Bush 41 on Pelosi, Obama, GOP

Posted: Monday, June 15, 2009 11:05 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress, Republicans, Barack Obama

From NBC's Alex Beinstein and Mark Murray
In an interview with the Washington Times one day after his airplane jump to commemorate his 85th birthday, former President George H.W. Bush said he was “disappointed” with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s previous statement that the CIA misled her about its interrogation techniques. "I think she made most unfortunate comments, and I think she's paying a price for it," Bush 41 said. "I think people see her as having been told - briefed on some things and then kind of acting like it didn't happen. So I'm a little disappointed in her."

Video: To celebrate his 85th birthday, former President George H.W. Bush went skydiving in Kennebunkport, Maine on Friday.

He also said Obama should not be handling General Motors. "I think people are alarmed now. There's too much government intervention into everything - putting people on the boards of directors. Too much. And too much spending," he observed. "I think people are, you know, understandably concerned about some of the things that are going on now."

And he said that the Republican Party isn't in as much trouble as some analysts believe it is. "I am not one who considers the GOP totally on the ropes... That's the standard message, and I don't believe it... I remember being elected two years after the same message was sent in 1964 about the Democrats running everything, 'Republicans are dead.'"

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And he said that the Republican Party isn't in as much trouble as some analysts believe it is. "I am not one who considers the GOP totally on the ropes... That's the standard message, and I don't believe it... I remember being elected two years after the same message was sent in 1964 about the Democrats running everything, 'Republicans are dead.'"
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Of course not… if you can raise something as stupid as ‘W’ and still call him your own… you don’t have any grasp on reality… so no surprise here!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:15 AM)

Yeah, right !

ron phila. pa. (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:16 AM)

Hmmmmmm . . .

so let me get this straight . . .

we should be "concerned" about our elected leaders taking a leadership role to save American manufacturing jobs, many of which have already been lost overseas so that greedy businesses could make an extra buck . . .

but we should not be concerned about the deregulation and lack of oversight that allowed businesses to PLUNDER American citzens for decades, bringing the WORLD economy to the brink of collapse?

So the enemy is the GOVERNMENT for trying to REPAIR our economy and PROTECT our citizens from the robber barons in the business world who:

- take our money to "invest", but never actually invest it

-who make "loans" with money they don't have at exploding interest rates that we can't afford

- who would rather foreclose on a home than refinance it at a reasonable rate

- who hide their money if offshore accounts to avoid paying ANY taxes

- who install million dollar toilets in their palaces, but want American workers to take a pay cut to match third world pay rates

- who turn a blind eye to massive fraud in the companies they are "running", and then get million dollar bonuses for destroying their companies and/or being fired

With all due respect, I say to Former President George H. W. Bush . . . we have seen the enemey and it is Republican politicians in the pocket of big business.

You folks have lost the right to critize and fearmonger - we are paying quite a price for you delusional political theories and mismanagement.

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:17 AM)

Certainly nNancy Pelosi is in her bunker. To be Speaker of the House, the leader of the most powerful legislative body in the world, you have to be open to answering questions from the press and Americans. Pelosi though won't do that. She has these dog and pony show "press conferences" where she spouts her propaganda, but then will not take any questions she doesn't like from the press. People may or may not have liked Newt Gingrich or Dennis Hastert, but they answered the tough questions. Pelosi refuses to do the same.

Talk Nancy Talk (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:20 AM)

Why is he disapointed in Polosi but not Disappointed in his SON.
He should not be saying Obama name since his son started us down this roar with General Motors, The bank Bail out and the Recession.
We had enougt of OLD WHITE MEN telling us what they think when none of them said a WORD when BUSH JR was getting us to this stage.

Dee-Dee, Brooklyn. NY (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:21 AM)

Can you say head in the sand! Don't want to face reality, seems that is a common bond of that bush family!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:22 AM)

From an earlier post...

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"The media need to stop being Obama cheerleadersand present news objectively. They need to be skeptical about the president's policies, because THAT IS THEIR JOB, and their responsibility as the Fourth Estate."

