Ryan in Michigan. The constitution is silent on who controls foreign policy except in Article II, Section 3 which say the president has the power to enter treaties with the advice and consent of the senate (by a 2/3 majority). Sounds like foreign policy is a shared responsibility. Makes sense since we don't believe in Kings in America. Why people get up in arms over people talking is ludicrous. The idea that we legitimize the government of Syria by talking is a red herring. Syria doesn't need U.S. recognition or diplomacy to be legitimate. The people of Syria grant legitimacy to Assad, not Nancy Pelosi, George Bush or Dick Cheney. Time for the right to grow up.

Iowa mom, I have read some of your post from time to time and let me tell you, are you smart or are you smart??? I wasnt going to bother replying to your elegent post but I couldnt help to be moved by your enlightning thoughts and ideas. I guess that Darren and jtb havent read enough of your stuff to truely appreciate your grasp on the issues and reality.. I have been doing a lot reseach of late on all the issues at hand in this country and nothing has truely gotten through this thick conservative head of mine until I read some of your prolific statements. So, Iowa mom your keep posting and I will keep on reading, cant wait for your next brain teaser.....

U@, the President is DESERVING of embarrassment. Newsflash: when you are in the wrong and your transgressions result in the mayhem that Iraq is experiencing then exposure and the resulting 'embarrassment' is not only completely called for but demanded. I, for one, frankly do not give a damn about the personal feelings of the President and for anyone to play the 'sensitivity' card or 'let's be respectful because he's the President' card here is seriously out of touch. Some people are simply not worthy of respect, period.

The article fails to mention the negative press Pelosi got in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and USA Today, among others. Are they all part of the "GOP attack machine"?

Iowa Mom: these are lonely people who crave reaction to their otherwise pointless daily routine. They merit more sympathy than disgust. It does seem they really start having fun when someone takes them seriously. It is nonetheless depressing to watch them decompose in front of our eyes on this blog. They will wail about their right to speak as if that had anything to do with the tiny bubble of fear and loathing in which they exist. Perhaps this is a sort of therapy they need and we can help them if we are so inclined. Some do try. If you read their posts, listen to their anxiety and faux bravado, you may see the outline of the the notorious "Bush base." This is what the the 30% look like. That speaks volumes.

Ryan Michigan...I agree with you to some degree and your analogy regarding Hillary and "Speaker" Hunter is a good one. The problem is, do we just sit on our hands for the next 22 months and allow this disasterous foreign policy to continue to ruin our standing with other nations of the world, friend and foe alike?

Iowa Mom: I am out of touch with reality = I don't agree with every anti-Bush statement posted here. Cathy: I am not A Bush supporter. I am an America supporter. I believe in our Constitution which says thet our president will set foreign policy. I am not one of the 36% who has a "favorable" opinion of Bush. He leaves a lot to be desired from a leadership standpoint in my opinion. I do support the war in Iraq. I am truly independent. I am open minded. I agree with the right on some issues, and with the left on many issues. I don't rubber stamp everything from one party and rage against everything from the other. Doing so would show that I am not objective, that I AM out of touch with reality and blindly support one party because I happen to hate the current sitting president. It just isn't possible that the dems are always right and Bush and the GOP are always wrong, or vice-versa. If you believe that, you need to get out more. You need to read, investigate, and open your mind to the possibilty that you are not right about everything while everyone who disagrees with you is always wrong. That is a symptom of a mental disorder. Most of the people who post here are seemingly just waiting for each new story to break so they can pounce on Bush and the GOP. Some are paid bloggers, no doubt. Some are just partisans. Some just rail against Bush because he happens to be the current presidentr, they probably railed against Clinton when he was in the WH. It is the same ol' same ol' day in and day out. Nothing new. The same rants. No room for the possibilty that they might be wrong this time. It is, in many cases, obviously blind haterd of Bush. If he said it, it's a lie, if did it, it was wrong. BS. Only the most feeble-minded could buy such a load of crap. Bush will be out of office soon enough. What will you guys do with all that misplaced anger then? I guess you'll be OK, because unless something changes there will be another Republican president. I'm hoping someone will emerge from the ranks of the "don't have a chance" candidates...maybe someone like...oh, I don't know...TOM TANCREDO!!! TOM TANCREDO!!! TOM TANCREDO!!! TOM TANCREDO!!! TOM TANCREDO!!!

