Joel Bleifuss, editor and publisher of In These Times, calls for charges to be dropped against Amy Goodman and two producers of Democracy Now!

A Milli Vanilli President

By Dave Lindorff

President George W. Bush has claimed that that God speaks to him. More worldly voices, it now appears, may also be speaking to him at key moments. Viewers and journalists watching Bush in his first debate with Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry have commented on his odd behavior in Miami. To some he seemed peevish and antsy-almost wired. Now there… return to article

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    There needs to be a “jammer” activated near the candidates. Would anyone really notice if Bush said “HUH” 4 or five times in a row???

    United States Posted by Bill schultz on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:03 PM

    Has it come to this? . . . that candidates debating for the presidency will have to be strip-searched or wanded electronically before they start their performance?

    United States Posted by Jack Foss on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:12 PM

    This possibility, which was originally thought to be an urban legend, apparently is getting credulty.
    Whenever W is in a public mileau and without a prepared speech or teleprompter concealed in the lectern, his “um’s, ah’s, uh’s” appear to be delaying action while he is receiving answers. As an electronic engineer, I can definitely state that this UHF receiving device is available in a tiny capsulated size which can easily be secreted invisibly in the ear canal. Who has the transmitter? Probably Condoleeza!

    United States Posted by electronicexpert on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:16 PM

    I believe from the pictures that he was wearing a wire and receiving help...however, if that is the case, why were his answers SO BAD....surely he would have done better if he had been getting assistance.

    United States Posted by Kristin Stromquist on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:19 PM

    Transmit some Milli Vanilli lyrics into his ear. He’ll be singing love songs to Kerry… it’ll be sweet.

    United States Posted by 1 on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:21 PM

    So the doofus is wired and he still stumbles and repeats his lame ass sound bites. Why are the polls still showing a close race? God Bless America, we’re all going to hell!

    United States Posted by Greg McCain on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:23 PM

    My knees get shakey…

    Like a small earth quakey…

    When all the world sees that…

    BUSH IS SO FLAKEY!!!

    Milli Vanilli Fudge

    United States Posted by bill schultz on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:25 PM

    My sister told me recently of an incident she and her husband saw on one of the cable news networks. The network was covering a Bush press conference. My sister and brother in law heard what they thought could only be a voice going into the president’s ear in response to a question to the president as the president then said exactly what the voice had said. Somehow the broadcast had picked up the frequency of the earphone device. A later version of the same part of the conference was aired on the same network without the voice preceding the president’s comments.

    United States Posted by Joe Wayman on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:34 PM

    I’ve heard some observers explain that bulge away by saying it was a Kevlar vest underneath his suitcoat. This picture shows that it was one specific piece of apparatus, not an entire vest.

    United States Posted by Aeon_flux on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:35 PM

    “surely he would have done better if he had been getting assistance” is the denial comment being posted on the leftie blogs that have (un)covered this.

    When I watched the debate I remarked how President Bush was often staring out into the air for 5 seconds at time, for what I thought was grasping at the memory of the dozen or so pat phrases he kept repeating.  e.g.: “wrong war, wrong place, wrong time.” That would clearly be an important mental discipline for a man who seems to have little cognitive ability, and you’d think he’d have been prepped adequately to be able to recall the phrases at will.

    But once the circumstantial evidence broke, it’s a small leap to realize that he was listening not recalling, which the “let me finish” gaffe tends to support.

    Put this together with the 7-minute “My Pet Goat” gap while the U.S. was clearly under terrorist attack, and you can also see what happens when Bush gets unplugged…

    United States Posted by David Hedrick Skarjune on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:53 PM

    can anyone say puppet regime?

    United States Posted by absurd fish on Oct 8, 2004 at 2:54 PM

    This link really drives the point home about that photo:

    http://www.detroitfilms.com

    United States Posted by Todd on Oct 8, 2004 at 3:16 PM

    In ref to the Kevlar vest… Presidents have specially taylored suit coats that are made of Kevlar- they do not where the standard vests that you see police and soldiers wear. I am sure the secret service also checked everyone at the door and had the place covered. I dont like the guy -but they have devices that fit better elsewhere and would not show. I am going to take a look at the tape and see if I can tell. This pic may be doctored.

    United States Posted by JT on Oct 8, 2004 at 3:29 PM

    http://nyc.indymedia.org/usermedia/audio/6/bush-let_me_finish.mp3
    http://nyc.indymedia.org/usermedia/audio/6/bush-let_me_finish.mp3
    http://nyc.indymedia.org/usermedia/audio/6/bush-let_me_finish.mp3

    United Kingdom Posted by rebo on Oct 8, 2004 at 4:56 PM

    I’m unsure of the words needed to convey the depth of just how F***ing Stunningly Scary these guys are...Rumsfeld, Cheney (The Dark Lord), Wolfawitz (sp), Rove, Rice, Delay, etc...Pathetic President Pinhead just can’t get into the voices in his head, maybe it’s “just hard work” exploring caves of emptiness as vast as his.  PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE FOR KERRY/EDWARDS!

    United States Posted by Chris Prejean on Oct 8, 2004 at 5:02 PM

    I’ve always suspected that he was being fed lines by Karl Rove.  People laughed when I told them, but here you are.  Thanks for the article.

    United States Posted by Bobbie on Oct 8, 2004 at 5:27 PM

    Boy you libs really take the cake for conspiracy theories. You can’t argue the substance because you know that Bush is right so you go for some wacko theory. How about the wire being the Secret Service on the line in case of problems. Any why didn’t you show the bulge on Kerry’s back it was Ted Kennedy’s head up his ass. Guns don’t kill people abortion clinics kill people.

    United States Posted by Red on Oct 8, 2004 at 7:00 PM

    Anybody who supports this moron Bush is a supersized double moron with cheese.  I don’t know which is scariest, the Bush administration (cheney, rice, rove, et al) or those who support the Bush administration.  How can anyone possibly support these people?  How these fascist pigs can even muster 5% in polls, let alone nearly 50% is a sad testament to the stupidity of the Amerikan people.  It’s not surprising though since we have the lowest literacy rate of any industrialized nation.

    United States Posted by solrey on Oct 8, 2004 at 7:20 PM

    Who tells you disillusioned liberal idiots to say this stuff? Michael Moore? Franken? or some REAL commentator like Streisand or Spicoli? If we DO have the lowest literacy rate I suspect beacuse they spend too much time corrupting kids with the idea it’s OK to be gay or how all those bad white men are the problem with the world. Get real! What’s your choice Kerry- don’t make me laugh. Rove, Runsfield and Cheney are a whole lot better than Kennedt, Schumer, Rangell, or Byrd. A vote for Kerry is a vote to turn America into a third world socialist cesspool. Turn off your TV stop reading so much Cosmo & Boston Globe/ NY times and think for youself and don’t accept what some liberal mushmind spoon feeds you.

    United States Posted by Red on Oct 8, 2004 at 7:30 PM

    See Red, that’s why you’re a dumbass.  I am not a “liberal”, I don’t watch TV, don’t even have one, I’ve never read Cosmo or the Boston Globe or the NY Times.  Ever consider that some intelligent people might think for themselves sometimes?  Probably not since all your kind can do is spew neo-con fascist rhetoric, ever had a thought of your own, mellon head?  Bushco is turning this country into a third world cesspool while doing nothing as 15% of the population flounders in poverty and 20% of the population doesn’t have medical coverage, yet just 1% of the population controls 40% of the wealth, and controls 100% of this administration.  And Red if you’re not one of that wealthy 1%, they don’t give a damn about you.  It’s the have’s and the have mores that comprise the Bush base, in Bush’s own words even.

    United States Posted by solrey on Oct 8, 2004 at 7:53 PM

    who you calling dumbass dumbass. If you don’t have any information sources to tell you how bad Bush is then how in the hell do you know how bad he is? Where do you get your facts and numbers-Oprah? Brokaw? or maybe that bastion of truth Rather? you sure sound like a liberal to me.

    United States Posted by Red on Oct 8, 2004 at 8:03 PM

    Interesting idea - but probably urban legend.  How are we to know if the photo has been doctored?

    Besides...you would hope that President MORON would have come up with better answers other than “this is a hard job”.  (Whine, whine, whine...) LOL.

    VOTE KERRY/EDWARDS on NOV. 2nd!!!

    United States Posted by Vicky on Oct 8, 2004 at 8:20 PM

    Red, you ARE a moron.  he just said he doesn’t watch tv.  if he was wearing a receiver for safety reasons, i would expect the white house to respond to the inquiries.  saying he wasn’t being fed answers, he was wearing one for safety would help him out.  and before you attack me next, i’m not voting for either of them.  politicians on both sides manipulate facts, lie, and pander to their contributors and friends, especially kerry and bush.  if you want to find the truth, you must question everything, especially your own beliefs.  you must remove your personal bias because it’s only a hindrence to the truth.