- no joe,no bo, nj (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 10:01 AM)

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So the media should be objective...

...but they should be skeptical of President Obama's policies?

Skepticism requires an opinion, "no joe". How do you expect the media to be objective (reporting facts) while imposing their opinion by being skeptical?

You can't have it both ways.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:22 AM)

GHWB is correct about GM. Just when did congress vote on the government takeover of that company? No vote was ever taken. What law is on the books that allows for the executive branch to just buy a copapny like GM without Congress weighing in on it?

Ford Buyer (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:22 AM)

And what would you expect Bush 41 to say? He's not going to say my son, Bush 43 sure did screw things up!

As for the GOP, George,keep on those rose colored glasses. It is as bad as analysists say it is. Rush, Michael Steele, Newt, Cheney, Silly Sarah, and McCain are letting the GOP fall of a cliff. Without leadership and new, fresh ideas, the ice age cometh.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:23 AM)

He also said Obama should not be handling General Motors. "I think people are alarmed now. There's too much government intervention into everything - putting people on the boards of directors. Too much. And too much spending," he observed. "I think people are, you know, understandably concerned about some of the things that are going on now."

Evidently he's surrering from wind stroke ro make such a comment. His administration was so heavily involved in the CIA until it was disgusting. He doesn't want his administration's involvement published...it will show what the former presidents involvement was as well prior to him getting into politics.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:23 AM)

Wow,,, now we have to get the Old Bushmister in the mix,seems the Bushies just couldn't stay away.I guess they saw that dead eye was having to much fun being un-american that they would take a dip.After his son was the person at the tiller,he drove the ship into un-charted waters.and now we are paying the price for his under-educated son.But the Bush chips didn't fall to far from Old bush's.After Old shurb was the head of the CIA,the lies they tell may have come from some of his friends,and the truth will come out if his friends did lie to Her.And yes the CIA lies.Just like the Bushies,and there former leader.

jesse St Paul MN (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:24 AM)

Didn't see any great insight in the comments. So where is the news other than the fact that he doesn't speek out very often.
His comments are in tow with the republican talking points.

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:25 AM)

Yeah, yeah, yeah! We know to much "Government intervention" going on. Where are the conservatives solutions and Ideas? I keep hearing all this "NO", "Socialisme", "bad for the country" but nothing else. Come on GOP think of something, then you will become relivant again.

Joyce (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:27 AM)

We have our own supreme leader here in the US too. He's just about as corrupt as Irans. Maybe that's a relationship worth exploring for the US.
Dick C., Wyoming (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 9:30 AM)
__________

"..just about as corrupt"? Too funny. I guess it is ok to rape the constitution and illegally wiretap anyone and everyone you see fit, and award government contracts to your VP's friends at will, but somehow the *current* President is corrupt?

Wow, I think someone needs to put the tinfoil hat back on and silence the crazy voices.

With all that Bush and Cheney did to this country, you will *never* win an argument about corruption in the current administration. Not even if you huff and puff and try to blow the house down like that other Dick is trying to do.
Nothing but Dicks in the conservative movement

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The Patriot Act is still the law of the land. Yet another Bush policy that Obama now supports.

TD Owens, Buffalo NY (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:28 AM)

jesse St Paul MN - Wow,,, now we have to get the Old Bushmister in the mix,seems the Bushies just couldn't stay away.

Of course you don't have much to say when Carter and Clinton are running around the world blabbering their heads off, for $50,000 per speech.

Paul Millers, Altanta GA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:30 AM)

Thank you, Mr. former President. It needed to be daid.

I see where that cowardly gasbag Al Gore is on his climate change pony again. Just exactly where the heck are his statements on HIS reporters being held in North Korea? He doesn't need to say anything provacative-all it would take would be a statement of compassion for them and their families. Instead, he keeps marketing his 'climate change' agenda, which will make him billions if, heaven forfend, cap and trade actually passes. Do a little research on the company that will be the trading house.

