Bush Speech To Offer Few New Ideas

Last State Of The Union Address Will Be Modest As President Bows To Shrinking Influence

(AP)  In a bow to political reality, President Bush's final State of the Union speech will skip bold proposals in favor of ones the country has heard before, a modest approach for a White House that prides itself on big ideas.

Mr. Bush's strategy reflects what he is up against: little time left in office, confrontational relations with a Democratic Congress and a diminishing role on the national stage.

White House aides say there is not much point in using Monday's speech to unveil grand ideas sure to go nowhere.

"It's just not realistic," acknowledged White House press secretary Dana Perino on Thursday.

The economy will be a dominant theme in the annual speech, offering Mr. Bush one more chance to reassure a jittery nation that better days are ahead. He will start off with domestic matters and then move into foreign policy in a speech to run about 45 minutes, roughly in keeping with the length of his past addresses.

Barring a last-second change, this State of the Union will be about unfinished business - meaning items that Mr. Bush considers both vital and doable. The White House promises at least some new items, but nothing enormous.

There's not much panache in rehash. But the White House line is that important ideas don't lose value just because they haven't been enacted.

Mr. Bush will ask Congress to make permanent the tax cuts that are set to expire in 2010. He will prod Congress to extend a law allowing surveillance on suspected terrorists, renew his education law and approve free-trade pacts with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

He is also likely to recycle ideas on alternative energy, affordable health care and housing reform.

Mr. Bush's inclination is to go for the kind of change that would last a generation or beyond, the equivalent of a home run. But not this time.

"There's a bunch of singles and doubles you can get done in the last year," said Grover Norquist, a conservative strategist with ties to the White House. "If you ask for more and you don't get it done, then you fail. So why not ask for things that are accomplishable? It's the last year, not the first year."

Just in time, House leaders and Mr. Bush have reached a deal to put money in people's pockets and pump up the economy. Mr. Bush could use his speech to nudge it along and hail a rare bipartisan partnership.

Shifting to foreign affairs, the president will promote the U.S.-backed Middle East peace effort and his administration's efforts to fight disease and hunger.

On Iraq, Mr. Bush is expected to tout security improvements and restate that more U.S. troops will come home only as conditions merit. Given the military progress there and the Democrats' inability to force a change in strategy in 2007, he is in a different position this time around.

"A year ago, he was in a very precarious situation when he announced the surge (of U.S. troops.) There were about 15 people in America who supported him," said Peter Wehner, a former Bush adviser who is a senior fellow at The Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington. "Now there's an overwhelming consensus that that's been successful. So he's got a story to tell there."

This speech, however, will not be a retrospective on the seven years of Mr. Bush's presidency. He is no fan of looking back.

His mission is to chart a course for what's left and remind people that, yes, he's still here and engaged. He was written off as a lame duck last year but then used his veto authority with great success, staying relevant and forcing changes in legislation.

Inside the White House, Mr. Bush's advisers know the obstacles.

The legislative calendar is considered even shorter this election year. And despite a sudden interest in cooperation on the economic boost, Mr. Bush and the Democratic Congress are at odds on most matters.

"I predict that after hearing the president's speech Monday night, Americans will be more convinced than ever that it's time for a change," said Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Attention is fleeting. Within a matter of weeks, Republican Party voters will likely choose a new face for their party ahead of the November presidential election. Even those who pay modest attention to politics are interested in whom the next president will be. Mere hours after Mr. Bush's speech, the media focus will be on Tuesday's Florida primary.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bush remains down in the polls.

In an Associated Press-Ipsos poll conducted earlier this month, only 34 percent of those surveyed said they approve of the job he is doing. That's low for a president and about where Mr. Bush has been since fall 2006.

Yet the State of the Union always commands some public attention, maybe more so now because of the widespread economic concerns.

It is perhaps Mr. Bush's last good chance to frame the debate. In the East Wing of the White House, he is going through practice runs of his speech in the family theater.

[skyk-2009]

How''s taking odds on how many lies he will tell us this time?? Not that I want to gamble on such an obvious reality... just wondered what the odds were.

[im4honesty]

Bush Speech To Offer Few New Ideas


THANK GOD!!!
The last thing the planet needs is anymore of Bush''s ''ideas''!!

[formrusmcsgt]

"This speech, however, will not be a retrospective on the seven years of Mr. Bush''s presidency."

No kidding. The man is incapable of admitting mistakes and has no successes to mention.....

[fettkonserv]

To make the State of the Onion more palatable and sensible it might be a good Idea to turn down the volume on the Television and Put on your favorite comedy recording. Warning consuming large amounts of alcohol during the broadcast could make finding the Mute button on the remote difficult. Be sure to stay tuned after the State of the Onion for the Hilarious antics of the Spineless opposition.
Due to lack of Honesty by both party''s November Elections are not necessary, but Diebold will be there so you don''t need to vote anyhow.