calm down Ryan Ne, nobody has stolen your pig.

how come Nancy goes to syria and gets slammed, but when the republicans went a week earlier we didn't hear a thing. Darren check your facts and go to fox. all you do is insult and have nothing constructive to add. Because the Republicans are out for a long time. Lets talk about the Republicans going to syria and George the king and Chicken Dick didnt say a word. Typical right wing hypocrites

What the Administration fears the most is that the country will find out that Ms. Pelosi has everything they lack. No, I don't mean she has Bush's male parts...she doesn't need them, because she has the brains. The Administrations male parts are running in circles acting all macho trying to find a quieter way to loose the entire war, country, world while they pretend the Darren and JTB's are actually the american populous. Or we are that dense. (and yes some of my best friends are Republican/Bushys).

"(did her folks REALLY not see this coming?)." Oh I'm sure they saw the GOP attacks coming. What I don't think they saw coming was Lauer's attack piece this morning where he cited three sources (the hawkish WaPo, the WSJ oped page and Cheney) as his basis for how she's 'usurping Presidential power. They probably also don't see your rehashing of GOP talking points being on display for all to see on MTP this Sunday, now that you work for Welch's gang and have your marching orders. But fear not Chuckie. WE see it coming and we'll be ready if you don't mention Hastert's trip to Colombia when he TOLD the Colombian government to ignore Pres. Clinton and deal with Congress instead, or if you don't mention your colleague Matthew's comment last night that what Olmert says isn't worth the paper it's printed on. Yeah, WE see it coming.

Cheney accuses Pelosi of "bad behaviour" over in Syria...you'd think she was over there drinking her ass off, doing cocaine with Assad, and dancing on tables with a lampshade on her head...give it a rest Reps. Its about time we had an adult handling our foreign policy.

Ryan, MI...if Hillary were President of the United States, and I had supported her, and she had followed the exact incompetent path as has President Bush then 1) I would have put my Democratic Party faithfulness behind me, and 2) in order to salvage American lives, limbs, and treasure I would 100% support Duncan Hunter. What President Bush has done..or not done...is such an unmitigated disaster, that to continue to support him as our men and women die in a hopeless age old Civil War, surpasses political allegiances, in my opinion. Were Hillary Clinton a President who had lied to her Nation in order to go to war against those not responsible for 9/11, she would never never have my support, under any circumstances. Furthermore, I would support any of her political rivals, attempting to pursue a path to end this debacle, rather than continue to support a lying President and his failed stay the course stategy. In other words Ryan, I feel the welfare of the Troops, caught between the warring tribes in Iraq, are more important that political party loyalty.

From MSNBC 4/6/07: "Cheney reasserts al-Qaida-Saddam onnection Vice president’s words come as latest Pentagon report again dismisses link". So where does five-Vietnam-deferments-in-a-row Cheney show up to keep pressing his case that he knows more about al-Qaida than anyone else (Pentagon included)? Where else but the only place he has any credibility, with Rush Limbaugh and right-wing radio. What a surprise! Mr. Gravitas is the ultimate shadow dancer and he'll always have a partner in Rush, Hannity, Coulter, Ingram, Michael Reagan etc. etc. No matter what, in Cheney's world, opinion always trumps truth as truth has a nasty habit of getting in the way. Just ask "Scooter".

Ryan, MI, What is your source for Pelosi "trying alternative diplomatic methods?" Just wondering, you seem to be knowledgeable and view all sides of issues, which is appreciated. Everything I have read on the situation indicates Pelosi was reiterating the standard WH policy on Syria, not seeking to make foreign policy changes...can you elaborate? thanks,

dratty- that was impressive. Keep it coming. I didn't see Lauer - I don't know if I should be surprised or not, but I say we toss the Today show right out of the "left wing MSM conspiracy*."...*The only ACTUAL conspiracy - Oswald was the lone shooter, Bush did not steal both elections, and Goodyear, Ford and gasoline refiners did not conspire to rip up every foot of trolly track in LA, but THIS conspiracy is real, baby. Ask any neocon if you don't believe me.

