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Depends on What You Mean by "Is"

Senior Bush administration officials adjusted their defense today of President Bush's claim in his State of the Union address that Iraq tried to buy uranium from Africa, insisting that the phrasing was accurate even if some of the underlying evidence was unsubstantiated. NY Times, July 13, 2003

posted by Jerry Bowles 8:48 PM

The $100 Billion Rathole

Remind me again what we won.

The cost of the war and occupation of Iraq could reach $100 billion through next year, substantially higher than anticipated at the war's outset, according to defense and congressional aides. Washington Post, July 13, 2003

posted by Jerry Bowles 3:51 PM

Young Republicans in Heat

Talon News reports that the Young Republicans convention broke down into shouting and some physical contact on Friday as delegates for opposing tickets clashed over amendments being considered by the Young Republican National Federation's (YRNF) Constitution and By-Laws Committee. Money graph:

At this point, Flory supporters rushed the door and attempted to physically bar Mack delegates from entering the room. Delegates shouted at each other, and some began pushing each other. The scuffle lasted only momentarily, however, and level-headed delegates soon restored order.

Most delegates stayed in their seats and were upset at the conduct of those on both sides who had been pushing. One delegate sitting near the back row yelled, "Let's not forget we're on the same team here."

Birmingham told credentialed delegates to sit in the row facing the American flag, and then broke out, "Please remember that flag! Good Lord!"

posted by Jerry Bowles 3:38 PM

Alas, The New York Times

Speaking of the New York Times, this turkey needs an editor stat. In the wake of the Jayson scandal, the operative motto appears to be "let's see how timid and dull we can be." Worst than that, somebody is clearly trying to kiss and make up with the Bushies for Howell Raines' nastiness. Both the Saturday and Sunday papers have front-page pictures of Shrubby's grubby little white paw clutching the hand of some adorable African child. Who's choosing the pictures these days? Hill & Knowlton? The RNC? Jesus, guys, get a grip.

posted by Jerry Bowles 12:13 PM

True Lies

“It’s technically correct...” Lord Rummy on Meet the Press this morning speaking to the veracity of the British intel report that was discredited but still used in Shrubby’s State of the Union address.

“Who are they...” the Rumster aksed Tim Russert regarding the New York Times.

You didn’t need a voice pattern analyzer to figure out that Rummy and Condi were back-pedaling on the talk shows today, still holding the media and the American people in utter contempt. Shrubby’s credibility on Iraq is taking him down in the polls. But listening to intel “guru” and Democratic presidential “candidate” Sen Bob Graham (D-FL) you’d think it was a big garden party at the Florida-Florida State game. When Russert aksed him if he thought the Bush administration misled him (and the American people) on the intelligence regarding Iraq Graham hedged... “I hope not...”

posted by Groom 12:04 PM