Media uncritically reported Bush's false suggestion that Powell letter compared "the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorist tactics of extremists"
SUMMARY: Numerous print and television outlets uncritically reported President Bush's response to a reporter's question about a letter by former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, in which Powell argued that "[t]he world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism." Bush stated: "If there's any comparison between the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorist tactics of extremists, it's flawed logic. I simply can't accept that." In fact, neither the question nor Powell's letter made any such comparison.
Following President Bush's September 15 press conference covering, among other subjects, the administration's interrogation policies, numerous print and television outlets -- including the Associated Press, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and McClatchy Newspapers, as well as the September 15 broadcasts of NBC's Nightly News and the CBS Evening News -- uncritically reported Bush's reaction to a letter to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) by former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, in which Powell argued that "[t]he world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism." Responding to a reporter's question regarding Powell's letter, Bush stated: "If there's any comparison between the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorist tactics of extremists, it's flawed logic. I simply can't accept that." In fact, neither the question nor Powell's letter made any such comparison.
In contrast, The Washington Post and an online article by CBS -- which was not broadcast on CBS Evening News -- noted that Bush's response did not address the content of Powell's letter. Also, noting Bush's non-responsive response (though overstating Bush's mischaracterization of Powell's letter), ABC News national correspondent Sam Donaldson said on the September 17 edition of ABC's This Week that had he had the opportunity to ask Bush about Powell's letter, his follow-up question would have been: "Sir, are you saying that Colin Powell -- and you almost said in so many words -- cares more about the terrorists and believes they have the high moral ground rather than the United States. Is that the way you read the pure words of his letter, sir?"
As Media Matters for America noted, the first question to Bush during the September 15 press conference came from Associated Press White House correspondent Terence Hunt, who asked: "If a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former secretary of state feels this way, don't you think that Americans and the rest of the world are beginning to wonder whether you're following a flawed strategy?" Bush responded: "If there's any comparison between the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorist tactics of extremists, it's flawed logic. I simply can't accept that."
As Media Matters noted, following Bush's answer, Hunt asked, "Can I follow up?" to which Bush answered, "No, you can't," before moving on to Reuters reporter Steve Holland. None of the subsequent questioners pointed out that Bush had answered a different question from the one Hunt asked.
In fact, Powell's letter did not compare "the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorist tactics of extremists," or assert that the "behavior of the United States" is on par with the "action of Islamic extremists who kill innocent women and children," as Bush suggested. Powell's letter actually asserted that the administration's handling of the threat of terrorism -- and more recently its position on the treatment of detained terrorism suspects -- has tarnished the nation's image worldwide and led many across the globe to question the "moral basis" for these policies.
Nonetheless, numerous reports on Bush's press conference uncritically reported his response to the question about Powell's letter. For example:
- A September 15 report by AP's Terence Hunt:
Bush took vehement exception when asked about Powell's assertion that the world might doubt the moral basis of the fight against terror if lawmakers went along with the administration's proposal to come up with a U.S. interpretation of the Geneva Convention's ban on "outrages upon personal dignity."
"If there's any comparison between the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorist tactics of extremists, it's flawed logic," Bush said. "It's just I simply can't accept that."
Growing animated, he said, "It's unacceptable to think that there's any kind of comparison between the behavior of the United States of America and the action of Islamic extremists who kill innocent women and children to achieve an objective."
- A September 15 article by McClatchy Newspapers reporter Ron Hutcheson:
The president bristled when he was asked about Powell's comment Thursday that "the world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism."
"That's flawed -- flawed logic," he said. "It's unacceptable to think that there's any kind of comparison between the behavior of the United States of America and the action of Islamic extremists who kill innocent women and children to achieve an objective."
- A September 15 report by NBC News chief White House correspondent David Gregory on NBC's Nightly News:
GREGORY: And Mr. Bush shot back at his former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who criticized the White House in a letter yesterday, writing, quote, "The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism."
BUSH [video clip]: It's unacceptable to think that there's any kind of comparison between the behavior of the United States of America and the action of Islamic extremists who kill innocent women and children in an understand -- to achieve an objective.
GREGORY: But key Republicans in the Senate object to the White House's attempt to reinterpret the Geneva Conventions, which set the rules for the treatment of prisoners. The fear that other countries like Iran or North Korea could turn the tables on the U.S., interpret the Geneva Conventions as they see fit and torture U.S. military personnel.
- A September 15 report by CBS News correspondent Jim Axelrod on CBS Evening News:
AXELROD: But a chorus of critics has emerged, led by Republican Senator John McCain that says adding to the Geneva Conventions in any way sets a dangerous precedent, allowing other countries to make their own rules for treating American POWs. When asked about his former secretary of state Colin Powell's statement, "The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism," the president disagreed sharply.
