This Week: David Brooks Excuses McCain's Misstatement Of Troop Levels In Iraq As "Stupidity of Blackberry Politics"
By Nicole Belle Saturday May 31, 2008 5:30pm
Gosh, where would we all be without NY Times columnist David Brooks to tell us what is and isn't important? After all, John McCain's statement that he was right about Iraq was predicated on the notion that the surge was successful and that troop levels are back to pre-surge numbers. The fact that he is wrong about that (both the actual troop numbers and the definition of success, come to that) is of little matter to Brooks when considering his fitness as Commander-in-Chief. Why focus on little niggling details like actual troop numbers? You nitpickers.
Download | play 
Download | play (h/t Heather)
Contrary to Brooks’s claim that “no one’s going to care” about McCain’s reading of troop levels in Iraq, the issue is critically important. As Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) noted, “If you don’t know the number of troops it’s very difficult to make a judgment on if they are over-extended.”
Brooks claimed that McCain has a “pretty strong case” that he has been “right” about Iraq. But McCain’s gaffes are the latest in a series of ignorant comments about Iraq that raise questions about a candidate who has staked his campaign on the war.
And yet, McSame is supposed to have more credibility on Iraq than Obama, why? Could it be because the talking heads that have been wrong time and time again--and I'm looking at you, Bobo--keep telling us that a grasp of facts isn't all that important?
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This is the same guy that wrote a column defending the media's obsession with Obama's bowling score.
Forgive me if I find the senility of a man who wants to lead the free world a problem.
brooks = asshat
nuff said
Interesting, did anyone see any mention of Senator Barkey's 'Unca Vanya' story in the MSM?
Can't say as I'm looking forward to a campaign between Senator Insane and Senator 'Dopey'. Doesn't sound to edifying.
What?
WHAT'S THAT! TAPE RELEASED TO MULTIPLE TEEBEE NETWORKS!
BOMBSHELL ON THE WAY?
DUCK!
When you do this, what, like three times.....it starts a trend. We cannot forget that McCain is running on the idea that he's strong in the War On Terror. You can't make that many mistakes on your strongest position.
The GOP will spin Obamas defeat in Nov as "The Democrats chose to play the game of identity politics with the voters' and the nation's future when we're facing serious times."
They may actually be correct.
I suppose Brooks feels the same way about Condi when she says Bush's team wasn't focused on "the fine points of the law" when they authorized torture.
Yeah, details, schmetails.
L.A. Confidential @ 6:
Your comment wouldn't resonate well in certain blog echo chambers, but I think there's some truth to what you say.
RNC talking points include repeating till the MSM gets it right.
A round table of blowhards! Brooks, you don't know which way is up. You helped pander us into this war and now you want to do it with McCain. Maybe a bit less "dingleberry journalism" would help as well.
thats interesting!!
check this funny video blog:
http://punk-r-bestofyoutube.blogspot.com/
VietVet8666 @ 8:
And the Dems of course will just fall in line with McCain and deny any responsibility. Only this time they will be saying "It's Clintons Fault" instead of the GOP.
VietVet8666 @ 8:
'S like Shakespeare said. We'll all get a chance to eat our words if, that's one big-assed if, we are wrong.
I couldn't pay much attention to this piece from focusing on the pieces atop George Will's and George S's heads. Wills piece is so sharp in the front you could slice through a tomato faster than with a knife blade on one of those infomercials. And what's that on George S's head, shoe polish? Note to self: never to go to George S's hairdresser for a natural looking color job.
L.A. Confidential @ 12:
Weak-assed Barry and his cultists are already saying just that.
Say!
Doesn't that sort of blame someone else meme remind you of someone....or something.....
L.A. Confidential @ 12:
The Repugs and their bobble talking head dolls in the MSM keep selling the black is white narrative that Repugs are better on defense, this in spite of the fact that they are run by a bunch of chicken hawks responsible for the worst military disaster ever to be inflicted on this country by Americans.
And why is their nominee a war hero?
What did McCain do that made him a war hero? He showed up for duty, which is more than Bush did, and I guess in the world of chicken hawks and draft dodgers, that is something.