Mark, how do you know so much about my life? Its like you been peeking in my window watching my pointless daily routine, and I appreciate your sympathy because the good lord knows that I need all the loathing that I can get. Please dont be depressed on my account, its hard living in a world where my morals dictate my behavior. I wish that I didnt have to feel guilt for doing wrong or have to deal with my strong morals. I just wish for one day I could do whatever it is that I want just to feel good and not have anyone tell me that it is wrong, what freedom that must be. I want to be able to enjoy life without god and all the responsiblity that comes along with being a christian, just for a day or so... It must be nice Mark not to stand for anything, no worries, no regrets, nobody telling me what right or wrong because its my life and darn it, I will live it however I want to... I have to run I have to give my wife a ride to the clinic as are house is already to full to raise anymore of those pesky kids.. if you know what I mean?

Coy I have heard some pretty funny jokes about the education levels in W.V. but I never really thought it was true until now... I do learn something new everyday.. Half wit!!

To all of you beating up on Chuck Todd...did it ever occur to you that maybe he is just trying to pose a few questions that may provoke us political junkies and get our partisian blood boiling? I may be naive but I think he's doing a great job.

Charles the few: NOT a war? wow, didn't realize that. No war, just a civil war. well then why isn't the Dem Congress revoking the monetary support for this non-war RIGHT NOW? Or could it be that they know something more about this conflict than obviously you do. And if the Washington Post printed an article or editorial supporting the Administration (Executive Branch), then good for them. none of the regional papers I read have. 'bout time the National newspapers take the correct lead on this story. Too bad the T.V. "mainstream" media doesn't.

Bill, a song for you. "Will you marry me Bill"-The Fifth Dimension

The real news is Governor Richardson in N Korea. I sure hope everybody gives him real consideration for POTUS.

U2: imformative blog: good research of data: all up to the most obvious difference: American men and women were not dying right next door to China; there was NO WAR ON WHERE AMERICAN LIVES WERE BEING LOST; Newt did't visit a country actively supplying our enemies on the ground in Iraq, as Madam Pelosi's host is doing. BIG DIFFERENCE. Hell, Ms. Pelosi has the right to go ANYWHERE in the world and kiss any world leader's derriere, it still doesn't change the act of sedition. P.S. the Islamic fascist regime in Syria is privately laughing away at Ms. Pelosi's attempt at foreign policy. To them, she belongs in a chadur.

Nick - You are correct in your post about the exact content of the Constitution. However, it has always been the President in conjuction with the Secretary of State that sets foreign policy. This makes sense that their would be one clear foreign policy message from the U.S. Otherwise you could have Representatives from Kentucky deciding they approve of state sponsered terrorism and they go and meet with Iran to express their gratitude while Representatives from Massachusetts are in diplomatic negotiations with Iran to abandon their ties to Hezbolah. Obviously that is just an example but that is the principle that has always been in our foreign policy. Please read this article by the Post as they more eloquently describe the problem that surfaces with Pelosi negotiating with Syria. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040402306_pf.htmlThanks for the good discussion.... Coy, you twisted my question. I know that you are against President Bush but try to just answer my question.

