A disgusting vat of filth that no self-respecting intelligent person would wade into.

[Greedy,Greedy,Greedy]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
he could have bled on several people. he choose you. think about why.

Making more assumptions based on a total lack of knowledge. Just like you.

He did bleed on several people.

[Not Bob]

Originally posted by nononono
He refused to go through a reception line. At a reception for newly elected member of Congress. Hosted by the President. Yes, if he can't "get" that, he needs to go back to Statesman 101.

By that logic, it would have been rude for him not to go to the reception. Since when is the President a King who can command attendance at court?

I just find it hard to believe that not going through a reception line is rude. Unless you are at a wedding or a funeral. I will check Miss Manner's archives to see if I find something.

Originally posted by nononono
Second, yes, I said statesman. I still expect politicians (particularly once elected to Congress or similar positions) at least to aspire to be statesmen, however much they may fail. Much like I expect diplomats to be somewhat diplomatic.

Did the President act like a statesman with Webb? Was it statesmanlike of him to call a reporter an asshole?

Originally posted by nononono
Not to defend Armey, but at least that sounds like business.

Sure it was. And the Clintons only faced "frostiness" from the proper and polite Loyal Opposition.

[nononono]

Originally posted by Greedy,Greedy,Greedy
Oh, come on, this is just more Bushy whining.

Yeh, Webb's an asshole. He ran as an asshole, he got elected as an asshole, and for the next six years he intends to be an asshole.

It's not all the Dems, it's just Webb. But I gotta say, I'm going to enjoy having him around.

I don't mind a straight-shooter or even a bit of a bull-in-a-china shop. But this behavior was boorish and stupid, and should be beneath the dignity of a Congressman (or the Secretary of the Navy, for God's sake). The thing is, he knows (or knew, at one time) better, as anyone in his position should. It was inappropriate. My assessment is he's a bit too high on himself right now, but there's no excuse for not behaving in that setting. (And by the way, it wasn't a spontaneous thing. He was drawing the fight by avoiding his duties as a guest (receiving line), and after the fact, he clarified a) that he is deliberately rude and likes to be and b) that he was doing it to make a political statement, also inappropriate at a social event: "I'm not particularly interested in having a picture of me and George W. Bush on my wall....No offense to the institution of the presidency, and I'm certainly looking forward to working with him and his administration. [But] leaders do some symbolic things to try to convey who they are and what the message is."

ps, I didn't say anything about "all the Dems."

[Not Bob]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
it was pagaent, rudeness is not acceptable.

Even more so, it's the perception of rudeness -- which is why Bush the Elder was blamed for that Japanese dinner incident, when it was clearly their fault.

We did get a Honda plant in Ohio out of it, though, so I guess it worked out in the end.

[Tyrone Slothrop]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
But what Webb did, and what Ty et al seem quite pleased with is disrespect for the office. that is unamerican.

I'm not pleased with Webb, though that I predict that he will continue to provide entertainment for the press. I thought the President was a jackass.

[Greedy,Greedy,Greedy]

Originally posted by nononono
...he was doing it to make a political statement, also inappropriate at a social event...

I don't think there are social events in DC - they're all political events.

Wow, you are prissy about this one. Did some boorish oaf spoil a tea party you once held?

[nononono]

Originally posted by Not Bob
By that logic, it would have been rude for him not to go to the reception. Since when is the President a King who can command attendance at court?

I just find it hard to believe that not going through a reception line is rude. Unless you are at a wedding or a funeral. I will check Miss Manner's archives to see if I find something.



Did the President act like a statesman with Webb? Was it statesmanlike of him to call a reporter an asshole?



Sure it was. And the Clintons only faced "frostiness" from the proper and polite Loyal Opposition.

Well, a quick search of receiving line etiquette led me to one for military (including White House) functions, and it appears it is considered proper for all guests to go through the receiving line. So yes, a polite decline for a reason ("My apologies, Mr. President, but I cannot attend because I am playing asshole who can't hold his tongue this week.") is better than just ditching on the line once you've enjoyed the food, drink, networking and congratulations on your sucessful big for Congress. But I would also suggest that White House functions are at least as protocol-heavy and formal (moreso) than, like, 99.9% of all weddings.

[nononono]

Originally posted by Greedy,Greedy,Greedy
I don't think there are social events in DC - they're all political events.

Wow, you are prissy about this one. Did some boorish oaf spoil a tea party you once held?

I've been to these types of "political" events. They're quite formal, lots of rules and protocol. All of which make sense if you just mind your manners.

I'm surrounded by boorish oafs at pretty much all times. It wears on one. Where's my fainting couch? I feel a spell coming on.

[Greedy,Greedy,Greedy]

Originally posted by nononono
Well, a quick search of receiving line etiquette led me to one for military (including White House) functions, and it appears it is considered proper for all guests to go through the receiving line. So yes, a polite decline for a reason ("My apologies, Mr. President, but I cannot attend because I am playing asshole who can't hold his tongue this week.") is better than just ditching on the line once you've enjoyed the food, drink, networking and congratulations on your sucessful big for Congress. But I would also suggest that White House functions are at least as protocol-heavy and formal (moreso) than, like, 99.9% of all weddings.

Andrew Jackson loosened em up in the White House once. When Webb switched parties, he just really embraced that Jacksonian spirit.

[Greedy,Greedy,Greedy]

Originally posted by nononono
I've been to these types of "political" events. They're quite formal, lots of rules and protocol. All of which make sense if you just mind your manners.

I've been to them, too, and witnessed more than one pointed snub, cut royale, sharp gibe, etc.

Rules were made to be broken. They're no fun otherwise.

[Sidd Finch]

Originally posted by nononono
Yes, then it would have a merely honest showing of disrespect to the leader of his country rather than the assholeish, smarmy showing of disrespect to the leader of his country.

If you knew someone's child was in the military in Baghdad, would you casually ask "how's your boy doing??"

[Tyrone Slothrop]

Originally posted by nononono
Well, a quick search of receiving line etiquette led me to one for military (including White House) functions, and it appears it is considered proper for all guests to go through the receiving line. So yes, a polite decline for a reason ("My apologies, Mr. President, but I cannot attend because I am playing asshole who can't hold his tongue this week.") is better than just ditching on the line once you've enjoyed the food, drink, networking and congratulations on your sucessful big for Congress. But I would also suggest that White House functions are at least as protocol-heavy and formal (moreso) than, like, 99.9% of all weddings.

I would have thought that George W. Bush, of all people, would be grateful for having to spend less time receiving people in those circumstances.

[Sidd Finch]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
These guys keep complaining how their disagreement with the President's positions does not mean they are unamerican. i think everyone here agrees, providing they disagree for a reason other than political advancement.

But what Webb did, and what Ty et al seem quite pleased with is disrespect for the office. that is unamerican.

Awwwww, poor babies. After what your party did to Clinton? At least no Dems are suggesting that Bush be murdered if he enter their state.

[nononono]

Originally posted by Tyrone Slothrop
I would have thought that George W. Bush, of all people, would be grateful for having to spend less time receiving people in those circumstances.

Ha - excellent point!

Maybe Webb was just trying to be Hankishly helpful?

[Sidd Finch]

Originally posted by Greedy,Greedy,Greedy
Civility, Rove and Bush in the same paragraph. Give me a break. This administration believes in assholism as the proper approach to all politics. They have made a habit of charging their opponents with supporting terrorists and being unAmerican, even while they laid the groundwork for al Qaida in Iraq.

Yes, and before this administration they were gleefully calling the leader of their country a murderer, etc. And even making veiled threats on his life.


But you miss the point. The point is, they were very polite at parties, I'm sure.