Port takeover

[nychoya3]

What does everyone think of this brouhaha? The WH seemed to set the stage to back down today, saying the Bush knew nothing about it until a couple days ago (kind of odd, given his fervent defense yesterday, but whatever.)

My main takeaway is that it's sad that such an obviously xenophoic, ill-informed criticism has drawn such universal acceptance while so many valid criticisms of Bush's homeland security policy escape scrutiny. I've yet to hear a real good explanation for how this would imperil national security, but I'm willing to listen.

Politically, the lesson seems to be that Bush has basically no friends left - even Denny Hassert is piling on. I don't think Bush will handle being a lame duck well - his instinct is always to push, not bargain, and he just doesn't have the political leverage he once did.

[SirSaxa]

nychoya3 said:

The WH seemed to set the stage to back down today, saying the Bush knew nothing about it until a couple days ago (kind of odd, given his fervent defense yesterday, but whatever.)

Isn't this a perfect example of "flip flopping".

The best part of the whole episode is Bush saying he is going to VETO any legislation that threatens his port deal.

Of all the things he could have used the VETO for --- like the unparalleled growth of government expenditures and budget deficits during his watch -- he chooses Ports? last time he even threatened a veto was over his right to continue torturing people.

This president has absolutely no clue.

[HoyaDestroya]

It's not flip-flopping. The President hasn't changed his position. If you know anything about the CFIUS process, you know that the President is informed about the decision until after a decision is made unless a 45 day review is called for, which was not in this case.

[AustinHoya03]

nychoya3 said:

My main takeaway is that it's sad that such an obviously xenophoic, ill-informed criticism has drawn such universal acceptance while so many valid criticisms of Bush's homeland security policy escape scrutiny.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

nychoya3 said:

Politically, the lesson seems to be that Bush has basically no friends left - even Denny Hassert is piling on.

No inside knowledge, but I can virtually guarantee that Hastert is piling on because his constituents are urging him to pile on, not because he doesn't support the President. The negativity is playing big in the reddest parts of the country, including Hastertland west of Chicago.

[Cambridge]

I find all the jingoist rhetoric troubling to say the least. Shame on the Dems and the wavering Repubs.