Did Sen. Reid Take an Unnecessary Cheap Shot at Pres. Bush?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Obamas have arrived in Washington, and the Bushes are on their way out. The inauguration is just a couple weeks away.
The Bush Administration is, of course, trying to go out on a high note.
But leave it to "Mr. Sensitivity," to throw cold water on that idea. Yesterday on "Meet the Press" Senate Majority leader Harry Reid called President Bush, "the worst president we've ever had." Sort of the pot calling the kettle black, I mean Reid is not exactly a day at the beach himself.
It's not the first time Reid has said stuff like this publicly. In the past he called President Bush "dangerously incompetent." Reid isn't holding back even as President Bush packs his bags to leave town. You wonder why there's so much partisanship and ill will in Washington?
Reid doesn't seem to regret any of his words either. In the interview he said he just calls things the way he sees them. What a charming fellow.
Here’s my question to you: Is Harry Reid calling President Bush, "The worst President we ever had," an unnecessary cheap shot?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Greg from Ontario, Canada writes:
When did we start defining the truth as a "cheap shot"? The Bible may say that Jesus said "judge not yet you be judged" but he wasn't dealing with a George Bush.
John writes:
Reid is being unnecessarily nasty, and while it is serious business, phrasing it like he did is not being as bipartisan as the Democrats need to be to make this administration work.
Brian from Trinidad writes:
It was more of a personal remark than should have come from any Senate Majority leader and yes, it was the cheapest of the cheap shots. But you have to consider the source. Reid is no prize himself, as he has proven since the Democrats took control of the Senate.
Mike from Syracuse, New York writes:
Given that Congress for the last 2 years under Reid and Pelosi's leadership is even less popular than Bush, I'd have to say that he has no standing to complain about Bush. He is also undercutting the message Obama is trying to send of bipartisanship. Reid needs to go!
Eileen from Peabody, Massachusetts writes:
Yes it is. Does he think his comment is some kind of epiphany? We all know the facts, and he should show some semblance of courtesy to keep his mouth shut. What I do foresee here is that President-elect Obama is going to have his biggest fight with the likes of Reid if he intends to change politics as usual.
Ken from Stratford, Connecticut writes:
If the shoe fits, fling it. History, no matter how hard he's been trying to change it, redact from it, spin it or sell it, will not be kind to George W. Bush. He will go down in history as the worst President America has ever had, and we've had some beauts!
Lois from Canada writes:
Yes it was, and who does he think he's talking to? It's insulting to average minded people to assume we all didn't know this already!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
No. Sometimes truth has to be told even if it seems not nice. I think over 75% people in this country would agree on his assesment of President Bush. Reaffirming that truth on "Meet the Press" was not necessary but I do not believe it is a cheap shot either. Wait a while and see how many would write books on this topic.
Nuwan from Houston, TX
I don't believe Reid took a cheap shot at Bush, the criminal acts & general incompetence of this administration need to be repeatedly hammered home to counteract the Bush attempt to rewrite history & improve his legacy. The problem is that Reid should have been shouting this for the last 8 years instead of rolling over & giving Bush what he wanted on all the important issues. The timing of this makes one wonder if Reid is trying to do a little rewriting of history on his OWN behalf
Fred F
Melbourne, Fl
Reid was asked a cheap shot question and he gave an honest answer. It would be a cheap shot if he brought it up without being asked.
There are no cheap shots at Bush, he has earned them all fair and square.
Tom in WA
This little sleaze of a man, who claimed victory for Al Queda in Iraq before they did, has a lot of nerve for his small stature. The worst President we ever had was a democrat and if you can’t think of his name, it was the peanut farmer, Jimmy “keep our hostages” Carter. Harry Reid is a disgrace, not only to the democrat party and America, but to the human race.
(sorry – corrected spelling errors)
Happy New Year, Jack. Absolutely it was a cheap shot but more importantly, it was a complete unnecessary shot. Reid, a not long for office senator, need not say anything negative about Bush's presidency. The entire world is well aware that he is the worst president this country has ever seen. It does not have to be stated publicly. It is old news and Reid should move on. Way, way on. Like into obscurity along with Bush. I know this might be a cheap shot but what the hell. If our "leaders" can do it, so can I.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
Jack,
It is the truth, is it not? If I had a crystal ball on January 21st 2001 describing our current state of affairs and the winning lotto number for that weekend, I would have not bought the ticket thinking the ball was wrong; that is how bad this guy is. Anyways, only Bush's father seems to care, from that point of view it may seem mean to bother an old man.
