Remember the bulge? The Bush bulge? It was reported for the New York Times and the Washington Post during October 2004 -- reports that were squelched before publication, as the Times later admitted -- that Bush was cheating during the Republican debates. You can see the "bulge" on his back. It turned out, according to a NASA scientist, that Bush had been getting audio help from his staff during the debates. Even real chimps seem smarter than that.
Here's the caption from the photo:
It's clear even from unenhanced photos that George W. Bush has been wearing some kind of object under his clothing, both during the debates and at other public appearances. The enhancements done by NASA scientist Robert Nelson show a rectangular object with a long "tail"; in some shots a wire leading over Bush's shoulder is visible. This configuration closely resembles a PTT (Push To Talk) receiver with an induction earpiece, a device used by some actors, newscasters and politicians to allow for inaudible voice communication in a public setting. The particular model pictured here (which does not appear to be the exact type Bush wore) was manufactured by Resistance Technology, Inc. of Arden Hills, Minn. ...Fair and Accuracy in Reporting
You will have noticed, I'm sure, that whatever criticisms the left made of the Bush administration, the right is using (same language, same theme) against Obama. Bush behaved like a Nazi? Well, Obama is a Nazi! Bush got coaching during debates?
“Obama ruined the teleprompter for the rest of the politicians,” said Fred Davis, a media strategist who advised Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in his 2008 presidential run and, until this summer, Republican candidate and former ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr.
“If you use it now, you’re like Obama,” Davis said. “It’s a negative because it’s a sign of inauthenticity. It’s a sign that you can’t speak on your own two feet. It’s a sign that you have handlers behind you telling you what to say.” ...WaPo
Wait a minute! Don't most presidents and most speakers use teleprompters? And isn't this really about the embarrassment caused by Bush actually having handlers feeding audio into his ear during campaign debates?
C'mon, fellas! Grow up!
Here's the problem, stated clearly by the Washington Post.
Since its invention a halfcentury ago, the teleprompter has been used by presidents and presidential candidates, Republicans and Democrats alike, seeking precision and accuracy in their speeches. But this year, the Republican hopefuls are generally just winging it.
So that's what they're doing! Winging it! Who'd have guessed!
