Interesting bush tape, though nothing ground breaking

alonzomourning23

alonzomourning23

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Friend recorded Bush before White House bid
1998-2000 talks air private views
By Associated Press | February 20, 2005

NEW YORK -- Private conversations with George W. Bush secretly taped by an old friend before he was elected president foreshadow some of his political strategies and appear to reveal that he acknowledged using marijuana, The New York Times reported yesterday.

The conversations were recorded by Doug Wead, a former aide to Bush's father, beginning in 1998, when Bush was weighing a presidential bid, until just before the Republican National Convention in 2000, the Times said in a story posted on its website.

The tapes show Bush crafting a strategy for navigating the tricky political waters between Christian conservative and secular voters, repeatedly worrying that evangelicals would be angered by a refusal to bash gays and that secular Americans would be turned off by meetings with evangelical leaders.

On one tape, Bush explains that he told one prominent evangelical that he would not "kick gays, because I'm a sinner. How can I differentiate sin?"

In early tapes, Bush dismisses the strength of Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, for the nomination and expresses concern about rival Steve Forbes.

He also praises John Ashcroft as a promising candidate for Supreme Court justice, attorney general, or vice president.

Bush also criticizes then-Vice President Al Gore for admitting marijuana use and explains why he would not do the same.

"I wouldn't answer the marijuana questions," he said, according to the Times. "You know why? Because I don't want some little kid doing what I tried." According to the article, Wead played 12 of the tapes to a Times reporter. He said he recorded them because he viewed Bush as a historic figure.

The White House did not deny the authenticity of the tapes. "The governor was having casual conversations with someone he believed was his friend," White House spokesman Trent Duffy said, referring to Bush.
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Nothing interesting? These are facinating!!!

Personally, I've become disappointed in the administration. There are some great things they've done. Faith Based Initiative are a good idea and while there are negatives to the program there are benefits too. The presidents decision on stem cell research was one of his greatest domestic dicisions. Afganistan could only be considered a spectatcular sucess. Are these things perfect? No, nothing is. And overall there is a lot more I disagree with the administration on. But I preface my comments with this informatioon so readers can understand where I'm coming from.

Personally, I think President Bush is an arrogant asshole. I'm not talking about his skills as politics, which are very very good. I'm not talking about his ability to govern, which isn't that bad. I'm just speaking about personality. If he was a neighbor of mine, I definately would not be friends. Just as some people thought John Kerry was stiff and unfriendly I felt the opposite.

It's just a contrast in personalities. And there's nothing wrong with that. You can't expect people to get along with everyone they meet. But just ebcause our personalities clash I wouldn't hold it against him. We're just different people from different backgrounds. And I wouldn't use that personal dislike to color my judgement of his abilities at work or as a neighbor. As long as he keeps his yard clean, doesn't disturb the block, and dosen't bother me, we can be cordial and even friendly. Even though he's not the type of guy I may call to join my poker night.

What these tapes bring is a fasciniating insight into his true character as a man. They reinforce my views of the man, and add more into the understandings of what he truly believe and what he just does for political gain. Ultimately, high politics separates the able from the willing. These tapes show just what George Bush was willing to do to be president. It's the difference between the man that's on TV in '98 or '99 saying that "I don't know if I'm going to run." and the man going "If I lose the nomination to Steve Forbes I'm going to make sure the Republicans don't win the presidential election." That's amazing stuff! I mean, if that's not selfishness, arrogance, and political bloodlust I dunno what is!?!!

Some people ho hear or read trascripts or excerpts of these tapes may have views different from mine, which is prefectly fine. It's to be expected. But it's amazing stuff, and I think EVERYONE should at least read the NY Times article. Whether you support or disagree with the president on issues, these tapes will radically alter your perspective of the man.
 
I said nothing ground breaking, I said it was interesting. That's why I posted it. The marijuana thing was new, but it's only important due to the whole clinton marijuana issue used by republicans.
 
[quote name='alonzomourning23']I said nothing ground breaking, I said it was interesting. That's why I posted it. The marijuana thing was new, but it's only important due to the whole clinton marijuana issue used by republicans.[/quote]

Well, it's at the very least somewhat embarassing for the people who support Bush but bashed Clinton for his "didn't inhale" bullshit line. I'm not surprised that Bush tried it at all, and I'm sure no one really is. Look at the history of alcoholism and DUI and tell me it wasn't at least very likely.
 