This is more of the same old same old, and as usual the PRESS pitches in to assist the GOP/Bush/Cheney attack and lie machine. And clever Press, they have us talking about Pelosi, rather than the REAL story: WHY does the Press carry water for the Bush/Cheney LIE machine? What's in it for the 4th Estate? What I don't understand is WHY the Press doesn't keep asking the same question over and over until they get an answer: WHY is it OK for GOP Members to sit with Syria, BEFORE Pelosi ever set foot in Syria, and WHY do they not condemn THAT visit, and WHY is Cheney still insisting OBL was hooked up to Saddam? Why have they not pointed out that Cheney is INSANE? Clinically INSANE? Or else just so ingrained with lies and evil, he is incapable of telling the truth? And do we have another Nixon here in Bush? Delusional, drunk, and living in a fantasy world where G-d tells him what to do? What should be clear by now, after all these years, is that this entire nightmare of an Administration has been built on lies, with a huge assist from the Press. Starting with the 2000 Election until this moment in time, it is all a lie. When are we going to hear serious reporting, serious questioning and serious challenges to lies or twisted half truths? Where would the "Swift Boaters" been without the Press looking shocked, I say SHOCKED as they played that disgusting piece of crud over and over and over..for FREE. And during the recount in 2000, why did we not hear more about the GOP overseas ballots from "soldiers", unsigned, undated, sent in late, ALL for Bush? What does this gang of thieves have on the Press? Why is a GOP visit with Assad not a breech, but Pelosi's is? Could it be that SHE is third in the line of succession? Why don't we get this report, across the board: After the weekend visit of a GOP delegation from Congress, where THEY met with Assad, Speaker Pelosi arrived in Syria with a delegation of GOP and Dems, to also meet with Assad. OK, it needs to be re-worked, but the idea is clear. Until the Press does their job, and hammers every lie with the truth, we will never have a truly informed electorate. WHY doesn't the Press do their job? Are they afraid? On the take? Stupid? I can only pray that Pelosi's visit is a prelude to a double Impeachment, a 2 for 1, of Bush/Cheney, so we can rid ourselves of this poor excuse for leadership, and begin to rebuild our country under President Pelosi. If Condi Rice, that massive failure, hasn't got the brains to start talking to the rest of the world, that should not mean that Pelosi has to be so stupid. The days of this Administration, and the Reign of the GOP are almost over, and as Speaker, she needs to establish a path forward. What THIS Administration thinks no longer matters. They don't Count. The whole lie is coming open, not thru the Press, but thru Comics like Stewart and Colbert, or Bill Maher, and Blogs, and even the National Enquirer, and shortly, we will not need the "press" to launder our INFORMATION. So NOTE: to the 4th Estate: get you buns in gear and start doing your jobs, or you will loose what little credibility you have left. And until you do some actual reporting of the truth that demonstrates the need for "protection", don't ask me for special treatment. So far, I see no risk taking by any of you, so why would you need protection from the Government? If the Press had done it's job in 1999, we would not be in this position. Yet here they are, "exposing" how often Romney HUNTS, while ignoring actual, important lies by Bush/Cheney. WOW! It takes REAL courage to expose the important truth about Romney hunting. Gee guys, I am in awe of you! GIVE ME A BREAK! I could care less about hunting. So get on the job, report the TRUTH, and show some respect for the intelligence of the American Electorate. There is no need for an "investigation" of a public visit covered by Press who are there, with Pelosi, to Syria. So please don't talk about the Post and their "crack investigation team", or any other so called news Paper. Lets not go there. The days of Watergate are LONG gone. However, I would love to see an "investigation" of the connection between the Press and this Administration. And so lets get back on point: Pelosi visiting the most flammable area of the World as Speaker of the House is simply doing her JOB. Why is the Press not doing THEIR job? And why do we fall for it like a dog playing tug with their owner while the vet gives him a shot? We are in this terrible position for one reason only: The Press and the Electorate did NOT do their job of due diligence. Now lets get on with cleaning house and ignore stupid reporting.

Bob - I see your concerns. To be honest I'm not sure how to respond. If I were you I would either be seeking the complete cut-off of funding for Iraq so that our soldiers can come home as quickly as possible or try and impeach the President. I'm not sure if I'm remembering this correctly, please correct me if I'm not, but during the Clinton administration I believe many Republican's expressed concern with his dealings with North Korea and China but I don't believe that anyone in any kind of high ranking position tried to upend the policy by going directly to North Korea or China and issuing a different policy. Or I can't remeber any Democrats trying to engage in an alternative foreign policy during Vietnam during the Nixon administration. Again, I can't be sure, but that is what I can recall.

