From today's WaPo via the Spanish Daily El Pais, this lengthy gem of an encuentra between Dear Leader and former Spanish PM Aznar in 2003, prior to the invasion of Iraq. In itself, the exchange between the two leaders reveals precious little that we didn't already know---that the fix was in long before the invasion occurred, that war could've been avoided, and easily---but what leaps out from the story are these anecdotal examples of our Commander-in-Chief's, uhh, inimitable social skills:
Bush expressed anger and irritation at those governments that disagreed with him, warning that they would pay a price. He directed particular scorn toward then-French President Jacques Chirac, one of the most public opponents of invasion, saying Chirac "sees himself as Mr. Arab."
Well, at least he didn't call the guy "Mr. Raghead." Later, we see a stellar example of proto-Concern Trollery in action:
Bush said that Europeans were insensitive to "the suffering that Saddam Hussein has inflicted on the Iraqis" and added: "Maybe it's because he's dark-skinned, far away and Muslim---a lot of Europeans think he's okay."
Followed by a discourse on the virtues of bilateral diplomacy:
But Bush was happy to play the "bad cop," he said. "The more the Europeans attack me, the stronger I am in the United States."
Good way to justify your contempt for Mr. Arab, too. Later, Dear Leader waxes eloquent on the art of friendly persuasion:
Bush agreed to continue trying to persuade Security Council members, saying that "countries like Mexico, Chile, Angola and Cameroon ought to know that the security of the United States is at stake. [Chilean President Ricardo] Lagos ought to know that the Free Trade Agreement with Chile is waiting for Senate confirmation and that a negative attitude on this could endanger ratification."Angola is getting money from the Millennium Account, and those agreements could also be in danger if they don't show themselves to be favorable. And [Russian President Vladimir] Putin ought to know that his attitude is endangering relations" with Washington.
George, how could you? That's soul brutha Pootie we're talkin' bout!
Near the end of the discussion, when asked by Aznar if it were possible that Saddam Hussein might be allowed to go into voluntary exile, and thus prevent war:
"Yes, it's possible," Bush responded. "It's also possible he could be assassinated." In any case, Bush said there would be "no guarantee" for Hussein. "He's a thief, a terrorist, and a war criminal. Compared to Saddam, [former Yugoslav President Slobodan] Milosevic would be Mother Theresa."
Actually, he'd still be Slobodan Milosevic. But hey, why split hairs when the C-in-C knows, truly knows, the fate and destiny of nations?
"The only thing that worries me is your optimism," Aznar sad."I'm optimistic because I believe I'm right," Bush replied. "I'm at peace with myself."
Sigh. What's left to explain about this thuggish and sociopathic pervert that the 29-percenters still can't understand?
---Vitelius
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