October 11, 2004

The BuzzFlash Mailbag

The opinions expressed in the Mailbag are not necessarily those of BuzzFlash. Read the BuzzFlash FAQ for info on submitting to the Mailbag.

Subject: Katherine Harris busted on CSPAN

Last night (Thursday 10/7) at around 11:15, CSPAN was carrying a LIVE debate on the Souter amendment (I don't know - something to do with Homeland Security) and Katherine Harris was seated two benches behind a group of featured speakers. Clearly she had no idea she was on television, because she was blatantly and undeniably flirting with the lawmaker sitting next to her. Her right leg was jammed up against his left from hip to knee, she was turned into him and leaning into him, tossing her hair, smiling inanely, caressing his left arm - and this went on and on -- easily for twenty minutes. At first I thought, is she DRUNK? But on further consideration, I concluded that she figured a late-night, sparsely-attended debate was the PERFECT place for an assignation. After all, with those tall, staggered benches, no one could see her from behind, and all the people in front of her would be watching the speakers. Except the CAMERAS. Now, if I'm geek enough to be watching CSPAN at 11:15 at night, someone out there is techy enough to have TIVOd it. You must find this and post it! This is the witch who stopped the recounts and stole the election, and her constituents did NOT send her to DC to make the halls of the people into her personal playground. Find it and see for yourselves -- there was nothing subtle about it and no other way to read it.

MJ Williamson
Tampa

Subject: Bush Is The Flip Flopper In Chief

Hi BuzzFlash,

American Progress has a great website on 30 of Bush's Flip Flops. Check it out:

The 30 Bush Flip-Flop Categories are: 1. Social Security Surplus, 2. Patient's Right to Sue, 3. Tobacco Buyout, 4. North Korea, 5. Abortion, 6. OPEC, 7. Iraq Funding, 8. Condoleezza Rice Testimony, 9. Science, 10. Ahmed Chalabi, 11. Department of Homeland Security, 12. Weapons of Mass Destruction, 13. Free Trade, 14. Osama Bin Laden, 15. The Environment, 16. WMD Commission, 17. Creation of the 9/11 Commission, 18. Time Extension for 9/11 Commission, 19. One Hour Limit for 9/11 Commission Testimony, 20. Gay Marriage, 21. Nation Building, 22. Saddam/al Qaeda Link, 23. U.N. Resolution, 24. Involvement in the Palestinian Conflict, 25. Campaign Finance, 26. 527s, 27. Medical Records, 28. Timelines For Dictators, 29. The Great Lakes, 30. Winning The War On Terror

You will see facts/positions from an earlier date and then facts/positions from a later date that will appall you. And Bush accuses Kerry of Flip-Flopping???

Tom Wieliczka

Subject: Kerry wins again!!!

First Pres. Bush was yelling. Who was he yelling at? How about when he broke the rules and interrupted the moderator to speak? Why didn't Kerry get equal time? Why did Gibson keep asking Kerry questions that he didn't ask Bush? Gibson was much tougher on Kerry than he was Bush, but even with all that Kerry won the debate because HE ACTUALLY ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS.

I wish I taped it so I could list all the questions Bush didn't answer. Just flat out did not answer, he seemed in over his head.

And all the name calling Bush did...I thought the president was supposed to be the president of ALL Americans.

D. Williams
Bklyn, NY

Subject: Debate - October 8, 2004

It is crystal clear: John Kerry won the debate tonight. George Bush was not scowling tonight, but he was smirking, and his eyes were darting about in disbelief that Kerry would dare question him. Kerry would make a point about something Bush has done as president, and Bush would act like he had no idea what Kerry was talking about. Kerry would make his point clear about what he believes, and Bush would come right back and repeat the lie he had just made about where Kerry stands on an issue.

The Patriot act question was especially relevant in showing that Bush is out of touch. I have felt that the Patriot Act has infringed on my own rights, especially when I arrived home and found a note in my luggage that it had been searched. There was no reason for my luggage to be searched out of my presence. Other people I know ended up with their names being on the Terrorist List -- just because their names were similar to names that were on the list. That George Bush pretended to believe that rights have not been abused is incredible.

In the end, Kerry was clear and concise, while Bush just seemed to repeat errors or lies about Kerry.

Donna Nigh Jones
Pasadena, CA

Subject: John Kerry clearly won the 2nd Presidential Debate

To Whom This May Concern,

In tonight's 2nd presidential debate, Senator John Kerry clearly showed that he should be the next president of the United States of America. His responses to questions about the war in Iraq clearly showed that he understands where America has gone wrong and wants to bring international collaboration back into this problematic area. President George W. Bush's responses to these questions were once again not straightforward and turned quickly into attacks on Mr. Kerry's character.