Cheney and the Bush Administration are so afraid Pelosi might actually achieve some good with her diplomatic visits to the middle eastern countries. Remember that word...diplomacy...it works better than threats and bullying. Cheney keeps trying to convince the public that Iraq's leader had something to do with 9/11. He just doesn't get it does he? The public is not stupid on this score and Cheney just keeps making a fool of himself. What idiocy!

Lisa - thanks for your post. The reference was to a quote from Foreign Affairs Chairman Tom Lantos. When he was asked about what was the purpose for Speaker Pelosi's trip to Syria, he replied "...We have an alternative Democratic foreign policy. I view my job as beginning with restoring overseas credibility and respect for the United States." To be honest, I guess only a few people actually know what was said by Speaker Pelosi but that is what Rep. Lantos said. Also you can reference the WaPo story about the reason why we as a country can't have multiple foreign policies. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040402306_pf.html Thanks again for the good discussion.

Memo to Ryan ne: Personal attacks have only one purpose - to demonstrate either your argument has no merit or that you have no argument in the first place. Thank you and drive safely.

Ryan, if I'm not mistaken the main issue of George McGovern's 1972 candidacy was to bring home the troops from Vietnam. I'm not sure that is an example of alternative foreign policy any more than bringing home the trops from Iraq, but I feel it was the best policy at the time. As for Iraq, I wish it were as simple as just withdrawing but I am afraid that we have created such a mess that no matter what we do many innocent people will loose theier lives. There is no good option and I honestly don't know what policy we should follow. I lean toward getting the h*ll out as I'm sure eventually that is just what we will do, regardless of who is our president. As for the N. Korea & China issue, I am not informed enough to answer that part of you question.

Suzie Atlanta: Your post reminds me of what attracted me to First Read initially. We have always had left and right in this country, a variance of opinion. However, not since the "yellow journalism" of the Hearst "newspapers" and "Remember the Maine!" has the press been so sold out to corporate interests, so sold out to mindless jingoism, fear, and blarney. From left to right. We have lost the press. Nonetheless, in spite of ugly moments in media like charlatan David Gregory breaking and strutting as back-up for "MC Rove" while America's finest bleed for Halliburton and "freedom," and while Iraq under surge implodes, the American people have figured it out on their own. Despite Rush and his more genteel counterparts, the people are abandoning the the bull and demanding a return to sanity, honor, and a morality that doesn't smell like Falwell. Thanks for the fresh air!

Rice is going to Syria. Stae department must be afraid that the separate of equal branch of goverment is going to try for peace rather than war. What is one positive thing this administration has done?

Nancy Pelosi should be tried and convicted for Treason, What she did was a crime. she did not have the permission of the United States to engage our enemys. Get a prosecuter and try her!!!

What I'm wondering is will any deal Pelosi cuts with Syria in the name of California still count once the residents of California vote to join Mexico? Does Pelosi know that Mexico doesn't allow non Mexicans to hold a job, or own property? The upside is Mexico will drill for oil of the coast...............................Some things in life are bad They can really make you mad Other things just make you swear and curse. When you're chewing on life's gristle Don't grumble, give a whistle And this'll help things turn out for the best... And...always look on the bright side of life... Always look on the light side of life...

JTB, Usually when one has a "war" one has specific enemies to fight. Calling this a war would be the same as calling the implementation of the Marshall Plan a war. It's an Occupation, check the OED if all these big words and distinctions are beginning to gum you up. BTW, as a follow-up, if we're really at war, then why has our war-time president taken 405 days off in 6 years, blowing Reagan's 8 year record already?

Bill Richardson is going to North Kores because the North Koreans invited him.He is going with a bi-partisan delagation to recover remains. He has been involved in North Korean dialogue within the Clinton administration and Bush 41 and 43.

Darren, you say the republicans who accompanied Pelosi to Syria were just trying to save their butts, well what about the republican delegation who went the week BEFORE Pelosi went? What were they doing? But I forget that you live in the Land of Deception, like King George and his loyal "bushies." So to you the republicans who went to Syria the week before Pelosi went really never went. Republcan mantra: Say it isn't so.

