Wolf and Paula! Applause on cue, open to criticism linking Saddam, 9/11

Dana Bash confirms WH wanted "sedate" atmosphere, reiterated issue of linking Saddam and 9/11. Wolf asked her if WH said there would be anything new in speech, and she said no. Wolf then said one thing was not mentioned: WMD.

On edit, David Gergen said speech was to "stop the hemmoraging," and thinks it may stop slide for a while. Paula is pointing out to him the "cold, hard (poll) numbers." Gergen says is going to 9/11 "trump card" again, but will get criticized for linkage of "terrorists"/"insurgents." Paula asks him again about criticism that is bound to come of linkage of Saddam and 9/11, which has been disproved.

On edit, Paula reminds Gergen that the war is not Bush's only problem with the people, citing domestic issues.

FINALLY :shrug:

peace

...but they are realizing the American public is waking up...and figuring out the blood is on the hands of guys like Wolf Blitzer as much as it is on the hands of Bush...

Sharks are the rage and they might have finally realized they don't have to cheerlead for Silverspoon anymore. How dumb does one have to be to change the editorial tack toward a guy with a 54% DISAPPROVE number.
The Professor

Even the pigs at CNN can read a ratings book.

The idiots at CNN and MSNBC have finally figured out they don't need to pander to a guy on the ropes in the midst of a monumental failure.

Finally. I wasn't clear before. Sorry about that. I meant that they smell blood in the water now, like the sharks they like to cover. Now, that he's wounded, they're finally pouncing. Weenies.
The Professor

David Gergen is on saying that this probably won't sway his critics...no duh!

9/11 and Iraq references. Paula is also letting the president have it albiet in a very professional way.

Gergen says is going to terror "trump card" again, but will get criticized for linkage of "terrorists"/"insurgents."

While I believe the capability of terrorists like the Al-Qaeda network and the insurgents in Iraq are different and may warrent distinction, they are both terrorists, as the defenition is a person who commits violence specifically against civilians as an end to political means and demands.

But I do see the way Bush tried to blur the line, so to speak.

The political gain these people are trying to attain is to get an invading army out of their country.

I would suggest there is a world of difference between car bombs in the streets of Tel Aviv, or London, or Paris, or New York and what the insurgents are doing.

I'm surprised you don't see the difference.
The Professor

once too often.........

he got away with this linkage too many times before...this time Gergen didn't let it pass in a "gentlemanly manner" and Zahn had to play along....

The criticism will be heavy and well deserved.

Also....pointing out that a WH ASdvance staffer had to start the applause is about as tough on Bush* as the media has been.....

listen to that sound....its the sound of a lame duck quacking....

I don't know if I'm buying THAT one. "Oh, by the way; whatever you do, DON'T be enthusiastic"?

"sedate" atmosphere.

advance team -- thanks to Terry Moran of ABC.