GWB: I would have endorsed Obama if asked

[Ravenman]

This cracks me up. Granted, it’s from a reputable British newspaper, which in my book means that the characters involved in the story are not completely fictional (although their purported actions may be), but this still gives me a chuckle:

So some British dignitaries are visiting George Bush in the Oval Office. The 2008 election comes up, and then this happens:

Trying to be even-handed and polite, the Brits said something diplomatic about McCain’s campaign, expecting Bush to express some warm words of support for the Republican candidate.

Not a chance. “I probably won’t even vote for the guy,” Bush told the group, according to two people present.“I had to endorse him. But I’d have endorsed Obama if they’d asked me.”

Link.

I see the Republican strategy now: GWB will endorse Obama in 2012, in an attempt to push the “Barack is the same as Bush” meme.

No real debate here, just an interesting story.

[Sattua]

I’m starting to feel sort of fond of Dubya, now that the power is out of his hands. Sort of in the same way I feel fond of Michael Scott from The Office. He’s got a lot of flaws, but in some ways he’s just a well-meaning guy who was promoted past his level of competence.

[Robot_Arm]

“I had to endorse him. But I’d have endorsed Obama if they’d asked me.”

I’ve got two problems with that statement.

1. Who says you “had to” endorse McCain? You’re the President, and you will probably never run for another elected office ever again. If that doesn’t put you in a position to speak your mind, then you never were.

2. Who is “they”? Bush’s popularity was so low, maybe he expected McCain to ask him to endorse Obama. Might have been just what McCain’s mavericky image needed.

[Inigo_Montoya]

@Sattua

I’m starting to feel sort of fond of Dubya, now that the power is out of his hands. Sort of in the same way I feel fond of Michael Scott from The Office. He’s got a lot of flaws, but in some ways he’s just a well-meaning guy who was promoted past his level of competence.

Sort of like how you’d feel fond of bumbling Denethor after he tried to set his kid on fire because he’d gotten bad information from The Dark Lord? Nah. Just because you’re too weak to lead effectively doesn’t mean you get a pass for the destruction that arises from your leadership. George III is all cuddly, but he had to know Cheney was pulling the strings. He chose not to fire him, and he chose him as VP for the second term–not much different from having a bad dog that always bites the neighbors and you still do nothing about it.

[raspberry_hunter]

Oh come on, you’re comparing Bush to Denethor? I always thought of him more as… maybe Barliman Butterbur? Actually, I like the Michael Scott comparison. I do rather feel fond of Michael Scott, even though I think working for him would be like beating my head against the wall.

[Inigo_Montoya]

Butterbur…Hm. Not unfair. Touche’

[Knorf]

@raspberry_hunter

Oh come on, you’re comparing Bush to Denethor? I always thought of him more as… maybe Barliman Butterbur? Actually, I like the Michael Scott comparison. I do rather feel fond of Michael Scott, even though I think working for him would be like beating my head against the wall.

Seriously, for most of his reign Denethor was an authoritative and powerful leader who kowtowed to no one. Until he started abusing his palantír, that is.

Eärnur would be a better comparison, except that Bush was slightly luckier.

[joebuck20]

He’s now denying it:

Bush Denies Wanting to Endorse Obama

My guess is if he did say it, it was probably in jest.

[VinylTurnip]

Or as a threat.

[Voyager]

@Robot_Arm

“I had to endorse him. But I’d have endorsed Obama if they’d asked me.”

I’ve got two problems with that statement.

1. Who says you “had to” endorse McCain? You’re the President, and you will probably never run for another elected office ever again. If that doesn’t put you in a position to speak your mind, then you never were.

No way. Cheney has a gun, remember.