Bush: Politics is Hard

If I hear the president say one more time how "his job is hard" or that "politics is hard," I'm going to either laugh, cry, or scream at the television. Aww, President Hubris has fallen on hard times. Well boo-freakin'-hoo!

If he's looking for sympathy, he's not likely to get it from many of the American people, Democrats, and definitely not me (but I'm sure that last one is keeping him up at night). Bush has arrogantly blazed his way through American politics, had his way with his party in power for the vast majority of his presidency, and he's had no one holding him, or his party, accountable.

Voters had something to say about that. It's amazing what four months can do to a president's outlook. And it's a good thing for America. It's why our forefathers gave our political system checks and balances. Now Bush gets to feel a little political heat. And it started this past weekend, when Bush met with House Democrats (above) for the first time since February 2001. It didn't take long for the quotable quotes to spring forth. ...

"Politics is hard,'' said Bush, after addressing House Democrats at a retreat in Williamsburg, Virginia last Saturday. "It's hard because of the campaign. It's hard, in many cases, because of the travel. These are hard times because of the big issues we face.''

You know what's hard, Mr. President? Middle-class people like me getting squeezed, screwed and taken behind the woodshed each and every day of your presidency. Or the many families without loved ones who are fighting your misguided War in Iraq. Or paying down the $3 trillion in debt that the United States is now in, because of your tax cuts, the overwhelming majority of which went to the rich.

Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, was largely deferential and diplomatic after Bush's talk. "Still has the touch,'' said Pelosi about Bush, in reference to his appearance and some of the baby hugging.

Bush, during his remarks, also reminded Democrats that "Politics can be ugly,'' too. You don't say, Mr. President? You and your Rasputin, Karl Rove, have both played a pretty big role in making politics ugly during your two presidential campaigns. Democrats aren't blameless, nor do I mean to imply that they are. But, since 1992, I don't think it's a stretch to say that it's Republicans like Bush and Rove who have sought to divide, conquer and enrage Americans against each other, all in the purpose of obtaining or retaining power. I won't go through a laundry list, but if you've been even a passive follower of American politics, the list is pretty easy to fill out, from the Lewinsky scandal, the War on Terror, tax cuts, gay marriage, abortion, stem cell research, the War in Iraq, the 2000 election, voter suppression, etc.

"Look, we we don't always agree -- and that's why we're in different parties,'' Bush said. "But we do agree about our country, and we do agree about the desire to work together.'' Left out of that remark was the he only took on his agreement to "work together" after his party got its collective butt kicked in November.

Yet, when his own intelligence people are doubting the will and ability of Iraqi leaders to gain control over sectarian violence in Iraq, Bush emerged from his appearance before Democrats to the news of another violent episode in Iraq - a bombing that killed more than 120 people (more on that in a post later tonight).

He left the dirty work to his press secretary, Tony Snow, who issued this statement: "Another atrocity in Baghdad today has targeted the innocent people of Iraq. Free nations of the world must not stand by while terrorists commit mass murder in an attempt to derail democratic progress in Iraq and throughout the greater Middle East.''

Inside, Bush answered five or six questions, shaken hands with many Democrats and even hugged a few babies. "I kind of remembered -- help me remember the good old days,'' said Bush.

"Still has the touch,'' Pelosi said after Bush's remarks.

"Well, I don't know,'' Bush said. "One of the babies I got to hug was the speaker's grandchild.''

According to AP, Bush sounded familiar themes during his speech to Democrats, speaking about education and immigration reform and energy independence. In other words, it was State or the Union reheated. Delish!

Here's an excerpt of Bush's speech, and I've added the White House's notations of applause and laughter, for your laughter:

Thank you all. It's nice to be here. Thank you very much. The last time I looked at some of your faces, I was at the State of the Union, and I saw kind of a strange expression when I referred to something as the Democrat Party. Now, look, my diction isn't all that good.

(Laughter)

I have been accused of occasionally mangling the English language.

(Laughter)

And so I appreciate you inviting the head of the Republic Party.