On domestic issues, Senator Kerry railed against Mr. Bush's deficit spending, and Mr. Bush could not defend his deficit spending except to use broad generalizations and to call Mr. Kerry a liberal. Senator Kerry talked about the recurring theme of Mr. Bush's tax cuts for the richest one percent of the population. The budget deficit was a large issue in the debate and Mr. Bush, unlike Mr. Kerry, did not outline any clear plans for helping to improve the economy or to cut the deficit.

Mr. Bush did not acknowledge any large mistakes that he had made during his presidency and was very unclear about his views on the environment. He also did not apologize for any single instance in the war against terrorism which had violated the civil rights of many Americans. Mr. Kerry clearly talked about Mr. Bush's failures in terms of how American troops in Iraq were often under armed, and how America had failed to protect ammunition in Baghdad which is now being used to kill American soldiers.

In terms of language used during the debate, Senator Kerry showed clear plans for protecting America and for enriching the lives of most Americans while Mr. Bush used more ambiguous language. Mr. Bush tended to use generalizations to show that he was strong on protecting America from the terrorists and used the same language to paint Kerry as a tax happy liberal who didn't want to protect the American people. Mr. Kerry clearly showed his plans and defended himself from strong attacks by Mr. Bush.

Sincerely,

Roger Horowitz (age 19 and sophomore in college)

Subject: Kerry Keeps Momentum Rolling

Kerry showed his ability to connect with an audience, offering straight talk on the Iraq war, the economy, and middle class priorities like health care coverage, prescription drugs, and homeland security. Perhaps the most pivotal moment of the night was when Kerry looked directly into the camera and pledged not to raise taxes on those earning less than $200,000 while fighting for middle class priorities. It's hard to be more direct than that. Hey America, Kerry's got your back.

Jim Witkins
Madison, WI

Subject: My opinion

Tonight Kerry proved he was the candidate for the average American. Kerry offered a new hope for America. He offered a way to get America out of the quagmire in Iraq and back in a role of leadership in the world. He outlined his plans to get new jobs in America.

While Kerry did this, Bush did not offer a new direction. He offered "more of the same." And I must say, do we want more of the same? 9/12? 1000 more Americans dead in Iraq? 1.6 million more jobs lost? Everyone knows the numbers--and everyone knows they aren't good!

So far, the republicans have kept this race close by attacking Kerry, not supporting Bush. But now in 2 debates the American people see that Kerry is the man he claims to be, not the shadowy image that the republicans paint by abusing video clips and making a smokescreen of the flip-flopping issue. Not only that, but that Bush is the shadowy image that the republicans have tried to pin onto Kerry.

Because he gave America a new direction, and a new hope, Kerry won today.

Rafi W.

Subject: Punch....Smack...Ker-Powie!

Hi Gang!

Again, Shrubya's Shepherders gave him bad advice. The Smirking One looked comical, planted firmly to his stool...passing stool...blinking rapidly with this blank stare that really made him look like a candidate for the short bus [no offense intended].

Kerry remained the consistent debator, staying on message and on target with his delivery and his points.

Shrubya, in stark contrast to last week, came out almost like a possessed Evangelical priest, full of more hot air than Flush Limburger can muster in a week. He did not come across as presidential in any sense of the word. He seemed like one of the Whiner Family, desperately attempting to prove something to everybody.

Even more damaging to Shrubya was the fact that he came out so full of himself, so certain that if he just attacked and attacked, spoke loudly and flailed about like the Whomping Willow, he was bound to win this one.

I've just finished checking the news sites - online polls state the obvious: Kerry wins again.

Even on FauXNews.com

Jerry Peurala
Westfield, IN

Subject: Did anyone hear Bush's amazing comment last night?

Bush's answer to the 2nd question asked by Dahle -- at the end, includes: "I wasn't happy when we found out there wasn't weapons, and we've got an intelligence group together to figure out why."

Now the real question is: Is the intelligence group trying to figure out why there were no weapons? or why Bush was not happy?

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: A Tolerance for Lies

When are reporters going to understand that the reason the public is contemptuous about their craft is that many in the profession have stopped practicing that craft. The President lied in tonight's debate. He lied about prescription drugs imported from Canada. He lied about his Administration's position on generic drugs. He lied about stem cell lines. The man can simply not tell the truth. What happened to fact checking? Anyone hear of Lexus-Nexis or Google? What purpose do you believe you serve?

