President Bush, in his public statements on matters of great and non-controversial import, often makes sense. Then again, he does not. The ideas expressed therein will usually be very clear, very concise. Also, they will be very, very hard to decipher. When, on occasion, a matter of controversy is introduced in these contexts, Bush will leave himself little wiggle room for getting out of his assertions. Except when he leaves himself wiggle room for getting out of his assertions.
From Bush Denies U.S. Plans to Attack Iran, via the Associated Press, February 22, 2005:
“This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. Having said that, all options are on the table,” Bush said after discussing the issue with European allies.
And earlier this year, in a similar vein, from President outlines role of his faith, via the Washington Times, January 12, 2005:
“I think people attack me because they are fearful that I will then say that you’re not equally as patriotic if you’re not a religious person,” Mr. Bush said. “I’ve never said that. I’ve never acted like that. I think that’s just the way it is.”
RELATED: The Washington Post‘s Dan Froomkin on Bush’s usage of “On the other hand” to convey variable meanings
9 replies on ““On the other hand…””
I often feel the same way about other things.
The shape of the Earth is a good question, opinions vary
stone cold pimpin’ at the low culture lounge.
Oxygen: Needed for Life or Not? White House Says Opinions Vary.
I hope George Bush gives us a link to some great Texas Hold ‘Em sites next. Or a place we can buy V1A!GrA
Hey, look over there, Jessica! It’s some rumors on the internets.
And don’t forget Poland.
Maybe it’s just me but it seems like Bush is saying a lot of the same things about Iran that he said about Iraq. Anyone else find the same to be true?
Yes, but they couldn’t possibly be that stupid. Syria, maybe. Iran, never. Iran’s too strong. Now Syria, there’s a corrupt autocracy ripe for the plucking. But then who would torture for us?
Look like them there Europeons are trying to teach our wonderful Prez how to play “Continental Paper , Rock , Scissors & Letter Opener” , and they can’t explain why he always loose when they pick the Letter Opener and he choose the paper!
My , my , my they say in French and German , he still don’t comprehend that the Letter Opener always beats the paper!?!? Cest le vie!