I have long believed that if Al gore had resigned because the president lied to him, he would have been elected in 2000. I also think that if he had said that the untruth was not worth resigning over, and had welcomed Clinton's endorsement and campaigning for him, he might have won the election. Trying to play it both ways cost him. And, for the idiots on this board who try to revise history-all the reounts dne AFTER the inauguration by the Assoiated Press, Miami Herald, etc., showed the Bush got the most votes-even when you included 'pregnant chads'. Give it up.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:30 AM)

Hell during 41's presidency he courted the automakers for the oil companies. He did nothing to prevent or encourage them to produce fuel efficient cars. He had too munch of a stake in the oil companies to do that. He shouldn't have a damn comment.

When I get old I hope that I don't have too many senior moments....he's having quite a few making statements like these. We remember very well ....

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:38 AM)

George H W Bush - I only have a small two part question for you - What is the cost of a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread? See, some guys never learn...

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:38 AM)

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:38 AM)

Thats nice George. Now go eat your soup and get ready for your nap.

... and keep your boneheaded offspring from running for any political offices.

D. Andrews, Charlotte NC (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:41 AM)

I don't recall bush complaining last fall when his son was giving the financial industry trillions in welfare with no strings attached...there is a reason this bush was driven from office with less than 35% of the vote...sheesh what a senile old republican

Rick, NC (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:45 AM)

Wasn't it 41 that suggested that American's start the IRA's that have since tanked? These people are crooks. Wasn't it 44 that was advocating Social Security be give to the citizens (us) to invest into the stock markets? I don't suffer from short term memory loss...evidently he does.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:45 AM)

Bush need to shut his mouth, if it wasn't his ... we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place.NOW WHAT. It was all about the rich, who give a rats about the poor.

Dee-Dee Virginia (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:47 AM)

One other thing on the Bush ‘dynasty’… I was laughing my a@@ off last week when NBC did their annual ‘commencement round up’… there was Laura at some University and where was her husband…

He gave the commencement speech at a high school… I think that SPEAKS volumes as to what his IQ is! There wasn’t a university in the country that wanted to invite the clown to speak! Bwhaaa Ha Ha!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:49 AM)

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:55 AM)

Nice to see old HW is as delusional as his nitwit son. If I was him, I'd hang my head in shame and go into hiding. GW Bush was a great argument for planned parenthood.

Andy, Austin, TX (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:57 AM)

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:58 AM)

The patriarch of the Bush crime family sky dives dropping as fast as his eldest son's popularity and rating as pres.

Happy birthday you old buzzard! At least you were reasonably decent as pres.which is more than we can say about your spoiled brat son.

eagle1776 (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:58 AM)

Pete in Albany, a skeptical press corps protects Americans. Cheerleading every Obama proposal instead of providing some further scrutiny of it, or offering something along the lines of 'here's what the opposition has to say about it' protects US. Getting the word out honestly should be the goal of the press corps.

Robert Gibbs routinely swats away legitimate questions asked of him with a smirk and a joke. Just once it would be nice to see a reporter say 'I asked you a question and it deserves a response.' Instead, the reporters never follow up. As a result, we the American people are underserved.

Elizabeth, Short Pump VA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:00 PM)

I have long believed that if Al gore had resigned because the president lied to him, he would have been elected in 2000.
no joe, no bo, nj

What do you have for brains? Let me guess ...I won't type it but I think that you got the jest! What you ment to say was when the Bush's stole the election. Remember Florida, Florida, Florida? Enron? You are truly brain washed. WTF?! How close was the 200 election that was stolen.

You shouldn't have a damn comment because people like you are responsible for this cluster f*** that we're in now. Your vote for Bush was not good judgement.
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Anita, did you even read his post?

I agree with no bo, no joe. If Al Gore had refused to be a party to the lies of Clinton, and hadn't defended him, he would have earned at least my respect and possibly my vote. And it would have been a different result. Spare us the 'he stole it,' Gore couldn't even carry his own state. He was a weak candidate.

