Bush beats Obama

[firstandten]

Found This gem of an article. I think we found something that Bush is better at than Obama.



(CNN) — It appears President Obama has to step up his reading pace if he wants to beat his predecessor in one particular measure: how many books a president can polish off a year.
In an interview with the BBC Tuesday (http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/news/2009/06/090602_obama_transcript.shtml), Obama said he is currently reading Joseph O'Neill's 270-page novel "Netherland," a book Obama first said he began back in April.
If Obama is close to finishing the novel, that puts him on less than a 10 book-a-year pace, far less than the close to 100 books President Bush was reportedly able to finish in the same amount of time.
According to former top Bush aide Karl Rove (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123025595706634689.html), he and the former president engaged in a friendly wager every year to see who could read more books.
In 2006, Bush read 95 books to Roves 110: a Herculean pace of nearly two books a week — in an election year to boot — for the ex-president. But, according to Rove, Bush's reading slowed a bit in the final years of his presidency, finishing a not-too-shabby 51 books in 2007 and at least 40 in 2008.
And if that's not impressive enough, Rove also said Bush found time to read the Bible "from cover to cover" every year.
While Obama may have had to put aside “Netherland” last month in favor of pages of court briefs with a Supreme Court vacancy to fill, it nevertheless appears the president has some summer reading to do."

Fire away!!!!

[Flanders]

President Obama can't even take his wife out on the town for a night, w/o the RW whining about it, along with the cost. I can only just imagine the uproar if it was revealed that the "usurper" was reading two novels per week...:eek:

Bush liked to delegate, and was better at it than any other POTUS, and that is all the "credit" that I will give him, which permitted him to be in his jammies by 9pm, and he also spent two years of his eight in office on vacation. Bush took 77 trips to his ranch in Crawford, TX, which cost nearly a quarter million per round trip. Plenty of time to f%^* off, clearing brush and reading books, not to mention the fact that Cheney actually was the defacto POTUS for much of Bush's presidency, especially during his first term.

I wonder how John Q. Public would react if Obama were to take a month's vacation during his first year in office, while an economic crisis along with two military conflicts and "occupations" as well as NK beating the war drums. Must be nice to take office w/o immediately facing an economic shitstorm like Obama has...:mad:

[Blarf]

Obama takes his wife out for a night in town....by flying to New York City on a tab running somewhere around 250-k, and you can't' see why people are upset?

[vetalalumni]

Obama takes his wife out for a night in town....by flying to New York City on a tab running somewhere around 250-k, and you can't' see why people are upset?
This selfish, extravagant visit to NYC is an upsetting travesty. The leader of the United States of America, the most important leader on the planet earth no less.

[Fidel]

Just a damn shame Bush didn't read about the 9-11 threat, or that a war against Iraq would be devastating to both countries people, or that Brownie wasn't doing a heck of a job in New Orleans.

Personally I feel much better that we now have a much more intelligent POTUS that has the country's interest at heart as opposed to how many "Nancy Drew" mystery books he can read or how much fake brush he can clear!

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "facing an economic shitstorm like Obama has..."

And what has he done about it? Yeah, I'm disappointed with this guy already. Another one, more concerned about the middle east than our own country. For someone that harped about our China trade situation and outsourcing ALL through his campaign, he hasn't done jackshit about it with the authority to do so. Just call em like I see em. This guy is turning out to be smoke and mirrors. Slick homogenized used-car-salesman politician.

[Lorax]

When the level of books Bush polished off run the gamut from A to B, it can't be forgotten he at least finished "My Pet Goat", which will hopefully be figured prominently the Bush Presidential Libraree.

[gazhekwe]

sstashmoo: [Obama] hasn't done jackshit about it with the authority to do so

How refreshing to hear the opposite extreme to this inane whine:

GOP Criticizes Obama For Taking On Too Much

It has been 135 days or so since Obama took office. He has accomplished much, making a start on many different problems. To expect everything to magically make an immediate about face is unrealistic. It will take many a day for long term trends to even begin to change. The difference is in the leadership to effect change. We have that now, so watch for the burgeoning results as we continue to manage our daily lives with new sights on the horizon.

[gibran]

to busy working to read two books a week...um how Novel...