I have just recently begun reading this site. Many things are said that I agree with and many that I don't. Ryan NE, what makes you think that only Christians have any morals. I have a nephew who is an atheist but is one of the most moral people I know. I believe in God and resent people acting like I don't because I don't believe as they do. One does not have to be a Christian to believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect--even though we may not agree with them or their lifestyle. I resent anyone telling me that I have to live my life like they live theirs. Sorry for the rant but this issue does push my buttons.

Amen Suzie from Atlanta. I am so tired of hearing about the liberal media, when news has been run by Limbaugh et al for years. CBS...scared off, ABC...a Fox wannabe, NBC...could not get up the GOP backside any further until last NOV, CNN & FOX...enogh said. WHAT LIBERAL media??? What is more important than any of the issues of the day is this, can this country survive until JAN 19, 2009?

God, give us strength to endure until the next election. Watch over Mr. Bush and his team, and stear them away from the past. Neutralize there acts of rightiousness, and protect their countrymen from their mismanagement, distortions, and graft. Let the rest of the world know that we will be back in all our glory.

Why is the right-wing-nuts so upset with Nancy Pelosi in Syria, and not mentioing the three Republican Congressmen who were there the week before....it is another hyped up smoke screen for their lies and incompetence....and there is old Cheney dusting off the Saddam- Al Quida link while the Pentagon tells the truth...does anyone even listen to this nut bag

Dave tn, heard about those british hostages? Heard about an ambassodor captured In Irag , let go? Heard about those other Irianin diplomats captured by the U.S. in a Diplomatic Embassay in the Kurdish region of Iraq, which they condemned? Ah yes, the Foriegn Ministry of Iraq is now loking into that.Seen that news. I have. In print.

Darren, we all know there are no absolute TRUTHS and the truth is always relative to the person telling it. It used to be an absolute truth that the world was flat and except for a few people (like Sen Imhofe from Oklahoma) time and science has proven this truth to be false. Christians believe in their version of the truth and Moslems believe in thiers. Which is true? Probably neither because the existence of God or Allah is based purely on faith and while there may be a plethora of anecdotal evidence, there is no physical evidence to prove it. So, most people's idea of any truth is based on thier opinion or their personal summation of the facts they choose to listen to. By it's very nature, this kind of truth can never be absolute unless the person telling it is always right. So, Darren, believe in your truth but let me believe in mine. I know my truth is just my opinion and, while I may hold it close to my heart, even I know I can't always be right. I will say one thing in your favor, however, your opinions, by and large, are obviouly your own and arrived at with some consideration and thought toward the issue you are expounding. But, truth based on faith and reason doen't always make something true.

You know, right or left, objective or passionately subjective, this is GREAT political discourse. You guys who are Christians, have a safe Easter: those who are Jewish, have a safe rest of Passover, and those of you who are IslamoFASCISTS............. FOOLED YA! Those of you who are Muslim, praise be to Allah. Those of you who are Atheists, Deists, or Agnostics...well, may your spirit guide you.

Steve SD and Suzie ATL: double amen

Thomas in Boulder . . . put the bong down for a sec, dude. Here's the difference: last week's trip to Syria was "sanctioned", if you will, by the President/State Department. In other words, they were there officially representing the U.S. government. Grandma wasn't.

Unnamed sources claim that Giuliani's dressmaker (Fashions de La Bronx), UPS'd seven knockoffs of his 'Little Red Dress' to Damascus, where they were distributed to the Republican entourage, touring Syria. They are expected to wear them during meetings with Assad, in response to Nancy Pelosi wearing a dress during her meeting. -Independent Party News Service

Jane, I meant to convey that I felt all of the Republicansd who went this week, and last, were doing so for that reason. My opinion, I could be wrong.

It is not Pelosi's "job" to meddle in foreign affairs. She misrepresented Israel while in Syria and had that situation all in an uproar again or still. She will do herself in inevitably. Only purpose for her is mouthpiece for the real hard line leftists in Congress. When they are tired of her, she will be gone.

Were you reffering to yourself, or Cheney?

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):