The Invisible Man Of Campaign '08

President Bush Has Yet To Appear In Public At Campaign Rally For GOP Or Any Republican Candidate

(CBS)  By CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller

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Not once this year has President Bush appeared in public at a campaign rally for the Republican Party or any of its candidates.

And on Tuesday night, when he attends a million dollar fund-raiser for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, it will be the last political event he does before Election Day.

Tuesday’s event brings to 46 the number of GOP fund-raising events Mr. Bush has done this year, but nearly all have been of the stealth variety. All but four of them have been closed to press coverage.

It’s a deliberate effort on the part of the White House, the Republican National Committee and the McCain Campaign to help Mr. Bush maintain a low political profile.

Even the four fund-raising events he did for McCain were off-limits to reporters.

Aides say Mr. Bush has accepted the fact that his approval ratings are in the cellar and no Republican candidates want him campaigning for them. Even Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, who’s engaged in a tough race for re-election to his U.S. seat from Kentucky, is willing to tell reporters that Mr. Bush is “deeply unpopular.”

It’s a point the White House does not dispute. “We’re very aware of his approval rating,” said Press Secretary Dana Perino, “but he’s not about making decisions to be popular.”

Not only is Mr. Bush invisible on the campaign trail, he is viewed as something of a political Kiss of Death. Democrats try to taint John McCain by saying his policies would amount to a third term for George Bush. And in recent days, McCain has expanded his efforts to distance himself from the incumbent by indignantly declaring: “I am not President Bush!”

Only once since McCain visited the White House on March 5 to receive the president’s formal endorsement, have the two of them been seen together in a political context.

That was May 27, when Mr. Bush attended a campaign fund-raiser for McCain in Phoenix. It was closed to press coverage, but afterwards, the two men rode back to the airport together and were seen for a few seconds on the tarmac shaking hands and patting one another on the back before the president boarded Air Force One.

Since that day, Mr. Bush has been persona non grata for the McCain campaign - though he did do three more fund-raisers for his would-be Republican successor, all behind closed doors.

It makes it laughable what McCain said that day seven months ago in the Rose Garden with Mr. Bush: “I intend to have as much possible campaigning events together, as it is in keeping with the President's heavy schedule. And I look forward to that opportunity.”

It might prove to be the biggest whopper McCain has uttered during his presidential campaign.

If he''s smart he won''t show up or say anything

[incog-nito]

In other news, sources have confirmed that the last time anyone has seen President Bush, he was found in the fetal position under his desk in the White House.

[berniew4]

Bush posted a plan to honor the death of Bob Hope among many others,.. did you know that McCain and OBAMA and 100% of demos voted with BUSH as happens on many issues, .. What lies about voting 955 on issues which many demos supported also.

[asteroid06]

He has no idea that there is a campaign in progress. Karl is in texas and dickie is out of town.

[gop_will_win]

This is what the McCain campaign needs, Nush and Cheney to come out and campaign for them. They are so beloved by patriotic Americans that it surely will turn the tide of this election for McCain and God will be continued to be pleased with us.

[gop_will_win]

Oh I meant Bush not Nush, simple typo.

[pkelly79]

That''s because Bush SSSSSSSSUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

[mandalay-bay]

Yeah I noticed he wasn''t even at the Republican National Convention except for "via satellite"

rofl

OBAMA 08

I''m MANDALAY BAY and I approve this message

[wambros65]

Hey guys relax...you''ve already won...us Republicans will just have to lick our wounds...congrats Obama and Dems.

[windmaster12]

Dumbya
Dumbelina
RepugnantCons
McSame

Bush and The GOP machine
Have Betrayed the USA
They are the Feudal Lords
We are The Vassals

Throw out the Skaliwags all
Vote For anyone But a RepubliCon
8 Years of Lies and Now Economic Disaster

[iphyt4u]

It''s amazing how much damage Bush and his republican buddies have done to this Nation. 4 consecutive surplus''s heading into his administration, and look what he leaves the American people with.

