Which “Bush doctrine” did you mean, Charlie?

By Michelle Malkin  •  September 12, 2008 10:50 PM

Charles Krauthammer, the man who coined the phrase “Bush doctrine,” turns the table on the condescending Charlie Gibson.

Take off your smart glasses, Charlie. Because you’ve been schooled:

The New York Times got it wrong. And Charlie Gibson got it wrong.

There is no single meaning of the Bush doctrine. In fact, there have been four distinct meanings, each one succeeding another over the eight years of this administration — and the one Charlie Gibson cited is not the one in common usage today. It is utterly different.

He asked Palin, “Do you agree with the Bush doctrine?”

She responded, quite sensibly to a question that is ambiguous, “In what respect, Charlie?”

Sensing his “gotcha” moment, Gibson refused to tell her. After making her fish for the answer, Gibson grudgingly explained to the moose-hunting rube that the Bush doctrine “is that we have the right of anticipatory self-defense.”
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Wrong…

…Presidential doctrines are inherently malleable and difficult to define. The only fixed “doctrines” in American history are the Monroe and the Truman doctrines which come out of single presidential statements during administrations where there were few other contradictory or conflicting foreign policy crosscurrents.

Such is not the case with the Bush doctrine.

Yes, Sarah Palin didn’t know what it is. But neither does Charlie Gibson. And at least she didn’t pretend to know — while he looked down his nose and over his glasses with weary disdain, sighing and “sounding like an impatient teacher,” as the Times noted. In doing so, he captured perfectly the establishment snobbery and intellectual condescension that has characterized the chattering classes’ reaction to the mother of five who presumes to play on their stage.

***

Video of tonight’s second part of the Palin/Gibson interview — er, interrogation — is up at HA.

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Comments


  1. #1
    On September 12th, 2008 at 10:55 pm, allrsn said:

    This is the way of the left, has been for years.

    They care nothing for truth and hate facts.

    Look at all the public left, you can count on you fingers how many times truth has left their lips over the last 15 years, on you fingers.

  2. #2
    On September 12th, 2008 at 10:56 pm, Rob said:

    Oh yeah…

  3. #3
    On September 12th, 2008 at 10:57 pm, PBoilermaker said:

    Krauthammer is a cool dude. He has been critical of Palin since her selection, so you know he would have blasted her if she was wrong.

    As we all know, Gibson is a toolbox.

  4. #4
    On September 12th, 2008 at 10:59 pm, Michelle Malkin said:

    As we all know, Gibson is a toolbox.

    You’re insulting toolboxes.

  5. #5
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:00 pm, GraniteMan said:

    Rove had the same take as Krauthammer and he was there.

  6. #6
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:02 pm, Misscheryl said:

    aahhh hum…where’s Chap?

  7. #7
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:02 pm, Tennessee Dave said:

    As with many things, they want something to mean what they want it to mean only when they mean it to mean what they want.
    I thought I would write that like Obama talks.

    I dang near broke my fingers typing that. I hope it makes sense.

  8. #8
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:03 pm, MrScribbler said:

    Start looking for a new job, Charlie. You had a great chance to do an interview that would be a credit to your profession, and you blew it, big-time.

    Don’t know how many dishwasher jobs there are for fat, arrogant liars, but that’d be a good place to start looking.

  9. #9
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:07 pm, cntryjoe said:

    Just finished watching the 20/20 interview. Anyone notice there wasn’t a single ‘uuhh, aahhh, etc.’ coming from Gov. Palin? When BHO is interviewed, he strains so hard for a coherent thought, half the stuff that comes out of his mouth are ‘uhhs, and ahhs’.
    Then, Stephanopolis has a couple of strategists on saying she was scripted and strained to answer questions. I didn’t see anything at all like that. Meanwhile, the democrat VP candidate asked a wheelchair-bound man to stand up and said Hillary would have been a better choice and there’s no problem there?
    When will Charlie Gibson have Obama on for such an extensive interview? The MSM is hanging on by a thread.

  10. #10
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:09 pm, Mercy4Me said:

    I am Sarah Palin!

  11. #11
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:09 pm, Trollman said:

    Yes, where is the all knowing chap tonight? I’m running low on condescension and need another dose…

    Krauthammer has been critical of Palin, so you can’t claim he is in the tank for Palin.

    Even though Krauthammer is more liberal than myself, he is my boy – he is always dead on in his analysis. He always makes the rest of Brit Hume’s panel look like rookies. My username comes from my nickname for him. :smile:

  12. #12
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:10 pm, Mercy4Me said:

    When they went to Snuffalufagus, i turned the station

  13. #13
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:12 pm, bloodhound said:

    OUCH! That’s gonna leave a mark!

  14. #14
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:16 pm, Paul-Cincy said:

    Krauthammer confirms it: the “Bush Doctrine” question was a set-up.

  15. #15
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:18 pm, Trollman said:

    cntryjoe said:

    Then, Stephanopolis has a couple of strategists on saying she was scripted and strained to answer questions. I didn’t see anything at all like that. Meanwhile, the democrat VP candidate asked a wheelchair-bound man to stand up and said Hillary would have been a better choice and there’s no problem there?