E. Wood (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:06 PM)

Pete, Albany:It means asking the right questions about policies. It means playing devil's advocate-addressing costs, questioning price tags, evaluating cost/benefit ratios.

You think that taking everything Obama says at face value is objective?

The role of the press is to be skeptical of EVERYTHING proposed by the government, and then report the proposals and the questions about them so that people can make decisions based on ALL of the information-not to simply regurgitate what the president says as if it was word from the Mount.

That is how to be objective.
no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:38 AM)

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OBJECTIVE - expressing or dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations

SKEPTICISM - an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object

To be a skeptic requires doubt. Doubt is an opinion. An opinion in your reporting no longer makes you objective.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:16 PM)

The role of the press is to be skeptical of EVERYTHING proposed by the government,
no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 11:38 AM)
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We see how well that worked out for us the last 8 years… now because your guy lost –you want to change the rules to suit your game! Just curious…but who died and left you in charge?
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

I presume you mean Judith Miller of the New York Times who wrote everything that Scooter Libby told her as true? Was the fact that the press rolled over a good thing in the Bush years? This was part of the reason we went war. The press were complicit in the propaganda of the Bush administration. And now that there is an Obama administration they are to be believed? Grow up!

Alan, NJ (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:32 PM)

The hypocrisy of Rebublicans is truly astounding. Not a word about the fact that his son brought the world to the brink of financial ruin and left an incredible situation for the Democrats.
Not a word about going on an 8 year spending spree but now they're crying fiscal responsibility.
Of course, it all fits with what Republicans have always done and done by design. Spend all the money so that the Democrats have none available to implement their programs when it's their turn to govern. We have two political parties and it's totally frustrating to know that one of them has absolutely no interest or concern for their fellow Americans unless they're in the upper socio-economic class. As an average American it's sometimes hard to keep the faith.

BOQ, Dania, FL (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:33 PM)

Paul....Hotlanta must have fried the mellon,Past presidents give speeches all the time,wonder what Gnewt charges per?They get paid for them,the money goes to there foundations,and they use the money to help others,something the party to torture has no clue about helping others,So stick to the fear and smear gig,and the hate spew we here from your side of Peachtree street,or So.Cobb drive,or where ever your trailer is parked.

jesse St Paul MN (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:41 PM)

Is there a coordinated effort to make the elder Bush the symbol of the Bush brand, so that voters will remember him instead of his son?

That the former Director of the CIA thinks the CIA can do no wrong is hardly surprising. But, I doubt that he has enough years left in him to see the GzeroP return to power in any sustainable way.

JC from IA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:42 PM)

Pete, Albany:It means asking the right questions about policies. It means playing devil's advocate-addressing costs, questioning price tags, evaluating cost/benefit ratios.

You think that taking everything Obama says at face value is objective?

The role of the press is to be skeptical of EVERYTHING proposed by the government, and then report the proposals and the questions about them so that people can make decisions based on ALL of the information-not to simply regurgitate what the president says as if it was word from the Mount.

That is how to be objective. -----no joe,no bo
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Really, during the last 8 years Fox News got its talking points directly from the Bush asministration but you Republicans never said a word about it. You lost and, lost badly I might ad, no you want to scream how unfair the news stations are. You can't have it both ways.

Shawn Sunderman, Conroe, Texas (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:42 PM)

It's pretty simple really. Nancy Pelosi has to go! I can hardly believe it. She is 2 slots away from the highest office in the land and she's a big liar!! Man-o-man, how did she ever get to where she is? That speaks volumes about our top officials and the way things are in this great land... Our fore fathers have to be rolling-over!! By the way, I am an Independent..

Joseph A. Casadonte, Uncasville, CT (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:51 PM)

Well, Well, well, if the GOP is, was so great, Why did that a## GOP went to China and say don't trust the USA. He could have pick a better way to make Obama look bad. That just to show you how sad GOP is and show they will do anything to be on top.

Jt (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:04 PM)

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