# Bush's Back Bulge: Tinfoil hat, or shenanigans? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 8, 2004, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184 "2004-10-08T12:45:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2004, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/121 "2004-10-13T23:27:53Z")
I saw a Tv segment today where the tape was turned over to a forensic scientist who spent the last few days examining the bulge in question in and attempt to determine what it was. After careful analysis the scientist was able to determine conclusively what the bulge is. It’s called a “spine.” One may note that in photographs, Kerry does not display one. The three pages of confused hypothesis from the liberal cognescenti that we’ve seen in this thread are doubtless due to their lack of acquaintance with anything resembling said “Spine.” Not posessing the anatomical artifact themselves, they fail to recognize it in others. Probably, this is the first case of political philosophy affecting physiognimy to such a startling degree. (Sorry, but if you are going to set them up for me that well, what do you expect me to do?) ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2004, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/122 "2004-10-13T23:36:17Z")
**Scylla:** _Sorry, but if you are going to set them up for me that well, what do you expect me to do?_ Actually, it would have been funnier without you aw-shucksing about it. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2004, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/123 "2004-10-13T23:43:31Z")
> [@keeper0](#): > > Here is a link to the [Crawford picture](http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/08/images/20020809-1_ranch8-515h.html) that doesn’t require a subscription. :eek: Bush is a Klingon! Anybody have a tribble? ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2004, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/124 "2004-10-13T23:44:55Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > I saw a Tv segment today where the tape was turned over to a forensic scientist who spent the last few days examining the bulge in question in and attempt to determine what it was. > > After careful analysis the scientist was able to determine conclusively what the bulge is. > > It’s called a “spine.” > > One may note that in photographs, Kerry does not display one. > > The three pages of confused hypothesis from the liberal cognescenti that we’ve seen in this thread are doubtless due to their lack of acquaintance with anything resembling said “Spine.” Not posessing the anatomical artifact themselves, they fail to recognize it in others. Probably, this is the first case of political philosophy affecting physiognimy to such a startling degree. > > (Sorry, but if you are going to set them up for me that well, what do you expect me to do?) Well, first I’d expect you to know that those who lack something are _more_ likely to recognize it in others. Now if said liberal had been around conservatives all his/her life, that liberal might honestly not know what a spine looks like. Where did you get the idea that all these posters were liberals? What show was that, anyway? You’re “whooshing” us, aren’t you? ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2004, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/125 "2004-10-13T23:45:39Z")
President Bush: Good day, shopkeep. I require a hand-operated buzzsaw capable of cutting through a human sternum. It’s for a school project. I’m some sort of student sent here for…oh blast, what the devil do they study…uh, Latin class. Jim Lehrer: Mr President I don’t see what this has to do with nuclear armament in Iran. President Bush: Now look here you gord-bellied codpiece. Allow me to purchase the provisions I demand or I shall transform your blue collar into a red one, and…who the duece are you?? NO I don’t have any spare change. Where the hell would I keep it, in my diaper?? Now get out of here you hobo! Oh bloody hell, is this thing still on ---
**Author:** ![Brutus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Brutus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brutus)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2004, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/126 "2004-10-13T23:51:38Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > I think _some_ conservative voters might react negatively to Bush wearing armor under those conditions. Especially if Kerry wasn’t. The President is wearing his IIIA vest when out there; you could see the occasional outline during the last debates. The stuff the troops wear, [Interceptor](http://www.pointblankarmor.com/interceptor.asp) armor, is bulkier because it has ammunition pouches, attachment points, and with plates, is actually above IIIA in protection. [Concealable IIIA vests are certainly available to us mere civilians,](http://www.securityprousa.com/gopromaxii.html) and the President gets the good stuff. (Though I doubt anyone knows for sure precisely what make and model he uses.) But more to the point: What? Why would ‘some’ conservative voters react negatively to the President wearing a vest? Sense no makes! ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2004, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/127 "2004-10-13T23:55:24Z")
> [@keeper0](#): > > Here is a link to the [Crawford picture](http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/08/images/20020809-1_ranch8-515h.html) that doesn’t require a subscription. > > I cannot find a public version of the other picture, but if someone else can that would be appreciated. Look carefully. You can see part of the bush across the way right through Bush’s rear view mirror. I think some sort of electronic interferrence renders the mirror glass invisible. Hmmm… ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/128 "2004-10-14T00:06:27Z")