[quote name='elprincipe'][quote name='alonzomourning23']I said nothing ground breaking, I said it was interesting. That's why I posted it. The marijuana thing was new, but it's only important due to the whole clinton marijuana issue used by republicans.[/quote]

Well, it's at the very least somewhat embarassing for the people who support Bush but bashed Clinton for his "didn't inhale" bullshit line. I'm not surprised that Bush tried it at all, and I'm sure no one really is. Look at the history of alcoholism and DUI and tell me it wasn't at least very likely.[/quote]

Yep, but then of course he's a born again christian so none of the drinking or smoking or skipping out on guard duty counts. :roll:
 
[quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='elprincipe'][quote name='alonzomourning23']I said nothing ground breaking, I said it was interesting. That's why I posted it. The marijuana thing was new, but it's only important due to the whole clinton marijuana issue used by republicans.[/quote]

Well, it's at the very least somewhat embarassing for the people who support Bush but bashed Clinton for his "didn't inhale" bullshit line. I'm not surprised that Bush tried it at all, and I'm sure no one really is. Look at the history of alcoholism and DUI and tell me it wasn't at least very likely.[/quote]

Yep, but then of course he's a born again christian so none of the drinking or smoking or skipping out on guard duty counts. :roll:[/quote]

Well, to be fair he's dry now and there never was any concrete proof that he skipped out on Guard duty. It's just funny how partisans so often end up being so hypocritical.
 
[quote name='elprincipe'][quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='elprincipe'][quote name='alonzomourning23']I said nothing ground breaking, I said it was interesting. That's why I posted it. The marijuana thing was new, but it's only important due to the whole clinton marijuana issue used by republicans.[/quote]

Well, it's at the very least somewhat embarassing for the people who support Bush but bashed Clinton for his "didn't inhale" bullshit line. I'm not surprised that Bush tried it at all, and I'm sure no one really is. Look at the history of alcoholism and DUI and tell me it wasn't at least very likely.[/quote]

Yep, but then of course he's a born again christian so none of the drinking or smoking or skipping out on guard duty counts. :roll:[/quote]

Well, to be fair he's dry now and there never was any concrete proof that he skipped out on Guard duty. It's just funny how partisans so often end up being so hypocritical.[/quote]

My point was that yes he is now dry yes he doesn't smoke anymore but perhaps his vices simply changed. :twisted:
 
So when he was young he smoked some weed...big deal..

And heaven forbid that he is trying to set a good example for the younger generation.

Jeez....

I smoked lots of weed when I was young...but do you think I would tell my kids that??? HELL NO! Maybe when they get older we can have those conversations but my 9 year old ain't gonna be hearing about dad's wild days anytime soon.
 
while these are interesting and should dispell the "Bush is a political novice" PR crap; it is just a sideshow.

to those of us who had a good read on G-dub early on; this comes as no surprise..once an arrogant prick, always an arrogant prick.
 
As much as I dislike the man and the politician, I was impressed with the line about not kicking gays because he's a sinner too. Now whether he lives up to this or not will remain to be seen.

I would also like the evangelicals to see how he's played them and stop supporting him blindly but that will never happen.
 
[quote name='MrBadExample']As much as I dislike the man and the politician, I was impressed with the line about not kicking gays because he's a sinner too. Now whether he lives up to this or not will remain to be seen.

I would also like the evangelicals to see how he's played them and stop supporting him blindly but that will never happen.[/quote]


I took it differently. It seemed to me that he sided more with evangelicals, and was playing the secular center. I also focused more on his "sinner too" (meaning homosexuality is a sin) part of that comment.
 
[quote name='defender']So when he was young he smoked some weed...big deal..

And heaven forbid that he is trying to set a good example for the younger generation.

Jeez....

I smoked lots of weed when I was young...but do you think I would tell my kids that??? HELL NO! Maybe when they get older we can have those conversations but my 9 year old ain't gonna be hearing about dad's wild days anytime soon.[/quote]

What you're saying is that it's OK for America's political leaders to lie to the public, as long as it's for "our own good" in your eyes (buried in the usual " :cry: will somebody please think of the children :cry: " rhetoric)

It's good for the youth to learn about the lies and coverups perpetrated by Our Leader.
 
Fox News was saying this morning that there are more tapes but Wead wouldn't release them I think because they were more personal in nature. The Fox commentator was questioning whether this was a defense for Mead meaning if the White House goes after him, he will release all the tapes.
 
I heard for years rumors that Bush also did Cocaine. Of course, nothing like this will come out till maybe after his presidency.
 