    United States Posted by MarshieParshie on Oct 8, 2004 at 8:28 PM

    I just thought the bulge on Bush’s back was a kelvar vest.  Now I wish I could see the original broadcast to look at this again.  I did not see any evidence of this same bulge during the October 8 debate. If he is a vinili then the wire was planted somewhere else. I hope we can get to the truth of this, but I don’t trust photo repeats, as they can be easily doctored.

    United States Posted by Elaine Needham on Oct 8, 2004 at 9:28 PM

    its easy to reach the inescapable conclusion that the bush administration has been a complete disaster.All you have to do is LOOK AT WHATS BEEN HAPPENING IN THE REAL WORLD!!!Just open your eyes,PLEASE!

    United States Posted by mike on Oct 8, 2004 at 9:52 PM

    If Dubya was indeed wearing a wire, it is only proof that his handlers are ignorant as he is.

    Last night on MSNBC Keith Olberman asked a Bush lackey (whose name escapes me at the moment), quite directly, about the bulge under the jacket - whether it was part of some sort of protective vest, or indeed an audio receiver. The unbelievably idiotic response was that (paraphrasing) if we saw something under Bush’s jacket, it must have been his strong backbone. I kid you not. Check the transcript.

    We’re being taken for fools by both sides folks. And sadly, most of us are falling for it. These are not debates. They’re bipartisan press conferences. Last night’s questions were determined and approved in advance, to allow for the formation of canned stump speech answers. If any questioner had strayed from the script, they would have been abruptly cut off. If any candidate for our nation’s highest office can’t handle unrehearsed questions from the electorate, they have no business being there.

    What is more bothersome to me than whether or not Bush was wearing a wire in the first debate is what happens at the end of these charades. After verbally beating the crap out of each other for 90 minutes, the candidates meet at center stage, shake hands, smile, and share a few quiet words with each other. What are they saying? “Your mother wears combat boots”? “My daddy can kick you daddy’s ass”?

    I have an idea it’s more like “Nice job, keep up the good work”, etc.

    The only difference between these two puppets is the length of time it will take for them to lead us to hell.

    We need to WAKE UP or we’ll have nobody but ourselves to blame.

    United States Posted by radiopolydotorg on Oct 9, 2004 at 6:34 AM

    This is not a US presidential campaign.  It’s the Illigitimate Knee-Jerk Liar vs. the Senatorial Snore-Arama.  It’s a national disgrace.  I’m a disabled guy who’s already cast my absentee ballot for Kerry, but only with deep shame and embarrassment slightly overriden by the need to rid us of a psychopathic war criminal who has buried us in fiscal crisis, nearly destroyed our middle class, ended critical thinking education with his “no millionaire child left behind” program, doubled Reagan’s insane benefits to the top one percent, reduced hard science to a relativistic puddle of politics, and is killing the planet’s life-sustaining environment at an all-time record pace as his principle donation to corporate welfare.

    I spent many years as a ham radio operator.  Unlike the reader above, who wants a jammer in place tonight, I want a bunch of hams turned loose with monitoring equipment to record and time-coordinate any RF signals in the immediate vincinity of the ungenuine “candidates”.  And if Rove/Cheney think they can sneak by with scrambled digital spread spectrum transmissions to mouthpiece Bush, then somebody needs to remind them that hams invented scrambling and DSS.

    United States Posted by Stephen Neitzke on Oct 9, 2004 at 7:34 AM

    well I can see the conspiracy theorists have calmed down. I hear that the world is amess cause if Bush-sniff-sniff, The French are mad at us. So what!? Piss on the French. They were helping Iraq . Who needs the French or the Germans? We were attacked on 9/11 and anybody who does not understand that is beyond reason. What are we supposed to do work with the thieving unaffective UN. Piss on the UN too. Liberals are without reason or concience. Here we are fighting a war with people out to destroy us and they are bitching about “gay Marriage” and other such unimportant stuff. Idiots.

    United States Posted by RED on Oct 9, 2004 at 10:49 AM

    I have TIVO’d all the debates, and had watched and recorded the first debate on C-SPAN. At the very beginning of the debate, C-SPAN showed the candidates from the back.

    When someone on this page questioned the photo-- because photos can be doctored--I went back to our TIVO’d copy. My husband and I could very clearly see a large lump of some kind under Bush’s jacket, just as it is shown in the picture on this page. I can assure you, this photo is genuine.

    United States Posted by TIVO ROCKS on Oct 9, 2004 at 11:18 AM

    RED, you are unbelievable. You say people are out to destroy you but you make no comments about the millions of people the USA have destroyed in the last decades. First, it was the Cold War which gave you rights over other nations who dared think differently from your standards, and with the CIA’s help governments elected by the people were overthrown, thousands were disappeared and Latin America suffered a blood bath. Then came the turn of the IMF to make loans to private firms and then force the governments to nationalize the debts. Your internal politics are a mock everywhere, a true farce, as were the Senate investigations over shameful treatment to war prisoners in Irak. The world needs to see some moral courage in the American people to admit their past mistakes as a way to recover our respect for you. It’s incredible that a society with access to information, books, and education doesn’t show any reaction against all the lies they are being fed by government, much of the media and corporations. WAKE UP.

    Costa Rica Posted by Maria on Oct 9, 2004 at 11:27 AM

    I have lived in england & Europe for many years and made many friends there.  Every single one, to a man, or woman, tell me that they & everyone they know cannot understand how americans can possibly vote for Bush.  They read what we call foreign press and see things from a different perspective from our controlled press & television. Believe me, all foreign press and TV is not “liberally controlled”.  Listen to what the Irish Times or the Manchester Guardian or any other newspaper of your choosing are saying.  You will have your eyes opened.

    United States Posted by globe-trottin' mama on Oct 9, 2004 at 12:10 PM

    Seems to me the center of the back is a rather odd place for a reciever. Easier to hide it on the belt. I did appreciate Kerry’s pat on Bush’s back last night in St Louis. So non-chalant!

    Meanwhile, Bush ranted and raved like an angry lunatic throughout the second debate. He clearly *needs* the wire. Let him have it.

    United States Posted by weirdscenes on Oct 9, 2004 at 12:27 PM

    Maria-why the incongrous rant? CIA,Latin America-cold war whew. I feel bad now that we stopped those bad communists from helping those poor people in central america and russia. your right they would have been much better off without us.
    now onto you G-t momma.- oh no we must re-think because the Irish times and Manchester England paper is mad at us...who cares?? this is not some third grade popularity match. Let them all think back to the early 1940’s when we pulled England ans most of europe’s fat outta the fire. Bush ain’t their President he is our. Do you rally want to turn the security of this country over to Kerry-Poodle who will seek global consent. Not me.

    United States Posted by Red on Oct 9, 2004 at 2:23 PM

    the US government has support coups in latin america against democratically elected governments and replaced them with authoritarian governments.  communist regimes in latin america have not been elected.  read a book about latin american history and you’ll see it’s not as simple as the “freedom loving americans” versus the “evil communists”.  people have attacked us and will continue to attack us because they hate this country, and with good reason.  it’s not because they hate freedom, it’s because the US only represents freedom within its borders.  outside, it’s only interested in money and power.  countries with a stronger link to terrorism than iraq are still our friends because they sell us oil.  we’ve sent them letters saying “please stop letting terrorists train in your country”, but the only response has been “no”.  countries in africa under brutal dictatorships still have our support because they sell us commodities cheaply at the expense of their citizens.  a democratically elected government is more likely to care about raising its country out of poverty than getting rich from the exploitation of its citizens, so whenever one of those pops up, the US starts a coup to keep things in order.

    United States Posted by MarshieParshie on Oct 9, 2004 at 3:28 PM

    As my good friend in Switzerland said shortly after the present administration took charge, your new president is not overly-intelligent, is he?  Same could be said for his booster, yes, you, Red.

    United States Posted by globe-trotti' mama on Oct 9, 2004 at 3:56 PM

    if you don’t want to read the newspapers other than those produced here, read Marshiparshie.  Very succinct, very right on.

    United States Posted by globe-trottin' mama on Oct 9, 2004 at 4:02 PM

    Oh well GTM I am sorry that you think me and George are dumb-boy my feelings are really hurt when someone of your caliber disparages me and the Prez. Bush is smart enough to be president so he can’t be that dumb. You and the rest of the far left nutball fringe always use the “dumb” escape beacuse you don’t have any substance to bitch about. And you know what I really don’t care a damn what happens in some third world sewer.
    Iguess after 8 yrs of slick willie clinton and his silver tounge lies Bust seem a little less articulate. Kerry is another Northeast far left wacko who like you blames America and all us bad white men for the evils of the world. Is that what they teach in school nowadays. Liberals are morally corrupt and mentally incompotent to even formulate an opinion.