But in the real world, let's look at the record. McCain did almost single-handedly sink an air craft carrier, but, unfortunately, it was one of ours, so I don't think that counts. Then he started a fire on a second carrier, then he got shot down and caught by the enemy.
I know Republican standards for themselves are astonishingly low, so maybe they feel that qualifies him for hero status, but, I'm thinking that the crazy old man yelling at the clouds might not be our best choice for leading the military.
In fact, I'm sure of it.
"Blackberry Politics?"
Bullshit!
If anything, McCain lives is in the world of "pony express politics", and unfortunately for him, the elephant which represents his failed party died and landed on his last horse.
The last thing that any dying creature does is empty it's bowels... and it was no exception with the GOP's elephant. What was surprising, however, was the number of MSM talking heads that flowed out of that gapping sphincter... David Brooks was there in that foul, wrecthed soup-like subtance...still following Karl Rove.
L.A. Confidential @ 6:
The GOP would spin Hillary's defeat as she started out with 35% saying they would vote for her no matter what and that she is the most divisive woman in politics.
They may actually be correct. We'll never know for sure because her divisiveness cost her her own primary, she'll never make it to the generals.
It's not the "stupidity of Blackberry politics". It's another of many demonstrations that the chosen one of the Republican party has lost whatever reasoning abilities, and personal integrity, he once possessed. There is a very good chance that he will suffer a most inglorious fate once historians start retelling the story of Bushco. And I don't think any of the insiders will be able to walk the streets without being spat upon.
Ruthless People @ 19:
Mike Mid City @ 16:
I don't know but the Hillary Kool-Aid is much better in LA!
The syrup from Brooks' half eaten cheese cake is dribbling down his cheek and he wants to hurry and pay the bills so he can get back and finish..
But we understand that, we're all still driving 75 even as we complain about gas prices and know 55 would reduce our consumption by 30%.. but we want our fix and David's no different-why pick on just that that smug pig? just cuz he's so easy? and everywhere we turn? he's just doing his job and he does it well.. as transparent as he is, no one minds, we're all too busy getting ours.. and half the time it's in the name of our chilren, that's the best though I don't think even David has used that one yet..
I'd say the man has lost all credibility but I don't think he ever had any. And I'm guessing that's all the way back to elementary school. I've heard him rip into a liberal for the dumbest things yet the Republicans float. Every time he opens his mouth I ask the question "who's paying the bills?" or "who caught him in the act?". That's cruel on my part but I can't see how he justifies being a national journalist with so little credibility. I don't even care if he's not impartial just be honest. This country needs honesty and the media has to start demanding it. Thank God for the internet.
>>And yet, McSame is supposed to have more credibility on Iraq than Obama, why?<<
In all due respect, did I miss something? Is Hillary Clinton still a candidate or has Obama simply been anointed by C&L?
Kyle @ 2:
I used to say the same thing about Reagan and then I started hearing about the charge to have his likeness put on Mt Rushmore. This country lives in a dreamworld.
He actually says 'no one is going to care what John Mc Cain says about the FACT levels' Little slip up, wont people care about the facts?
I don't see how Wet Start Johnny's failure to understand facts is anyone's fault but his own.
Jim @ 25:
No- you are absolutely right. Hilary is not out of the race.
She is still behind, she is still claiming both sides of all arguments and it is still impossible for her to win the nomination.
But, yes, she's still in the race.
GambitRF @ 1:
High Pronks for that!
L.A. Confidential @ 6:
you may actually be wrong.
VietVet8666 @ 8:
some truth or some hatred of Obama.
Touche' and Touche'
Jim @ 25:
As long as there are big macs, cookies and buffalo wings, her supporters will have the energy to carry on her fight toward the impossible nomination.
Priceless moment on Leher News hour Fri. 5/30, 2nd segment of Shields & Brooks when Bobo is trashing Scotty McLellan for lack of faithfulness to his beloved Deciderator.
"Bobo" states that White House owes no apology for huge WMD lies prior to Iraq Invasion because "the Clinton White house [of course!], British intelligence, French [!?] & everyone else agreed that Saddam had massive WMD stocks everywhere", etc.!!