[wambros65]

Like I''ve said you guys won...stay home and don''t vote...you have it in the bag already.

[oscarez]

Bush does not wish to be pelted with rotten eggs and fruit.

[downtowner97]

There are no Republicans running for the White House, only Mavericks.

Bush''s face went up on this page, and the stock market plunged 300 points.

[skeetchamp]

No, I''m pretty certain it''s not the biggest lie McCain has uttered, but it was a big one. It''s just another example of the fact that McCain and Palin will say anything to get elected -- anything, that is, but the truth. When the truth is not on your side, and your massive ego won''t allow you to shut up, you lie all the time.

[idnnsg]

Are the GOP minions ASHAMED of Bush? Yu Betchya!

They can''t run on their record!
They can''t run on the economy!
They can''t run on security!
They can''t run on values!
They can''t run on "change"!
They should just run and hide.

[wambros65]

lies? hmm...ACORN,just to name one.

[stevex47]

You heard it here first:

Boosh will publicly endorse Obama starting Friday !!

[oscarez]

"Bush is still acting as Commander-in-Chief" Acting is the key word here. He has been acting as president for 8 years and he is a dam*n poor actor.

[veteranx-2009]

"(Bush) is not about making decisions to be popular". Well, looking at devastation of the economy, the disastrous occupation of Iraq, the failed response to Katrina, the severe weakening of our military, it appears Bush''s decision process is not only unpopular, but deeply flawed.

[creeper00]

Why on earth would ANY politician want the endorsement of the worst president ever?

[wambros65]

You liberals are so funny. I cant wait to see this.

[tksk53]

DA - After what he has done to all the people in America - I WONDER WHY
TKSK53-ST LOUIS MO

[toolmangler-2009]

Don''t make him mad or he might resign and leave us in the (ugh) hands of his Vice President, (perish the thought)

[allisongayle]

Mark Knoller''s statement: "It makes it laughable what McCain said that day seven months ago in the Rose Garden with Mr. Bush: %u201CI intend to have as much possible campaigning events together, as it is in keeping with the President''s heavy schedule. And I look forward to that opportunity.%u201D

It might prove to be the biggest whopper McCain has uttered during his presidential campaign." ...makes me wonder whether this was a commentary piece or a news piece. By labelling yourself as a "correspondant", it means that it was supposed to be a news article. If it was meant to be a news article, what the heck were the last two paragraphs? Were they reporting fact or opinion?

You irresponsible journalists are blurring the line. The more you blur the line between opinion and journalism, the increasingly less credible you are.

My general statement to these news websites is... less opinion, and more reporting. That''s what we want. If you give us the facts, we''ll do the rest.

[antoniof123]

But then, President Bush is still acting as Commander-in-Chief...what is Carter''''s excuse?
Posted by OneAmerican7 at 04:11 PM : Oct 21, 2008

He is helping people by building homes you know what a real retired President should do. Let''s see what do the Republican Presidents do when they leave office oh yes they go and hide. The only one is George Bush Senior and even he is on the bottom of the list for Presidents.

So Bill Clinton has a world wide charity that is helping people around the world Carter buiids homes and helps the poor.

Republcians just go hide. That pretty much sums it up.

BREAKING NEWS:US intelligence: Iran will be able to build first nuclear bomb by February AP


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Posted by Hacker11001 at 04:26 PM : Oct 21, 2008

And the US did it in 1945, Soviets in 1948, follwed by the British, The French, Israel, Pakistan, India, China, not in any particular order.

Then ask yourself who is the only country to ever use this particular WMD?

[missingamerica]

%u201CWe%u2019re very aware of his approval rating,%u201D said Press Secretary Dana Perino, %u201Cbut he%u2019s not about making decisions to be popular.%u201D

That is the truth, ya know. He was put into the Presidency to make a very select group of people richer and to carry out the wishes of PNAC.

In both cases, he was smashingly successful.