    United States Posted by Red on Oct 9, 2004 at 4:17 PM

    Wired or not, the man (puppet) has to go. I am still dumbfounded as to why the polls are still tied. Last night’s debate was not half bad for an idiot, but how can people even THINK to vote for him after seeing the first one.
    I guess somebody must be talking to them also.

    United States Posted by Robin on Oct 9, 2004 at 5:18 PM

    Wow.  You sure set me straight, didn’t you, Red.  No substance, huh.  You’ve GOT to be kidding, right?

    United States Posted by globe-trottin' mama on Oct 9, 2004 at 5:28 PM

    MarshiePaarshie, thank you for your comments about Latin America. You put it very clearly and I assure you there is no hate in most of us, but helplessness. We feel we are being constantly abused and pushed around and we deserve to make our own experiences and find our way, that’s all. Apart from being a wealthy and strongly armed country, USA has an absolute disregard for others, as England had when it built its Empire. I am not pro terrorism, I would much prefer Gandhi- like attitudes but the world has become increasingly violent and weapon traders are much to be blamed for that, only nobody speaks about that subject. Who manufacture and export arms? it would be interesting to know. Why don’t first-world (what a lousy term) countries put a stop to that? I’ll tell you why: because it’s profitable. }Business must prevail above any other human consideration, so don’t complain if you have some sour grapes on your own plates.
    As for Red’s comments, he reminds me of someone who once answered one of my letters by writing in capitals just three words “we rule bitch”. Don’t worry, Red, you will continue dominating smaller and poorer countries, but the one thing you will never get is what a true man should regard as important: their respect.

    Costa Rica Posted by Maria on Oct 9, 2004 at 7:51 PM

    we are in deep trouble if he is re-elected.

    United States Posted by richard on Oct 9, 2004 at 8:04 PM

    No GTM I am not kidding. Maria I never said we rule-it ain’t about ruling. I don’t want to dominate any countries. I believe whever we go we do for the most part improve. we spend zillions of dollars all over the world bailing out everyone. We are the first to send money,aid advisors etc. to almost any country that needs help.Why are you so down on your own country? As for empire building what would you suggest we do? We need oil- this country and it’s econpmy runs on oil-for now. I admit greed and deception come into play. Look at the UN a fovorite of the"one world” they were in cahoots with Huusein and stealing money and oil. I wish(really) that the Ghandian philosophy would work. I don’t like war or to see anybody suffer but when it comes time to fight,its time to fight. How long were the weapons inspectors over in Iraq. I would think that all the “feminists” would see how they treat their women over there and be chomping at the bit to de- burkha all those poor women. Oh and by the way I don’t need you to define for me “true man” I expect that I would not agree with your definition.

    United States Posted by Red on Oct 9, 2004 at 8:12 PM

    Red,

    Three things.  First, you need to reread your history of Der Zweite Weltkrieges.  The Russkies tore the guts out of the Wehrmacht and pulled 60% of the army away from France and Italy.  We built an enormous pincer movement in their rear which finished them off, but when Hitler invaded the Soviet Union, he sealed his fate.  He seemed to think he was a better general than Napoleon, but he lost about 90% of his army, too.  I guess it was a draw. 

    Also, It took his eye off the ball and diverted him from invading the permanent aircraft carrier which allowed us a base to on which build up for the invasion of the continent. 

    Second, the Deulfer report shows clearly that the inspections WORKED.  Do phrases like “atrophied”, “decaying”, and “ineffective” conjure pictures of a 900 pound gorilla—or a blustering pipsqueak? 

    And finally, the women have to wear burkas and stay at home NOW!  In the Iraq run by that “monster” women looked and acted remarkably modern and western. 

    By saying this I do not mean to deny or condone the viciousness that was the Baathist regime.  It richly deserved to have its collective ass kicked all the way up to its olive bereted head.  Like all tyrannies it was capricious, petty, and deadly.  But the women of Iraq are more likely to be locked up a’la Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan now than they were under Sadaam.

    United States Posted by anandakos on Oct 9, 2004 at 9:54 PM

    the US doesn’t help anyone else unless they expect to gain from it somehow.  the US turns its back on genocides in africa, but when one happens in europe, we send troops right away (except world war 2, we were a little slow to get to that one).  and here’s a quote from W as to why we should care about what europeans think, “we have a firm commitment to NATO, we are part of NATO.  we have a firm commitment to europe.  we are a part of europe.”

    United States Posted by MarshieParshie on Oct 9, 2004 at 10:26 PM

    http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/10/magazine/10KERRY.html?ex=1098373216&ei= =1&en=e7fbbded45ecdaac

    A very important article in the Sunday New York Times Magazine is entitled “Kerry’s Undeclared War.” It is quite long, but very substantial. Anybody concerned with the state of our nation and the world should read this. It well articulates where Kerry comes from and stands in the current state of world affairs and terrorism. Know what? He’s been ahead of the curve here for quite some time. Heard of the BCCI investigation? You should. Read this and learn. Warning: It does not compress into small sound bites.
    Read it and pass it on.

    United States Posted by J Michael on Oct 9, 2004 at 11:00 PM

    “Red”, please stop spouting rubbish, and go get yourself an education. I am a republican. In my career, I have extensively researched and admired Dwight D. Eisenhower. I voted for Ronald Reagan. I voted for George Bush Sr. I voted for George W. Bush in 2000 giving him the benefit of the doubt, for who his dad was, and the GOP, although my gut told me he was a lightweight. His competition Al Gore was not particularly impressive, so that made my job a little easy. Unfortunately, Bush Jr. has betrayed the foundational principles on which the GOP was founded. I was wondering if I was alone, until I saw John Eisenhower’s decision to resign from the GOP, and vote for Kerry/Edwards. See this link, to get some insights: http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/093004U.shtml. George W. Bush will go down in history as the most foolish man to ever reach the Oval Office. In three years, he has made this great country the most hated in the world, ruined the finances of tens of millions of Americans, and turned a $4.5 trillion surplus into a $2.5 trillion dollar deficit. That is a swing of $7 trillion. BTW, a trillian is a 1 followed by 12 zeros. It will cost $70,000 for every single family to pay off this debt. So please stop making a fool of yourself here.

    United States Posted by Jim Morgan II on Oct 9, 2004 at 11:07 PM

    red...if the democrats were using the rules and tactics that the republicans are using ...you would be hauled out in the dead of night from your house ,no warrant nessesary; you would be interigated, beaten and then publicly character assasinated and labeled as an “al kiter” operative for your lack of understanding and ability to form a complete thought, but… there is the consolation that the liberals/democrats believe in the constitution and the freedom of speech; ya the right to make imbecile out of yourself in public no less that lets you blather on and on and on… plz go turn on “afarts” and listen to more drivle from rush “the nazi” windbag or read your constitution learn its intent; then rejoin the inteligent human race for some mentaly challenging debate
    btw i can say this because i defend the constitution what about you…

    United States Posted by with-held on Oct 9, 2004 at 11:52 PM

    ps god loves you thogh…

    United States Posted by with-held on Oct 9, 2004 at 11:59 PM

    Why the polls are still even?  Let’s ask an authority:

    “People dont want to go to war .... But, after all, its the leaders of the country who determine the policy and its always a simple matter to drag people along whether its a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a parliament or a communist dictatorship . Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leadership. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to greater danger. It works the same in any country.”
    - Hermann Goering (interviewed during his trial at Nuremburg)

    Sweden Posted by hennypenny on Oct 10, 2004 at 1:00 AM

    Is everyone a dumass!I watched the debate
    and I saw the bulge as well.There is no
    question but that he was definitely wired!

    Will the mainstream media,NBC,ABC,FOX,etc.,ever
    air this?Is the silence on this matter a sign
    of bias?I don’t know about you all,but I would
    like to have a President that’s smarter than
    me and not one like Bush that I know I am
    smarter than!Oh by the way I am not a Democrat.
    I am just an Independent that loves America.

    United States Posted by mitz on Oct 10, 2004 at 1:20 AM

    So, let me pose this question. What happens after this election? If Dubya wins, by hook or crook?

    Can he effectively rule when so many people are on to his tricks? Or will their be a mass imposition of the Patriot Act against the “insurgents”? (those who know the evil behind all this)

    When he “won” last time, there was no record to be afraid of, just distrust of what may happen.
    this time we know.

    And, what happens if Kerry wins? Can he effectively rule when the senate and congress are still republican?