Though they're out of time, Ray Suarez ends with a brilliant cut of Bobo's Big Lie: "Well, of course Mohammed el-Baradei & Hans Blix may not have been on board with that 'unanimity'."
It's priceless to see Bobo's dismay as he's called out by someone inhabiting the dreaded "reality based community"!
L.A. Confidential @ 12:
just remember the DLC is a clinton front designed to support republicans or deliver the election(s) to republicans or closeted republicans.
Amazing. After a president with marbles in his mouth (Bush), this country should demand a President who speaks clearly and states what he means the FIRST time he says it. For an alleged 'straight-talker', we should be getting that all the time from McCain, not some later clarifications. And some whispered in your ear by Senate colleagues. This isn't good enough at all. If he can't get his information and facts correct, on his biggest issue (natl security and defense), then he isn't fit for the job. How do we know if it's his age, he's lazy, or he just doesn't know the topic at hand thoroughly? It could be all or a few or none of those. But one gaffe is one thing, but several times is a pattern. that doesnt bode well for a President. imagine if he got his 'actions' wrong. (Push the button to bomb Iran...oops, didn't mean to, gotta take that back. what, we can't?!?!)
CoIntelPro for Democratic Party Victory @ 30:
CoIntelPro for Democratic Party Victory @ 30:
A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man!
pete @ 20:
does the Keating Five scandal ring a bell? How about 115 lobbyists running his current campaign.
Ruthless People @ 38:
Are you quoting the pronky Jedediah?
BennyP @ 29:
utterly pronkrageous!
Replace "blackberry" with "Republican", and you've about nailed it. One "troop" who isn't there is Megan McCain. She is serving her country by consuming mass quantities and shooting insipid video.
"I can look you in the eye" and lie.
CoIntelPro for Pronktastic Democratic Party Victory @ 40:
Why? It's a perfectly cromulent word!
Jim @ 25:
Don't blame C&L. They have been annoyingly neutral.
Forget the "blackberry politics", whatever that means. How about just plain stupidity?
I quit reading Brooks shortly after the Times hired him, just because all he ever did was shill for the Bu$h cabal. 'Nuff said.
Ruthless People @ 44:
ROTFLMBBAO! You made me look that one up.
OT, anyone got a screenshot of a topless megyn kelly doing political play-by-play on focks neuz just now ??
Gretchen @ 46:
this is the media talking about mccain. everything he does is forgivable. nothing his opponent (or his prospective opponent) does is forgivable. I didn't hear clintonista Brazile ask WTF is "blackberry politics". the seemed like a fair question. steffie is too busy musing about flagpins.
the delusion and projection on this thread are getting out of hand
The repuglitards are gonna spin Obama's loss ???
have you people been off-planet for the past year or so ???
the repuglitards are gonna be spinning their LOSSES, not Obama's loss
repuglitard senate incumbents are in trouble in Mississippi and Wyfuckingoming
the "reasonable" people are discussing whether the Democrats are going to gain TEN SEATS in the Senate
the crazy people like me are hoping for a SEVENTEEN SEAT PICKUP
registered Democrats are over 50%, and registered repuglitards are below 30%
so what planet are you guys on ???
Actually it wasn't mcincontinent that was right about needed troop levels
It was General Eric Shinseki
Where was mcdroopydrawers then?
thier will be less and less news of deaths and battles from iraq from now untill november , thiers allready no news from afganistan, case closed for the war whores , we won! and the only man that can rule with an iron fist , why its john mccain , of course , alls quiet on the mid eastern front!
Waddya bet in 2012, the repugs are going to try to run gen. petrayus for prez?
ysbaddaden @ 54:
I am thinking he is going to be McCain's VP this election cycle. The October surprise. That and the video of Michelle Obama screaming against Whitey at the church in Chicago.
So Brooks said the pew numbers had McNasty with only a small lead in credibility as to Iraq. That's his nut...if he isn't running big over O man on that, his peeps have got to be pronking in their shorts.
harley @ 55:
May 30, 2008
PORTLAND, OR – Police officers in Portland, Oregon, are still waiting for an apology from Barack Obama after campaign staffers of his recent rally in Portland, Oregon, setup porta potties directly on top of the Portland Police Memorial, which honors the agency’s 25 fallen police officers.
http://www.policelink.com/news/26729-obama-uses-police-memorial-for-port...