[fettkonserv]

You can look at the Picture and tell the guys a idiot!

[demslie]

What are you Democrats going to do when Bush''s is out of office? Democrats have done nothing but *** about Bush for seven years without one single productive idea except support for any enemy that hates the US like Dems do. I''m glad to see Bush go because eight years of negative hate speech by democrats is enough.

[formrusmcsgt]

I''''m glad to see Bush go because eight years of negative hate speech by democrats is enough.

Posted by demslie at 07:24 AM : Jan 25, 2008

I can''t speak for the Dems, but there are a bunch of us Independents who would be all for giving him a paid leave of absence for his final year just to get rid of him....

[formrusmcsgt]

As opposed to being a "lame duck", dubya is a "quadrapalegic duck".....

[excoachken]

to demslie: The only hatred I see here is your denial of the Cowardly Cowboy''s destruction of America. As an Independent, I , like most Democrats do not hate him, we pity this example of arrogant ignorance. But, even more, we pity our children and grandchildren, who will have to spend their lifetime paying for the mistakes in foreign policy, his Constitutional eraser, and the disrespect he has garnered from all other civilized countries. Only a simpleton could still support his misguided, drug addled Presidency!

[formrusmcsgt]

The only hatred I see here is your denial of the Cowardly Cowboy''''s destruction of America.

Posted by excoachken at 07:43 AM : Jan 25, 2008

The neocon agenda appeals to the self-righteous, the xenophobes, and the paranoid among us.

These dosorders have traditionally been viewed as what they are - disorders.

Along comes dubya who not only legitimizes these disorders, but says that to be otherwise is "unpatriotic".

The afflicted will defend this enabler to the end as no one else legitimizes their disorders.

[shanev137]

I haven''t listened to him speak in about 5 years. I couldn''t do it anymore.

Every time I use to listen to him speak I felt dirty and dumber after he was done.

[nearl4511]

One of the ideas that eh will not be touting in public is the effot at negotiating permanent US support in Iraq to bolster the current Iraqi Govt heads.

....although this is going on furiously in private discussions. The work is to reach an agreement and not call it a treaty (so it doesn''t require any checks or balances).

What a fine wrapped up package Mr. Bush has planned for the next Chief Executive!

[formrusmcsgt]

I haven''''t listened to him speak in about 5 years. I couldn''''t do it anymore.

Every time I use to listen to him speak I felt dirty and dumber after he was done.

Posted by shanev137 at 07:53 AM : Jan 25, 2008

As if his agenda isn''t a big enough international embarrasment, watching dubya is a reminder that a man was elected president who can''t even properly use the language.....

[sleepyric]

Hey Pres...if you''re worried about your legacy, why don''t you use this speech to formally apologize to this entire country for being a brainless sheep who was led around by your twisted Neocon buddies...that would go a long way to change the way history will remember your sorry arse...

[sleepyric]

I agree with what NearI4511 said about the package Bush is leaving the next administration. It''s like leaving a flaming bag of poo on the next administration''s doorstep!

[formrusmcsgt]

It''''s like leaving a flaming bag of poo on the next administration''''s doorstep!

Posted by sleepyric at 08:04 AM : Jan 25, 2008

More like a flaming septic pumper in the driveway....

[jjp735i]

"Bush Speech To Offer Few New Ideas"

Anyone suprised?

[piercetheval]

...what I find so amazing is that 34% still approve the job he''s doing...what? Are they letting him polish the silver in the W.H. for the next admin. I''d keep an eye on that if I were you.

[formrusmcsgt]

"Bush Speech To Offer Few New Ideas"

Anyone suprised?

Posted by jjp735i at 08:21 AM : Jan 25, 2008

Considering that he already has us engaged in two unwinnable wars and the military over-extended, he can''t call for any more invasions.....

Posted by jjp735i at 08:21 AM : Jan 25, 2008

[formrusmcsgt]

"Bush Speech To Offer Few New Ideas"

Anyone suprised?

Posted by jjp735i at 08:21 AM : Jan 25, 2008

Considering that he already has us engaged in two unwinnable wars and the military over-extended, he can''''t call for any more invasions.....

[formrusmcsgt]

Good morning all. I must take my leave.

As always, a pleasure.

[iceman_1960]

"...a modest approach for a White House that prides itself on big ideas."

Well there"s a new idea.

That the White House prides itself on big ideas.

Never heard that before.

The last time Dubya tried to think out of the box, he fell down into the cheap seats.

[piercetheval]

...I think that''s a typo...it should read "big idiots"

[hypnotoad72]

I''m looking forward to our future.

Looking forward to watching it too.

