by Mark Silva
While President Bush battles the blazing heat of his ranch in Texas, building bike trails and clearing brush in punishing 100-degree-plus weather, the Texas White House is combating the heated TV ad that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is running about Bush in Iowa.
While the president last week said he would refrain from engaging in the campaign debate underway, his deputy press secretary, Dana Perino, jumped right in today, denouncing the Clinton ad as “outrageous’’ and “unconscionable.’’
“As I travel around America, I hear from so many people who feel like they’re just invisible to their government,’’ Clinton (D-N.Y.) states in her ad. The same goes for single moms trying to find affordable child care and soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, she asserts. “Americans from all walks of life across our country may be invisible to this president, but they’re not invisible to me, and they won’t be invisible to the next president...''
Perino sounded reluctant at first, but then...
“This is going to be tricky going into the campaign season, when people start running ads, because as tempted as I am to take that head on, I think I will refer to the RNC for the specific -- for answers on the politics of it,’’ Perino said in a gaggle with reporters at the “Crawford White House’’ – actually a gymnasium of the old brick Crawford Middle School that serves as the press room when the president is away at his Prairie Chapel Ranch.
“But as to the merits of it, I think it's outrageous,’’ Perino said. “This is a president who, first and foremost, has helped millions of seniors across the country have access to prescription drugs at a much lower cost…. The president has tried to take on the issue at the root cause of it, and tried to change our health care system so that we actually are helping provide less expensive but still great quality care to people all over the country.
“As to whether or not our troops are invisible to this president,’’ Perino said, “I think that that is absurd, and that is unconscionable that a member of Congress would say such a thing.’’
Phil Singer, spokesman for the Clinton campaign, replied: "The White House might be content with the status quo, but Sen. Clinton is not. Whether it's in Iraq or here at home, Sen. Clinton has the strength and experience to deliver the change Americans haven't gotten from this president."
The president himself, however, is somewhat invisible to the press this week, spending his days out at the ranch building new bike trails and clearing brush.
“I would expect that there would be some brush cutting to do, although it is 107 degrees, so I don't know how many people are going to be able to stand it,’’ Perino allowed. “The president, obviously, likes the heat, so maybe everyone else is just going to have to suffer through it.''
The president also spoke this morning, separately, with Presidents Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to congratulate them on “the successful conclusion’’ of a joint peace jirga held in Kabul last week.
And the president spoke with Prime Minister Mommahan Singh of India, who is facing some heated opposition to the nuclear power pact that the United States has made with India within his own parliament. The U.S. has agreed to supply nuclear material for India’s civilian power program, in turn agreeing not to interfere in India’s military nuclear program – while Singh has agreed to open all new civilian power to international inspection.
The president, spending much of this week on a working vacation at Crawford, will take time out from his respite next week to travel to Canada for a summit with the prime minister of Canada and president of Mexico. He also plans to stop off and address the Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting in Kansas City on the way back from Canada.
And Bush has added another stop as well: A closed-door campaign fundraiser for Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) in Minneapolis.
“I don't expect to have detailed readouts on this every day,’’ Perino said of the president’s vacation plans at the ranch. “But what the president loves to do when he's at his ranch is to spend time outdoors. And I know today that they were maybe going to do some trail building, some bike trail building that they do out there, so that they can then mountain bike.
“And I wouldn't be surprised if the president got in some fishing, as well as some time with his wife,... and maybe other family and friends,’’ Perino said. “But I think that we should just all expect that this week, with the president not having any public events, that when he's out on his ranch what he loves to do is spend time in the outdoors; he loves to get his exercise.’’




Comments
Exercise is good for you.
Posted by: Elmo | August 14, 2007 4:51 PM
I hope that one day we can rely on the govt. for everything in our lives.
Actually, that would really suck.
Posted by: JD | August 14, 2007 4:55 PM
107 on the ranch a bit hot? I hear it gets up to 130 in Bahgdad right about now. At least Bush can run into air conditioning, unlike a lot of US soldiers.
Speaking of Iraq, I don't recal recall him mentioning the US would be in there this long. Bush & company got us in Iraq, but who's going to get us out once they're gone?