BUSH [video clip]: If there's any comparison between the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorist tactics of extremists, it's flawed logic. It's just -- it's just -- I simply can't accept that. It's unacceptable to think.
AXELROD: If the president was trying to get everybody back in line today, he didn't. Late this afternoon, Senator McCain said there is nothing in his bill that would require the CIA interrogation program to be shut down. So, Katie [Couric, anchor], President Bush is now locked in a dispute about how to handle prisoners of war with America's best-known prisoner of war and a Republican at that.
- A September 16 article by reporters Jim Rutenberg and Sheryl Gay Stolberg in The New York Times:
He [Bush] also discounted an argument made in a letter from Mr. Powell that his plan would encourage the world to "doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism."
Asked about that analysis, Mr. Bush said, "If there's any comparison between the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorist tactics of extremists, it's flawed logic."
- A September 16 article by staff writers James Gerstenzang and Noam N. Levey in the Los Angeles Times:
Also backing the Republican dissidents is Colin L. Powell, Bush's former secretary of State, who is also a retired general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell, in a letter to McCain opposing Bush's approach, issued a broad caution that "the world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism."
Asked whether Powell's letter suggested that Americans were wondering whether the president's strategy was flawed, Bush responded: "If there's any comparison between the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorists' tactics of extremists, it's flawed logic."
In contrast, a September 16 Washington Post article by staff writer Peter Baker, after noting Bush's response, reported that it came "even though Powell's letter made no such comparison":
Joining McCain and the other Republicans this week was former secretary of state Colin L. Powell, who wrote in a letter that reinterpreting the Geneva Conventions would encourage other countries to "doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism."
Bush bristled at the criticism from his former top diplomat yesterday, calling it "flawed logic" and accusing Powell of equating U.S. tactics with those of terrorists, even though Powell's letter made no such comparison. "It's unacceptable to think that there's any kind of comparison between the behavior of the United States of America and the action of Islamic extremists who kill innocent women and children," Bush said.
Similarly, in his September 15 online "reporter's notebook," CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller noted that "Powell never made such a comparison in his letter, but Mr. Bush was adamant."
Responding to a question from host George Stephanopoulos about what he would have asked as a follow-up, on the September 17 edition of ABC's This Week, Donaldson said:
DONALDSON: I'll tell you, though, one thing. In watching the show this morning -- the two interviews you did -- and then watching the president last Friday, Stephen Hadley made a reasoned, calm, I thought rather impressive case of his point of view, the national security adviser. George W. Bush on Friday threw fits. First, starting against Colin Powell, another great, popular American, and trying to make it appear that Colin Powell thought more about the terrorists' morality than the Americans'. Poppycock. Absurd. And then saying, "It's my way or the highway. I'll shut down the program."
STEPHANOPOULOS: Sam, there's no one better to ask, because I was upset by that too. And Senator McCain didn't bite on that equation about Al Qaeda and American. But if you were at that press conference at the White House, what would have been the follow-up?
DONALDSON: Well the follow-up is just that: "Sir, are you saying that Colin Powell -- and you almost said in so many words -- cares more about the terrorists and believes they have the high moral ground rather than the United States? Is that the way you read the pure words of his letter, sir? Could someone read them to you? Now, I wouldn't have been that rude, but the point is ...
know about war? Don't they get it yet?
"they" are evil.
"We" are good.
In a world without grey areas, any questioning of ANY action by the U.S. naturally turns things around 180 degrees, making us evil, them good.
According to the pathetically low standards the right wing holds our country to, all we need to do is be slightly better than those who videotape beheadings, and we have the moral high ground.
As long as them America-haters don't try to raise the bar.
Which is actually NOT rude at all.
that's why they complain that the democrats don't offer an alternative, but when an alternative is offered, like jack murtha did, they portray that person as a "coward", helping al qaeda, hitler appeaser, with the terrorists.....everything but calling you a traitor. wait.....they do that too.
As noted in the 9/16/06 New York Times, President Bush claims that Republicans who disagree with him (McClain, Powell, et al) are putting the Nation at risk. His actions tell me that the opposite is true. A president who says “it’s my way or no way”, does not listen to the most experienced and credible members of our government, who have more knowledge and experience in the issue at hand than he does, is a danger to our country.
The presidents fear mongering is working in ways he did not expect. His unilateral decision to lead us into an unnecessary and untenable war, his willingness to violate and undermine our constitution to suit his goals and bypass international law is terrifying. He does not answer questions directly; his responses are often a repetition of political rhetoric. He is routinely rude, insulting and non responsive to reporters. The Fourth Estate is rapidly eroding on his watch and by his example.
Ben Franklin said, “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety,” President Bush would have us trust him with our liberty, our constitution and our relationship with international allies so he can make sure the bad guys don’t “kill our families”. His way is not the best way to protect our country or to defeat terrorism.