(Laughter and applause)

Politics can be ugly. Sometimes they say not nice things about you in the local newspaper.

You're traveling a lot. Campaigns are rough on a family. And so I really want to thank -- I thank the members for serving, but I know full well that you couldn't serve without the love and support of your family members. So I really appreciate your contribution to the country.

Madam Speaker, thank you very much for your leadership. I was genuinely touched when I thought about how your dad would be reacting to seeing you sitting up there in the House chamber. It was an [sic] historic moment, and I know you're proud of the accomplishments, and I appreciate you all supporting this fine woman into a really important leadership role.

(Applause)

We share a common goal, and that is to keep America safe,'' Bush said. "You know, I welcome debate in a time of war, and I hope you know that. Nor do I consider anybody's -- nor do I consider a belief that if you don't happen to agree with me you don't share the same sense of patriotism I do. You can get that thought out of your mind, if that's what some believe.

(Applause.)

These are tough times, and yet there's no doubt in my mind that you want to secure this homeland just as much as I do. You remember the lessons of September the 11th just like I do. And you understand a fundamental obligation of government is to do everything in our power to protect people here. And I'm looking forward to working with you on that, to make sure our intelligence agencies have what they need to be able to detect problems before they come, to continue to secure the homeland. I believe we can work together in Afghanistan, to make sure that former safe haven is able to grow as a democracy.

(Applause.)

I put out a plan that has caused a lot of debate on Iraq. I took a lot of time thinking about how best to achieve an objective of a country governing and sustaining and defending itself, a country that will be an ally in this war on terror. I listened to many members here. I listened to members of my own party. I listened to the military, and came up with a plan that I genuinely believe has the best chance of succeeding.

I do know we agree on some things, and that is that the Maliki government is going to have to show strong leadership.

(Applause.)

I appreciate the fact that the Speaker and many of -- the distinguished chairman came and briefed me on their trip. She said loud and clear, Mr. President, you've got to make it clear to the Iraqi people that their government has got to perform. And I understand that. I agree, Madam Speaker.

There's got to be success not only on the military front -- in other words, the Iraqis have got to be taking the lead in Baghdad to secure its capital, but there's also got to be success on the political front. They've got to pass an oil law. They've got to amend their constitution so that all segments of that society feel that the government is for them.

(Applause.)

We've got to spend our money on reconstruction projects that help unite the country. They've got to have local elections so people feel involved in the provincial governments. In other words, there's benchmarks that they have got to achieve. And I have made it clear to the Iraqi government, just like I made it clear to the American people, our commitment is not open ended.

(Applause.)

Thank you for having me.

###

I give Bush (above, walking away after shaking Pelosi's hand - a funny photo, no?) courage for appearing, but, as I've written many times since the election, what choice does he have? His party's out of power now, so the cloak of arrogance has wilted and fallen off. I can't contain my glee that he now has to work with the very same people he's never missed a chance denigrating since he's been in office.

Outside, protesters had a few choice words, signs and scenery for Bush, too, and they weren't nearly as diplomatic as the Democrats were inside.

At left, protester Megan Wynn yells at Bush's motorcade as it rolls on for Bush's appearance before House Democrats last Saturday. (AP Photo/Rob Ostermaier)

At right, Zoe Lory wears a President Bush mask at a protest outside the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va., Saturday, Feb 3, 2007, where Bush addressed about 200 lawmakers during a Democratic retreat. (AP Photo/The Daily Press, Rob Ostermaier)

Anyway, I just thought I'd share my thoughts on the president's "Woe is Me" speech to Democrats. I've got to give him credit - it takes a lot of moxie to say what he said to a group of people that he and Karl Rove have spent the last 6+ years attacking and slamming. It's the ultimate, delicious political irony that Bush now has to work with them if he wants to accomplish anything, thereby securing what every soon-to-be-ex-president is worried about - his legacy.

Some information for this post was taken from the Associated Press, as well as the White House homepage. All photos from AP.