Yes he cares about the middle-east for it is through a fair and balanced policy it will ultimately benefit us...and al lof our allies..then maybe he wouldnt have to spend so much trying to keep a lid on it when those who benefit from choas keep conflicts going. Stash I nomslaly agree with your perspective; but give him some time...remember the mess he inherited...and by anyone's standards he is at least engaged...I suspect any president who travels in modern times occurs great costs..but he has been working around the clock and needs to keep a balance whereas not to burn out...tough job ...but comapred to GWB and his Texas ranch a small price to pay for working as hard as he has..as well as trying to turn our distractors around..give him some time..he is not perfect,but at least he is trying,

[gazhekwe]

Another thought. W had no young children at home. Free time for reading for pleasure definitely takes a backseat to the responsibilities of running the nation and being a good husband and father.

[WolverinesA2]

President Obama can't even take his wife out on the town for a night, w/o the RW whining about it, along with the cost. I can only just imagine the uproar if it was revealed that the "usurper" was reading two novels per week...:eek:


Bush took more vacation days than any other President in American history and we didn't hear one peep out of the conservatives about the cost of that air travel, Secret Service protection, etc. But whenever Obama goes anywhere or does anything that isn't directly related to the job of the Presidency, these hypocrites have the audacity to complain about the cost of Air Force One or Secret Service protection?

[mjs]

I'd love to see the list of books Bush claims he read. Thanks to the Patriot Act, I'm sure there's a list of all the books I've ever read. I never heard any man get quoted more often for his inability to form a coherent sentence. He should have read Tom Clancy's "Debt of Honor" where Jack Ryan becomes President when a commercal plane is crashed into the US Capitol Building. Or maybe he should have been reading more reports from his subordinates.

[vetalalumni]

Just call em like I see em. This guy is turning out to be smoke and mirrors. Slick homogenized used-car-salesman politician.
Is this a general commentary on disappointment in USA politics all together.? What POTUS and associated administration has ever fully satisfied all of your requirements? Please list that POTUS, and your various requirements that were met satisfactorily. Listing flaws of that POTUS or administration would be magnanimous.

Boisterousness aside, others can and do call it as they see it as well.

[Flanders]

Obama takes his wife out for a night in town....by flying to New York City on a tab running somewhere around 250-k, and you can't' see why people are upset?

Oh, I see all too well why they are upset all right, and of course the RW seizes this as a golden opportunity to hypocritically condemn him for doing so, while ignoring the extreme leisure time excesses of their former president, just as you ignored the rest of my post, and the topic of this thread.

[gibran]

Another thought. W had no young children at home. Free time for reading for pleasure definitely takes a backseat to the responsibilities of running the nation and being a good husband and father.

what a great perspective...as usual you are right on...:)

we have to be very realistic about the real change potential that we are embarking in...not to expect miracles but real change..that is subtle and real...

[rjk]

I just love it when people get all indignant about the other party being hypocritical when it comes to their criticism. It goes with the territory in a two-party system.

Some of you are half way there, now if you could see the same thing about your own part you'll be all set.

[vetalalumni]

... now if you could see the same thing about your own part you'll be all set.
Wise counsel in general. Among other values, it serves to keep unfairness in check. Thanks for the reminder.

[Flanders]

I love it when SNs who infrequently or never post in politically-themed threads on the Non-Detroit forum manage to find the time to, rather than address the topic of the thread, instead offer their unique insight or critique of the posts and/or the posters who do.

Seems to happen more often now, ever since the changeover to the new DYes website format, and some make a drive-by post or a furious flurry of them for a day or two, and vanish for days, weeks, months, or in some cases for good, (banned?) apparently.

4real, CapitalistPig, ect...poor Bats, his potential allies just have no staying power here for some reason.

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "Is this a general commentary on disappointment in USA politics all together.? "

No, it's a valid question. It's questioning the performance of a man and cabinet elected to a position on the premise that he and they would do something vital, and he is not carrying out those promises. For two years we listened to him, his hands raised to the heavens, frenzied crowds on the edge of their seats, in an almost messianic manner, proclaim what he would do if elected, he was elected, he isn't doing it.

You say "Give him time" I ask, how much time does he need? When the banks went in red ink they were given (not loaned) close to a Trillion dollars over a weekend. They were "too big to fail". What about blue collar America? Is it "too" anything to fail? Apparently not. When the automakers went to Washington, an industry that represents Millions of jobs and incomes, they were treated like stray dogs. Their only response after much scrutiny, a temporary fix and an Federally overseen usher in to bankruptcy. Does the present administration not realize how vital an issue the loss of our manufacturing sector is? Do they not realize this open trade door is fleecing this country's manufacturing sector and creating a gap, no "service" based economy could ever hope to fill? Do they not realize what we have/had was our fortune, the manufacturers, the primary generation means of true sustainable wealth, and when it's gone it will be extremely hard to replace? Poor stewards of this nations wealth, that is what it has been. One could even speculate it has been intentionally taken. And it looks to be a continuance of that. The trade situation needs to be addressed immediately. Instead we see Geithner in China last week "strengthening our ties" with "our trade partner". Does this sound as though it's being addressed in the same manner in which Obama promised in his two years of dominating the airwaves with his message?