Many here say, a Dem, any Dem.
I say, my country, my country.
L.A. Confidential @ 57:
Been watching your posts for some time now...
Who, exactly, do you work for?
Please tell me he just awoke from a 7 year coma!
With a Blackberry, couldn't you get accurate, detailed troop-numbers updated daily? Can't you also access information, like, maybe the difference between Sunni and Shia, or the political infrastructure of Iran? Or, can't you just call someone who DOES know?
I also AM very interested in Mr. Magoo's "fact levels", Mr. Brooks. Since you're MSM all the way I know that facts are of little use to you, unless they concern something someone's preacher once said- and if that person is a democrat, of course. But, I've had enough of President's who don't know the facts, or when those facts get in the way of policy objectives- little things like war and torture- they are "fixed" to suit their needs.
I really don't know what he even means by that. What a worthless tool.
I think LA works for the McCain/Clinton campaign.
VietVet8666 @ 58:
Any Dem would be better for OUR country.
BennyP @ 59:
Myself
seevee @ 63:
Respect your view. Am a registered CT Dem.
Also have lived 62.5 years through Dem and Repub dynasties.
They all suck, because they are all tied to corporate dollars.
I love my country. I wore its uniform in Vietnam.
I want a president that loves my country.
I trust in Obama. But not 100%. I've been burned too many times.
L.A. Confidential @ 64:
Well keep looking- I'm sure you'll find sumthin;)
Ya got brooks' name spelled wrong - it should be s*y*c*o*p*h*a*n*t . Make that "repuke tool" for the mouth breathers who may not understand words longer than 6 letters.
colinjames @ 61:
Yeah, I can do all that on my Blackberry. Heck I can even access C&L. But you have to want to push those buttons to find out.
VietVet8666 @ 65:
I hear ya. I liked Carter myself. It's a small club. If we'd only listened to him we might not be in this energy mess we're in.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carter/filmmore/ps_energy.html
seevee @ 69:
I agree with what both of you are saying- completely.
I think Carter was a good and honorable man in a shitty job where those qualities are blood in the water for the rest of the crowd.
I think (hope?) Obama is also a good man.
I also think McCain is a sockpuppet who left whatever honor he had with the POW/MIAs he left behind.
BennyP @ 66:
Try thinking about what your doing. Mindlessly setting up porta shitters on a memorial and saying "Thanks for Sharing Man!" doesn't make the best impression on people.
I don't think they make a Blackberry with keys big enough for McBush to use. Maybe an old Smith-Corona??
Blackberry, Blackberry....Hmm...now where did I hear that !
OH YEAH, I remember.
Hey David Brooks, now that you are so intimate with Blackberrys, maybe you can track down all the missing Whitehouse/Rove Blackberry emails for the country.
ConservativesRCowards @ 18:
that post gets the "PRONK OF THE DAY" Award
L.A. Confidential @ 71:
And you really think Obama set them up himself? Or ordered his thugs to do it?
I'm willing to bet he didn't even use one.
Do you think his campaign workers set them up? His staff?
As someone who has worked security for many such gatherings over the years I can tell you it was the city security who planned for their placement- aka THE POLICE.
So what has he got to do with it?
L.A. Confidential @ 64:
*fixed it*
If McCain is involved, its just downright plain stupidity. Dont blame the Blackberry.
JJ
[Deleted. If you'd like to advertise you business, please make arrangements to pay for it like the rest of our advertisers do. Thanks-Sitemonitor]
As Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) noted, “If you don’t know the number of troops it’s very difficult to make a judgment on if they are over-extended.”
As I noted, “If you don’t know how many states are there (NOT 57), it’s very difficult to make a judgment on extent of the problems of the US.”
Georgie Stephy closes the vid by saying Americans think the Iraq invasion/occupation is "a mistake".