[iceman_1960]

"Bush Speech To Offer Few New Ideas"

Dubya reminds me of the NFL player who once received this sarcastic praise:

"He may be small, but he sure is slow."

[mcvet]

I''''m looking forward to our future.

Looking forward to watching it too.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by hypnotoad72 at 08:50 AM : Jan 25, 2008
+ report abuse

Well so am I!! The BEST part is that this LYING piece of human trash will NOT be part of it! Now that is something in this time of economic crisis and lies upon lies, we can all look forward to huh? Sieg Heil Bush!

[iceman_1960]

Here"s a new idea if ever I heard one:

"I can press when there needs to be pressed; I can hold hands when there needs to be - hold hands." - George W. Bush, on how he can contribute to the Middle East peace process, Washington, D.C., Jan. 4, 2008

[iceman_1960]

"I can press when there needs to be pressed; I can hold hands when there needs to be - hold hands." - George W. Bush

Quotes like this should be presented in our schools, to warn kids about the persistent long term effects of illegal drug use.

[omega39-2009]

and approve free-trade pacts with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.


Wow, one foot out the door and he is still trying to stick it to American workers.

[homespunlady]

Hmmm. Maybe Georgie would like some SUGGESTIONS for what would WORK - HARD WORK - in his speech.

How''s this:

Good Evening Folks.

As your President I''ve Worked HARD, Hard Work to TRASH this nations reputation, economy and self-esteem.

As you can see I''ve SUCCEEDED at SOMETHING so QUIT with your griping that I''m not working HARD.

Me and my buddies T Blossom, Brownie and Darth have some really GREAT plans for a REALLY BIG BLOWOUT final year HE HE Smirk.

We''re not handing 20 BILLION in WEAPONS to the hometown of MY Buddy Bin Laden for NOTHING you know.

Just to make things MORE interesting we''re also upping a few more Billion to the land of the new and IMPROVED TALLYBAN!

To stir the mix and get even with all you disrespectful gripers about my using the Constitution to wipe my backside I''ve got Presidential Directive 51 so DON''T get smart with me or I''ll declare Martial law and WON''T leave for a couple more DECADES or at least not until my TRILLION DOLLAR CASTLE is finished on the ground predicted in the Bible that the Antichrist would build.

God TALKS WITH me and he''s said I have his permission to Prove Revelations RIGHT.

That''ll teach ya!!

[iceman_1960]

RE: Post by donyang2000 at 09:00 AM : Jan 25, 2008

I think you came to the wrong website.

Most people come here to make new enemies.

[cattlekate]

MARS!

[b-easy63]

"WASHINGTON: With its international mandate in Iraq set to expire in 11 months, the Bush administration will insist that the government in Baghdad give the United States broad authority to conduct combat operations and guarantee civilian contractors specific legal protections from Iraqi law, according to administration and military officials.

This emerging American negotiating position faces a potential buzz saw of opposition from Iraq, with its fragmented Parliament, weak central government and deep sensitivities about being seen as a dependent state, according to these officials.

At the same time, the administration faces opposition from Democrats at home, who warn that the agreements that the White House seeks would bind the next president by locking in Bush''s policies and a long-term military presence."

Guess that lie about us bring DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM to Iraq can be added to the Bush LIE LIST--NO country in the world, that is a free Democracy, has to let foreigners stay--allow foreigners to put their citizens in concentration camps and no matter what the foreigners do--cannot prosecute them--whether they are the military or Blackwater or anyone else.

[briannorwood]

"Bush Speech To Offer Few New Ideas"

Now that really IS news!

[omega39-2009]

MARS!

Posted by cattlekate

Nah, NASA has yet to develop a spacecraft built around an oil burning, internal combustion engine.

[b-easy63]

IN other words--Bush wants to make the puppet regime in Iraq, ratify his occupation. Bush is trying to say the Iraqis agreed to all American war crimes--and get it in writing. Doesn''t the idiot know such an agreement is no different than the accords signed by the Vichhy government in France in WW II? Foreign powers who illegally invade and start wars--will not escape international law by making the countries they destroy pretend to like and want their presence. But his dupes will have no choice. After all, if they don''t sign, and we leave--their azzes will be toast. If they do sign, their people will finally have the proof of all proofs they are the collaborators they have always been described to be. (this post is a continued comment on my last post, which includes an excerpt from another CBS article on Bush''s attempt to force the Iraqi government to grant America broad powers in Iraq and to lock in his scary azzz and divisive, flawed blood for oil legacy)

[aaabee-2009]

...little time left in office.....

Well, too bad he couldn''t use that valuable last national address to list all the good things he has done for America and for the planet in general.

Or when that list runs out in .05 seconds, perhaps Cheney could stand up and give us, finally, some idea of all the beneficial humanitarian efforts HE has been up to these past two terms in his secret labs.