    United States Posted by Robin on Oct 10, 2004 at 5:54 AM

    Just as I expected. As this thread so painfully demonstrates, the two party duopoly has got millions of otherwise intelligent conservatives, liberals and moderates so wrapped up in arguing Democrat vs. Republican that most are woefully blind to the fact that there are several truly viable alternatives.

    I’ll say it again: WAKE UP PEOPLE!

    How many of you know, for instance, that there are a total of six candidates (including Bush and Kerry) in this election with a mathematical chance to win, by virtue of being on enough state ballots to garner the necessary 270 electoral votes?

    See the other four on NOW with Bill Moyers tonight (10/10 - PBS):

    RALPH NADER

    DAVID COBB

    MICHAEL PEROUTKA

    MICHAEL BADNARIK

    Don’t give me any crap about how third parties and independents shouldn’t be included because they don’t have a chance to win. This is an over-simplified, uninformed, canned response, pushed by blind democrat and republican loyalists who are actually afraid of real competition and true democracy.

    It’s not just about winning, folks. It’s about bringing attention to ALL the issues that matter to Americans, as opposed to one or two that dominate the presidential election landscape every four years. Indeed, third parties have been responsible for forcing some of the most important issues in our nation’s history: The abolition of slavery, woman’s right to vote, and the right of workers to form trade unions, just for starters.

    If today’s two major parties are so sure of themselves, why are they unwilling to debate the issues on a national stage with the other viable candidates? Are they afraid of the tough questions? Are they afraid of the unvarnished truth? Are they afraid the American public will finally wake up and put and end to their duplicitous stranglehold on American government?

    We can only hope.

    READ THE TRUTH

    United States Posted by radiopolydotorg on Oct 10, 2004 at 5:55 AM

    I agree with you radio

    I saw a debate between the green party and libertarian party candidates. I was very interested in what they had to say....and if this election were not so close, and not so important, I would vote for one for them (probably green).

    However, this time..as in 2000 every vote DOES count, and I am just too afraid of the status quo to entrust my vote to the 50-50 break we have right now. (I have voted third party in the past, and will for a state election which is a runaway in November)

    I am in a battleground state, so my vote counts even more, so to basically “squander” my vote this time around would be against the possible contender and for Bush. (I am sure you have heard this argument before) Maybe next time.

    United States Posted by Robin on Oct 10, 2004 at 6:01 AM

    piss on all you idiot liberals. You are so full of crap you don’t even know what the truth is.

    United States Posted by Red on Oct 10, 2004 at 6:08 AM

    i saw the “bulge”, on his back that is, during the first debate.  i think everyone watching saw it.  i assumed it was a microphone, similar to the ones they wear on morning television shows, talk shows, etc.  then i realized the lecterns were miked.  i never noticed a bulge on kerry’s back.  bush could have been fed lines and stil screwed up, due to his inability to control his coke addict frazzled nerves/emotions.  the transmission could have been garbled, staticky, and that could account for him looking like his head was about to blow up.  when i was watching his face contort i half expected pop up video to start shooting superimiposed bubbles out of his head.  i have never seen him go through such facial contortions.  BUSH BROKE THE LAW, AS USUAL, HE IS A LIAR AND A FRAUD AND A PUPPET!!  FIRE THE SON OF A BUSH.  anyone who supports this fool has been duped, and deserves to be butt whooped...VOTE KERRY EDWARDS AND SAVE AMERICAN FROM THE FASCISTS FOOL BUSHIT!  who will investigate this?  cia?  fbi?  bwahahahahahaha the fox is in the henhouse!!!

    United States Posted by kittymagee on Oct 10, 2004 at 8:28 AM

    I noticed the bulge during the debate and assumed it was (although an odd bulge) a protective vest. Which incidentally didn’t protect him at all.
    If this story had any merit it would seem to have come to the attention of the so-called mainstream press, wouldn’t ya think?
    I’m surprised that it hasn’t been explained just to eliminate these conspiracy theories.
    Kinda like the Dan Rather thing, It’s reported to be this and spreads only to be explained eventually and simply as some protective vest of some kind. And
    by doing that make a lot of people look bad.

    United States Posted by BAM on Oct 10, 2004 at 10:45 AM

    red are you bush? because you are telling us these farcical lines (like bush) prattling on very heatedly (as bush does) wait is that chenneys hand hangin out of your bum...THAT MEANS… if you arent bush...THEN bush IS THINKIN FER HIMSELF OH GOD! GIT AWAY FROM THAT BUTTON YOU LIL’ MONKEY

    United States Posted by with-held on Oct 10, 2004 at 10:53 AM

    The picture from the first debate clearly shows a highly suspicious bump on Bush’s back under his jacket. If he didn’t wear whatever it was that way in the second debate then I suspect that it was strapped to his crotch. Maybe some of those over-zealous airport searchers ought to be turned lose on him prior to the final debate.

    United States Posted by Frank Roberts on Oct 10, 2004 at 10:57 AM

    The picture clearly show a highly suspicious bump under Bush’s jacket. If he didn’t wear whatever it was in the second debate then I suspect that he wore it strapped to his crotch. For the final debate they ought to turn loose some over-zealous airport searchers on him before the show.

    United States Posted by Frank Roberts on Oct 10, 2004 at 11:02 AM

    i agree with Frank, because at the airport you cant even move without getting searched to the extreme. i wore beach shoes to the airport and they still made me take them off “just to be sure” i feel violated but they still havent busted a ‘terrist’ yet, so they should both have to go through that infernal airport search on camera no less!

    United States Posted by with-held on Oct 10, 2004 at 11:15 AM

    Red, you can rant on as long as you want, but the truth is that if Bush is re-elected, the additional damage he will do to this country will reach you, too.

    It’ll be your funeral, Red, along with ours.

    Historybug

    United States Posted by historybug on Oct 10, 2004 at 12:21 PM

    Oh you fear mongering delusional liberals. If you think we have a problem now waiy until the next time we are attacked then Poodle boy and his BITCH wife (Hillary2) can have them ove5r for a tea party. You just hate bush because he thinks abortion is murder (it is) taxes are too high (they are) and he believes the second ammendment,. you mouths and minds are too full of BS to even talk straight. Idiots

    United States Posted by Red on Oct 10, 2004 at 12:38 PM

    Bush has betrayed the American people.  Betrayal breeds hatred.

    The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.
    -Plato

    United States Posted by TIVO ROCKS on Oct 10, 2004 at 12:53 PM

    Hummm. If I didn’t know better I’d say this person claiming to be Red is the same guy claiming to be Carl posting on other columns within this site because the use of languge and apparent hate is the same.
    Rather than attack those questioning with attacks on everyone not Bush or Republican, go a head and explain what the bulge is.

    United States Posted by BAM on Oct 10, 2004 at 12:59 PM

    red… is that name fascist or commie or is it in keeping with satan?

    United States Posted by with-held on Oct 10, 2004 at 1:17 PM

    Red wrote:"You just hate bush"… “and he believes the second ammendment,"…

    One question: what is it about the second amendment you were trying to make a point of with you incomplete sentence?
    As far as I can tell it’s never been brought up in any of the debates; and I repeat, if your name isn’t really Carl you have the same bizarre attitudes that Carl does and inexplicably also brings up the 2nd amendment.
    I asked Carl what is it about the attempt to restrict assault weapons that he disagreed with. Did he require the use of AK 47 to stop the attack of deer from impaling him on an antler, or perhaps shot a tree full of birds. Assault weapons are only for one purpose, to kill multiples of PEOPLE! If you want to have one of those assault weapons, join the military and you can be paid to kill PEOPLE. Of course you have to pass intelligent tests first.
    The device on the presidents back is his battery pack that must have been malfuctioning that night.

    United States Posted by BAM on Oct 10, 2004 at 1:42 PM

    Yea, some have said it was a battery pack, but for what? I originally (when I saw it during the debate) wondered what it could be and thought that it probably was a bullet proof vest or some such protective vest.  Of course it didn’t protect him much as he was dodging unsuccessfully the well articulated assault from Kerry.
    It’s unclear what it was and I’d think that it could have been already cleared up by asking a Bush campaign mouthpiece what it was. Oh, but the media doesn’t ask questions any more I forgot.
    Interestingly enough, I’ve seen nothing of this in the mainstream press.
    I’m suspicious at the obvious lack of clarification regarding this bulge coming from someone who probaby knows what the heck it is and put the conspiracy theories to rest.
    Needless to say, it would if the critics are correct make Bush look even worse than he’s already accepted to be.

