaches Out Across Aisle, Invites Dem Leadership to Weekend Hunting Retreat”
Comment by Bobo — February 14, 2006 @ 1:05 am - February 14, 2006
Another one I thought was funny was:
“An aide to the vice president said added, “If he was going to
shoot any of his cronies right now it’s a shame it wasn’t Jack Abramoff.”
Comment by reilly — February 14, 2006 @ 1:14 am - February 14, 2006
Personally, I thought the “Cheney’s Got A Gun” remix by Aerosmith was the funniest spoof of the day!
But that’s just my opinion…
Eric, hoping the Russian Pairs are as good as everyone says they are…
Comment by HollywoodNeoCon — February 14, 2006 @ 1:27 am - February 14, 2006
Um, PeaceOut, why has the press become understandably paranoid given that left-wing claims notwithstanding, the Administration has done a pretty remarkable job of telling the truth, especially in contrast with the preceding Administration? Yours is quite possibly the most ludicrous explanation for the adolescent behavior of the media at the press briefing on Monday.
The only people who don’t believe the Administration has told the whole truth are its critics, people who will only accept as “truth” the conclusions they have reached without examining the facts. Political fallout? Get a grip. If anything, this event will hasten the decline of the MSM. The only people who will hold it against the Administration are those who already hate the President and the Vice President.
Had you bothered to watch the press conference, you would see that this was a MSM bent on finding a scandal. Yeah, I think the Vice President should have contacted the media earlier, but given that this is not a matter of national policy, it’s an inconsequential mistake.
Your comparison to Clinton is absurd as is your reminder that the president’s approval rating is low, but considerably higher than other past presidents at low points in their Administrations.
And Jack, where did I saw this wasn’t worthy of much media attention? In the post itself, I faulted the Vice President’s staff for handling this in a “clumsy manner.” This is a minor misdeed and would (and should) be the subject of late night talk show banter rather than a White House press briefing.
Comment by GayPatriotWest — February 14, 2006 @ 1:31 am - February 14, 2006
54 posts on this topic and an overwhelming number finding a way to attack liberals and the media. dunno what that’s all about. someone got accidentally shot on a hunting party….i’m guessing those kind of accidents happen all the time. However..this accident was caused by the sitting Vice President of the United States. Believe it or not, that’s a pretty newsworthy event to people in the country.
Comment by Kevin — February 14, 2006 @ 1:32 am - February 14, 2006
#57
54 posts on this topic and an overwhelming number finding a way to attack liberals and the media. dunno what that’s all about.
It’s a thread analyzing liberal stupidity. The fact that you don’t get it is a shining example.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — February 14, 2006 @ 1:45 am - February 14, 2006
I think the fact that you’ve turned the event of Cheney shooting someone while hunting without a license into liberal stupidity is what’s hard to understand. It seems more like Cheney’s stupidity to me.
Comment by reilly — February 14, 2006 @ 2:04 am - February 14, 2006
Gee, reilly, maybe GP and GPW and the rest of us should check with you before we decide which aspect of any situation to comment on. Would that make you feel better? Since you have appointed yourself ‘Arbiter of All That Is Worthy to Comment On’?
Comment by V the K — February 14, 2006 @ 5:37 am - February 14, 2006
And how can one not mock the apoplexia of over-ego’d media blowhards like David Gregory:
Why was the White House relying on a Texas rancher to get the word of Cheney’s hunting accident out over the weekend, asked Gregory, accusing McClellan of “ducking and weaving.”
“David, hold on… the cameras aren’t on right now,” McClellan replied. “You can do this later.”
“Don’t accuse me of trying to pose to the cameras,” the newsman said, his voice rising somewhat. “Don’t be a jerk to me personally when I’m asking you a serious question.”
“You don’t have to yell,” McClellan said.
“I will yell,” said Gregory, pointing a finger at McClellan at his dais. “If you want to use that podium to try to take shots at me personally, which I don’t appreciate, then I will raise my voice, because that’s wrong.”
“Calm down, Dave, calm down,” said McClellan, remaining calm throughout the exchange.
“I’ll calm down when I feel like calming down,” Gregory said.
Comment by V the K — February 14, 2006 @ 10:17 am - February 14, 2006
Two guys are out hunting and one of the hunters accidentally shoots the other. He then calls 911:
(Hunter) “I’ve just accidentally shot my partner in a hunting accident. I think he’s dead!”
(911) “Are you sure, sir? I need to know for sure before sending help.”
(Hunter) “I’m pretty sure he is”.
(911) “Well, sir. I need to know for sure. Go make sure he’s dead.”
!!!!!!……..BANG……..!!!!!!!!
monty
Comment by monty — February 14, 2006 @ 10:55 am - February 14, 2006
And what part of “Whittington walked into Cheney’s line of fire” don’t you understand?
I hunt ever year, and have since I was a little kid. I’ve been shot (by my younger brother — and yes, it was an accident) but thank God, I’ve never shot anybody. But it is a risk you take — particularly if you walk in front of hunters.
I’m glad Whittington is going to be fine, and I feel sorry for Cheney. I know if I’d shot somebody, accidentally or not, I would feel horrible.
