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Bush taped using an obscenity at UN

post #1 of 76
7/17/06 at 7:29am
Thread Starter 
Our president has had yet another "embarassing moment". He was discussing how to get Hezbollah to stop violence with PM Blair, and used a four-letter word. They're playing the tape, uncensored, on CNN.

There was a live mic right in front of him, and he was also discussing his strategy, the fact that he disagreed with what Annan was doing, and that he would send Condoleezza Rice over. PM Blair eventually realized that the mic was on and turned it off, but not before the damage had been done.



What do you guys think? Should he have known better than to say the things he said in a room full of other leaders and press? Or was he caught in an embarassing moment?

I don't think he should be using "potty-mouth"(literally, if you know what word it was) words in such a formal setting...
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post #2 of 76
7/17/06 at 7:35am
He and Tony Blair were having a private conversation. I don't think it was a big deal that he used an obscenity. The meeting wasn't in session at that moment and the conversation was not meant for our ears. The word he used wasn't even the worst one out there I personally find it funny. Reporters are so sneaky and I really think there are times when privacy should be respected.
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post #3 of 76
7/17/06 at 7:36am
On the scale of things that aggravate me about Bush, a four-letter word comes in pretty low. Should he have known better? Yeah, probably. But that's just a human moment that happened to have been caught on tape. It's not like he did it in a speech.
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post #4 of 76
7/17/06 at 7:42am
Thread Starter 
I think he shouldn't be using those words in such a setting. If he and Blair were out playing golf or whatever, then he can scream strings of obscenities at the top of his lungs for all I care.

When he is being President, he should behave himself if there is any chance anyone will hear it. It actually bothers me that he was using the word in such a discussion, like that a war could be called "that ". It seemed like it bothered Blair too. When he is not being President, like at home with his family, or on his ranch, or whatever, he can do and say as he pleases. But he was elected to represent all of us, and I don't see any need to help the "Ugly American" stereotype any more.

Although I have to admit it made me giggle. I doubt it will hurt his public opinion numbers, if anything it kind of humanizes him. It almost made me like him, as a person, for about half a second. Then I saw he was chewing with his mouth open. Gross!

(please let's keep the conversation on this to the incident. we all have some very strong opinions on our current president, and I'd hate to have this more light-hearted thread get ruined by it)
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post #5 of 76
7/17/06 at 8:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom
Then I saw he was chewing with his mouth open. Gross!

Maybe he belongs in the rudeness thread... At least he hasn't puked on anyone, like his dad did.
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post #6 of 76
7/17/06 at 8:12am
I believe he was having a private conversation and the tape shouldn't be replayed over and over just because they managed to catch him in a slip up when he didn't realize the mic was on.
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post #7 of 76
7/17/06 at 8:18am
He is human and makes mistakes. I think the media should have enough respect to NOT play this over and over. But they don't and they will. I agree he shouldn't be using this language anywhere near a mic. Maybe he learned his lesson this time and maybe he won't do it again.
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post #8 of 76
7/17/06 at 9:21am
I hope that the President has learned his lesson. As a man of Christ, it is a moral obligation to banish such language from even the mind, as it reflects what is in the heart; I personally know how difficult it is - I struggle with this myself. But a Christian needs to constantly struggle with adhering to a higher standard; what is done in public should reflect what is in the privacy of the heart. Is that harsh - yes, but he made the decision to be a world leader, and the public commitment to advertise his Christianity; he needs to be a SUPERIOR moral example to our young men and boys who seek to keep our God as their personal savior. IMO, the elders of his church should help him address this issue as it is evident how far reaching the ramifications of the President's speech and actions are.
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post #9 of 76
7/17/06 at 9:26am
This is not the first, nor will it be the last time that Bush slips and uses a curse word in a public setting. I watched a video-montage somewhere online a year or so ago and there ar 50 + scenes of Bush either cursing before he thought cameras and sound were rolling, giving whoever is talking to him from behind the camera the finger, etc. Personally, I thinks its funny, because most of us "slip" in our daily lives and it just shows he's human.
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post #10 of 76
7/17/06 at 9:30am
IMO Bush is a stupid idiot that has to rely on any 4 letter words he can muster up because he has a third grade vocabulary.
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post #11 of 76
7/17/06 at 9:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gailuvscats
IMO Bush is a stupid idiot that has to rely on any 4 letter words he can muster up because he has a third grade vocabulary.

and "stupid idiot" isn't?