    United States Posted by BAM on Oct 10, 2004 at 2:22 PM

    battery pack!?! hmmmmm,...does he have the energizer bunny up there? or is it penis cheney’s knuckle bulge while he moves bush’s mouth…

    “awe and lightning we will quikly accomplish the operation that takes a long time and “a lot of hard work” to get to it while we free the people of iraq and and um...er, oh crap i lost my feed...oh yeah “a lot of hard work”...homeland scaredy brought to you by asscrack and approved by dumsfeld...drivel drivel drivel and oppression and more drivel...show me the money!!!! dammit.

    United States Posted by with-held on Oct 10, 2004 at 3:00 PM

    Folks, this “Red” is an uneducated, foul-mouthed a-hole that does not deserve a response.  JUST IGNORE THIS IGNORANT MORON AND HIS IDIOTIC RANTS. No matter what he barks, please DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM - IF YOU DO, YOU’RE JUST VALIDATING HIS PITIFUL EXISTENCE.

    United States Posted by Riva on Oct 10, 2004 at 3:26 PM

    weel BAM ya found me out..I guess you aren’t as dumb as you sound. I have had enough fun with you moron liberals. I’ll just close by saying that the second ammendment IS NOT ABOUT HUNTING..it’s about stopping commies like you from taking over this country...Peace idiots

    United States Posted by RED CARL on Oct 10, 2004 at 3:29 PM

    Amen, Riva!

    I suggest that we turn our thoughts to how we’re going to pressure the mainstream media to pick up this story.

    The American voting public deserves to know if their current president is a fraud.

    United States Posted by TIVO ROCKS on Oct 10, 2004 at 3:29 PM

    More importantly...I have just received an e-mail saying that sinclair broadcasting, which reaches 24% of US hosueholds is about to air an anti-kerry show...read on
    Source: UPI
    Sinclair to air anti-Kerry special
    Date: Saturday, October 09, 2004 6:23:45 PM EST

    NEW YORK, Oct. 9 (UPI)—A conservative U.S. broadcaster whose
    outlets reach one-quarter of the nation’s TV viewers is airing a
    film that attacks John Kerry just before the election.

    Sinclair Broadcast Group has ordered its 62 stations to preempt
    regular programming during primetime to air “Stolen Honor: Wounds
    That Never Heal,” the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

    The film, funded by Pennsylvania veterans and produced by a veteran
    and former Washington Times reporter, features former POWs accusing
    Kerry—a decorated U.S. Navy veteran who later protested the war --
    of worsening their ordeal by prolonging the conflict.

    The Kerry campaign blasted Sinclair for what it says is strong-
    arming its stations into broadcasting lies to influence the
    political process, the Times said.

    “It’s beyond yellow journalism,” said Kerry spokesman David
    Wade. “It’s a smear bankrolled by Republican money, and I don’t
    think Americans will stand for it.”

    The one-hour special, which will be aired between Oct. 21 and Oct.
    24 depending on the city, will be followed by a panel discussion to
    which Kerry will be invited, potentially satisfying fairness
    regulations, the Times reported.

    Liberal media???? Now onder we can’t this story to be main stream!

    United States Posted by Robin on Oct 10, 2004 at 3:52 PM

    Red Carl:
    Hhahaha. Seem’s to be appropos. But not as in communist red, but as in a red-neck, gun loving fool.
    Whatever you call yourself you can’t hide you mental level.

    United States Posted by Bruce A Morgan on Oct 10, 2004 at 4:10 PM

    “Bush is smart enough to be president so he can’t be that dumb” -RED

    this, dear Red, is circular logic and therefore invalid. I suppose you also agree that the bible must be true because it was written by god?

    your comments and attitude are a prime example of what is wrong with this country. That blinded 50% that is still voting for Mein Monkey are uneducated, spoiled, ignorant, stubbourn, arrogant, cowardly and an embarresment to the true patriots of this country, who realize that there is a whole world outside our borders that we make up a very powerful part of, and that with that power “comes great responsibility.” Its not spewing liberal propaganda, its plain old not-so-common common sense.

    “You and the rest of the far left nutball fringe always use the “dumb” escape beacuse you don’t have any substance to bitch about. And you know what I really don’t care a damn what happens in some third world sewer. “ -Red

    this quote blatantly displays your lack of regard for the rest of the human beings sharing this planet with us, and the concequences of our actions in regard to the other civilized nations of the world, as well as your absolute ignorance as to what your beloved “Prez” has really been up to during his residence as the leader of our country. Do a bit of research into something other than name calling, and come back with a valid opinion.
    heres a handy list of “substance” to get you started:
    http://www.mcsweeneys.net/links/bush/

    Spain Posted by Layil on Oct 10, 2004 at 4:56 PM

    radiopolydotorg wrote:
    “It’s not just about winning, folks. It’s about bringing attention to ALL the issues that matter to Americans, as opposed to one or two that dominate the presidential election landscape every four years. “

    i would normally agree with you radio, but in this case it IS all about winning. We need bush OUT of office at any cost. The republican voters are numerous enough that unless we stand united against them and vote kerry into office, we’re going to have to watch bush make a mess of out country for another four years, with repercussions that will be felt over the next 50. Unfortunately this county has two major parties in power at the moment. The republicans control the senate and the house. theyve allready appointed many of their people into prominant positions, there and in the supreme court as well, and will continue to do so if we have another republican president in power. Having a democrate is the only chance we have of reversing this trend, and defending core internal domestic issues such as stem cell research, abortion, religion in our schools, environmental issues and national healthcare. These are issues the president is only a part of the solution to. the parties responsible for passing these laws are dominantly conservative at the moment, and will continue to be so as long as the republican party has the power to place their people in positions of influence, not for a term of a mere 4 years, but often for life. This is the real threat were facing. Our nation’s already made a significant step backwards in W’s term. We need him out of office and his parties power weakened before theres no stopping them.

    Kerry is not a shining alternative, though he is showing more initiative, intelligence and planning in the last few months than previously, he is the ONLY viable alternative that has a remote chance of winning. It is sad that we were in the same position in the last election, where we “lost” by a thread because the percentage of liberal and center voters was not large enough to make it impossible to deny the republican loss. We cannot allow Bush to steal the presidency again, and continue to misrepresent us to the rest of the world. I appeal to those of you who are swing or independant voters, please dont let your numbers be the reason that we have to live under a tyrannical, greedy, violent and abusive regime another four years. Once Kerry is safely in office, we have 4 years breathing space to find someone really WORTHY and CAPABLE to lead our country, someone from ANY party.

    And who knows, theres always the chance that Kerry will surprise us and actually do a good job…

    Spain Posted by Layil on Oct 10, 2004 at 5:20 PM

    Red/Carl:
    I would hazaard a guess that you are enjoying the attention. It is a number of years since I have read anything as troubling as your beliefs, and I am aware that you do not have a monopoly on these opinions. Please forgive me as I recommend three witers for your future reading. Thomas Paine: I believe he was born in England but this unfortunate cicumstance should detract nothing from his obvious contributions to the United States; surely an American Patriot. Mark Twain: A literary giant and a man many years ahead of his time. Al Capp: A man who very clearly showed where America was bound if, and it has happened, Big Business became the final authority.
    twain
    PS This web site has a large number of contributors which I (personal opinion) enjoy reading. One of these is BAM and I would guess that he/she knows a fair share of Scottish history. Don’t really know why.

    Canada Posted by twain on Oct 10, 2004 at 5:55 PM

    Who tells disillusioned republi-con idiots like red to say this stuff? Bill O’Reilly ?  Coulter ? or some REAL commentator like Limbaugh or Liddy? If we DO have the lowest literacy rate I suspect beacuse the republi-cons spend too much time corrupting kids with the idea it’s OK to to use gevernment to promote their christian cult or how all those bad gay men are the problem with the world. Get real! What’s your choice Bush- don’t make me laugh. Kennedy, Schumer, Rangell, or Byrd are a whole lot better than Rove, Rumsfeld and Cheney . A vote for Bush is a vote to turn America into a third world socialist cesspool. Turn off your TV stop reading so much “My Pet Goat” and think for youself and don’t accept what some republi-communist mushmind like red spoon feeds you.

    United States Posted by Thunderhead on Oct 10, 2004 at 6:53 PM

    The first thought that went through my mind moments after the second debate was that something was awry. Could it be possible that the usually incoherent president was suddenly magically able to construct a simple sentence?

    A few days after the debate I was casually chatting with my sister who had heard on Air America Radio that it was suspected that Bush was wired. Funny how suspicions can become frighteningly real.

    Bottom line is this: why should we be surprised by this latest Rove manuever? The Bushies will do whatever it takes (including a wire/earpiece) to prop up their dummy and make him appear to be a real president.

    Let’s see how the last debate unfolds. Unfortunately, I remain dubious that Americans will see through the mounds of propaganda spewed freely on the media. As uncomprehensible as it is, instead of sending Bush to The Hague to be tried for war crimes, Americans may instead be handing George W. Bush a second term.