> [@Brutus](#): > > The President is wearing his IIIA vest when out there; you could see the occasional outline during the last debates. The stuff the troops wear, [Interceptor](http://www.pointblankarmor.com/interceptor.asp) armor, is bulkier because it has ammunition pouches, attachment points, and with plates, is actually above IIIA in protection. [Concealable IIIA vests are certainly available to us mere civilians,](http://www.securityprousa.com/gopromaxii.html) and the President gets the good stuff. (Though I doubt anyone knows for sure precisely what make and model he uses.) > > But more to the point: What? Why would ‘some’ conservative voters react negatively to the President wearing a vest? Sense no makes! I don’t know. Conservatives are always talking about “spine” and such. They _were_ at a secure place, and Kerry wasn’t wearing armor (no bulge). Wouldn’t that make Bush seem a little sissified compared to Kerry? I’m certainly no expert on machismo, though. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/129 "2004-10-14T00:11:17Z")
**Brutus:** _What? Why would ‘some’ conservative voters react negatively to the President wearing a vest?_ Because it makes him look like more of a fraidy-cat than Kerry. Personally, I don’t care what choices either candidate makes about bulletproof underwear, but some people think that taking precautions is somehow wimpy. ---
**Author:** ![harmless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/2acd7d/32.png) [@harmless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmless)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/130 "2004-10-14T14:22:56Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > Space raccoons! Nope, that’s still just the president. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![a35362](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@a35362](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a35362)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/131 "2004-10-14T14:32:18Z")
What’s the point in Bush wearing body armor if his _head_ is not protected? ---
**Author:** ![Tigers2B1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9fc29f/32.png) [@Tigers2B1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tigers2B1)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/132 "2004-10-14T14:32:43Z")
What the hell was that gibbosity on Kerry’s face? ---
**Author:** ![Tigers2B1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9fc29f/32.png) [@Tigers2B1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tigers2B1)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/133 "2004-10-14T14:33:57Z")
> [@a35362](#): > > What’s the point in Bush wearing body armor if his _head_ is not protected? Good point, they should have put body armor on his head for the debates. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/134 "2004-10-14T14:50:41Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > The three pages of confused hypothesis from the liberal cognescenti that we’ve seen in this thread are doubtless due to their lack of acquaintance with anything resembling said “Spine.” Actually, I think the confusion is because liberal spines are connected to their heads. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/135 "2004-10-14T15:26:59Z")
> [@a35362](#): > > What’s the point in Bush wearing body armor if his _head_ is not protected? It’s hard to damage solid oak, m’boy. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![keeper0](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@keeper0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keeper0)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/136 "2004-10-14T15:44:49Z")
> [@a35362](#): > > What’s the point in Bush wearing body armor if his _head_ is not protected? I am not an expert on this, but it seems that armoring the torso is the first priority in safety. Most cops on the beat wear chest protection, but don’t wear helmets unless they know there will be action. I suspect the reasons for this are two-fold. One, a trained marksman usually aims for the body since it is a larger and more steady target. Two, the human skull is a tough structure and more resistant to a _glancing_ blow than the chest area. (Obviously, a direct hit to the head is devastating.) But reason one only works if the marksman is not aware of the armor on the chest. Which is why it makes sense for the Secret Service to not want to confirm its existence. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/137 "2004-10-14T16:12:29Z")
IF the device were a radio receiver, then how pray tell did the sound get to his ear? If by wire, there were no wires visible. If by a radio signal, why on earth would you beam a radio signal from the outside to a receiver on his back, only to relay the signal to a receiver in his ear? If his equipment men have the budget, surely they could design an undetectable ear piece that could be broadcast to directly from the outside with no need for a receiver/antenna/transmitter on his back. I think John Edwards was right “It’s his battery.” ---
**Author:** ![Grossbottom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ba8739/32.png) [@Grossbottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grossbottom)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/138 "2004-10-14T16:22:13Z")
It’s nothing. Or if it is something, Kerry can tell you, since he patted George Bush on the back before the debate started. I remember it clearly, since I’m voting for Kerry, and I commented, “Great, I’m voting for a back-slapper. Swell.” He patted him right between the shoulder blades or slightly below. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/139 "2004-10-14T16:23:35Z")
> [@Grossbottom](#): > > He patted him right between the shoulder blades or slightly below. That must be how the “Kick me” sign got there. Good times, good times… ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184/140 "2004-10-14T17:39:43Z")
> [@a35362](#): > > What’s the point in Bush wearing body armor if his _head_ is not protected? Well, it’s not a vital organ. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge-tinfoil-hat-or-shenanigans/268184.md?page=8)