[gibran]

I agree again that trade is paramount and we should have protective tariffs on some of the goods..however, the manufcaatoring swctor was sold out long agao and the reverse the trend will take time and confidence by our whole nation..china is and will be a problem...we have to proceed with cautin with all the other messes we inherited...with North Korea acting out we can hardly afford to alienate China even more now..unfortunately the Bush Brigade and others let them into our monetary system ...so we have to turn it around slowly..unfortunately those Amreicans who are suffering will continue to do so...change and growth will come ..I hope the damage from the last 8 years can be reversed before it takes it's toll on the unemployed even more.

[turkeycall]

Holy crap! This thread is a little over six hours old and sets the stage for CC to whine about the socialist, collectivist, communist, money-wasting Obama, and he hasn't checked-in with his usual opinion piece? Maybe he'll opine that he believes Obama has been reading The Communist Manifesto in his spare time.

I am truly disappointed.

[vetalalumni]

I'll table my second question (repeated right below as a reminder).


What POTUS and associated administration has ever fully satisfied all of your requirements? Please list that POTUS, and your various requirements that were met satisfactorily. Listing flaws of that POTUS or administration would be magnanimous.

Now, a response to your answer to my first question ("Is this a general commentary on disappointment in USA politics all together.?").


It's questioning the performance of a man and cabinet elected to a position on the premise that he and they would do something vital, and he is not carrying out those promises.
What massive shift or restructuring has ever been completed in 130 something days?



For two years we listened to him, his hands raised to the heavens, frenzied crowds on the edge of their seats, in an almost messianic manner,...
So what?


... proclaim what he would do if elected, he was elected, he isn't doing it.
His term is not up yet.


... how much time does he need?
Whatever it takes.


When the banks went in red ink they were given (not loaned) close to a Trillion dollars over a weekend. They were "too big to fail".
Good argument/position. Due to my ignorance of all the details, maybe someone else can respond to this one.


What about blue collar America? Is it "too" anything to fail? Apparently not. When the automakers went to Washington, an industry that represents Millions of jobs and incomes, they were treated like stray dogs. Their only response after much scrutiny, a temporary fix and an Federally overseen usher in to bankruptcy. Does the present administration not realize how vital an issue the loss of our manufacturing sector is?
The POTUS is committed to supporting continuation of a domestic auto industry.


Do they not realize this open trade door is fleecing this country's manufacturing sector and creating a gap, no "service" based economy could ever hope to fill?
Another argument to which someone else may be able to better address comprehensively.


Do they not realize what we have/had was our fortune, the manufacturers, the primary generation means of true sustainable wealth, and when it's gone it will be extremely hard to replace?
Yes, the POTUS does


Poor stewards of this nations wealth, that is what it has been.
It has arguably and variably been true for a very, very long time.


One could even speculate it has been intentionally taken.
It being the quality of stewardship, or the nations wealth, or both? Regardless, intentionally taken where and by whom? Any irrefutable proof to support such an assertion?


And it looks to be a continuance of that.
Too early to say.


The trade situation needs to be addressed immediately. Instead we see Geithner in China last week "strengthening our ties" with "our trade partner".
Support what we currently have in place until better solutions can be implemented.


Does this sound as though it's being addressed in the same manner in which Obama promised in his two years of dominating the airwaves with his message?
Yes.

[Lorax]

Maybe if Tush had read his Presidential Daily Briefing in August, 2001, he could have adverted 9/11.

But then he wouldn't have had an excuse to go to war in Iraq, eventhough Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, as the lies leading up to that war are dripping out daily.

Then again, reading wasn't his strong suit.

[ccbatson]

My G-d the libs here have been thoroughly brainwashed...the man is out of office, and you still talk about his personality and style as if he were still President.

We on the right occasionally harken back and criticise THE POLICIES of former liberals as they relate to current conditions, a much more effective style of debate.

[rb336]

My G-d the libs here have been thoroughly brainwashed...the man is out of office, and you still talk about his personality and style as if he were still President.