    United States Posted by spin on Oct 10, 2004 at 7:30 PM

    amen twain,
    we americans are akin to mushrooms kept in our closets with lights off and fed shizen all day. The educational systems teach us nothing about the important parts of history. The literary giants musings of previous times keep comming back time and time again. We the people are fighting the same tyranous ideals as back then. we are in a gerbil wheel for the masses.
    i.e. we ejected britain from our shores we left them (brits) to form a nation FREE of tyranous persecution… why?!? only to side up with them (brits) again in modern times as the elitist of our FREE nation form a TYRANOUS rule over us in the name of freedom and laced with the very words of our precious CONSTITUTION no less, and if “united we stand...” against all enemies foreign and domestic to our CONSTITUTION, we let this TRAVESTY happen again..."fool me once shame on you...fool me twice shame on me!”
    p.s. bush speech writers can quote this one properly now for the lil’ simian shit flinger.

    United States Posted by with-held on Oct 10, 2004 at 8:12 PM

    twain:
    First thank you for your kind words. 
    No, don’t know much Scottish history. Do know a lot of art history. We of course are all related in the larger sense and all history , African, Scottish, Irish, Chinese, Dutch, whatever - is our history
    I do recall you from another column’s posts.
    Most contributors to these threads have been thoughtful and appreciated.
    I have added my 2 cents on many of the articles under BAM, my initials, and did try to be fair even to Carl..
    It’s good to be among like minded people save for the likes of “Red Carl” whom apparenty couldn’t write the vile he was enjoying on this site on a site of a more condusive, or accepting of his opinions.
    He wasn’t as bad as a previous contributor [ identified as york] that not only was everything Carl was but had the unfortunnate habit of using a lot of expletives in his disparaging prose.
    We have to believe that sanity will prevail regardless of the Carls & yorks of this world.
    All the best…
    “Learn to look with an equal eye upon all beings, seeing
    the one Self in all.”
    Srimad Bhagavatam

    United States Posted by BAM on Oct 10, 2004 at 9:57 PM

    It makes perfect sense. Bush is the puppet president. Thinking quickly is not what defines him. Never has been. A townhall debate demands not only thinking quickly, but speaking honestly. That is a profound challenge. A good bet regarding who is telling him what to say is Karl Rove. Perhaps the voice directing him was Dick Cheney, the real current POTUS.

    United States Posted by RLO on Oct 10, 2004 at 10:00 PM

    I’ve been lurking around a lot tonight, checking out what a lot of the bulletin boards and blogs have to say about “Wiregate”.  One thing is - there seems to be a huge uptick in troll activity.  Seems to me like the wingnuts are pretty upset about this bulge and keep trying to steer the conversation away from that obvious lump.

    United States Posted by andersen on Oct 10, 2004 at 10:01 PM

    It’s his neo-cortex.

    Sweden Posted by Marton on Oct 10, 2004 at 11:32 PM

    I have lived in england & Europe for many years and made many friends there.  Every single one, to a man, or woman, tell me that they & everyone they know cannot understand how americans can possibly vote for Bush.  They read what we call foreign press and see things from a different perspective from our controlled press & television. Believe me, all foreign press and TV is not “liberally controlled”.  Listen to what the Irish Times or the Manchester Guardian or any other newspaper of your choosing are saying.  You will have your eyes opened.

    Brazil Posted by louie della rosa on Oct 11, 2004 at 6:26 AM

    In the US we have a two person presidency. One is somehow elected (you know who) and the other is working behind the scenes. That’s Karl Rove, often referred to as “The Goebbels of Bush”.
    It’s hard to say where GW ends and where Karl Rove begins in his behavior. I suspect Karl Rove being on the other side of the transmitter.

    Does the American people realize that they’re in fact electing obscure Karl Rove for president when they’re casting their vote to Bush coming elections?

    Let’s hope Kerry will do the trick with the jacket next time or some independent cameraman zooms in on GW ear exposing the antenna. Next time he will carry the transmitter unit somewhere else. Lets hope the darn thing shortcuts in his underwear..;-)

    I second radiopoly in his doubts about if there’s a real battle going on or just an illusive play.

    Netherlands Posted by Marc C on Oct 11, 2004 at 8:12 AM

    i don’t get a chance to talk to bushies very often, but when i do, it’s always fascinating. There are millions of people out there who think Saddam attacked the world trade center. When i ask why they think that, the invariable answer is “because they say so, they can’t be lying, can they?”
    The answer is YES! god, yes, they can be and ARE lying, right to your face!

    Pity the poor bushies. 75% of them are not evil or stupid, they just have a fundamental trust in what the governnment tells them. a misplaced trust, considering the incredulous mis-statements, 5 reports from this administration have been recalled due to factual errors (that just so happen to support the administrations positions), and a constant, unending supply of semi-factual “talking points” hammered over and over again.

    United States Posted by Agnok on Oct 11, 2004 at 9:15 AM

    The only reason we need assault rifles is protect ourselves from right-wing morons like Red.  I advise all good liberals to arm themselves while they can. It’s OK to own guns The America we’re living in today reminds me of preWWII Germany.  That second ammendment’s there to protect us. How many more Martin Luther Kings do they have to kill to make us aware of the true intentions of right-wing America.  Smart liberals--lock and load!  The times, they are ‘a changing…

    United States Posted by Nick on Oct 11, 2004 at 9:17 AM

    This speculation has been percolating for 11 days now and not one word in the mainstream media.
    That in it’s self gives one reason to wonder further what is going on with this story?
    Rather shocking, but then again there are a lot of important stories related to this election that are not being discussed in the media.
    One thing aside - I have wondered why isn’t election day a national holiday? Seems like a simple soulution for many that for whatever reason can’t find the time to reach the voting booths. We do have holidays for less important things but not the most important day of participation in our democratic process of electing a president.
    I have written many prominate news outlets, and among other thing regarding this flawed process asked why there was not any consideration given to making the day the election falls on a holiday but have not received any replies. Even wrote my congress person and letters to the editor but zilch.
    Perhaps what we witnessed in the first debate was a lesser quality animatronic Bush that didn’t quite reach the quality of a Disney Lincoln in Disneyland.

    United States Posted by BAM on Oct 11, 2004 at 9:25 AM

    You might note a homonym error in paragraph seven of your lead story.  In the sentence: “According to a source familiar with the debate negotiations who refused to speak on the record, it was Republicans, lead by debate negotiator Jim Baker, the former secretary of state, who insisted on this odd condition” the word “lead” should be “led”.

    United States Posted by Natalie Grinnell on Oct 11, 2004 at 10:32 AM

    Considering that our “impartial” reporters seem to have bent over backwards in many instances to give Mr.Bush the benefit of any doubt, it would not be unreasonable to imagine that the polls are not at all accurate.

    If there is any chance that the Bushites aren’t assured of a win, how many out there are willing to entertain the thought that we might experience some event, perhaps terrorist-related, that will either scare people into voting for the present regime, or somehow result in a postponed election?

    United States Posted by Louise on Oct 11, 2004 at 10:47 AM

    BUSH IS A CERTIFIED DUMMY AND EVERYONE KNOW IT, EVEN HIS HANDELERS. WE AS A NATION CAN NOT AFFORD TO ALLOW THIS CLOWN TO WIN IN NOV. WE HAVE TO DISINGAGE FOOLS LIKE “RED” AND CONCENTRATE ON ENERGIZEING AND MOBOLIZEING THE REQUIRED VOTES.
    WE ALSO NEED TO STRONGLY CHALLENGE THE MEDIA TO QUESTION THE LUMP IN BUSH’S BACK.
    THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE ENTIRE WORLD DEPENDS ON DEFEATING THE BUSH MOB.

    United States Posted by SKUNKRAT on Oct 11, 2004 at 10:52 AM

    Hey, no, _you’re_ the dumbass, Dumbass. And the proof is that thing you said in your email there, okay, you can run but you can’t hide. Yeah, I’m talkin’ to _you_, you there who posted that there email, uh huh. I mean, take two brain transplants and call me in the morning.

    Canada Posted by NotDumbass on Oct 11, 2004 at 11:41 AM

    If Bush was not wired to Karl Rove, it must have been his direct line to GOD

    Canada Posted by Karin on Oct 11, 2004 at 11:48 AM

    Is there any way to scramble one of these devices? I would love for someone to attempt to do that at the final debate. It would be a riot to hear Bush scream because he got feedback in his ear. Bob Scheiffer wouldn’t know what was going on. It would be even greater if someone could pipe in The Iron Curtain speech or The Gettysburg Address. Wanna buy some wood?