    She doesn’t have the verbal ticks that Obama does. I did see her straining for answers at times – like when Gibson demanded that she list 3 things where she would do something different than Bush with the economy.

    She answered by going back to her city council days and time as a mayor, then as governor, before finally trying to answer the question. This was a delaying tactic, trying to give herself time to think and to get into a rhythm. Her answer was vague and not particularly sharp. Still, she sounds a lot better than Obama does on tough questions.

    She was a bit weak at times, but I am not worried. She hasn’t had much time to prepare from going from the Alaskan scene to the national scene. By the time she has the debate in October, and especially by the time she is sworn in as Vice President, she will be up to speed.

    She is a very confident, aggressive, and competent person. Most importantly, her values and judgment are strong – which trumps experience (especially experience being wrong, which is the kind of experience Obama & Biden have).

  16. #16
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:24 pm, TXRose said:

    As some of my Sooner relatives would say, “She did herself up proud!” C Gibson
    on the other hand looked like a goofball and Biden telling a paraplegic to stand
    up either thinks he’s a faith healer or he’s a snarky doofus. Then, he had everyone else stand up, just to remind the guy that he cannot get up out of the
    wheelchair. This man could be just a heartbeat away from the presidency if
    we don’t all get out and vote. ( Isn’t that the phrase they keep using for Gov
    Sarah)?

  17. #17
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:25 pm, CantCureStupid said:

    I think it’s time for Chucky and his pseudo-journalist buddies to give up the lame, badly-acted pretense and just come out full bang as the libtard Obozo lapdogs that they so obviously are.

    I spit in the eye of phony civility and counterfeit intellect, whether attempting to hide behind grand-daddy glasses or not. Toolbox, indeed (though Michelle is not wrong about the insult).

    God Bless America!

    P.S. Prayers to the folks in Galveston and Houston… Ike is a monster and it’s clobbering them.

  18. #18
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:27 pm, DougT said:

    I never tire of reading the Good Doctor’s columns.

  19. #19
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:31 pm, zorro said:

    Listen to Sarah’s voice. Check out her eyes. That elitist tried to stage an ambush and was outmaneuvered.

    The moose-hunting mother of five backhanded the alfa poodle of the left. Score another one for Sarah.

  20. #20
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:36 pm, zorro said:

    Sarah handled Charlie the alpha poodle without missing a beat. The elitist delivered a carefully planned ambush and Sarah the Moose Huntress outmaneuvered the numb-skull.

  21. #21
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:38 pm, backwoods conservative said:

    Krauthammer’s the best political analyst in the business. I always look forward to hearing him.

    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:09 pm, Trollman said:

    He always makes the rest of Brit Hume’s panel look like rookies.

    Big Ditto.

  22. #22
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:40 pm, et said:

    Meanwhile, the democrat VP candidate asked a wheelchair-bound man to stand up and said Hillary would have been a better choice and there’s no problem there?

    When Obama met with Clinton , he was told by Bill, ‘I don’t feel the love. Hillary doesn’t feel the love. Show us the love.’
    So Barak sends out Joe Biden to play the fool so the Clintons can feel the love and maybe help his campaign.

  23. #23
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:41 pm, CyberCipher said:

    As near a I can tell, virtually no one has gotten this “Bush doctrine” thing correct yet — not even Krauthammer. According to articles I find on the internet, Paul Wolfowitz was the first to outline the “preemptive strike” military strategy shortly after Gulf War I in 1991 under GHW Bush (the 41st president). What am I missing?

    My collie says:

    Michelle, you’re pretty good at researching this stuff. Can you enlighten us?

  24. #24
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:44 pm, DougT said:

    Biden ’08 is all part of the Hillary ’12 campaign strategy. Once the ’08 bills are completely covered, support for BO will dry up completely.

  25. #25
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:46 pm, frontierguy said:

    CantCureStupid said:
    I think it’s time for Chucky and his pseudo-journalist buddies to give up the lame, badly-acted pretense and just come out full bang as the libtard Obozo lapdogs that they so obviously are.

    I think everyone knows…as McCain/Palin’s numbers rise, the media’s shrink.

  26. #26
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:50 pm, Jim M. said:

    Not really on my regular reading list, but this article is a hell of an analysis on the differences between Gibson’s Obama interviews and his Palin interview:

    http://journaloffeministinsight.blogspot.com/2008/09/evidence-gibson-was-prejudiced-against.html

    It is also one hell of an indictment of Charlie Boy.

  27. #27
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:51 pm, Flyoverman said:

    I admire Gibson’s consistency. This is the guy who said one evening on the ABC evening News, “There is no news to report from Iraq tonight, because nothing bad has happened there today.”

    Same old Charlie. At least he removed is Obama 08 pin before going on camera.

  28. #28
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:51 pm, CantCureStupid said:

    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:46 pm, frontierguy said:
    I think everyone knows…as McCain/Palin’s numbers rise, the media’s shrink.