Can you imagine how incredibly stressed out he is right now? I would agree 100% with those who think he is in the wrong if he would have been speaking publicly, but it appeared that they were either done, or on a break. The conversation was personal.
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post #12 of 76
7/17/06 at 9:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by squirtle
and "stupid idiot" isn't?
Classic.
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post #13 of 76
7/17/06 at 10:06am
[quote=....... but it appeared that they were either done, or on a break. The conversation was personal.[/QUOTE]
And now we know how he REALLY thinks....
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post #14 of 76
7/17/06 at 10:08am
For those who were wondering what he actually said:

Bush expressed his frustration with the United Nations and his disgust with the militant Islamic group and its backers in Syria as he talked to British Prime Minister Tony Blair during the closing lunch at the Group of Eight summit.

"See the irony is that what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this s--- and it's over," Bush told Blair as he chewed on a buttered roll. source AP/Excite


I see nothing wrong with this. I oould be worried if a president didn't swear. I don't see what the big deal is anyways. He frustrated and stressed with the current situation. He said the s-word. So what?
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post #15 of 76
7/17/06 at 10:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by catsknowme
And now we know how he REALLY thinks....

Yes, as a matter of fact he commented saying that what he said in that conversation was no different than the views he has shared with the public. He said he just wouldn't have put it as bluntly.

I am also wondering, since someone has brought up the religious side of things.... Man is not perfect. It is my understanding that christians are able to ask for forgiveness of their sins. It was also my understanding that passing judgement on others and pointing out their wrong doings is a sin in itself, right?
President Bush is human just like the rest of us. I don't understand how some of us are so quick to get upset at things like this. We all mess up on a daily basis... Some of the things going on in the world lately have been bringing curse words out of my mouth, I can see how they would come to his as well.
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post #16 of 76
7/17/06 at 10:17am
Thread Starter 
As any normal person, of course he'll slip up and make mistakes.

To me, part of the job description of being President is being the international spokesperson for the US... and whatever I think of whatever else he does, he does not do a good job of that. Watching the film of it I was struck by how formal and polite Blair was, and how Bush kept chewing with his mouth open, sitting down, not looking at who he was talking to, cursing. If he acts like that everytime he is meeting with another leader, I can't imagine that they don't find him a bit rude, or at least coarse. And he knew he was in public with a room full of cameras. Yes, they were on a break, and yes, he didn't necessarily know that he was being taped.... I've had the same thing happen to me. But some of the stuff he was talking about wasn't even supposed to be public, and he said it right in front of a mic. Pretty much, you should assume any visible microphone is turned on.

It just reminded me of high school, with these two over here talking about other people behind their backs. It isn't so much the single curse word that bothers me as it is the entire demeanor when he is in his role as President. You can't act like you're on a ranch in Texas when you're in St Petersburg at a UN g8 summit representing an entire country. I don't think he realizes that.
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post #17 of 76
7/17/06 at 10:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arg0

I see nothing wrong with this. I oould be worried if a president didn't swear. I don't see what the big deal is anyways. He frustrated and stressed with the current situation. He said the s-word. So what?


I said much worse on my BIL's wedding video when I didn't realize I was being taped.