We on the right occasionally harken back and criticise THE POLICIES of former liberals as they relate to current conditions, a much more effective style of debate.

oh, really? 8 years later, you STILL can't get over Clinton. 30 years later you STILL can't get over Carter, and you only make personal attacks on them or make absurd claims about them that have no basis in reality (like dubya reading 100 books a year.)

[firstandten]

"And if that's not impressive enough, Rove also said Bush found time to read the Bible "from cover to cover" every year." quote

given the death and destruction W has put upon this world Rove must have meant that Bush reads the old testament from cover to cover every year.

[edgewood]

Well, President Bush was on vacation for more time than John Kennedy held office. This would give him plenty of time to relax and read to his hearts content.

[vetalalumni]

Sstashmoo (my post # 22)? Anything?

[Sstashmoo]

""What POTUS and associated administration has ever fully satisfied all of your requirements? Please list that POTUS, and your various requirements that were met satisfactorily. Listing flaws of that POTUS or administration would be magnanimous.""

""Sstashmoo (my post # 22)? Anything?""

What is this, an essay request? Sure some have done things satisfactorily, and some have not. It's irrelevant. I'm concerned about the guy that is in there now. The burden is on him to perform. It matters not what Bush or Clinton did, they were both trainwrecks, but that doesn't matter here. I want to know what the guy with the job now is going to do. He is the one that claimed he could fix it. Seriously, don't make excuses for poor performance. This isn't about aligning with your party and candidate, it's about the welfare of the country as a whole. That job carries a responsibility to the people, it's not a personality contest. Would I like to have a beer with him? For sure. Am I impressed with his performance as President so far? Not really. Hell, even his own constituents during the campaign had to tell him to stop letting the other candidates beat up on him so badly. He had ample opportunities in debates, to come back with great counters and neglected to do so. It was a red flag at the time and it's turning out not to be a false positive. Is he just a nice guy? probably, we don't need a nice guy, we need a prick in office right now. Someone that will put his feet down on issues like trade and not waver or fold to the special interests. We need Ron Paul or Dennis Kucinich in office right now, or both. Or even Pat Buchanan.

[ccbatson]

Rb...you forgot to comprehend what I said. I am not making a point of bringing up Clinton's or Carter's (or FDR's) style, or personal characteristics (pro or con), rather their politics and actions with the antecedent consequences as they pertain to current events and issues.

[mjs]

They were telling him to attack the messenger the way he was being personally attacked and he kept telling them to relax because he was going to respond solely on the merits of his positions. It still blows me away the way he can restrain himself from giving personal attacks. "Each side will continue to make its case to the public, but surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature."- 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama

[ccbatson]

Obamaism once again...what is he doing to CEOs, Hedge fund executives, Sean Hannity, and Rush Limbaugh if not exactly what he says shouldn't be done?

[mjs]

Cite the quote. I want to hear it in his words, not Hannity and Rush's paraphasing.

[ccbatson]

Go to Hannity.com, or listen to his program for the clips pertaining to Hannity. Regarding the CEOs (at AIG and Wagoner at GM, as well as elsewhere), and hedge funds, I recall seeing/hearing his speech, but will not spend the time finding them for you. Why? I know you heard them all as well as I did.

[mjs]

If I don't want to hear a Hannity paraphrase I should go to Hannity.com? I wouldn't even have clue one as to what term to use in the search. Its your claim.

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "It still blows me away the way he can restrain himself from giving personal attacks."

Maybe he just isn't capable. Maybe he just isn't a fighter. I can tell you this, if I were on trial for a serious crime, I would not want him as my attorney. Relying on the sensibilities of the jury, taking it for granted that they know I'm innocent. I wouldn't confuse all the passivity with steadfastness.

[ccbatson]

Look for the clips there mjs...it is just a convenient spot to find it. If you like to look elsewhere, feel free.

[mjs]

Give me some key words to use in the search. I've been coming up empty on anything supporting your position.

[gazhekwe]

Trial attorneys are a whole different breed than constitutional scholars. We don't need an attack puppy at the head of our country, we need someone who can hold a course on the rule of law. We are in a world of hurt right now from attack puppy leadership. Let's give a different way a chance.

[vetalalumni]

I get your views now Sstashmoo, and I'll leave you alone.

[Jimaz]

1623
Define "read."

[Lorax]

My G-d the libs here have been thoroughly brainwashed...the man is out of office, and you still talk about his personality and style as if he were still President.