Posted by: RomanB | August 14, 2007 5:00 PM
Clearing brush and riding bikes . . . good; tending to national crises . . . bad.
George may like the heat, but the rest of us want him to get out of the kitchen.
Posted by: Pam | August 14, 2007 5:01 PM
And this from the administration that's fond of saying, "a vote for Democrats is a vote for Bin Laden". Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. Where is he, by the way?
Posted by: dt | August 14, 2007 5:07 PM
It's a campaign ad by a non-incumbent. Of course it's going to be negative, and of course the presidency cannot allow it to appear uncontested. This is nothing new.
Posted by: Tom | August 14, 2007 5:09 PM
"Poor Little Bush, Our poor little boy George"
WOMAN TO WOMAN, DANA AND CONDI SPEAKS OUT FOR GEORGE!
Whats "Outrageous and Unconscionable" is his Presidency, and his Administration. Now to start crying from BUSH CAMP AND afar is unconscionable.
This administration did it to themselves. They had an opportunity to rally Americans and make us strong. Instead they "WALKED SOFTLY WITH A BIG FEAR STICK and a crooked DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE." A VICE PRESIDENT WHO DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OR HAS TO RECOGNIZE THE CONSTITUTION AS HE IS JUST A REFEREE AND A TIE BREAKER FOR THE SENATE.
Now thats probably why our Next President has something or little something good to say about George, Laura, Dick, Condi, and Hadley for that matter while on vacation during "WAR TIMES" is His Fault. He swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to defend us from all - and what happened after the "CHANGING OF THE GUARDS in 2001" HE LET THE FLAG DOWN! HE TRASHED THE CONSTITUTION AND ALLOWED AMERICA TO BE ATTACKED ON HIS WATCH.
ONLY TO FIND BLAME IN HIS OWN KARL ROVE BOOK OF SPIN GAME AGAINST THE DEMOCRATS AND ALL THE INDEPENDENTS IN AMERICA.
SO NOW ATTACKING THE FRONT RUNNERS IN HOPES OF GETTING JOHN MCCAIN A BOOST OR MITT ROMNEY A REASON TO HAVE FIVE WIVES AND ONE BEING A NEICE TO ONE OF HIS SONS IN A NEW GOP GOVERNMENT. THIS IS THE GOP WAY, KARL ROVE 101.
CALL A PAGE DANA AND ASK! JUST HOW LAME DUCK ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN REALLY ARE.
LAME, LAME, LAME, LAME!
Posted by: Roger Morris | August 14, 2007 5:13 PM
hope that one day we can rely on the govt. for everything in our lives.
Actually, that would really suck.
Posted by: JD | August 14, 2007 4:55 PM
Actually JD the people in Iraq do and they seem to love it.
When you're about to leave office as the worst Prez in history,guess you get a little sensitive.
Posted by: Raving Loon | August 14, 2007 5:16 PM
What is outrageous and unconscionable is that Bush and this administration is taking a vacation when that's all they've been doing for the last 7 years. They have no clue how they are going to get us out of this quagmire we are entrenched in right now and the country is going to hell in a handbasket why'll only the rich are enjoying the real fruits of any little bit of economic good news there is. I hope and pray that Hillary and the rest of the Democrats start turning up the whole ratchet on every last stinking one of them in the White House.
Posted by: Richard Wuchte | August 14, 2007 5:18 PM
I like how the deputy press secretary tries to make the President look like a tough workin' man -
"The president, obviously, likes the heat, so maybe everyone else is just going to have to suffer through it."
I'm so glad we have a president who prefers a good old fashioned brush-clearin' to any national or international politic-an'.
Posted by: EK | August 14, 2007 5:20 PM
Didn't Catcher's Mitt Romney say in his "victory speech" that Americans are ready for "change"? Yes, I do believe he did.
I thought that was "outrageous" coming from a Republican.
As for whether or not "many" Americans feel "invisible" to this president, I would say that is not only accurate, I would say it's INEVITABLE.
And when a president decides taking on 107 degree heat is better than taking on the Maliki government and getting some political progress in Iraq so that his troops don't have to stay there a day longer, I think he sets himself up for such criticism.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | August 14, 2007 5:20 PM
“As to whether or not our troops are invisible to this president,’’ Perino said, “I think that that is absurd, and that is unconscionable that a member of Congress would say such a thing.’’
