Bush reaching out beyond the same old inner-circle suits!

[tenguzero]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060105/pl_nm/iraq_bush_dc

This is interesting indeed, although I can't help but wonder how much of it is sincere, and how much might be little more than an effort for Bush to continue rebuilding his approval rating. Regardless, I'm going to give Bush the benefit of the doubt here, and applaud him for taking such a step. I think many of us would agree that it's high time he broadens his range of counsel beyond the tired inner-circle avenues he's been treading for years. Also to note is the fact that he's invited someone who was council during the Vietnam war (often claimed to be an event who's properties are similar to those of the Iraq war.)

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tenguzero

[url] Regardless, I'm going to give Bush the benefit of the doubt here, and applaud him for taking such a step. I think many of us would agree that it's high time he broadens his range of counsel beyond the tired inner-circle avenues he's been treading for years. Also to note is the fact that he's invited someone who was council during the Vietnam war (often claimed to be an event who's properties are similar to those of the Iraq war.)

"Regardless, I'm going to give Bush the benefit of the doubt here, and applaud him for taking such a step". Wow, that is a first. Sounds more like Bush is trying to better his ratings which incidently are up.

What Bush needs to do is listen to his military commanders and not someone responsible for the Vietnam War debacle otherwise we will have another Vietnam in Iraq. Right now there is no comparison between the two and to say so is pure BS.

[tenguzero]

History (and McNamara himself) attest to the fact that he was a key supporter at the beginning of the Vietnam War, but became disillusioned as the fiasco wore on, eventually becoming outright controversial into the 80's and 90's (and expressing intense guilt over the whole thing.) Granted, that's sort of Monday morning quarterbacking, but at least coming to terms and admitting the mistake was a step forward (how much damage was done to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam that they still haven't recovered from is another story.) Bush indeed needs to listen to his commanders in matters of the military, but let's face it, most army people make for sorry politicians/diplomats (not that this country's current leadership is really much better.) I still approve of his calling in outside council though -- but again, whether this is sincere or just a ratings grab remains to be seen. For some crazy reason though, I guess I still want to believe that the person holding the position of President of the United States is more than just a hack (although as the months and years roll on, I'm given little evidence to the contrary.)

[BNaylor]

Basically, I see where you are coming from and agree. There is not much to disagree with. However, on the issue of Army politicians/diplomats I would lump that into military people in general because a lot of our politicians served in not just the Army but Navy and Air Force too. For example Jimmy Carter was a Naval Academy graduate and Bush I was a Navy pilot. IMO both Bush I and Carter left a lot to be desired.

We'll see what comes out of this. But when you start hearing that we will be in Iraq another 5 - 10 years that is very concerning no matter what your political affiliation is.