    Of course everyone knows… it would just be nice if they quit insulting everyone’s intellegence by play-acting. This is, I know, a pipe dream, as folks like Chucky don’t believe that intellect exists outside of their own spheres of existence. Oh well….

  29. #29
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:54 pm, sparky1962 said:

    I just think they Libs and MSM are surprised that a non lawyer regular citizen can move up the ladder in politics and go all the way to the top. It;s about time we got a regular person in power that understands the people that make America GO. God Bless America.

  30. #30
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:54 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Someone needs to get a photo of some male and female cheerleader, Photoshop an Obama 08 logo on their uniforms and them put the heads of major media figures on them.

    That would be an awesome poster.

  31. #31
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:54 pm, d1carter said:

    Gibson is a pompous toad…!

  32. #32
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:54 pm, CO2 Producer said:

    GIBSON: Well?

    PALIN: (robotically, as if in a trance) Yes. I. Be. Lieve. In. The. Bush. Doc. Trine. (pause)
    I. Am. Just. Like. Him. (pause)
    I. Am. A. War. Mon. Ger. (pause)
    I. Am. A. Pep. Per. (pause)
    He. Is. A. Pep. Per. (pause)
    She. Is. A. Pep—

    GIBSON: (impatiently) Please stick to the question.

    PALIN: I. Have. No. Mind. Of. My. Own. (pause)
    I. Be. Lieve. All. That. Bush. Be. Lieves. (pause)
    I. Am. A. Re. Pub. Li. Can. Stooge. (pause)
    Is. That. What. You. Want. To. Hear.

    GIBSON: (whispers) I knew it.

    PALIN: What. Was. That. Char. Lie.

    GIBSON: Nothing, nothing. Next question…

  33. #33
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:57 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Punked.

  34. #34
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:57 pm, swmbo said:

    The first time I saw Krauthammer on the Fox panel I thought, Oh Boy, here comes the liberal point of view, I was WRONG. He has been a favorite of mine ever since. He has common sense as well as an educated point of view.

    And he shoots Juan out of the water. That’s icing on the cake.

  35. #35
    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:59 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:02 pm, Misscheryl said:
    aahhh hum…where’s Chap?

    My sentiments exactly.

  36. #36
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:02 am, Trollman said:

    Jim M. #26, of course Gibson was much harder on Palin than he was on Obama. Palin is running for an office that would put her a single heartbeat from the presidency. Obama isn’t running for an office that would put him a single heartbeat from the presidency. Therefore, she deserves the greater scrutiny.

    :roll:

  37. #37
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:06 am, Trollman said:

    swmbo said:

    And he shoots Juan out of the water.

    Hey, take it easy on Juan Williams. Since he is a liberal, of course he will ultimately lose any argument.

    But I think he is about as good as a liberal can get. I like him a lot more than Colmes. At least Juan has some hint of objectivity, and even disagrees with the liberal establishment at times – showing he is an independent thinker.

  38. #38
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:09 am, tonynoboloney said:

    If I cared one whit for Charlie Gibson I would be embarrased for him. His attempt at “gottcha” with Ms. Palin was pitiful and painful to watch, so much less quality than I expected from him and ABC. This will be a signal moment when Mr. Gibson’s career entered its final descent into oblivion.

  39. #39
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:10 am, localmalcontent said:

    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:54 pm, d1carter said:
    Gibson is a pompous toad…!

    And Mr. Gibson works for a toady broadcaster, Disney/ABC-TV.
    All of which is OK, since this will be his last interview with the future Vice President where he can act so condescending.

    If he gets another, at all~

  40. #40
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:10 am, Flyoverman said:

    Trollman #36

    AWESOME explanation. I feel so much better informed now. ;)

  41. #41
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:11 am, katieanne said:

    I have alot of respect for Charles Krauthammer, none for Charlie Gibson whose a typical journalist who doesn’t do his homework yet sneers at the person he’s trying to ambush.

  42. #42
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:13 am, Flyoverman said:

    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:09 am, tonynoboloney said: …. This will be a signal moment when Mr. Gibson’s career entered its final descent into oblivion.

    Agreed. Get the photo of Henry Winkler jumping the shark and put Charlie’s head on it. PERFECT

  43. #43
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:13 am, Goldwater Knight said:

    I called it last night when I said Palin did just fine; the meaning of “Bush Doctrine” has undergone an evolution of meanings. I say who cares about C. Gibson and lets ponder the “other Gibson.”

  44. #44
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:15 am, DougT said:

    Juan Williams has always seemed objective to me, too. Even when it clearly pains him to be so. (I’m sure an example or two can be shown to apparently prove otherwise, but no one is going to bat 1.000.)

    Williams is…ah…what do you call them? They used to write for newspapers and submit reports for radio and television…dammit…janitor?..no journeyman!…no no…oh, yeah, journalist. A rarely practiced profession these days.

    Charlie sure doesn’t qualify as one based on this performance. Palin would’ve been better off with Whoopi. At least her foolishness is authentic.

  45. #45
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:15 am, swmbo said:

    Sorry Trollman, I just can’t stand the smug look Juan has. He wears that ‘I’m sooooo above you conservatives’ look and it causes me to dislike his words.