We on the right occasionally harken back and criticise THE POLICIES of former liberals as they relate to current conditions, a much more effective style of debate.

Maybe it's because the repugnican reich WON'T GO AWAY!

And their evil deeds continue to outlast them.

Why don't you call Dick Cheney and ask him to get off the TV? Haven't we seen enough of his wicked face?

And while you're at it, lose his creepy daughter, Lizard.

Why do you leave out the 'o' in God? Is this some bizarre Christian ritual?:eek:

[firstandten]

You say "Give him time" I ask, how much time does he need? When the banks went in red ink they were given (not loaned) close to a Trillion dollars over a weekend. They were "too big to fail". What about blue collar America? Is it "too" anything to fail? Apparently not. When the automakers went to Washington, an industry that represents Millions of jobs and incomes, they were treated like stray dogs. Their only response after much scrutiny, a temporary fix and an Federally overseen usher in to bankruptcy. Does the present administration not realize how vital an issue the loss of our manufacturing sector is? Do they not realize this open trade door is fleecing this country's manufacturing sector and creating a gap, no "service" based economy could ever hope to fill? Do they not realize what we have/had was our fortune, the manufacturers, the primary generation means of true sustainable wealth, and when it's gone it will be extremely hard to replace? Poor stewards of this nations wealth, that is what it has been. One could even speculate it has been intentionally taken. And it looks to be a continuance of that. The trade situation needs to be addressed immediately. Instead we see Geithner in China last week "strengthening our ties" with "our trade partner". Does this sound as though it's being addressed in the same manner in which Obama promised in his two years of dominating the airwaves with his message?

I understand your frustation with this, I believe Obama understands this as well. However any protectionist measures at this point is like closing the barn door after all the horses have left and it may come back on us in a seriously negative way. This was a long time developing. It seems like the Clinton administration bought into the free trade kool-aid whereas we should have been protecting our manufacturing base. This kind of situation won't be resolved in one year, one term either, maybe if Obama gets a second term we can start to see some progress.

The issues with the financial sector and auto industry are like comparing apples and oranges. They required two different approaches. With the financial sector we were in danger of our financial system collapsing on a world wide basis. With the auto industry, they were stubbornly clinging to a business model that was outdated. They would have kept coming back to the well for more and more money.

With the emphasis on "Green Technology" the administration is trying to jumpstart existing industries with new technology. Its not only good for the environment but its a jobs creator, and he needs the auto companies to get on board. We don't need to hear that only gasoline powered SUV's are going to sell. The big picture is that green technology is going to update existing industries, and create some new industries thereby creating jobs in the process. However this is not an overnight fix but something for the long term. Obama at least realizes this and he is making it a high priority item in his domestic agenda.

[Pam]

Why do you leave out the 'o' in God? Is this some bizarre Christian ritual

It's a Jewish ritual.

[gibran]

I think he is really using it out of respect....G-D.. w/out O

[Sstashmoo]

It's out for reverence for God, Paraphrasing: man is not worthy to express his name. Some faiths employ this, Judaism is one. It's a respectable concept.

So you guys should start addressing me as Sst_shmoo :D

[rb336]

just to point out that the english word "god" comes from "Gautr" -- one of the names of Odin

[gibran]

St-sh ...glad to see you still have your sense of humor... :) h-ping fo rdivine intervention tonight fo rthe wings,,,,

[rb336]

rd wngs need no divine intervention from the hcky gds

[gibran]

rd wngs need no divine intervention from the hcky gds

I know but we have to overcome the commish...:D I hear G-d wears whiterobe some mistaken for a jersey and has added a red slash to it.

[Lorax]

I guess you could call me Lrax. Though it sounds too much like Exlax, so you can continue to disrespect me and call me Lorax. :eek:

[ccbatson]

Totally lost me there Lorax...what are you talking about?

[Lorax]

Totally lost me there Lorax...what are you talking about?

You really should read the thread before responding, then you may know what people are saying.

It was about leaving out the "o" in words such as you do with GOD. So you can continue to disrespect me by calling me Lorax as opposed to Lrax.

Get it?

[ccbatson]

I get it, you think that you are G-d.

Psst, nobody else does.

[Lorax]

I get it, you think that you are G-d.

Psst, nobody else does.

No, I was actually just mocking GOD. Which backwards spells DOG.

And if you re-arrange the letters in SANTA it spells SATAN.

Wow, scary, huh? :eek:

[rb336]

and Bush backwards is Shub...

[ccbatson]

All right children, back to class now, recess is over.