[quote name='MrBadExample']Fox News was saying this morning that there are more tapes but Wead wouldn't release them I think because they were more personal in nature. The Fox commentator was questioning whether this was a defense for Mead meaning if the White House goes after him, he will release all the tapes.[/quote]

Interesting. He's pretty smart to keep some back if that is the case. Leverage is a nice thing to have, especially in such as situation as this.
 
[quote name='alonzomourning23']I also focused more on his "sinner too" (meaning homosexuality is a sin) part of that comment.[/quote]

You were surprised? According to Bush's religious views, homosexuality is a sin, so it's hardly surprising to "learn" that he feels this way.
 
[quote name='elprincipe'][quote name='alonzomourning23']I also focused more on his "sinner too" (meaning homosexuality is a sin) part of that comment.[/quote]

You were surprised? According to Bush's religious views, homosexuality is a sin, so it's hardly surprising to "learn" that he feels this way.[/quote]

Didn't say I was suprised. I just don't give him credit for not condemning what he viewed as sinful sin he himself had sinned (as I believe badexample did). For me, the focus was on calling homosexuality a sin, not on refusing to condemn the people.
 
[quote name='elprincipe'][quote name='alonzomourning23']I also focused more on his "sinner too" (meaning homosexuality is a sin) part of that comment.[/quote]

You were surprised? According to Bush's religious views, homosexuality is a sin, so it's hardly surprising to "learn" that he feels this way.[/quote]

Just to clarify my position - I was surprised that Bush seems to have taken the "he who is without sin..." sermon to heart because at times it seems like the religious right is full of stone throwers.
 
I guess the statute of limitations has run out on illegal wiretapping. Otherwise I think this guy should be prosecuted for illegally taping these conversations.

"I wouldn't answer the marijuana questions," he said, according to the Times. "You know why? Because I don't want some little kid doing what I tried." According to the article, Wead played 12 of the tapes to a Times reporter. He said he recorded them because he viewed Bush as a historic figure.
Click to expand...

A historic figure that he could make money off of. This man is beneath pond scum. How would any of you like some of your past phone conversations taped and played for everyone to hear years later?

I haven't seen the entire transcripts yet but it's interesting to note that in the above quote, Bush never says he smoked marijuana, he says he doesn't want kids doing what he tried. This could mean anything yet people are making the inference that he was refering to pot when it could have been some other substance. It sounds like he was refering to the comment Gore made and how he would have handled such instances, not a 'fact' that he smoked it himself.
 
[quote name='bmulligan']How would any of you like some of your past phone conversations taped and played for everyone to hear years later?[/quote]

Travesty that they did that to Clinton huh?
 
[quote name='evilmax17'][quote name='bmulligan']How would any of you like some of your past phone conversations taped and played for everyone to hear years later?[/quote]

Travesty that they did that to Clinton huh?[/quote]

I assume you're talking about the Flowers tapes released before the '92 primaries and not the Tripp tapes of the Lewinski converstions ?

In either case, yes, it's shameful and they should have been prosecuted. I believe Tripp WAS prosecuted for it.
 
[quote name='bmulligan']I guess the statute of limitations has run out on illegal wiretapping. Otherwise I think this guy should be prosecuted for illegally taping these conversations.[/quote]

That depends on what state the recordings were made in. In NY for example, only one person has to have knowledge that the conversation is being recorded. That's why the Jerky Boys weren't illegal and I'm assuming that's how Crank Yankers works too.

Has anyone heard if these conversations were recorded over the phone or in person? Also has anyone claimed that these were taped without Bush's knowledge? I'm not saying that he did consent, but if he didn't and these are illegal, you have to wonder why the White House lawyers aren't all over this guy unless they worry about the rest of the tapes coming out.

Curiouser and curiouser...
 
[quote name='camoor'][quote name='defender']So when he was young he smoked some weed...big deal..

And heaven forbid that he is trying to set a good example for the younger generation.

Jeez....

I smoked lots of weed when I was young...but do you think I would tell my kids that??? HELL NO! Maybe when they get older we can have those conversations but my 9 year old ain't gonna be hearing about dad's wild days anytime soon.[/quote]

What you're saying is that it's OK for America's political leaders to lie to the public, as long as it's for "our own good" in your eyes (buried in the usual " :cry: will somebody please think of the children :cry: " rhetoric)

It's good for the youth to learn about the lies and coverups perpetrated by Our Leader.[/quote]

There is a difference between setting a good example for your own kids and using kids in general as an excuse to push your values on everyone else.
 
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