Hat tip to
Steve Soto .
Prince of Darkness Bob Novak reports that Bush Loyalists and Elites are beginning to turn on the President for his abysmal record on Iraq, Stem Cell, Economy, Katrina....(the list goes on). This come from a conference organized by New York investment firm Forstmann Little & Co in Aspen. Apparently there was prolific Bush Bashing, and as Novak puts it "The connecting link was hostility to Bush."
Duh! What took these dudes so long?
When I finished reading Novak's article, I did not know whether to laugh or cry.
Laugh or Cry?
'All discussions are off the record,'' admonished the conference's printed schedule. Consequently, I will refrain from specifically quoting panelists and audience members. But the admonition says nothing about personal conversations outside the sessions. Nor do I feel inhibited in quoting myself. Even if I am violating the spirit of secrecy rules, revealing criticism of Bush by this elite group, and the paucity of defense for him, is valuable in reflecting the president's parlous political condition.
Applaud your integrity, Bob. What would we do without you? Remember Valerie Plame.
I do not see myself as a defender of the Bush presidency, and I am sure the White House does not regard me as such. But as a member of the second panel consisting of journalists, I felt constrained to argue against implications that Hurricane Katrina should cause Bush to rediscover race and poverty. My comments again generated more criticism from the audience and obvious exasperation by Rose. After the closing dinner Saturday night, the moderator made clear he was displeased by my conduct.
Constrained! Really Bob. Sorry to hear you experience some discomfort and we appreciate your sacrifice. Can you explain why the White House continues to regard you as their CIP (Chief Information Pimp!).
U.S. News & World Report disclosed this week, with apparent disdain, that presidential adviser Karl Rove took time off from the Katrina relief effort to be at Aspen. He was needed as a counterweight. I settled in for serious fireworks, expecting Bush-bashers to assault his alter ego at the conference's final session. However, direct confrontation with a senior aide must have been more difficult than a remote attack on the president. It would be a shame if Rove returned to Washington without informing Bush how erstwhile friends have turned against him.
He has you, Bob. Don't worry. He knows you will tell Bush if he forgets. After all you are not his CIP for nothing!