Well, Georgie, let's be clear: Overcooking the pasta is a mistake. Invading and occupying a country that posed no imminent threat is much more than a mistake. Among many things it's an act of unbelievable arrogance, and it seems like a crime against humanity the way I see it.
A mistake? Can't more people in the USA own up to the Iraq situation as much more than that?
free patriot @ 51:
That planet would be Pluto, home of the Plutocrat or clintonista.
Youffraita @ 47:
I actually got through one brooks editorial.
one.
L.A. Confidential @ 71:
the photo is suspect but you'll dig up every lie from every racist you can because you're that hateful. but it's Obama's fault.
BennyP @ 29:
And Barry cannot win electorally.
So, I guess all you Obamatologists might get your way, all the way to a McCain presidency.
But at least you were right, right?
L.A. Confidential @ 6:
If Obama is defeated in Nov, it will be because:
a) Americans consistently vote against their interests.
b) Americans are painfully misinformed and/or apathetic about issues that do in fact affect them.
c) The media has been bought and sold by corporations and the bottom line. And as a result, they focus on anything that can increase ratings through controversy.
d) The democratic party has unfortunately been divided by two strong candidates.
e) Racism. (Sorry, bu that last one is a painful fact.)
Jim @ 83:
Obama can not win electorally?
So toss out the REAL votes and go with the pundits' guess that Obama can't win electorally?
IF they had been right about anything I might listen.
I'd rather go with REALITY.
No more Neocons.
No more dynasties.
Do yourself a favor and let your mom know you're old enough to pick your own candidates.
Joe Tseng @ 84:
f) the DLC and their operatives(carville,etc), aka the repug wing of the Democratic Party - willing to hand over the elections actually won by Gore and Kerry for such reasons as sportsmanship and sour grapes.
g) the complicity of two parties and the msm in ignoring the DIEBOLD EFFECT
Jim @ 83:
taking a break from LGF?
Has anyone really checked into the Mental health of John McCain? The CORPORATE CONTROLED MEDIA really would like for McCain to win this election and will stop at nothing for that to happen. And his finger will be on that all Mighty red buttion. So I would like know his real Mental State.
shorter bobo: "big numbers make bobo's head hurt."
L.A. Confidential @ 57:
And next week he will be asked to apologize for his mother-in-law's second cousin's dog for shitting on the grass that was planted by a civil war veteran's widow's best friend's brother.
Man the weapons and get those petitions rollling!!!!
Let me know when McCain says he has campaigned in 57 states, ok?
Mary @ 91:
Let me know when the troop level is down to pre-"surge" levels, OK? You can even let Joe LIEberman help you fudge the answer, if necessary.
The bush presidency is about one thing, failure; mind numbingly enormously expensive, constant, repetitive failure. They haven't done one fucking thing right in 8 years. And Johnny McSucksbushdick wants 8 more years of that.
Why aren't these guys saying what everyone is thinking? McSame is a liar and a cheat just like his idol, chimpy. His chances of winning a fair election in this country are exactly zero. The only way he will become president is if they steal it again.
brooks is a bought and paid for liar. hired for his view not his honesty.
Just like all other msm so called reporters.
Zero integrity
Zero honor
Zero ideas
McCain '08
The former presidential candidate McCain has lost, er, will lose in November. And those are the facts as I see them.
David Brooks has shown himself to be a complete idiot. The media may not care about the facts, but the people do care.
If he pulled his head out of the Mavericks ass for a second he would soon see that when you make as many errors as Mcain has about Iraq and Iran, he really is not capable or qualified to lead this great nation.
This is from the 75 year old McCain - right? (I hope you won't be nitpicking about my being a bit premature on my age estimate.)
Brooks is a horse's ass with nostrils. I remember when Bob Woodward called him out on his suggestion that, "If we pulled out of Iraq, there'd be 10k deaths a month." Woodward asked him, "We the heck do you get a number like that." I was thrilled, even though Woodward has been a Bush kissass on occassion.
How many "mistakes" and "senior moments" can McCain make in support of his positions before we're allowed to call him out as a liar. "Did I say Obama was a Muslim? I meant he was not a Muslim. Whoops-a-daisy." David Brooks to the rescue!!
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