    United States Posted by Jomama on Oct 11, 2004 at 12:26 PM

    Dems are getting quite deperate.

    Desperation portends failure -again…

    I am voting a straight Republican ticket.

    Best Regards.

    Daniel

    United States Posted by Daniel on Oct 11, 2004 at 12:42 PM

    I SEE THAT THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS AGREE THAT SEN. KERRY WON THE SECOND DEBATE AND IS MAKING A MOVE IN THE POLLS. LET THEM WIRE THAT IDIOT, HE DOSEN’T UNDERSTAND ENGLISH ANY BETTER THAN HE SPEAKS IT. MABEY THE PROBLEM IS THAT “NOT SO DUMBASS” AND “RED” ARE FEEDING “W” THE ANSWERS. THAT WOULD EXPLAIN ALMOST EVERYTHING.

    IT IS SAD THAT INSTEAD OF THE IDIOTS PRODUCEING CAMPAING ADDS ABOUT THEIR PLANS FOR THE COUNTRY ARE, THEY SIT BACK AND WAIT FOR SEN. KERRY TO SAY SOMETHING THAT THEY CAN TAKE OUT OF CONTEX, AND USE TO MAKE ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT CHARACTER ASSINATION. IT’S ALMOST FUNNY TO WATCH THESE COWARDS TRY TO PAINT ALL THAT ARE NOT DUMB ENOUGH TO AGREE WITH THEM AS UN-AMERICAN. WHAT A BUNCH OF LIEING,DRAFT-DODGEING,THIEVIMG,IGNORANT, SELFSERVING UN-FIT PERVERTS.

    United States Posted by SKUNKRAT on Oct 11, 2004 at 1:05 PM

    Nick you are a dick - piss on MLK if they shot 4 more we could have had a whole week off..liberal idiots

    United States Posted by stoplibs on Oct 11, 2004 at 2:21 PM

    Red, are you kidding? “me and george are dumb boy”.Seems to me you pretty much proved the dumb boy theory about yourself. I feel that your friend George has already shown his tendencies toward the painfully stupid. The problem lies in the fact that you are a powerless little man who gets a mental Chubby by thinking you and George are kicking asses and taking names. It would be much easier on the world if you would simply place a Viagra in each ear and not vote.
    Oh ,please phone that 3rd world sewer, mom wants to hear from her boy.

    United States Posted by Che on Oct 11, 2004 at 3:01 PM

    May the best man win?

    There’s a saying: 

    “Man may toss the coin, but the outcome of how it falls is determined by God.”

    So, If Bush wins...the outcome was determined by God.

    Or, if Kerry wins...the outcome was also determined by God.

    All we can do is use our free wills and common sense to make up our minds on who we feel is the best person to lead our country and then vote our conscience.

    United States Posted by Elena Lovell on Oct 11, 2004 at 3:16 PM

    Hey Che your mommie is a commie...you liberal twit.

    United States Posted by Red on Oct 11, 2004 at 3:35 PM

    The photos of the wire packs should have been front page news on every newscast and every newspaper in the country.  Just imagine if Kerry had been the one caught with this gadget.  Mincemeat, for sure.

    Still, what amazes me is that people are actually making up their minds about the Presidency of this nation from performances by both candidates in these meaningless ‘debates.’ This is SHOWTIME, 2004. 

    Good read to that effect:
    http://tvnewslies.org/html/final_2004_election_days.html

    United States Posted by Reg on Oct 11, 2004 at 4:12 PM

    well it is definately reasurring that you ignorant Kerry supporters understand that the only way he will win the election is if you take as many cheap shots at bush as possible. Keep trying though, it shows your true colors. One qestion however… What do you suppose will prevent terrorists from attacking our country if a man who is too indecisive and cowardly to retaliate (i.e. John Kerry) is elected? of course that question is rhetorical, as the answer is obviously NOTHING. Nothing will stop terrorist attacks if Kerry is elected because he is spineless. I’m not saying that the terrorists fear us, because they don’t, but we need to eliminate the threat as well as send a message to anybody else who would consider attacking us. Democrats will criticize the decision to go to war and the way in which we went (except kerry… he still hasn’t made up his mind) because we have lost nearly 1,000 lives (many of which could have been saved by the equipment Kerry voted against supplying the troops with). The losses of those lives are tragic, and my heart goes out to those whom have made that sacrifice and to their loved ones. What you forget though, is that there is no draft in effect, and the lives have been lost by people who signed up for the military knowing very well that they may actually have to go to war. Im sick of all this Bush-bashing because he is not the most eloquent man in the world. IT DOES NOT MAKE HIM A BAD LEADER. It may be that he was fed lines, I don’t know, and neither do you, so don’t assume to. Either way he has shown that he can lead and if my vote has anything to say about it, he will for 4 more years. What it comes down to, isn’t what these men say at the debates, it’s what they do the next four years. Kerry said he has “made a mistake talking about the war,” which implies his words don’t mean much to him, so how do you trust his words today? How do you honestly believe this man can and will protect us? Don’t get me started on Edwards.

    United States Posted by Tim on Oct 11, 2004 at 4:23 PM

    For the First Thousand

    Jingoism is the %@&# we raise ’em in,
    harvest a new crop when we need ’em
    to go fight a war –– cannon fodder.
    Get that oil over here,
    prove my manhood to my father.

    They haven’t figured it out yet,
    war is a racket ––
    kinda like jury duty with Russian roulette.
    The joke of the day ’round here?
    “Fooling most of the people most of the time
    is good enough for me!”
    and a pretty safe bet.

    They may as well join the service ––
    we don’t even count the ones who stopped looking
    for a job –– “What’s the use?”
    Gotta go –– they caught Chief on tape:
    “If they don’t have him on drugs,
    we’re gonna need a pretty #&%*@&# good excuse.”

    A. Voss

    You can’t spell bullshit without B U S H
    -A. Voss
    Steal it, pass it around, put it on a T-shirt.

    I’m so tired of being embarassed by having this blithering idiot as president. People get the government they deserve and I’m sick of getting the government these lowbrows deserve. Textbooks have been dumbed-down for at least a generation and this is the product. Who wants an educated electorate? We’re the laughingstock of the free world - the international press overwhelmingly pictures Bush as a chimpanzee and if he is re-elected I would predict a brain drain - more and more American expats.

    United States Posted by Voss on Oct 11, 2004 at 4:27 PM

    Tim
    You have bought the fear. I certainly hope you have your duct tape, water and food supply ready.
    You have bought this fear from a man who thinks calico cats are a sign of the devil. That’s right Mr Ashcroft, the designer of the color sytem thinks calico cats are a sign of the devil. Who would I rather believe??? Me thinks I will vote for Kerry!

    United States Posted by Robin on Oct 11, 2004 at 4:35 PM

    trust me I’m not afraid, it is you who are afraid, and it is people like myself that need to be men and do what is needed when people like you get to scared to think intelligently Robin. It’s OK though, it’s not your fault, some people just don’t do the right thing when they are scared, look at this post, you’re not alone.

    United States Posted by tim on Oct 11, 2004 at 4:38 PM

    I guess I already dismiss your comment as you suppose it is MEN that need to do what is needed.

    ANd besides which, your comment in my opinion reeks of Bush/Rove propaganda. (as much as you believe we are all being silly, we think the same of you)

    I guess we just have to agree to disagree as both of us feel as strongly about what this country needs as the other person. Even in this country it is 50-50!

    United States Posted by Robin on Oct 11, 2004 at 4:42 PM

    fair enough, just making sure people don’t assume that all bush supporters are as ignorant as Red and the other’s I’ve seen on this site. In addition, I didn’t mean “Men” as to say women are incapable.

    United States Posted by Tim on Oct 11, 2004 at 4:45 PM

    Tim,
    Ignorant is not a crime..close mindedness should be.
    After all ignorance can be unlearned. I can talk first hand about domestic issues that have been badly affected by this adminsitration. Things people may not know about and not even know changes things in their life.
    However, when somebody has their “line” about ONE issue, and that’s all that matters to them...and they don’t care to know anything else, that is ignorance.
    Frankly, these boards often become one issue stances ending in name calling and basic frustration.
    I wish the debates these two men were engaged in were true debates.We could learn alot more about them and their stands without the stump speecges and sound bites being played over and over again.

    United States Posted by Robin on Oct 11, 2004 at 5:10 PM

    Ignorance is not a crime, but being ignorant while trying to voice your opinion rather than becoming informed before hand shows a lack of intelligence. It’s not just Red, it’s the majority of people on this page, whether “republicans” disagreeing with “democrats” solely because they’re democrats or visa-versa. people are either too lazy or too afraid to make themselves informed so they agree with anything whichever party they identify themeselves with says. That is what bothers me most and I can’t do anything about it so I’m not going to try. I guess all I can say is that people need to vote, but they need to inform themselves before they do so, don’t just do whatever seems popular at the time. Around here it seems popular to bash Bush, and some people make good points doing so, but most just rant and rave repeating what others have said because they think it sounds good… not even having any idea what they are talking about. I suppose I could go on and on but it won’t change anything here, I’ll have to vote to do that.