Jack,
Harry Reid can take deserved but cheap shots at Bush but it seems he can't muster the courage to call out Republican senators who obstruct good legislation through the filibuster. I wish President Obama would push to get a Senate Majority Leader who could lead.
He only speaks the truth.....
Jack,
If the shoe fits, then wear it! Seems someone in Iraq wanted him to wear his!!
Sen. Reid is dead on correct with that comment. Not only is Bush the worst U.S. President ever but with time we will learn about even more serious things that occurred during his tenure (especially during the lead up to the Iraq invasion). I still think the invasion was a lot more than was necessary to remove Saddam, but Bush and his gang members saw a chance to make a lot of money from the situation. And, never mind that it would cost the lives of thousands of Americans.
Jack
What cheap shot? Isn't Congress and this Administration all about taking cheap shots at those of us who pay the bills and have to live with the consequences of their actions?
Matt
Rockford
Cheap shot or not, he's probably more right on this than he's been on anything.
Maybe he's a lot like most of us old folks . . . whatever pops in his head; flies out of his mouth.
I don't think he's the worsed but, he's in the top 5. The economy didn't completely crash like the 1930's. It's just Bush obviously didn't have a hearing ad in and couldn't hear the American public and cheney well, you know about that guy I think chaney is the worse V.P. ever.
No.... the truth in his remark is quite apparent.
Reid's statements were about as remarkable as saying "the sky is blue" or "water is wet." I don't see the harm in reminding the world what a disaster we're saying goodbye to.
Boise, ID
Jack,
Harry Reid's criticism of President Bush's legacy was totally unnecessary, definitely a cheap shot, but in all candor, that indelibly sharp-pointed remark hit the bulls-eye! After all, he is just stating the obvious, which most of us already believe to be a fact ready to be inked in history.
Dear Jack,
It may be a cheap shot -- but in my opinion - it is the TRUTH. This country is in critical condition. It is a lot worse than it was eight years ago. However, many of our Senators and Representatives should take equal responsibility for the mess we are in. As far as I am concerned, we need a "CLEAN SWEEP" of our entire congress, senate, and administration. I wish our new president a tremendous amount of luck!
Gene F.
Yes. This is the leader of the Democratic party in the Senate and some restraint is needed if we are to hope for some cooperation with the Republicans. The divide between the two parties must end and there must be cooperation between the parties so that we can repair America. Such remarks, whixh are quite appropriate for a low-level politician, will not help with mending a broken America.
Harry Reid is in the pot with Bush so he should know. Is this "The Pot Calling The Kettle Black"? Well I didn't know pots and kettles could talk but if they can talk then yes it is.
Jack Jack,
Bush is the worst President we have ever had, I agree with Helen Thomas more than Reid, I think Reid should include himself and Pelosi and Boehner from Ohio in that group too!!!
Congress has a lower approval than Bush!!
Calling the Kettle Black now!!
Gip
Jack, I'm a hardcore democrat, and I agree with you. Name-calling and finger pointing degrades the dignity of the office of any elected official, it lowers the public's respect for the people that hold those positions. I hope that Obama can set a new tone in Washington. It would also be helpful if the pundits & strategists, etc. that appear on shows such as "The Situation Room" would also hold themselves to higher standards of civilized discourse.
Tim in Texas
Are you suggesting, Jack, that we should go easy on the old boy because his time is almost up? As he spends his last days diluting regulatory authority over air and water quality, it is our responsibility to keep trying to make him accountable. This is the guy who used 9/11 and Katrina to further his own twisted agenda of maintaining Republican power and feeding the rich. Reid was actually being kind. Bush is probably the worst president of anything in the history of everything.
Then let me be insensitive too. George W Bush is the worst president we've ever had. I thought Jimmy Carter was bad, but there's no comparison. Two wars, the Middle East in flames, and an economy on the verge of depression. January 20th can't get here fast enough. And on January 20th, I'm going to say about the Bush Administration what was said about the Lincoln Conspirators the day they were hanged. Let us speak their names no more.
