I have not commented on the now infamous exchange between President George Bush and Virginia Senator-elect Webb, mainly because it seems that all of what I have read about the incident has come via partisan sources. To my knowledge, no one who observed the incident has commented so I’ve been content to let the rest of the blogsphere talk amongst themselves about it.
But today, Bryan J. Scrafford alerts us to some additional information he ran across on the Daily Kos. I know, partisan site, but stay with me for a minute. In the diary, the writer talks about an encounter he had with Congressman Jim Moran. In the conversation, Moran says that Bush knew about the incident in which Webb’s son was almost killed. Think Progress contacted Moran’s office and confirmed the conversation.
Now if this is the case, Bush’s behavior is absolutely despicable and Webb did the right thing in response.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Even if Bush didn’t know . . . still an asshole. And really, there’s no other word for it.
On the matter of partisan sites – I don’t think that information that comes from a partisan site is necessarily any less valuable than that which you could find in the Encyclopedia Britannica. The trick is to be clear on the bias of the source, and then match it against other sources. The “then” part is the trick, I think. If you were to read George Will’s column on the matter on its own (absent the rest of the story, or any ideas about George Bush in general), you’d think that Webb was being the ass. But if you read it all together? Well, just more confirmation of what we already know . . .
~
In the meantime, where were the twins, again?
I’m kind of miffed at this post, where do you think my original post came from?
“Now if this is the case, Bush’s behavior is absolutely despicable and Webb did the right thing in response.”
Yeah, Webb threatening the President, I’m sure the Secret Service agrees with your thoughts.
I’m sorry, where was the threat?
It’s time to stop making things up, CR. Or didn’t you get the memo?
You’re joking, right? You say the president knew that Webb’s son was nearly injured or killed just days before and Bush had the audacity, when he came up to Webb, to ask how his son was doing?
Is there anyone in identical circumstances that WOULDN’T ask how his son was?
You people get so wrapped up in your animosities …
That’s not what I asked you.
“I’d like to get them out of Iraq.” Does not equal a respone of “That’s not what I asked”. It’s especially odd coming from one allegedly “concerned parent to another” (a trope being bandied about by some Bush apologists).
GWB’s first question may have been within bounds. But his follow-up was completely off-base.
Ben – not sure why you’re miffed. Bryan’s post links to yours. Plus, yours contains no identification of your source.
Cr UVA – Like MB said, where was the threat?
Jerry – See JPTERP’s answer.
How could anyone be surprised that this President is capable of despicable behavior.
He lies, lies lies…He promised to unite the country and has created a divisiveness throughout the country and in Congress that is unprecedented.
He “lied” us into war and he has the blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent people on his hands….
Sorry but when I look at the heinous war crimes committed by George W. Bush I cannot see how “anyone” can respect this man.
Buzz…Buzz…
I took your first paragraph to say you didn’t believe what had come out until Jim Moran confirmed it. Maybe I misunderstood.
No, not a matter of my not believing it.
O.k. Hypothetically, let’s go with your premise. What does it matter? He’s lame duck…the GOP is not going to nominate anyone like him again…his appointment for SECDEF just won a unanimous endorsement from the SASC…what’s the angle? That he’s an ass? O.k. We, on the right, already knew you thoght that. And, you already know we think something different. I just don’t get the point.
Move along, nothing to see here, just let us be the way we are, without criticism . . .
(Oh, and Jim, I don’t think for a second the GOP actually has enough collective sense to not nominate another W. While neither of them are W-replicas, look at your most popular presumptive nominees right now – McCain, fresh off of one of the most craven political transformations I’ve ever seen, and Rudy “small man looking for a large balcony” Guiliani. Oh, yeah, the GOP has really learned its lesson.)
Jim – I’m a bit surprised at your comments. Just doesn’t sound like you. My point was simple: others have reported that Bush knew about the incident with Webb’s son, but now we have it directly from a sitting US Congressman. I think that ups the credibility meter a bit.
I haven’t spent much time on this blog talking about Bush – no need to, really. The rest of the blogsphere does a pretty good job of it.
I’m a little disappointed that you’re buying this Vivian. Especially considering Jim Moran as the source for anything “credible.”
Where was the mocking, where was the rudeness in asking “How’s your boy?” It was nothing more than the President’s folksy way of expressing his legitimate concern.
But the problem was that Webb walked in there with an attitude. He admits to avoiding the receiving line. I think I know you well enough that you understand what manners are. When you’re invited to a party you ALWAYS thank the host.
This never would have happened if Webb had minded his manners. He could have sucked it up like an adult instead of a spoiled hot-head brat and could have gone through the receiving line.
Then, when asked “How’s your boy?” He could have politely said, “He’s fine Mr. President. It was a close call. But I’d like to see him and all our boys come home.”
If Webb had done that, we would never have heard anything about this.