    As for Colmes, I don’t wish to get banned. ;-)

  46. #46
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:27 am, Goldwater Knight said:

    As for Colmes, I don’t wish to get banned.

    I’m telling you: one of these days there’s going to be some screwed up scandal involving Colmes where he’s found to be a regular at an underground sex dungeon with 300lb. Russian women dressed in leather. He’s just got the face for it.

    Either that or he still lives with his mom.

  47. #47
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:30 am, FIslam said:

    20/20 — The big show starts with side spliting humor. Sarah, caught the interest of fickle Americans with a one-liner at the convention…and the same one liner in Podunk, and the same one liner in Appalachia, and in Backwater, and in Okefenokee, and in Bedrock.

    Not too dissimlar to how ABC News played the same clip from the interview for two days to hype up the snippet they ultimately let dribble out on the Peter Jennings Show, the Ted Kopple Show, and the Hugh Downs Show.

    Ironic that there was no direct eye contact by C. Hubris Gibblets on 20/20.

    (Look, a Palindrome…)

  48. #48
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:34 am, DougT said:

    Or both, GK.

    swmbo, massage the words a bit and you can get your point across without banishment, for example:

    I wish Colmes would have a coprophagic episode and go take an eternal nap.

    Or some such harmless saying.

  49. #49
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:40 am, swmbo said:

    Oh man, I had to go look that word up. I am now laughing my head off.

    To quote my favorite line from the movie Benny and Joon, “I didn’t know I could talk like that !!”

  50. #50
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:48 am, Jet Jaguar said:

    What I just sent to Mr. Gibson:

    Mr. Gibson,
    I must strongly object to your line of questioning and condescending tone toward Governor Palin. It was obvious that you were trying to make her look bad, when in fact, Governor Palin is a breath of fresh air to an America that has become jaded about status quo political demagoguery. The major network news block has fallen into tabloid status. You are part of that block. I suggest that you become a defender of truth and righteousness before your journey to irrelevance is complete.

  51. #51
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:53 am, swmbo said:

    When we were stationed in Typhoon Alley, Okinawa, we lived in a really ugly house. Cinder block and cement. We had really ugly shutters and X’s of tape on all the windows. The first typhoon that came thru changed my point of view, from then on, it was all beautiful !! If you are going to live in hurricane areas, at least build for the elements.

    When we were stationed in Virginia, I headed for Richmond no matter what catagory storm was headed for Newport News. Stick built houses just don’t cut it.

    Now I live in Illinois and get no warning when ‘killer’ storms are coming my way. :-(

  52. #52
    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:55 am, swmbo said:

    OOPS, wrong thread.

  53. #53
    On September 13th, 2008 at 1:02 am, Jet Jaguar said:

    On September 13th, 2008 at 12:55 am, swmbo said:

    OOPS, wrong thread.

    swmbo,
    That’s cool. I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We’ve been hoping for Ike-remnants to come through here because we’re really dried out. I’m bummed because the models are showing that it’ll miss us…

    Oh well, at least we’ll have good weather when the Cowboys slaughter the Eagles on Monday night!

  54. #54
    On September 13th, 2008 at 1:11 am, swmbo said:

    I can’t believe you won’t get any rain out of this storm ! Kinda looks like it could water the entire US if it decides to. ;-)

  55. #55
    On September 13th, 2008 at 1:13 am, Jet Jaguar said:

    Hope so…

  56. #56
    On September 13th, 2008 at 1:13 am, Papa Louie said:

    Charley Gibson is on record, himself, defining “The Bush Doctrine” at least two different ways.

    In 2001 Gibson said this:

    “People were looking for a Bush Doctrine. They may have found it when he said the war on terror will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped or defeated.”

    In light of his 2001 definition, please tell me how Sarah could have given a better answer to Charley’s question than the one she gave:

    “I believe that what President Bush has attempted to do is rid this world of Islamic extremism, terrorists who are hell bent on destroying our nation.”

    It’s a good answer and a better one than I would have given. Just because she couldn’t read Charley’s mind to play his shell game and guess under which definition he hid the pea, doesn’t disqualify her in the least. After all, she’s not the one claiming the super powers to lower sea levels and heal the earth.

  57. #57
    On September 13th, 2008 at 1:27 am, ajmontana said:

    Hey Charlie! you still beat your wife?
    Dork.

  58. #58
    On September 13th, 2008 at 1:28 am, Joy said:

    Oh Chapster – Waiting for your apology and admission you were wrong.

    I’ll say I was wrong, as I always thought “Bush Doctrine” was coined by the left and since I’ve heard it so many different ways, I thought it was one of those phrases the left uses as they see fit.

    Okay Chappster, your turn.

  59. #59
    On September 13th, 2008 at 1:35 am, tpierce2 said:

    I love this modern medium in that information is readily available. When I heard Charlie ask about the Bush doctrine I really did not know.

    Then I read and searched the net. There is no Bush written Bush doctrine. It changed over the years. 4???