If it is true, then so be it. At this point, I do not see that it matters. But, making such a statement publically only cheapens Reid's character. We are looking for strength in Washington, and unnecessary comments are unworthy of respect. We do not need to be reminded that the sky is blue, and that water is wet.
If the SHOE fits wear it!! What President Bush has done to this country by sitting on his brains for 8 years, he deserves the factual comments that Sen.Reid made. President Bush & his Republican party blocked so many bills that would have helped the middle & low income WORKING Americans which could have avoided this economic crisis we are in. So to Sen. Reid "My sentiments exactly- This President is the "worst President I have ever seen".
Harry Reid has held George Bush's hand throughout the eight-year reign of King George and has bent over backwards to make sure that all of the president's illegal policies and wars were instituted despite the outrage of the majority of Americans. Harry Reid has no room to talk.
Brownwood, Texas
Senator Reid was being grilled on Meet the Press and answering the question David Gregory lobbed at him. At least he didn't lie to deflect the issue which is paramount in Washington D.C..
"Worst" is too arbitrary. He should have stuck with "incompetent."
Jack,
He merely stated a fact . Actually he was more than the worst President we ever had. He was a disaster. It is too bad the electorate didn't recognize it after his performance in his first term.
He should have added that "Rummy" was the worst Secretary of Defense and Cheney the worst Vice President we have ever had.
The three of them are responsible for our economy and our reputation among the nations of the world being in shambles.
Bob
Louisville, Ky
Senator Reid is not exactly Mr Congeniality. But I'd gladly take a replay of the last eight years with Reid as president over what we have endured with "Boosh".
JACK,
It does not matter what I think as you never read my ideas on the air anyway but Reid is right! Pres. Bush lied to the people and put us in the depression we are in today! The War alone
took must of the money in the Bank each day and still is, the free trade agreements with China and every other Country and the Hurricane Mess! Congress is not to blame for the mess this Country is in as every Bill they proposed in front of Bushs`
face HE vetoed! Dick Cheney was telling Pres. Bush every thing to say and do, he is to blame more then Bush! I hope OBAMA
does not listen to the CLINTONS` when He gets in Office because the Country had enough of them also!!
Thank you for listening and Hey! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
BARBARA FROM SEBRING, FL.
Shame on Reid. His comment was both unstatesmanlike and inaccurate. Dick Cheney is the worst president we've ever had.
Roland
St. George, UT
The senator's comments, like those made by the speaker just before the first vote on the stimulus package, probably make Democrats feel better about themselves, but I don't see how they help move our country forward. Maybe the new President should lead a "no drama" teaching seminar with his majority in Congress.
Jack;
Senator Reid could best serve the needs of the United States by stepping down as the Dem's leader in the Senate. Now is a time for cooperation and negotiation to get real problems solved.
It is now time to end the partisan name calling.
The Bush family: GHW and Barbara were not grooming w for president. They were planning on Jeb. That means something. But, we all knew that.
Rieds comments are just like the pot calling the kettel black.
Reid's statement has been repeated world wide by politicians
and media. So why pick on Reid?
What will you say about the tons of Americans who will be cheering
in the streets on January 20. If CNN just has'nt got it yet.
Bush is the worst of the worst in experienced history and the great
majority of the people keep telling you that very thing. The question
is. When will you fence riders at CNN get it ? Have you gotten it
yet , Jack. Watch the people on Jan 20 and listen. Maybe you will.
Reid needs a nice long look in the mirror! Just remember, when you point a finger at someone, you're pointing four right back at yourself. Congress as a whole should just zip their traps and get to work doing something useful for once!
They should stop blaming each other for the problem they got us into. That is the problem in business and government that we have all those people that are ready to take credit for sucess but nobody is ready to admit faliure.
Bush should be happy with any shot that comes his way. He deserves what he gets.
He should be happy it wasn't from his gun-toting V.P!!!!!
jack, reid comments are not cheap they're 100 percent true. And i give him respect. Just cause bush is leaving doesn't mean that he has to feel sorry for him or forget that he left americans in ecomonic distress he pointed him out as the worst president and thats what he is.