Yes...we prefer it when we can call the opposition to the war unpatriotic.
Posted by: bill r. | August 14, 2007 5:21 PM
The only thing hotter than the temperatures they mention is the bs that comes out of Hillary's mouth. She is right, we are not invisible to her. That is to say, we are not invisible TODAY. AS long as she needs our vote, we will be first and foremost. Then if she wins (God Forbid!!), we will be invisible to her unless she needs us to get something. I think that is what they mean by favors. If she needs a favor, you are visible. If you are just an everyday schmo, she will not care about you one iota. So, while we may be visible to her now, that will end on election day.
Posted by: Rob S | August 14, 2007 5:23 PM
Why would anyone go to Texas in August, at 107 degrees, for vacation?
Posted by: James Peterson | August 14, 2007 5:32 PM
How aptly named - "The Swamp"! Ever been in a swamp? and seen what populates it? My first and last visit to such tripe... Read www.goodnewsnow.com when you want a positive, uplifting side of the news. Or, my wife tells me even CNN had a five item good news section last night. The media will wake up one day, and find itself powerless.
Posted by: Bill Martin | August 14, 2007 6:12 PM
Trust in God and President Bush, not in the Godless: Church of Liberalism, and Culture of Death, being promoted and foisted on America with great zeal by Hillary, Obama, and Edwards--THE HOE SCHISM.
Posted by: TOMSAIL | August 14, 2007 6:16 PM
Ms. Clinton has my vote for President. I think it is about time that we elected a President who actually reads a book other than comics. She will be on top of health coverage for all and I know that she will promote my favorite agenda - Gay Rights!
Posted by: John D | August 14, 2007 6:21 PM
Stay The Course, Commander Guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aP9kEConB8&mode=related&search=
Posted by: John E | August 14, 2007 6:26 PM
There's just no winning with the cheneybush regime - literally!
Calling them on their lies and failures is unpatriotic - according to them.
Pointing out their lack of personal committment to the military, as evidenced by their own lack of service and the pass their evil spawn gets is unfair - according to them.
Asking pertinent questions about accountability and honesty is outrageous partisan politics - according to them.
Point out that they and their rich friends provide them lives of lavish luxury ... including millions spent at taxpayer expense on the pretense of "security"... and it's negative and unfair - according to them.
Dick Cheney & George Bush are no better than any other baby killers and grandma murderers.
Point out that they've wasted more time on achieving nothing than we did in all of WWII and you're being naive and obstuctionist - according to them.
Terrorism, Iraq, taxes, education, domestic spying, torturing people, murdering babies and grandmothers, politcal subversion of the justice department, ....
nope ... there's just no winning with cheneybush.
Posted by: snalg | August 14, 2007 6:33 PM
As a former (thank goodness) Texas resident, only an idiot clears brush in the summertime in Texas. But then again, who are we talking about here.
Also, considering the king of slime is about to slink off under a rock somewhere, I think it's pretty rich any Republic would have the nerve to accuse anyone of an 'outrageous' ad.
Posted by: weinerdog43 | August 14, 2007 6:34 PM
Just something else to throw on the fire:
You Republic scum think we give you so called humans a hard time here at The Swamp. You have no idea about what we say about you when we don't have to parse our language. Bwa ha ha ha!!!
Posted by: weinerdog43 | August 14, 2007 6:38 PM
The only thing hotter than the temperatures they mention is the bs that comes out of Hillary's mouth. She is right, we are not invisible to her. That is to say, we are not invisible TODAY. AS long as she needs our vote, we will be first and foremost. Then if she wins (God Forbid!!), we will be invisible to her unless she needs us to get something. I think that is what they mean by favors. If she needs a favor, you are visible. If you are just an everyday schmo, she will not care about you one iota. So, while we may be visible to her now, that will end on election day.
Posted by: Rob S | August 14, 2007 5:23 PM
Robby,
That's some real tough talk coming from a guy (you) who voted for a draftdodger (W) twice for Prez.