It is pathetic that this is getting so much media attention when there are so many more important things going on in the world. It's not exactly a slow news day today.
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post #18 of 76
7/17/06 at 10:28am
I actually think his was a very apt description of Hezbollah's actions, and the comments were not meant for public consumption. That Rice may be going to the Middle East is newsworthy, but Bush's use of a four-letter word, especially such a mild one, isn't, IMO.
I'm not a Bush fan in the least, but the way this "story" is being handled is ridiculous. Reagan managed to make some embarrassing comments/jokes in front of an open mike, and LBJ could be extremely crude. Prince Phillipp, consort of a head of state, is renowned for making comments that are far from p.c..
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post #19 of 76
7/17/06 at 10:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by catsknowme
I hope that the President has learned his lesson. As a man of Christ, it is a moral obligation to banish such language from even the mind, as it reflects what is in the heart; I personally know how difficult it is - I struggle with this myself. But a Christian needs to constantly struggle with adhering to a higher standard; what is done in public should reflect what is in the privacy of the heart. Is that harsh - yes, but he made the decision to be a world leader, and the public commitment to advertise his Christianity; he needs to be a SUPERIOR moral example to our young men and boys who seek to keep our God as their personal savior. IMO, the elders of his church should help him address this issue as it is evident how far reaching the ramifications of the President's speech and actions are.
Have you ever heard of separation of church and state?
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post #20 of 76
7/17/06 at 10:33am
Thread Starter 
Well, they should all have known better. It's not a standard I apply only to Bush that I think Presidents should comport themselves professionally and in a way worthy of the office they hold. I've been disappointed by all four Presidents I've witnessed.

Am I wrong in thinking this? I know when they are really in private they shouldn't be expected to act like that, and can do whatever he wants, just like I behave myself very well at work and don't necessarily when I'm not. I have to keep personal opinions to myself even when it's killing me to do so (for instance, a paper I edited on how trees were obnoxious because they're in the way of roads, and it was not a humor piece), I can't curse, I can't eat in front of anyone (I know this particular thing was a lunch). Anyway, if we all have to behave in a certain way at work, why doesn't our President (whoever it may be)?

I had no idea they kept replaying it, I only saw it once. That is stupid. I meant this thread to be a light-hearted break from all the other news we're so concerned about.


Jcat, I totally agree, it is an apt description. And Karen, I was kind of thinking the same thing... he's the leader of a secular state, although he did claim God put him there.
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post #21 of 76
7/17/06 at 10:36am
I found it odder that he was speaking to Blair with his mouth full of food. I did not find offense in his swearing, but his lack of manners put me off.
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post #22 of 76
7/17/06 at 10:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jcat
I actually think his was a very apt description of Hezbollah's actions, and the comments were not meant for public consumption. That Rice may be going to the Middle East is newsworthy, but Bush's use of a four-letter word, especially such a mild one, isn't, IMO.
I'm not a Bush fan in the least, but the way this "story" is being handled is ridiculous. Reagan managed to make some embarrassing comments/jokes in front of an open mike, and LBJ could be extremely crude. Prince Phillipp, consort of a head of state, is renowned for making comments that are far from p.c..
Yup and guess what the #1 news story on CNN is... Bush saying the S-word. STOP THE PRESSES! Guess him saying that word is more important then whats going in the Middle East and the Tsuanmi (sp) that occured.
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post #23 of 76
7/17/06 at 11:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arg0
Yup and guess what the #1 news story on CNN is... Bush saying the S-word. STOP THE PRESSES! Guess him saying that word is more important then whats going in the Middle East and the Tsunami that occurred.
All it does is make CNN look very petty. "Your Administration won't play ball with us, so here's the payback!" I do wonder why the media had access during a "working meal" to take shots of Bush and Blair, Prodi on his cell phone, Merkel gulping food, etc.. Nobody can "keep up appearances" while trying to eat and discuss simultaneously.
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post #24 of 76
7/17/06 at 12:27pm
mm I'm not surprised that Bush would do something like that.

I think that Bush should be a little more concious of what he says around mics and cameras.

I agree with Zissou'smom that he shouldn't be using foul language at those types of functions but who cares if its at his home or ranch or whatever.