Hey Jack why are all my comments under moderation? As a independent, shouldn't I be allowed to express my opinion about Harry Reid. I hope this one won't be removed. Harry Reid purposely took a cheap shot at George W. Bush. The accusation also was not true. Jimmy Carter holds that distinction, At that time, it was as close to a depression without being one. It is unfortunate that most voters under 40 years old don't remember Carter. Senator Reid should. He should be reminded that his approval rating is lower than George W. Bush. It sure would be nice if Senator Reid could tell me that Carter was a better president than W. Bush. Then we both could have a good laugh.
you can not call "the truth" a cheap shot, period. I have a cousin in the US congress... he told me that Bush is the one who set the partisanship tone in washington the last eight years. Bush totally cut out all democrats and republicains that did not 100% agreed with him... he did not include them in meetings and if he did he did not acknowledge that they were in the room.
No, but who are the two biggest Bush enablers? Why the spineless duo, Reid and Pelosi. I’d like to see both of them go, replaced by people who take the job seriously, not just their re-election chances.
Senator Reid's comments were right on the money. It may be the 'pot calling the kettle black' but at least he didn't destroy a country and bankrupt another for his vanity. I'll take Senator Reid over Bush anytime.
Jack...the truth hurts, unless you're bush. Then the truth is irrelevant.
Are you kidding!! I pay kudos to Sen. Reid. Bush and his "Mafia" deserve to be tried for war crimes; using the White House for his agenda of conspiracy to invade a country for money; money for his cronies; lies to the American People; keeping the country "hostage," and on it goes. Give him a kick in the you-know-what.
Since when is the truth a cheap shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think Mr. Bush is entitled to all the cheap shots we can give him. And a few pretzels to boot.
Jack, that is the type of comment and attitude that Obama would like to see changed in Washington. Our country cannot afford to alienate one another in this economic crisis. I hope when Obama takes office he will expect more cooperation and sensitivity from people like Sen. Reid. Lawmakers focus should be on America and not one another.
Boooo hooo Jack!
Since when did D.C. politics become an honorable and fair game? Bush IS the worst president this country has ever had!! The really sad and scary part is that we won't know the full extent of the damages on things like the environment and foreign policy until many years from now. Sadly, Obama will be governing for a while with his long dark shadow hanging over him.
If I could, I'd give Bush a dead flower bouquet in rotten sewage water myself with a big "THANKS!" note attached.
Welcome back, Jack, missed you.
It seemed like a cheap shot but when he told Gregory he had included all the negative statements in his book, I don't see it matters now.
No matter what one may think of Harry Reid, he speaks the unfortunate truth. Bush is the most incompetent president in my life time ( I was born during the Roosevelt era). He makes Jimmy Carter look like a super star.
Everything this man has touched has been a disaster. His administration has had absolutely no redeeming value. In fact his administration can be summed up in one word "incompetent". Mr Reid is no shinning star, but there are data to support his allegations. Just check out Mr. Bush's job rating.
Not only is Bush the worse President that the United States of America has ever had, but he also should not be allowed to "get away" with what he has done to our Nation. HE and CHENEY should have criminal charges brought against them for violating the Constitution of the UnitedStates of American.
Bill O'Neil
North Carolina
Mr.Milquetoast may be correct,but he is still a milquetoast.
How insulting to the families of the thousands of people that have died because of Bush's incompetence. "Be nice he is leaving soon" will not bring one single soldier back from the grave.
Your take is insulting to me as a military veteran. Bush did not give our troops a pass, he does not get one either.
Ried is a total jerk most of the time but when it comes to Bush, as far as I'm concerned, he used a lot of restraint.
Bush was all about himself and his wealthy friends and to this day is using every bit of his power to sink the rest of us into a deep black hole. He was the worst president in history and then some!
No Jack, it was not a cheap shot, in fact he wasn't vulgar enough to describe that idiot!
"worst president ever", "dangerously imcompetent" - at least a politician who can speak truthfully if rarely!!
It is not cheap, but it’s an unnecessary shot, because the entire galaxy knows the extent to which Bush has achieved his epithet of being the Worst President.