Posted by: John E | August 14, 2007 6:50 PM
Why in the world is she even mentioning President Bush? She won't be running against him IF (and I say IF)she gets the Presidential Nomination? Oh, by the way, the Arab Nations won't take her seriously because she's a woman. Less in their hierarchy than their animals.
Posted by: Brent Lane | August 14, 2007 6:57 PM
Hey Dana!
You're outrageous, you're unconscionable!.
Posted by: C.Morris | August 14, 2007 7:23 PM
"Why in the world is she even mentioning President Bush? She won't be running against him IF (and I say IF)she gets the Presidential Nomination? Oh, by the way, the Arab Nations won't take her seriously because she's a woman. Less in their hierarchy than their animals.
Posted by: Brent Lane | August 14, 2007 6:57 PM"
Brent,
DId they take G. Meir or M. Thatcher seriously? Or Indira Gandhi. How about Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan?
BTW, the Republics have been running against B. Clinton for years.
Wake up.
Posted by: C.Morris | August 14, 2007 7:28 PM
Mrs. Clinton has my vote...for SCREEEEECHER of the year. Wow, she could win the hog-calling contest at the State Fair hands down. The more she plays commercials of her talking, the
better the GOP's chances look for '08.
Posted by: Hubbard | August 14, 2007 8:08 PM
Why doesn't the commander in chief put his vacation on "stop-loss"? And HIS press flack is screaming about negative ads? That's unconscionable. If you give it, learn to take it.
Posted by: kb | August 14, 2007 8:59 PM
Deputy Press Sec. Dana Perino. One more shining example of the level of loyalty and stupidity in the Bush Admn. So Hillary has the guts to say that the people coming back from Iraq are being ripped off and the Bush elite calls her comments "unconscionable".
Where does idiot prince georgie get this attitude that no one can disagree with him?
Posted by: Mrs. Jesus | August 14, 2007 9:05 PM
Mrs. Blashemy--because no one is Mrs. Jesus--just because Clintonistas say someone in Iraq is being ripped off doesn't mean it's so. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and I don't care if you are Hispanic you need to stop using Jesus name except in praise and worship this has irritated me because no one on the internet knows who you are see I use my real name you could be Dickie Durbin or Chuckie Schumer--if you are ashamed of your name why do you post. Jerry White, Springfield, Il
Posted by: Jerry White | August 14, 2007 9:53 PM
Will someone please come and take away our idiot !
Posted by: Village of Springfield | August 14, 2007 10:16 PM
Could you post your address too Jerry? I have to know where to send the Ignorant Asshat of the Month Award. Congratulations!!
Posted by: George Parsons | August 14, 2007 10:26 PM
Invisible to me? Who? Who's invisible to me? I don't know who you're talking about... all I know is I'm trying to build me a bike trail... oh! soldiers? In Iraq? Well, hmmm... I guess the shoulda weaseled out of any real service like I did, and like my kids're doing...
Posted by: George W Bush | August 14, 2007 10:33 PM
Cheney and his minions, including the President, have no respect for the Constitution, claim they are accountable to no one, created a mess that was as predictable as sunrise when they attacked Iraq, and now feel that they can tell others what is "unconsciounable"..... How would these guys and gals know what is unconsciounable when they have no conscience, when nothing they do is less than brilliant in their own minds, when the truth and accountability is something to be manipulated to protect them from facing the people who elected them? I don't think Hillary or Mitt or any one of the candidates from either party are worthy of our votes or our respect. This is one voter who has lost faith in all of our elected officials. I arrived here honestly after watching them fail us all for the last 7plus years.
Now I watch the people that created this mess with Iraq and created Al Qaeda in Iraq (it wasn't there before), fail to capture Osama Bin Laden, attempt to allow 12 million illegal immigrants to be rewarded for their illegality (much as the President expects to be for his), claim executive privilege anytime they are questioned about anything, censure scientists that don't agree with them, etc...
I am sick and don't believe that anyone will be able to change this slide to the bottom. What a bunch of losers.