    Charles K. is brilliant.

    Charlie Gibson, and I hate to put him in the same category–but he is MSM. He doesn’t even know or he tried a GOTCHA question and if he did I don’t respect him for that.

    These libs are disgusting beyond words.

  60. #60
    On September 13th, 2008 at 1:37 am, Goldwater Knight said:

    Charles K. is brilliant.

    Yeh he’s one of the few that comes across as a smart dude.

  61. #61
    On September 13th, 2008 at 2:04 am, America1st said:

    I have yet to watch the 20/20 but have read elsewhere that it obviously shows how EDITED Gibson’s interview was to cast Sarah in a bad light.

    Any comments from people who have seen both? I would think that would be an even bigger deal than the bush doctrine “gotcha”

  62. #62
    On September 13th, 2008 at 2:45 am, vickisoup said:

    I am struck by the differences in the posts here, as compared to HuffPo.
    On my worst day, in my worst mood, with my worst language at my lowest point of self, I could never muster the vitriol and ugliness of those people.
    They defy humanity; truly.
    My heart continues to be broken every single day by the unending hideous assault upon Governor Palin.
    :-(

  63. #63
    On September 13th, 2008 at 3:05 am, Christian Soldier said:
  64. #64
    On September 13th, 2008 at 3:06 am, PBoilermaker said:

    On September 13th, 2008 at 2:45 am, vickisoup said:
    I am struck by the differences in the posts here, as compared to HuffPo.
    On my worst day, in my worst mood, with my worst language at my lowest point of self, I could never muster the vitriol and ugliness of those people.
    They defy humanity; truly.
    My heart continues to be broken every single day by the unending hideous assault upon Governor Palin.

    Convert the sickening feeling you get from looking at Huffpo posts into McCain/Palin “votin’ fuel”.

  65. #65
    On September 13th, 2008 at 3:36 am, Bill Grant said:

    Previous presidential “doctrines” were codified by the presidents themselves or endorsed by them and set forth as the “such and such doctrine”…

    When Gibson was yapping about the “Bush doctrine” my reaction was the same as Palins… Could you be more specific. Bush never endorsed a doctrine of “preemptive war” it was simply Charles Gibson seeing what he wanted to see and surprised that someone else didn’t see it as well.

  66. #66
    On September 13th, 2008 at 3:36 am, Little Ma said:

    Charlie Gibson is so dumb he thinks he’s clever.

    Charles Krauthammer is brilliant, and I adore him! I watch Brit Hume’s show on Fox until the “Fox Contributors All” segment comes on. If Charles isn’t on the panel I usually switch to something else.

    Several years ago, when Charles was still calling himself a Democrat, I couldn’t understand why he didn’t realize that he was really a Republican. Finally he came over!

  67. #67
    On September 13th, 2008 at 3:41 am, AlohaGuy said:

    You’re insulting toolboxes.

    Whoa girl – is that you? :) Heh.

    For those of you who may not know Charles K was in med school at Johns Hopkins when a diving accident made him a paraplegic. When he got better, he went to Harvard’s Med School and became a Psychiatrist. He made the diagnosis on Clinton that he is a Sociopath…(I think I have that story correct – if not I’ll be working ABC tomorrow…)

  68. #68
    On September 13th, 2008 at 3:46 am, AlohaGuy said:

    Oh, also meant to add, the whole Bush Doctrine thing is dopey. It’s some construct meaning “we hate Bush”. Even if it was the world’s biggest Gotcha (it’s not), the rest of the MSM competes with ABC and mostly went with other news. Then Ike rightly took center stage – right after the Obama people put on the Cloak of Stupidity and began advertising that McCain doesn’t use email.

  69. #69
    On September 13th, 2008 at 3:54 am, fred5676 said:

    The GIBSON DOCTRINE:

    Humpty DumptyGibson: When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean – neither more nor less.

  70. #70
    On September 13th, 2008 at 4:14 am, fred5676 said:

    On September 12th, 2008 at 11:46 pm, frontierguy said:
    …..
    I think everyone knows…as McCain/Palin’s numbers rise, the media’s shrink.

    Where have I heard this before?

    Jerry: Oh… You mean… shrinkage.

    George: Yes. Significant shrinkage!

    I’m lovin’ it!

    And I get to see Gov. Palin in Carson City TODAY!!

  71. #71
    On September 13th, 2008 at 6:58 am, warden said:

    I agree Krauthammer has always made sense and seemed full of knowledge when I’ve seen him discuss current issues on radio or as a talking head. I’ve just never been able to watch him on tv without thinking of this dude.

  72. #72
    On September 13th, 2008 at 7:20 am, iamsaved said:

    I thought the interview last night was a vast improvement from the 1st one he gave. He seemed to have gotten the message and his tone turned back into a “normal” Charlie Gibson interview.

    I noticed when they replayed the earlier interview, the editing was better without obvious cuts and splices. They also omitted his “hubris” line.

    His questions seemed to be a bit more journalistic and a bit less of the “gotcha” side although I feel he was always looking to “capture” an unguarded statement in order for the Obama campaign to run with it in later ads.