To me,his meal manners and foul mouth just proved that Bush is really just an average guy and nothing to special. I can't believe people elected him to run a whole country.


On the note of religion, Bush openly brings in religion into some of his politics, so how is that separting church and state???
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post #25 of 76
7/17/06 at 1:11pm
I never thought I'd find myself defending Bush, but "stuff" happens. He has not only had to deal with crises in the Far East (North Korea) and the Middle East (Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, in addition to the on-going problems in Afghanistan and Iraq), the gas-price increases, just weathered an official visit to an ally with a rather hostile population (Germany), and had to find the right words to deal with the G-8 host (Russia, which still isn't a "true" democracy)...... In this case, I think people should cut him some slack.
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post #26 of 76
7/17/06 at 1:51pm
I did not get personal, I told you what I think of him, and I think that sentiment is shared by many, even those of you who are too embarrassed to admit it. He has proved time and time again that he is woefully inadequate in domestic and foreign policy. He had a huge surplus when he came into office and blew it. He started the war in Iraq under false pretenses. He has taken more vacation than any president in history. He has never vetoed one bill, but swears he will veto stem cell research because it conflicts with HIS religiouis beliefs. He is an insult to scientists and enviormentalists. I can go on and on with his agenda snafus, his lack of respect for the constitiution, and his lack of articulation is just down right embarrasing. He will go down in history as the worst president ever. His approval rating is the lowest of any president since Richard Nixon. Have any of you seen him joking about finding the WMD's at one of his dinners, did you see the dinner where they had a look-a-like mocking him and he went along with it? I don't have to tell you, it is on the news everyday. The excuse that he is just "human" doesn't cut it with me. He is an embarrassment to this country and himself and family. He has no shame and he thinks he is above the constitiution and the will of the people. After all he is an "excercisor" and a "decider". He disgusts me.
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post #27 of 76
7/17/06 at 1:59pm
Thread Starter 
I should have known any thread about the guy would go downhill very quickly.

Gailuvscats, I think you have an excellent vocabulary! And probably stupid idiot was the first thing that came to mind that could be rated G.
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post #28 of 76
7/17/06 at 2:03pm
He should have known better. He should hav known that he his microphone was near him. Always assume it's on.
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post #29 of 76
7/17/06 at 3:24pm
I just think about as if I were out at lunch with other professionals and clients. I would keep my language "business appropriate" as long as I was in earshot of others who may be or become my clients one day. Then in the car, I would probably call my bf or talk with whoever I was riding with and make fun of all the dumb stuff people were doing.

When in a professional setting . . . act professional. Doubley so for events that are taped and recorded. Sure it's a stressful time, but are the other leaders using poor behaviour? Have past presidents managed tough times without using coarse language in the public eye?

I guess I just don't think that it can be so hard to not curse when in a public setting.

~Julia
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post #30 of 76
7/17/06 at 4:04pm
I'm sure glad that I'll never be President. Y'all would HATE me!

It's not like he let a string of profanities rip that would make a Marine blush. He said the S-word. So what? And he's right - what Hezbolah is doing IS s***! I've heard my bosses say worse, and that doesn't impact how much I respect them one bit. They are human. George Bush is human too. You wouldn't want someone who is so pious and pompous to not have emotions in this situation in office.

Think about this - in a fit of an emotional outburst, Howard Dean did the scream heard round the world. He's now in charge of the Democratic party. Kerry threw his medals from Viet Nam (or someone's medals anyway) at the White House to express his emotions about that. Do you think that they are above making a statement like that to someone they have worked closely with for the past 6 years?

What amazes me is that this is such a big story, as others have said too. Seriously - who cares? There is fighting in Israel and Jordan and Gaza, there is fighting in Iraq, there are rumors that the Taliban has taken 2 districts in southern Afghanistan, there was a major earthquake and a tsunami - and Bush saying a minor swear word is the headline? And then we wonder why the US and Americans are seen as self-centered and unconcerned with the rest of the world. It's what is spoon fed to us!
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