Posted by: Nobody Knows | August 14, 2007 10:34 PM
I can't remember the last time I read so much nonsense than the comments on this article. I know soldiers volunteering for their 3rd tour in Iraq because they believe in the work being done over there. Supporting gay rights who cares get to a real issue, everyone knows it is career suicide to try to put through for gay marriage America's morals haven't dipped that low. The most preposterous thing about this article and add is why even campaign about Bush or against him it's the past tell us what you are going to do to fix whatever you think he did wrong or what you are going to do. Stop the BS. Also, get your facts straight it was Clinton who ignored the report on 9/11 stating there could be a possible attack not Bush.
Posted by: Brandon | August 15, 2007 12:24 AM
Mrs. Clinton will never give you the health care Insurance or anything in this area you want. She was suppose to do that when President Clinton was in office. Could it be she decided to wait until she could be voted in to do such a great thing for our country and then be able to say she was responsible for coming up with such a great healthcare plan for everyone? I for one do not beleive her. She has fooled many into thinking she really cares, but not this voter! She is a wolf in sheeps clothing and will say anything to get into office. Don't forget What did President Clinton do for this country? It might be wise for every voter to look at all the canidates and pray there is a good one out there that can bring this country through this difficult time for all of Us!!! We need to pull together and bring back this countries Spirit that has made us the most wonderful place to live in the World with freedoms we have come to take for granted. It is time to make a stand at the polls and everyone vote. Just be careful there are some slippery characters out there running for office and don't forget about those is Congress either! Well there is my two cents.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 15, 2007 12:25 AM
In about a year, a village in Texas will soon get back their idiot.
Posted by: David | August 15, 2007 12:31 AM
hillary ur always the ebst- ur not afraid to say thing that you belive-i belive you i live this country all my life-never seen a govt. like this. republican dont care about american poor-bush only care about iol people ans billionaires.
now peole know you wel hillary ur the ebst woman id ever know u have a gold heart.all ym friend in 5oth statewil vote for you/ again ur the ebst. cand. dem08.president hillary rodham clinton- first woman president of the united state of america.
Posted by: priscela | August 15, 2007 1:52 AM
Dont'cha just love how these forums bring out the whiners and conspiracy theorists. Everybody has an opinion (like a lot of other things that every body has), but no one seems to have a solution. Just a lot of "Yeah, what s/he said!"
Posted by: pcs | August 15, 2007 2:04 AM
all clintons lie.
I am so glad liberals are in such pain.
Bush is president for another year and four months. Love it.
no clinton served in the military.
Nor black barack.
nor that sawed off weasel edwards.
Posted by: cameljockey | August 15, 2007 5:04 AM
The best thing the democrats can do for the republican party is to nominate that cow. No way is she ever going to win the presidency.
Posted by: Trick | August 15, 2007 7:46 AM
Jerry Whitebread:
Yes, there are, in the rest of the world's reality, people who have the last name "Jesus." Pick up a copy of the Chicago WHITE Pages phonebook at your local library - - assuming you can read.
Posted by: snalg | August 15, 2007 8:37 AM
Bush was clearing his own ranch? Is it suddenly unfashionable among conservatives in Texas to have illegal Mexican immigrants work the ranch?
Posted by: RomanB | August 15, 2007 9:11 AM
My posts from now on: The opposite of whatever "wisdom" Jerry White espouses and posts. This should save me a lot of time!
Posted by: Tim | August 15, 2007 9:23 AM
We'll try this again.
I love how I was able to post at 6:21 pm Eastern time which makes it 5:21 central time on August 14, especially when I was in a meeting from 4 pm to 5:30 pm and then no computer access until getting home at 9:15 pm. I also love how I wrote such kind thoughts about the Queen B.
Gee, but in reality, I never made that post. Seems like more handiwork from our demented and derangted John E.? Or how about John E.'s twin dt? Or his sister Janet? Or is that Susan, Janet, dear???
Posted by: John D | August 15, 2007 11:31 AM
"You Republic scum think we give you so called humans a hard time here at The Swamp. You have no idea about what we say about you when we don't have to parse our language. Bwa ha ha ha!!!"
We know Weinerdog, which is why many of us have come to the conclusion that you are all very miserable people.
John E.'s posts are great examples.
Posted by: JD | August 15, 2007 11:59 AM
You'll are a bit off base.