Too bad for us that he was unwilling to let truth, the American people, or even the Constitution come between himself and the objectives he was given.

[windmaster12]

Be Grateful George

We live in an age
Where we Bail out Incompetents

Where the Nationalization
And Socializing of our Banks
Took place,and was spearheaded by
A right Wing Conservative Leadership


I always wondered why the GOP chose Red
As their Color
Now I know why!!!!

[toolmangler-2009]

Then ask yourself who is the only country to ever use this particular WMD?
Posted by rickwar at 04:43 PM : Oct 21, 2008


Most Japanese themselves begrudgingly admit that the ''Bomb'' ultimatly saved more lives than were lost because of the ''mindset'' in that day and time.

[walt1944-2009]

Te Great Emperor Bush II has not been active at all in the campaigns by the neocon Fascist Nazi Republicans to try and win seats in Congress or with McBush to win the "throne" in the Oval Office.

After all, who would want to be seen with the Great Emperor Bush II when his approval rating is in the ditch and he is being blamed for everything that has happened to this country over the past 8 years, and RIGHTLY SO!

As far as the Great Emperor is concerned, he is not concerned about being ignored by EVERYONE! All he wants is to keep a low profile, like his VP Darth Vader Cheney has for the past 8 years, retire to his ranch in Texas, and have Laura write his "autobiography" for him! Occassionally, he expects to be asked to make a babbling speech at a neocon Fascist Nazi book burning rally when the elections are over, but aside from that, the Great Emperor expects to sit at home collecting his taxpayer-funded pension, enjoy his taxpayer-paid Secret Service protection, and his taxpayer-paid medical and dental coverage.

SWEET!!!!

SIG HEIL, I''VE GOT THE LAST LAUGH!!!, BUSH!!!
sig heil, I''M NOT BUSH!!!!, McBush!!!!
sig heil, ARE THERE MOOSE IN TEXAS???, Palin!!!

[recession1]

WHAT A SURPRISE... THE ALL SO HONEST REPUBS STRIKE AGAIN!! LOL! AND YOU REPUBS SPEND SO MUCH TIME TRYING TO TARNISH OBAMA''S CHARACTER STATING THAT HE IS NOT HONEST??!! NOW WHATS THE ARGUEMENT?? OH, I KNOW ALREADY.. OBAMA IS NOT AN AMERICAN CITIZEN RIGHT??!! PACK IT UP AND TRY AGAIN IN 2012!! HAHAH

OBAMA/BIDEN 08!!

[erasmus81]

"Not once this year has President Bush appeared in public at a campaign rally for the Republican Party or any of its candidates."

If I was going down in history, as the worst President, I would probably show my face as little as possible.:)

[idnnsg]

"Most Japanese themselves begrudgingly admit that the ''Bomb'' ultimatly saved more lives than were lost because of the ''mindset'' in that day and time." -- ToolMangler

Not so. Japan was about to surrender, and we bombed them anyway. The A-bomb was not necessary. And the second A-bomb was absolutely criminal.

Visit the A-bomb museum in Hiroshima and witness the breadth of devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was utterly unprecedented in human history. It must NEVER be allowed to happen again. There simply is NO EXCUSE, NO POSSIBLE JUSTIFICATION for that magnitude of death and destruction. People who did not die instantly are still suffering horribly to this day from the effects of the radiation. And their offspring will continue to suffer for generations.

[tmittelstaed]

"...You irresponsible journalists are blurring the line. The more you blur the line between opinion and journalism, the increasingly less credible you are.

My general statement to these news websites is... less opinion, and more reporting. That''''s what we want. If you give us the facts, we''''ll do the rest...."

I agree 100% with this. Unfortunately, however, nearly half the people reading this are too stupid to even understand that McCain was lying, unless it is spelled out for them.

[repforbarack]

It makes it laughable what McCain said that day seven months ago in the Rose Garden with Mr. Bush: %u201CI intend to have as much possible campaigning events together, as it is in keeping with the President''s heavy schedule. And I look forward to that opportunity.%u201D

It might prove to be the biggest whopper McCain has uttered during his presidential campaign.