Everything comes full circle. If this country suffers four more years of this Administration, part of the reason will be the negligence of the American press.

Steve Rozov
Drexel Hill, PA

Subject: Now we know who Ted in the first debate was

Dear BuzzFlash,

You remember that I wrote that Bush spoke to a "Ted" during the first debate. Well, this time he clearly said Senator Kennedy. It's pretty clear that Ted is Ted Kennedy. What is our pResident thinking? If he doesn't know the difference between Senator Kennedy and Senator Kerry, then it's no wonder that he doesn't know the difference between Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.

Margaret Waid

Subject: Debate

Without a doubt, Kerry was articulate and forceful again tonight. He was likeable and made coherent points. The President was better, but still off kilter, and seemed confused on a few questions. He also was nasty when he shouted down Charles Gibson.

Mitch Klebanoff

Subject: Bush's interruption

When Bush jumped to his feet and interrupted Charlie Gibson, was this his rendition of Howard Dean's scream? Just asking...

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Reaction to the Debate on Friday, 10/08/04

Hi,

This second Bush-Kerry debate was pretty good -- much more spirited and impassioned. I think Kerry won on the issues, but Bush managed to improved on his delivery. Mostly though, it was really weird when President Bush was yelling at Charlie Gibson. (Just my two cents.) Keep up the good work! Thanks.

Chris in Chicago

Subject: debate

After watching the debate Friday, I've concluded...if loud means right, then I guess Bush won. But if style and substance really are the factors, Senator John Kerry was the hands down winner.

Bush was angry, not just forceful and rude, but truly angry. He really thinks he can impose his will at any time and everyone is honor bound to serve him without question. No wonder we ran into such trouble in Iraq with this man as president. We need a President like Kerry who will: work to improve the middle class; begin to protect our environment (after a four-year lapse); rebuild our alliances so we can receive assistance in Iraq (and more importantly in fighting the true war on terror); plus restore the world's respect for America.

Once again Bush totally dodged the question about making mistakes. Do we really need a president who is unwilling to admit mistakes? Although here's one he did make. Contrary to Bush's disbelief when Kerry noted Bush's timber concern, business income from part ownership of a timber-growing enterprise was on Bush's 2001 return. And it was also listed in 2002 and 2003 returns, indicating there is still an interest in the business. What this tells me is that George Bush has no regard for the truth. It doesn't matter whether it's a small lie like the timber interest or a huge lie like the Iraq and Al Qaeda link; it just proves that his campaign and his policies are built on lies. We can't handle more of the same. I urge you to choose John Kerry on November 2 to help keep America safe.

Thank you,

Arthur Specht

Subject: Any Mistakes?

Tonight, 10 minutes into the debate, George Bush blows it. Who does Bush think he is talking to when he says, "Sanctions are not working"? Does he actually think the American people can truly trust him when just yesterday the Duelfer report said that the sanctions, in fact did work? So when Bush says he does things because "they were the right things to do," his past actions show that they were the wrong things to do. Internationally, America does not seem safer. Domestically, America does not seem to be any safer. One of the core reasons is due to the outright fabrications and slippery spin that has gone unchecked and continues to go unchecked. When Bush says that the government "pays" the military well what does he say to the 60 year old military veteran who had his benefits cut or the 20 year old troops who lacked proper equipment to invade, occupy and police a hostile middle-eastern country? How can he say that people are "working overtime," when he wanted to cut the overtime regulations? How can he say these things without being "objectively" criticized at every turn? Kerry gets his fair share of facts wrong as well; however, the comparison is night and day when the evidence is finally turned in.

If Bush thinks he can scream and shout and act tough in front of the camera as he did tonight, well that's great; it is what he has done over the last three years that have shown his true actions, and by looking at him he seems as if he is out of control. It is understandable for a Presidential candidate who has had a bad week to be defensive; however, it is completely showing when he becomes completely aggressive to the questions coming from the audience, let alone when Charlie Gibson told him he, in fact, couldn't follow up. He did anyway. There is a pattern that shows him taking everything he wants. This is unreal. He wanted Iraq. His administration found a reason and they took it. His Administration represents take take take. There is no give. They don't like something they leave, trash a reputation and bully their way around. It is utterly amazing how inefficient this behavior has been, and the sad effect of the current consequences shows it has been left unchecked for too long.

In trust,

MPR

Subject: A Cheney quote...

