Why Did Bush Sit Next To Sasha Cohen At The Olympics?

http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/2002/02/022602_Cohen_Beef.html

Why Did Bush Sit Next To Sasha Cohen At The Olympics? Just Ask "Where's the Beef"?

February 26, 2002

By BuzzFlash Reader Alan Balch

On the afternoon of Friday, February 8th, George W. Bush spoke at the National Cattlemen's Beef Associations annual meeting in Denver. "We want the people in China eating U.S. beef" the President stated to thunderous approval. He reminded them that he has done much for the beef industry and cattle ranchers, and that he plans to do more (see http://199.117.58.133/newsroom/ncba/2002/02_0208a.htm).

No doubt, Bush's appearance at this event netted thousands of dollars in campaign contributions for the GOP. In each of the last three election cycles, the National Cattleman's Beef Association gave nearly a half a million dollars in political contributions, for a six-year total of nearly $1.3 million. Roughly 85% percent of these donations in each of the last three election cycles have gone to Republicans.

Later that same day, Bush traveled to Utah and participated in the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. After appearing in the national anthem ceremony, Bush showed up sitting in the stands amongst the US athletes. NBC showed him humbly perched next to a shocked and giggly young lady who handed Bush her cell phone so he could say hi to her mommy. The young girl was figure skater Sasha Cohen. A few nights later, NBC interviewed Sasha and played up the Presidential encounter including a quick interview with the mother. Sasha gushed about her fondness for the President. While endearing, NBC's somewhat over the top coverage of the entire event and Sasha's almost too glowing endorsement of the President prompted the eternal political cynic in me to do a little digging.

Of the 211 members of the US Olympic squad, guess which one has the unique distinction of being the official youth spokesperson for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association? A shiny new donkey for anyone who answered Sasha Cohen.

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Sasha was all hype. Sarah Hughes is the one who nailed her long program.

just a little tidbit for the skating/sports fans. ;) Sasha can never seem to find any coach that can stand her or her overbearing stage mother for very long.

I could see how Sasha could be the classic spoiled republican girl: bad tempered,immature, and full of herself . She used to be known for trying to deliberately run into competitors during practices and warmups. You can see I don't like her too much. :)

Sheesh. So damned predictable.

Come on now, EVERYTHING Bush does is a publicity stunt. :)

what he has sown. Profits before safety. It never changes.

Funny, I look at Sasha Cohen and beef is not what comes to mind. I can't imagine she would make a great spokesperson for the beef industry, but then again, who knew there was a National Cattlemen's Beef Association...or that they had a spokesperson...an official youth spokesperson. Doesn't sound very prestigious. You would think being an Olympian would be enough.