Comment by rightwingprof — February 14, 2006 @ 2:13 pm - February 14, 2006
Golly, do you think Cheney ever…
- misspeaks?
- overeats?
- farts or belches?
- takes a crap?
- is bad at foreplay?
We can’t have any imperfection in the Vice President of the United States!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh wait, I know what this is about. “Sure, Clinton lied under oath to obstruct justice, but Cheney SHOT a guy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
I bet that’s it.
Comment by Calarato — February 14, 2006 @ 3:56 pm - February 14, 2006
On further reflection, I’m surprised we haven’t seen any Aaron Burr jokes or comments.
(Have we?)
Comment by Calarato — February 14, 2006 @ 4:00 pm - February 14, 2006
“The only people who don’t believe the Administration has told the whole truth are its critics, people who will only accept as “truth” the conclusions they have reached without examining the facts.
Thass some real fancy logic, GPW. Its circularity is typical of nearly everything you write. It continues with your stunning notation that the president’s approval rating is higher than the low approval ratings of other presidents at, um, their lowest point. UM Yeah? I didn’t know we knew that Bush was at his lowest yet. Um…
You can’t even read what I write without automatically prejudicing yourself. I said the press is paranoid, meaning that it is indeed over-reacting. But unlike you, I’m not arguing that the over-reaction is independent of the behavior of the Bush Administration’s history. If you don’t think the administration has a history of lying, tell it to the prosecutors. You have viewed the facts and decided there has been no lying. Others of us have viewed the facts and have strong suspicions.
As for Clinton, I’m simply making the point that your side went berserk over his lying about sex (he was not convicted, remember?). Ken Starr did his best to find you a real case but couldn’t. The press, including the NY Times most of you revile, hammered away at the matter for two years. Now comes George Bush and his colleagues and we are to ascribe only the dearest, sweetest motives to their every action and we are supposed to see the press as on the verge of ruination because it gets itself exercised over a vice-presidential shooting.
I really do enjoy stopping in here ever week or so. It’s just astonishing to see the lenths to which you go to villify anyone with a differing opinion.
I would rather have a press
Comment by PeaceOut — February 14, 2006 @ 4:05 pm - February 14, 2006
whoops…I would rather have a press that is unduly suspicious than the one that played lapdog in the person of Judy Miller and didn’t attempt to independently validate what it was being fed as fact.
Comment by PeaceOut — February 14, 2006 @ 4:07 pm - February 14, 2006
It would be a dull, and far less entertaining world, without the fevered imaginations of liberals.
Comment by rightwingprof — February 14, 2006 @ 4:14 pm - February 14, 2006
“Birdshot ain’t buckshot, and buckshot ain’t a bullet.”
Yeah it’s no big deal. The man just had a heart attack. It seems one of those “harmless” little birdshots, lodged in his heart. Anyway, it was his own fault. He stepped in front of the gun. Right.
Comment by hank — February 14, 2006 @ 4:24 pm - February 14, 2006
And accidents never, ever happen in hank’s life either, I’ll bet! No imperfections there!
So maybe after Cheney resigns, and Bush crumples without him and also resigns, and Speaker Hastert then appoints Kerry and resigns in Kerry’s favor, President Kerry can nominate hank for the VPOTUS!!!!!
Comment by Calarato — February 14, 2006 @ 4:35 pm - February 14, 2006
It was an accident of course.And they do happen. But I fail to understand why people here have to attack the poor 78 year old man who was shot. The unchecked vitrol has taken away what little credibiltity there might have been.
Comment by hank — February 14, 2006 @ 4:41 pm - February 14, 2006
If anyone here has attacked the 78 year old friend who suffered the accident, I’ve missed it. (which is possible)
Comment by Calarato — February 14, 2006 @ 5:06 pm - February 14, 2006
P.S. Note that saying the victim moved and stepped in front of the gun at an unlucky moment is not attacking him. In the context of hunting, it’s entirely possible.
Comment by Calarato — February 14, 2006 @ 5:08 pm - February 14, 2006
And his usage of words toward people he does not like, “&%$@ you!” at a senator few years ago — made me wonder whether if he is stable or not.
What the FUCK has that got to with this incident?
Perhaps, Mr. Whittington was making fun of him and he went crazy and shot back in his face. You and I will never know…
You’re probably serious about this, aren’t you? Sad. Very sad.
Eric in Hollywood
Comment by HollywoodNeoCon — February 14, 2006 @ 5:51 pm - February 14, 2006
Eric, NAR / Ridor is another of the big longstanding crazy baiters here who is attempting to shock and outrage. No big deal. I’m sure that saying what you said felt very good. It’s vitriolic under hank’s definition, but in this case, I can’t say it was out of line.
Anyway, on Powerline today, here is what one longtime hunter has to say about the incident: http://powerlineblog.com/archives/013138.php
Comment by Calarato — February 14, 2006 @ 5:58 pm - February 14, 2006
GayPatriotWest, #61. I need to apologize to you, Dan. I was referring to the comment you made in #41. Having read it again I see now that you were putting forth a hypothetical scenario at the White House. I read it too quickly the first and thought you’d said the shooting wasn’t important enough for the White House’s attention. Again, I’m sorry.
Comment by Jack Allen — February 15, 2006 @ 12:29 am - February 15, 2006