In a speech to the "Collateral Damage Conference" of the Cato Institute, Cheney said, "...the good Lord didn't see fit to put oil and gas only where there are democratically elected regimes friendly to the United States. Occasionally we have to operate in places where, all things considered, one would not normally choose to go. But, we go where the business is."

A BuzzFlash Reader

[BuzzFlash Note: Two articles that refer to this: Cheney's Iran stance inconsistent
VP opposed sanctions as Halliburton head. (Columbia Daily Tribune); and Cheney Once Pushed to Lift Iran Sanctions (ABC-7 News).]

Subject: Re: I'm afraid...

of a STOLEN election again if the DEMS are not ever vigilant. The Bush Cartel are like rats, when they get in you can't get them out. I know, I had one in my garage once, but his name was not George W.

Colette Miller
Wellington, Florida

Subject: Let's put out the Burning Bush

Here's a letter I sent to the Arizona Republic after Friday night's debate:

During the Democratic primaries, we had the "Dean Scream," an event greatly exaggerated by the media. Well, during Friday night's debate, we saw the "Burning Bush," and that's no exaggeration. America could see that President Bush's miserable performance from the first debate was no fluke. Last night, he seemed angry, almost yelling at times, and rudely interrupted the moderator. He had to have his way. But the facts on the Iraq war, the economy, and the environment, are all against him. Since Bush refuses to admit he made any mistakes, his only recourse is to get mad. His behavior is highly un-presidential.

Kerry, in contrast, was poised, yet forceful. He had all the facts on his side. His performance echoed the one he gave from the first debate. He showed us he is no fluke. He showed us he could lead this country. It's time for the Burning Bush to go.

Bryan in Phoenix

Subject: Bush is out of control...

I watched the second of the three Presidential debates last night and I was literally sick to my stomach!! Bush was totally out of control! Literally! Even the moderator couldn't keep him under control. Bush's jumping up from his seat and yelling reminded me of a spoiled 2 year old child having a temper tantrum. If that doesn't make the undecided voters finally come to the decision that Kerry is the one to vote for, then what will? The fact that Kerry was able to shoot down all of Bush's misleading statements (a.k.a. LIES) should help turn around the undecided voters as well. In my opinion, Kerry was the victor in this debate as well. He spanked the butt of the out-of-control, childish Bush.

Wake up America! Help is on the way!! Vote Kerry!!!

Cecilia
Montgomery, AL

Subject: Sinclair needs to give equal time

Buzzers,

Let's Demand that Sinclair Broadcasting show Going Up River for equal time. This is idiotic that Sinclair is a free advertising agency for Bush/Cheney.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: sign in pine arizona

thought you people might be interested in a 4X8 sheet of plywood sign along highway 87 in pine, arizona, which reads in black letters- when clinton lied nobody died!!!!!!!

makes my day. love your work!!!!

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Presidential Debate 2

President Bush was bombastic, arrogant, rude, whiney, contrived, and combative during the second Presidential debate. Is it any wonder that we're so alienated from the rest of the world and divided at home?

Angela Natoli
Nashville, TN

Subject: Bush was on drugs last night...

Your editorial is dead on. I am an ex-speed user and that man showed every sign of being hopped up last night. It was frightening to watch...

J. W.

Subject: Please Help Keep Airwaves Fair

Dear M. BuzzFlash,

I'm appalled by what I've just read in the LA Times. Sinclair Broadcast Group is trying to influence the election using their broadcasting power by requiring its affiliate stations to air a one-hour-long anti-Kerry movie the week before the Presidential election. Please, please please, report on this story in depth and embarrass Sinclair into doing the right thing. Encourage your audience to contact Sinclair and the FEC. Please, I'm begging you, help keep our democracy intact.

Conservative TV Group to Air Anti-Kerry Film (LA Times)

Thank you so much for your help.

Sincerely,

Maria Wells

Subject: George Bush is "sorta" the pResident

I heard a clip from Bush's campaign stop in Erie, PA recently. He was discussing Kerry's tax increases to the rich and said something along the lines of (this is not a direct quote) "Everybody knows the rich always manage to dodge paying taxes, so you know who'll get stuck paying more? You will! The middle class!"

I find it very interesting that he admits that the wealthy find ways not to pay their taxes, don't you?

Also in yesterday's "speech" he said he was going to tell a story (couldn't understand him very well but think he said about Laura) you won't believe but it's true. Well, it's sorta true!!

Amazing! Just amazing!

How inept, inartful and DUMB this guy is.

After all the lies he's been telling he makes a statement that something he's about to say is "sorta true"???!!!

LOL!

J. B.

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