    I too would calculate my answers to any of the mainstream media’s questions and avoid specifics. These so called journalists like to put their finger, so to speak, in the proverbial small hole of the sweater and keep working at it until the sweater is ruined. How many times have we heard an interviewee get trapped by a gotcha question only to have the answer replayed over and over the following weeks in an attempt to ruin that individual.

    I would now like to see Charlie give an interview to Obama and drill him on his experience alone. I’d like for him to ask him point blank, what experience makes you the candidate who can not be a heartbeat away from the Presidency, but actually become the President. Obama shouldn’t be allowed to sidestep the question the way they are accusing Sarah Palin of doing so. I would like to see specifics come out of Obama’s mouth. These would be facts that wouldn’t have to be nuanced.

  73. #73
    On September 13th, 2008 at 7:48 am, purplepeep said:

    CyberCipher said:
    As near a I can tell, virtually no one has gotten this “Bush doctrine” thing correct yet — not even Krauthammer. According to articles I find on the internet, Paul Wolfowitz was the first to outline the “preemptive strike” military strategy shortly after Gulf War I in 1991 under GHW Bush (the 41st president). What am I missing?

    CyberCiph -
    I’d acknowledge Krauthammer’s take on the “Bush Doctrine” as being authoritative, especially with him having coined the term.

    As for the preemptive strikes being a “Bush” doctrine, that just plain hogwash. As far as I know, it’s always been “the way things have been done”. The most memorable instance of this in the latter half of the 20th Century was probably the plan to attack & invade Cuba if the Russian missles weren’t removed in 1962. It could just as well be called the “Kennedy Doctrine”. He had before employed the “Bush Doctrine” with the under-supported Bay Of Pigs invasion.

    When I heard this question was raised I had no idea what Gibson was talking about – and obviously neither did he, lol. I thought, “What?? Maybe the ‘if they are not for us they are against us’ line?”

  74. #74
    On September 13th, 2008 at 7:54 am, iamsaved said:

    All of the liberal pundits who criticized Sarah Palin for not knowing what the “Bush Doctrine” was had to run to their computers and google it before they criticized her. They didn’t have a clue either but they knew for sure they had something they could run with.

    *******NEWSFLASH************
    Senator Biden is going to have to withdraw from the Obama campaign due to personal and health issues. He regrets having to leave but his family and personal life must come first.
    ****************************
    Just kidding! But as they say, many truths are told in jest…
    :)

  75. #75
    On September 13th, 2008 at 7:59 am, rplatt said:

    Charlie is a smug, condescending ass . . . Palin was accurate and he was confused.

  76. #76
    On September 13th, 2008 at 8:02 am, almeehan said:

    She was a bit weak at times, but I am not worried. She hasn’t had much time to prepare Trollman

    I think she, as any reasonable human being would do when cast into a pit of rattlesnakes, would be very reserved and cautious around such unpredictable predators.

  77. #77
    On September 13th, 2008 at 8:28 am, Dimsdale said:

    You know, if Gibson is as intelligent as he tries to portray, why did he need notes? Palin didn’t have any, and I am sure he could have been just as condescending without prompts.

    Did he need to write down what the Bush Doctrine was as well?

  78. #78
    On September 13th, 2008 at 8:42 am, mngirl said:

    During the 20/20 segment Charlie threw to a female reporter who had done a background piece on Palin. That woman took bias to a new level, criticizing Palin for using the same stump at all her stops last week.

    Where was this woman during the primaries, when Clinton and Obama were boring people to death at every stop trying to differentiate their health care plans, play identity politics and generally make promises that will cost taxpayers billions. But it was the same damn stump speech in city after city for months!

  79. #79
    On September 13th, 2008 at 8:42 am, CantCureStupid said:

    *******NEWSFLASH************
    Senator Biden is going to have to withdraw from the Obama campaign due to personal and health issues. He regrets having to leave but his family and personal life must come first.
    ****************************
    Just kidding! But as they say, many truths are told in jest…

    I won’t be surprised when that sentence is the Breaking News headline at FoxNews.com. Ever since McCain picked Governor Palin as his running mate, I’ve been waiting for this shoe to drop.

    One can only hope that Hillary tells Obozo to go to hell when he asks her to step in.

  80. #80
    On September 13th, 2008 at 8:51 am, deepdiver said:

    Interesting that it was on ABC. My fiancee and I don’t watch ABC. It isn’t that we are boycotting it or anything. It is simply a matter that ABC is the only network that has no programming that we prefer to watch in any time slot on any day of the week. The only ABC programming we recall watching in the last 5 years (going back prior to our meeting) wasd the occasional AFV episode.

    I don’t watch network news but then I prefer facts to opinion and agenda reporting. In my 30+ years of life prior to leaving networks news viewership, I saw plenty to disgust me and define the big network anchors such as Sam Donaldson, Peter Jennings, Dan Rather, Walter Cronkite and Katie Couric as utter tools and useful idiots of the leftist propaganda and agenda machine in this country. John Stossel is the only person at the network I think worth viewing but I get his coverage by book and via internet clips of his segments.