We do NOT have a President, and have not since Sep 11, 2001. We are at war and have a Commander in Chief. Until George W Bush recinds or removed the Patriot Act, releases all the Prisoners at Gitmo, or transfers power to a new Commander in Chief (which has happened a few times in the past month), nothing changes.
Due to particular changes via the Patriot Act, we do NOT need to have elections - and elections will be easily thrown (like the last one), unless George W. Bush agrees to transfer power to the new president - which is NOT likely.
We are so screwed by George W Bush, the average person doesn't even realize it...
Over the next 6 months we will be seeing bank crash after bank crash, and unemployment hitting long time highs.
But our Military - whose salaries are WAY above the civilian sector now, will be getting another raise.
What happend when all the GI's return to the USA - guess what people - the jobs are LONG gone, and unemployment goes up again...
Posted by: JD | August 15, 2007 2:08 PM
You'll are a bit off base.
We do NOT have a President, and have not since Sep 11, 2001. We are at war and have a Commander in Chief. Until George W Bush recinds or removed the Patriot Act, releases all the Prisoners at Gitmo, or transfers power to a new Commander in Chief (which has happened a few times in the past month), nothing changes.
Due to particular changes via the Patriot Act, we do NOT need to have elections - and elections will be easily thrown (like the last one), unless George W. Bush agrees to transfer power to the new president - which is NOT likely.
We are so screwed by George W Bush, the average person doesn't even realize it...
Over the next 6 months we will be seeing bank crash after bank crash, and unemployment hitting long time highs.
But our Military - whose salaries are WAY above the civilian sector now, will be getting another raise.
What happend when all the GI's return to the USA - guess what people - the jobs are LONG gone, and unemployment goes up again...
Posted by: JD | August 15, 2007 2:08 PM
Jennifer,
You clearly know absolutely nothing about Hillary Clinton's healthcare push during Bill Clinton's presidency and have done absolutely no research concerning the process.
Please don't post comments, as you are making yourself look extremely stupid (unless, for some reason, that is your goal).
Posted by: Jennifer | August 15, 2007 2:13 PM
Mrs. Clinton has my vote...for SCREEEEECHER of the year. Wow, she could win the hog-calling contest at the State Fair hands down. The more she plays commercials of her talking, the
better the GOP's chances look for '08.
Posted by: Hubbard | August 14, 2007 8:08 PM
Because, voice quality IS the most important issue facing voters today.
Posted by: chimpymcflightsuit's navigator | August 15, 2007 3:19 PM
You all need to get a job.
Posted by: FAHQ | August 15, 2007 4:34 PM
Please excuse Jerry from participating in the exercise. He suffers from mild retardation. Thanks, Jerry's Mom
Posted by: Jerry's Mom | August 15, 2007 4:35 PM
Please excuse Jerry from participating in the exercise. He suffers from mild retardation. Thanks, Jerry's Mom
Posted by: Jerry's Mom | August 15, 2007 4:35 PM
Mild?
Posted by: Rick/Sneads Ferry, NC | August 15, 2007 7:23 PM
Mrs. Blashemy--because no one is Mrs. Jesus--just because Clintonistas say someone in Iraq is being ripped off doesn't mean it's so. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and I don't care if you are Hispanic you need to stop using Jesus name except in praise and worship this has irritated me because no one on the internet knows who you are see I use my real name you could be Dickie Durbin or Chuckie Schumer--if you are ashamed of your name why do you post. Jerry White, Springfield, Il
Posted by: Jerry White | August 14, 2007 9:53 PM
Hey Genius! No one on the internet knows who you are either. That's the cool thing about anonymity. Jerry, I never reply to you because I just simply think you're so monumentally stupid that you're not worth a keystroke. The people being ripped off are the American soldiers fighting in Iraq, and the Iraqi civilians. As for using your real name; Ummmhh, You really can't see how stupid that is, can you? And, not that it's any of your business, but Mrs. Jesus, IS my name. I hope you don't PO someone who wants to come looking for you. You're probably listed in the phone book, too. And for your moralizing lecture, you know what you can PUT and where you can put it.
Posted by: Mrs. Jesus | August 15, 2007 11:41 PM