[cheteunice]

How can you say that he is the invisible man when Obama has been running against him for the past 18 months or so! about time Obama woke up and ran against McCain--that would be a change!!!!!!!!!!

[wherenextnow]

Even Bush endorses Obama.

[tincup356]

Its hard to believe that after the way ALL congress has betrayed the American people that anyone would vote for either candidate or reelect any member of Congress.Every one of these Not so honorable representatives of the people have miserably failed,If they can''t tell us why we had a economic meltdown , what makes anyone think that these same people can magically come up with a solution just by being re-elected.Vote incumbent and you will get the same thing as they pulled the first time, they get rich and we get the bill.Vote OUT ALL INCUMBENTS.

[wherenextnow]

During the past 7 years CBS and other fatrleft media outlet have run a dirty campaign against GWB trying to destroy his image and now they cynically come up with this sarcastic headline.

When terrorists attack us again, and I know they will, then CBS,CNN,ABC,NBC,NYT will recognize how important GWB was for America.

Posted by Sarah_Lover at 05:12 PM : Oct 21, 2008
-------

Give it a rest sweet pea. Bush screewed his own pooch.

[messiahx4eve]

Bush is undercover because of his total umpopularity. Being seen with John McCain would do nothing short of a constant reminder of "HOW THE PAST EIGHT YEARS" were a total scam of our country. My cousin worked with Palin closely for the past SEVEN years and is scared to death that she just might make it to the White House, and he is a diehard REPUBLICAN. If you are ready to face the end of the world as we know it, if you want to see your children and their children die at the hands of a "maverick twosome", go ahead and vote INSANEMCCAIN AND FAIL''IN PALIN, MY vote is clear....NO WAY MCCAIN/PALIN IN 08 TODAY. THINK people, just THINK. If all this "information" about Obama was common knowledge for YEARS, why bring it up now, the reason is that McCain is going to lose and lose big, you would have to be A COMPLETE AND UTTER MORON or less to believe a single word that comes from his or her mouth.

[bailmeout1]

Even Bush endorses Obama.
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Posted by wherenextnow at 05:08 PM : Oct 21, 2008

hehe Kiss of Death! hehehe

[chris32324]

lemmme see now,,,i got an election i wanna win,,and i only want positive influences at my rallys,,,,,,so where would bush ever fit in?

[shunnyone]

2001 days since "Mission Accomplished" So are they (Repug)really to dumb to know what that means, the war is over! bring our guys and gals home.

[shoebox119]

Jon McCain: %u201CI intend to have as much possible campaigning events together, as it is in keeping with the President''s heavy schedule. And I look forward to that opportunity.%u201D


American response: LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.......

[toolmangler-2009]

When terrorists attack us again, and I know they will, then CBS,CNN,ABC,NBC,NYT will recognize how important GWB was for America.
Posted by Sarah_Lover at 05:12 PM : Oct 21, 2008



Dreamer! Awake!!!!!

[kittenpower]

Do you think they both talk to their farts?

[wherenextnow]

With his $700 Billion Socialist Bailout, Bush has done all he can for Chairman MaoCain.

[kittenpower]

When terrorists attack us again, and I know they will, then CBS,CNN,ABC,NBC,NYT will recognize how important GWB was for America.
Posted by Sarah_Lover at 05:12 PM : Oct 21, 2008

Yay!! What a hero! I mean he protected us from terrorists in Iraq and Afganistan...those are the only two places they come from! Yay, Sarah_Lover! I love not thinkin'', too...can we date?

[kittenpower]

Hey zerato/truthonor, just admit GWB will be remembered as the greatest terrorists hunter in history. Theres never been so many terrorists imprisoned. GWB gave us 8 years of safety.


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Posted by Sarah_Lover

''cept for that whole 9/11 thing, but other than that...