    That this interview was on ABC performed by this Charlie Gibson guy who I have heard of, haven’t watched but now clearly recognize as yet another ABC useful idiot of the left, does nothing but make it more insignificant for me, my fiancee, my soon to be in-laws and many of my friends. We may not be representative of the masses, but there have to be millions more like us who dismiss this trashy gotcha journalism out of hand and “consider the source”.

  81. #81
    On September 13th, 2008 at 8:56 am, 29Victor said:

    Trollman #36.

    Perfect.

  82. #82
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:31 am, purplepeep said:

    CantCureStupid said:
    One can only hope that Hillary tells Obozo to go to hell when he asks her to step in.

    Don’t think it will happen, CCS.

    First, it’s hard to imagine Hillary agreeing to play second fiddle again for 4-8 years. Second, if Obama-Hillary loses it pretty much sinks her own chances next time around in 2012 – failed veep candidates usually don’t fare well. Third, if Obama as President royally messes up the country (as he surely would) she would get tossed out by the voters with him at the next election.

    Unless, as I imagined in one scenerio awhile back, she managed to get him impeached (or if Americans demanded it) and removed from office so she could then take over the top gig. But that’s a way-out-there scenerio.

  83. #83
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:33 am, zyzzyg said:

    In hindsight, I agree that the question should have been more specific. I was unaware that there may have been, or is, more than one Bush Doctrine. I only knew of one, and that is the one Gibson was referring to.

    That being the case, wouldn’t Gov. Palin’s response have been, ‘Which Bush Doctrine, because there are four, Charlie?’ That is assuming she knew there were four. Instead, she initially responded ‘in what respect,’ which sounded like she was tap dancing.

    If Gov Palin was thinking of any of the other three Bush Doctrines she would have answered, and she did, saying Pres Bush’s world view was the Bush Doctrine she was responding to.

    Bottomline, Gibson could have been more specific, Gov Palin tap danced, and she did eventually answer the question.

  84. #84
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:34 am, lgm said:

    Palin doesn’t have a clue. You can pretend not having a clue is a deep insight, sort of like the Constant Gardener.

  85. #85
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:41 am, riggword said:

    Can you just imagine the fawning questions Charles Gibson would ask Obama,

    Obama, Why is There Air?

  86. #86
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:42 am, CantCureStupid said:

    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:31 am, purplepeep said:

    This is kind of what I meant. I’m thinking that Hillary would not settle for being the monkey to Obozo’s organ grinder. The best thing that could happen for Hillary’s future prospects is for the current Dummycrat ticket to crash and burn.

    But I still won’t be surprised if (when…) Obozo drops Bidumb like a hot rock.

  87. #87
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:43 am, riggword said:

    Or perhaps Charles Gibson could ask Obama to explain the Bush doctrine on “Air”

    Obama, Why is There Air? The Gibson Interview.

  88. #88
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:49 am, DougT said:

    Do you honestly believe that the Governor of Alaska doesn’t understand the political landscape? Do you think she doesn’t know how to state her views?

    I’m not saying that she has deep insight into any particular topic, but I wouldn’t say that about anyone on the major party ticket.

    One has only to look at the sheer economic illiteracy of the Obama health plan (given what little detail has been revealed, perhaps they aren’t sure how it will all work) to see that there is plenty of ignorance to go around.

    Sen. Obama’s apparent inability to follow his policy prescriptions’ logical progressions demonstrates nothing but his willingness to pander to his base. McCain takes heat right regularly for not towing the conservative line.

    I’m not a huge fan of any of them, but the language regarding Sarah Palin, regarding being coached or prompted, or stating that she doesn’t understand foreign policy or domestic issues, strains credulity. Apparently, the best candidates are commenters on partisan blogs. They know best. Hell, if we wanted to, we could all run for office and stare down Charlie Gibson. No problem.

    I’ll take McCain matching the President Bush on 90% of his voting record over Obama matching the Democrats (go, Nancy!) 97% of the time any election.

    I’m not a fan of telling someone to STFU. But this past comment, lgm, is the equivalent of a kid taking a bat to a bees’ nest just for the heck of it.

    Can you follow up on the cluelessness? Because I’d love nothing better than to demonstrate Barry O’s lack of economic sense.

  89. #89
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:52 am, DougT said:

    Dropping Biden would be the death of the Democrat’s chances at this point. Won’t happen.

    Talk about cynicism. Steve Schmidt would have a field day if Hilary replaced Joe. You think the GOP base in energized over Palin? Just think how they would react to a Dem manuever like that.

    This is all starting to feel like a Clintonian conspiracy. Obama will not win. McCain will not seek a 2nd term.

    2012 will be Palin vs. Clinton.

  90. #90
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:54 am, purplepeep said:

    zyzzyg said:
    That being the case, wouldn’t Gov. Palin’s response have been, ‘Which Bush Doctrine, because there are four, Charlie?’ That is assuming she knew there were four. Instead, she initially responded ‘in what respect,’ which sounded like she was tap dancing.