Certainly, we won''t be seeing Laura to ask what the First Lady has accomplished in her 8 years in the White House?

All three of these people should stand up in front of cameras and recording devices and tell the nation how they have used their offices and positions to further the welfare of this nation and it citizens on the globlal platform. I mean beyond the obvious use of taxpayer dollars to raise the elegance and status of their personal dinner parties and world trips and clothing, and coffers of wealth.

That would be a speech I could watch, even if it did only last 2 and 1/2 minutes.

[aaabee-2009]

Posted by donyang2000 at 09:23 AM : Jan 25, 2008

Honey, you are selling yourself. This is a political comments section, which is a whole different kind of sellling of oneself.

[rowdytexan2]

Posted by AaaBee at 09:26 AM : Jan 25, 2008

I have to give you a high five on this one! rofl

[rowdytexan2]

Why doesn''t Bush just use this time for a fond goodbye and thank the people for the billions he''s been able to stow away in all his friends pockets.

I''d like to wish him well in his new home in Dubai or possibly some federal prison but I suppose that he has already pardoned himself, so it''s most likely Dubai. And I''d like to wish him many dove hunting trips with his buddy Cheney. Since he likes the desert so much, maybe we could donate him some land for a new home and library next to the nuclear waste dumps they''pre proposing in Nevada. He could at least donate the Crawford Ranch as an orphanage for the children of Iraq, now that would make a good announcement.

I suppose wishing to see him walk out of the White House in handcuffs and leg chains is just a little evil, isn''t it! Dang! So I''ll wish you well, Mr. Bush. I hear that turkey meat has lots of stuff in it that might help you sleep at night!

[honestabe8]

someone send this man a bag of pretzels

[quetzal666]

ill bet he wont mention anything relevant Except to his own party!!!!

[hotpaulie]

King George always had grand ideas sure to go nowhere. Why is he changing his policy now?

[liberalme]

Come on Bush--you''re creative--there must be a few more lies you can pull out of your hat!! (or somewhere else)

RowdyTexan2

He will retire in Paraguay where he has purchased several thousand acres--where there''s no extradition, but who cares--this government hasn''t had the ballz to impeach him--he dowsn''t have to run anywhere.

[infidel_us]

I mean beyond the obvious use of taxpayer dollars to raise the elegance and status of their personal dinner parties and world trips and clothing, and coffers of wealth.
Posted by AaaBee at 09:26 AM : Jan 25, 2008

First of all, these folks all file tax returns. So unless you are accusing them of tax evasion, they are all up front about what they have and what they make.

Second, Bush''s administration has had little to no "dinner parties" compared to the previous hound doggie who tresspassed in the oral office.

Thridly, I''ll bet when Bush leaves, the china and accoutruments of the office will likely remain! :)

[slpdisk]

Yeah lets talk economy, I got a better idea how about an APOLOGY TO THE 4000 families that had a serviceman/woman murdered in a foreign land due to your illegal war that was based on lies.

[steeepe]

I hope his tired old lies are met with absolute silence. He should take the opportunity to announce his resignation, along with that creep Cheney. That would merit some wild applause. Big or new ideas are not Bush''s forte, more like big lies and small white lies and rehashed *** that should be forever laid to rest.

[mcvet]

First of all, these folks all file tax returns. So unless you are accusing them of tax evasion, they are all up front about what they have and what they make.

Second, Bush''''s administration has had little to no "dinner parties" compared to the previous hound doggie who tresspassed in the oral office.

Thridly, I''''ll bet when Bush leaves, the china and accoutruments of the office will likely remain! :)

Posted by Infidel_Us at 11:29 AM : Jan 25, 2008
+ report abuse

Yep a member of the Bush Cult doing what they always do...attempt to shift the blame for all the failure onto someone else. Never mind that when he and his party took office the Budget was BALANCED and we had a surplus. Never mind that 4000 American Families will be without a loved one tonight because this piece of human trash can''t seem to tell the truth... forget all that folks YOU have GOT to hate the Democrats because they are "Lib''s" or "Socialist" or what the heck you could go on with this for HOURS!!

[wdrussell1]

I guess we should be happy that he doesn''t have any new ideas. All you get from the Bush administration is worst case scenerios.

[houser123]

YES, change is coming. What form it will take remains to be decided. Let us remember that primary elections are far different than general elections. What these candiates are saying today against their apponents in their own party will be far different after the primaries. One such statement comes to mind, " I do not believe the U S should engage in nation building." " I am a uniter, not a divider". In Novemebr we will elect a new president. When the history books are written for our kids and grandkids, the presidency of G. W. Bush and *** Cheny will be characterized as one of the worst in our history. This,I will bet the farm on. So let us embrace change and make sure that our votes count for the right changes. Their is only one United States. We dont always have to agree, but we have to be United to succeed in this world.