And the press seems to be collectively like the Bill Murray character in 'Groundhog Day.' No matter was GWB has said before, no matter how many times the same tired strategies are employed (fearmongering, etc.), the press reports GWB as if he were having his first "tough-talk" news conference. It's maddening.
Ha ha ha Imagine Duhbya criticizing someone's logic. He doesn't even know the meaning of the term. Who put this moron in office?
That would be the approximate 46 million fools who like to be told what to think...
That would be the Supreme Court.
anything different from this Administration? They are the true interpretation of "flawed logic". And I am not so sure it is logic. This "war of forever" is the only "flawed logic" I can see.
To believe that we can fight and fight and fight is just plain stupid. We must defend ourselves but also try every means possible to find a talking point to begin a dialogue. With the Cheney gang in power, it can never happen. It does not suit his needs.
Why would this President play into the hands of the terrorists by changing International Law(Geneva Conv.) to suit our needs? This is assinine. And those who back it real asses. I believe that they are trying to protect their own asses because the gig is up on the torture jails, etc. And for going after Colin Powell, it was only a matter of time before he is further discredited. He is responsible for his own deceptions concerning Iraq but how dare he speak out against this mob. Mr. Powell, it is time to come clean because Rove is waiting to bury you. Be the true American that you seem to be and let open Pandora's box. We other true Americans deserve it.
Like the response discussed here, Duhhbya's responses to other questions at that press conference caused me to conjure up a little comparison of my own.
A typical Bush response is the product of a world view from the Holy Roman Empire, the speech impediment of Norm Crosby (World Champion slip-talker) and the logic of Homer Simpson.
Except I’ve never heard Duhhbya say “Doh!” (in public).
If Puddinhead George really thought that the United States were in such grave peril, his first course of action would be to rescend the tax cuts for his fellow billionaires, then use the money to build a larger army. He would also initiate a draft, since Iraq has apparently exhausted our supply of manpower.
But, that would hurt the Republicans politically, so it ain't gonna happen.
to take his waterboard and go home?
I'm not seeing a downside to this.
Isn't this the speech in which Dubyah makes reference to "Kalaik" Sheik Mohammed?
Sorry -- I guess I have overexposed myself to the Bush b.s. this weekend -- we are , of course, talking about th enews conference, not his little "speech."
The insistence by the president that he has answered the question - when it is patently obvious he has not - is another example of a president gone power crazy.
Nineteenth century politician and philospher Lord Acton's comment that "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" is really ringing true for this idiot. With a rubber stamping congress, a sympathetic court and a passive media (comparatively!), hopefully we'll survive the next two and one half years of DubyMF
they have started to eat their own. I would say I am disappointed in the administration but I always am.
I don't really get the point of this item. Powell was clearly saying that if we follow Bush's path in trying terror suspects, then the world will question our moral basis - as the world is doing now.
Bush responded by saying he thinks that no matter what we do, we're still morally superior to the terrorists. You may disagree with his viewpoint (as I certainly do), but it was not an illogical response.
However - where my jaw drops is when Bush says the following:
"That's flawed -- flawed logic," he said. "It's unacceptable to think that there's any kind of comparison between the behavior of the United States of America and the action of Islamic extremists who kill innocent women and children to achieve an objective."
Doesn't he understand that "kill[ing] innocent women and children to achieve an objective" is EXACTLY what we've been doing for the past 3.5 years?
The whole reason that people opposed going to was against Iraq was not because they wanted Saddam to stay in power, it's because they knew that if you start a war, then innocent people are going to be killed.
Bush and his cohorts clearly made a reasoned calculation that the deaths of innocent people was worth the price of reaching their goal.
If I had been a reporter at the news conference, I think a logical followup would have been: "Mr. President, how do you sleep at night?"
"going to war"
when is MMFA going to bring back the preview function?
A press conference is one of the few opportunities where our President can be directly questioned on his policies and his actions. The President is our elected leader and he works for us. He is paid by us. He is accountable to US. We depend on the rights of our free press to get us the answers and explanations we demand from our leaders.
This press conference and in particular the exchange with David Gregory was a disgusting and outrageous display. This goes far beyond just a simple snub of a reporter asking an uncomfortable question. Friday, our President gave Colin Powell, John McCain and all of America the finger. A four-star general, a decorated former POW, and the people the President works for have all been snubbed.
Every passing day brings new and infuriating reasons to question this President while his responses grow more defiant, desperate and erratic. It’s plain to see this is a leader who is drowning in the failure of his policies and is feeling the heat from those he is accountable to. Is it any wonder why he smirked, "It would be a lot easier if this were a dictatorship, just as long as I'm the dictator."?
btw,
I thought Mr. Spock's highly logical prescribed follow-up question was dead on.
Can the President actually believe that the blood of innocent people is not on our hands too? Or is that just collateral damage? What fool thinks that war is some Manichean struggle? Wars are fought over resources. Ideas are merely the veneer.