    Doesn’t sound like tap dancing at all to me. He asked a vague question on which he was obviously totally uniformed, about an undefined “doctrine”. Asking Chuck to sharpen his question was the correct thing to do.

    When a media-type attacks via a gotcha fishing-trip you don’t jump at the bait and offer a list of areas for him to attack you on. Gov. Palin was brighter than to nibble at that.

  91. #91
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:56 am, djj said:

    I wasn’t sure what the Bush doctrine was when I heard the question. But that was the point. Even O’Reilly said he wasn’t sure what he was referring to. I heard both Charles and Karl Rove explain the four doctrines.

  92. #92
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:59 am, Trollman said:

    warden said:

    I agree Krauthammer has always made sense and seemed full of knowledge when I’ve seen him discuss current issues on radio or as a talking head. I’ve just never been able to watch him on tv without thinking of this dude.

    That is why I call him “Trollman,” he is the man, but he has a face made for radio. :mrgreen:

  93. #93
    On September 13th, 2008 at 9:59 am, DBNinKY said:

    Face it, “Chuckie,” Obama peaked in June and you’re beating up Palin on ABC won’t bring him back! Vice President Palin is the wave of the America’s future – deal with it!

  94. #94
    On September 13th, 2008 at 10:08 am, purplepeep said:

    CantCureStupid said:
    But I still won’t be surprised if (when…) Obozo drops Bidumb like a hot rock.

    Could be, CCS, and perhaps Biden was giving a signal with his remarks. But if he were dumped (“to spend more time with his family”, of ocurse)I can’t think of any replacement other than Hillary that could help.

    Obama-Biden was a marriage of necessity, due Obama’s Post-It sized resume. An attempt to bring anything even remotely resembling experience or gravitas to offset The Lightweight One’s problems.

    But a marriage it still is and I think a sudden divorce at this stage would only stamp “Eagleton” all over Obama’s campaign. I imagine they want to avoid that imagery, much less share McGovern’s fate. :)

  95. #95
    On September 13th, 2008 at 10:14 am, GraniteMan said:

    Sarah is a CLASS act!!!

    Sarah could have made Gibson look like a fool if she had asked him WHICH Bush Doctrine. I doubt if Gibby ralized the policy had evolved over the last 8 years and he would have been made to look like a bigger fool then he already is. She saved his butt and career by taking the tack she did.

    GO SARAH!

  96. #96
    On September 13th, 2008 at 10:16 am, CantCureStupid said:

    (”to spend more time with his family”, of ocurse course)”

    Or a newly discovered health problem…

    Granted, it may not happen, but there is no way that it isn’t being discussed.

  97. #97
    On September 13th, 2008 at 10:18 am, Dimsdale said:

    On September 13th, 2008 at 2:45 am, vickisoup said:

    I am struck by the differences in the posts here, as compared to HuffPo.
    On my worst day, in my worst mood, with my worst language at my lowest point of self, I could never muster the vitriol and ugliness of those people.
    They defy humanity; truly.
    My heart continues to be broken every single day by the unending hideous assault upon Governor Palin.
    :-(

    That is the point that nyk keeps telling me is untrue, but every time I check out one of the liberal sites, I have to shower afterwards. The filthy language, vitriol, ignorance and twisted imaginations make me wonder if these people are like that in real life, or their “Mr. Hydes” come out under the cover of internet anonymity.

    Either way, it does not speak well of liberals in general.

    Moral relativism, indeed.

  98. #98
    On September 13th, 2008 at 10:21 am, riggword said:

    Reading the previous comments reassures my belief that Americans are divided on the left and the right as usual.

    Logic, reason, character, debate are useless. The left is entrenched in “Hate Bush” Michael Moore theology and Obama feeds this belief system. They will go down with their ship…and I do mean down as in lose the election.

    The right however has some devotees to McCain, but mostly we see this election as one of policy, ideas, American Excellence Vs. American shame. It is that clear of a choice.

    The leftists seem to be more interested in the cult of personality than the right. Although with Palin it appears as though she is attractive because of her Charisma, but the reality is that it is her strong stance on conservative issues that makes her attractive.

    This year is like the last several elections. The choice is between personality driven leftist ideology for the Dems and Character driven American conservatism for the Republicans.

    The vote will be close and the Republicans will win because our base will show up to vote for McCain – Palin


    Obama, Why is There Air? The Gibson Interview.

  99. #99
    On September 13th, 2008 at 10:24 am, purplepeep said:

    CantCureStupid said:

    (”to spend more time with his family”, of course)”

    Or a newly discovered health problem…

    I’d bet on a debilitating case of “Hairplug Rejection”.

    Granted, it may not happen, but there is no way that it isn’t being discussed.

    I look in on the Kos Kids Asylum for laughs and I’ve noticed more than a few “dump Biden, get Hillary” threads going on there of late. I would say they are becoming unhinged, but “unhinged” is the status quo in those parts.

  100. #100
    On September 13th, 2008 at 10:24 am, Laree said:

    Democrats on an escalator try and watch it just one too funny.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XivNwQ76mCs

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