    United States Posted by tim on Oct 11, 2004 at 5:33 PM

    Wow, does anyone else think this thread has gone astray? What the hell happened to commenting on the article? There was never a doubt that Bush is a shill; the hidden earpiece trick, if it can be substantiated, would only be the most obvious example of a pattern that has been observable for years. Where do you think that second tax cut came from? Bush as an individual clearly speaks for those who back him, same as for Kerry, same as for Nader, etc. Which, if you think about it, is the best reason to evict him from the White House. Unless, of course, you approve of pre-emptive war under false pretenses, tricking people into thinking that Dictator Saddam (though a bastard) was in bed with Murdering Jihadist Osama when they hated each other, cutting the legs off of constitutional protection of rights (e.g. USA Patriot Act), offering fat tax cuts to the super-wealthy, and the further list of agenda items that Bush’s sponsors have in mind. The alleged violation of debate rules is almost trivial, just fire his ass in November!

    Philippines Posted by Kuya on Oct 12, 2004 at 1:36 AM

    MarshieParshie,

    In one of your posts you mentioned that you will not vote for either Bush or Kerry. Not sure if you have changed your mind in a subsequent post, but if not you are a greater moron then mr red. Wake up kiddo! You are all in this crap becuase of non voters or voters chasing after sand castles.

    United States Posted by Watson on Oct 12, 2004 at 5:27 AM

    This Article btw is quite stupid. Why would Bush hide a gadget in the middle of his back almost between his shoulder blades? He could have concealed it in any number of places that would have not been detected by sight. Just becuase you are left, it does not mean you should believe everything that you get told, even by the folk in INTHESETIMES. Commonsense should be your first stop before thinking either like a liberal or conservative or whatever.

    United States Posted by Watson on Oct 12, 2004 at 5:34 AM

    It’s an eight-track player that says “we’re gonna geddum,” and “yadidadidadida,” and “yihaaa” and “war on terrorism” to make sure we all forget he is a rich mama’s boy from New Haven. At least Kerry doesn’t try to hide his origins that much. Well, if we ever run out of plastic, just melt down Bush, there is enough of it there.

    Sweden Posted by Marton on Oct 12, 2004 at 6:26 AM

    Wow, you have nothing better to do than sit around scrutinizing pictures of the presidents backside, then write a speculative article based on an unusual fold in the cloth.  Maybe he had a dryer sheet stuck in his shirt. 

    Just listen to what the candidates say, and look at what the do / have done.  Make a decision you can live with.

    United States Posted by Adam on Oct 12, 2004 at 7:37 AM

    I’m sorry but I can’t accept many of the Bush supporters especially the one that appear on this site and their lame language but it’s also difficult to accept more educated and capable word smiths such as William Saffire or David Brooks as credible when it comes to Bush policies!
    How do these people write these columns seemingly immune and oblivious to the evidence and
    everything contrary to their written opinions. And frankly how do they support this very unimpressive and yes, low quality president.
    Of course they are paid to do just that. When Mr. Sean Hannity likened liberals to despots and terrorists on the cover of his book he claimed he did that because he had to sell books. Ah, good ol’ capitalism and lying go together quite well.
    In a recent article in the SF Chronicle the author cited that there seems to be a cottage industry developing in anti-Bush books but noted that none of the books will influence Bush’s base and that the support he has the strongest support from is from the right wing and the less informed fundamentalist gun loving folks similar to what we have been privy to in this forum.
    Seeing “all liberals should be shot” on a bumper sticker and encountering some of these people of that sort of mentality on this site is truly disturbing. Talk about your “red neck” “good ol’ boys” and closet KKKer’s…

    Also, the protrusion on Bush’s back has yet to be cleared up since the first debate
    not one word about it in any of the major news papers or any mention of it in the broadcast media. If it were Kerry it probably would have been a front page news story, and made so by the Republicans!
    I’m lost for an understanding on any of this. Limbaugh would have had a field day with it. WHY hasn’t anyone cleared this up? Amazingly, FOX was the one in charge of the camera work
    It’s been observed by some pundit that Republicans, especially Rove and company are like sharks and inexorably continue on with their vicious predatory behavior. In the article in the SF Chronicle it’s claimed that Republican’s don’t just want to defeat Kerry they want to obliterate all liberals. That has a familiar ring to it...A Hitlerian ring...Gays, liberals, non-whites, poor people, intellectuals and artists not of their shallow kind all must be destroyed.

    United States Posted by BAM on Oct 12, 2004 at 7:48 AM

    Having read this article I suspect the Bush we see from now on will be a replacement Bush, a body-double doing all public appearances, a la Reagan after he was allegedly shot.  America deserves the anarchy it will suffer if “Bush” wins.  By the way, what did a gallon of gas go for on election day 2000?

    United States Posted by theloneous on Oct 12, 2004 at 7:56 AM

    Don,t know anything about this red individual.  Evidently he is saturated with savage,limbaugh,hannity, and o’riley-lethal combination. bushes priorities are 1 gw bush 2 the montitarily obese 3 oil 4 power.  For a human that only operates of his gut these are demanding tasks to undertake. What American people don’t understand and must is that this election is about the survival of America and even the world.  bush has lied to this nation time and again on all matters. For that reason alone it out to be run of d.c.  I call all Republicans to love their country and it’s survival and future more than they do a lying commander in theif.  Hound Dog

    United States Posted by Larry Henry on Oct 12, 2004 at 8:57 AM

    All liberlas should be shot

    United States Posted by Red white and blue on Oct 12, 2004 at 9:51 AM

    Hey Red, Carl, AKA “Red white & Blue” what are
    “liberlas”

    United States Posted by bushwhacker on Oct 12, 2004 at 10:06 AM

    Some of the more creative suggestions of what the bulge on the president’s back could be.

    1: “The Tingler” (from a 50’s movie starring Vicent Price)
    2: an animatronics battery pack.
    3: his cerebral cortex, or ganglian
    4: his transmitter from “GOD”

    But no mention of what elese it could be from any reputable source

    United States Posted by bushwhacker on Oct 12, 2004 at 10:15 AM

    Liberal assholes

    United States Posted by red /white/blue on Oct 12, 2004 at 12:05 PM

    ..."assholes"
    Must be where excrement like yourself fall from and looking up is all they see.

    Get off this site your no longer contributing anything other than your low level of intelligence.

    United States Posted by bushwhacker on Oct 12, 2004 at 12:12 PM

    hey bush wack offer I consider it a high compliment to be insulted by the likes of you. asshole

    United States Posted by red on Oct 12, 2004 at 12:18 PM

    Why do you enjoy degrading yourself by blatantly exhibiting your weaknesses in this debate.
    Get off of here and allow people that might have something of value to say to say it rather than waste our time responding to the likes of you.
    You have obviously finally reached your best repartee with the four letter language.
    You no longer deserve response from myself and evidently others are also ignoring you.
    The subject here was regarding a suspicious device or protrusion from the presidents back but what we end up with is this strange intrusion coming from Carl/Red AKA - Red white and blue’s very diminutive and intelligent free brain.
    I’ve been reading other articles here and the following posts, and there seems to be clones of this character appearing here and there getting people to respond with angry name calling.Perhaps that’s understandable but forget this fool and his foolishness.
    There are some thoughtful and relatively intelligent commentary coming in. Please continue.
    It’s nice to know some people are thinking about the topics at hand.

    United States Posted by bushwhacker on Oct 12, 2004 at 1:21 PM

    pissing off idiot liberals is my hobby...you idiots

    United States Posted by carl on Oct 12, 2004 at 1:26 PM

    “pissing off liberals”
    Oh poor Carl, you give your self to much credit.
    Is that what you think you are doing?
    Nah, we’re feeling more sorry for you than anything else. The president pisses us off, you’re just a boot licking, ass kissing neo nazi kinda, gun loving bigot that need some love and affection perhaps even from your dog if you own one.
    I notice in some of your previous posts you mentioned the second amendment a few times but didn’t clarify what your concerns were about it. In fact you’ve been only clear regading one thing, and that’s that you are full of, yes, HATE!
    So, one thing we have learned at least is that you can’t possibly be a Jesus follower.

    United States Posted by bushwhacker on Oct 12, 2004 at 1:44 PM

    When you have a regime (not an administration) who constantly feeds the American people fear and tactfully knows that they are going to respond to it the way you want