It is insulting and infuriating that both Pelosi and Reid fire their rhetorical volleys, but don’t do a damn thing about investigating and impeaching this worst President.
I’m fed up with all of Congress.
I voted for change, but I’ll be shocked to see any REAL change come.
The corporate-military-industrial leviathan (or monster?) is just too big to slay or allay.
All must “play” along.
Until The Last Flower and the Last War.
Then all can begin again.
Do I sound depressed?
Well, not so depressed that I won’t cash a stimulus check.
EL PASO, TX
Both Reid and W are examples of all that is wrong in Washington. They abandon thoughtful discourse for soundbites and shriek ideology instead of debating policy. Shame on them both. While I think that W will go down as one of the worst, if not the worst, I also do not believe Reid has performed any better. DC will be better off without either of these fools.
I think it is difficult to overstate what kind of a president W has been. I still do not know why he was not impeached.
Yes.
Jack, it was completely unnecessary. People already know it as fact; we don't need politicians pointing out the obvious for us.
It is not a unncessary cheap shot, it is the truth. President Bush, in my lifetime, is the worst president to ever lead the United States. What he did, for us, in the last eight years, is one crime after the next and I am sad to see him and his cronies get away with their crimes. Good riddance to President Bush – he is no longer needed in the White House.
Absolutely not. He was speaking the truth. Everyone has or soon will be trying to contour Bush, Jr.'s legacy; Reid's merely given his view.
The simple truth is the simple thruth...
No it is not. It is only the truth.
Mr. Reid is simply stating the obvious. Here, I'll say it again. George W. Bush is the WORST president any country could ever dream of having.
No, it is not a cheap shot.
It is the truth.
If someone stated to me that Reid was an incompetent majority leader, I would also agree with that true fact.
At least Reid has the balls to call a pig with lipstick, A PIG!!! WOWOW........A politician who speaks the truth without worrying about the Media bashing him/her.
Sometimes the truth just hurts
why not say that this is the worst congress ever.......I'm glad they gave themselves a payraise for doing nothing.
Jack,
Can't we handle the truth?
Since when is the truth a cheap shot?
For Harry Reid to call W the worst ever is letting him off lightly. W and Cheyney are criminals of the worst kind, not just the worst president. They should be made to answer to the law.
Harry Reid is an incompetent and vitriolic poplitician and has consistently revealed his poor judgment in leading the Senate. Fiurther, he brings a questionable ethical base for decisions and reflects poorly on other elected officials, especially democrats.
How can you call it a cheap shot when he speaks the truth about Bush?? There is absolutely no question that Bush is the worst president this country has ever had, and hopefully ever will have.
No, he is the worst president we ever had.
Definitely not a cheap shot. If you "journalists" were doing your job, we know a lot more about the terrible economic, strategic, and moral costs of the Bush presidency. History will agree with Reid: W was the Worst president the U.S. has ever had.
Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. It really doesn't matter what he says, or what anyone else says. It's up to each and every human being to decide what he or she thinks of President Bush.
I do not believe Reid is a great enough influence alter people's opinions. My opinions of Mr. Bush are even more harsh; but, not even my closest friends have to listen to me!
Senator Reid knows all about incompetence. His feckless reign as majority leader has been a disaster as he capitulated again and again and again to the man he now calls the worst president in our history. Reid should take a long hard look in the mirror and resign.
No, it was an accurate shot. We have disgraced ourselves in the entire world. Why didn't the Democratic congress push for impeachment? Good question. Perhaps they understood it was impossible with the way Karl Rove and Chaney ran Washington. Perhaps it is because we are more interested in sex scandals than the other immoral crooked politics?
Reid is one to talk. Like you just said. DEMOCRATS have done what in the last two years. They control EVERYTHING now... That's a big bet on a lot of smiles and HOPE....
As a viewer from Germany I have to say, that Mr. Reid seems to be quite right in his judgement. You just have to compare todays political situation in the world and America economics with the one 8 years ago. Thank Good Obama will be in office shortly!
Its not a cheap shot if its the truth... Bush is a true lame duck president, just as he failed in the businesses that he ran before he went into politics he has failed at his presidency and running the biggest business of all the United States Government.
Jack, as the saying goes, it takes one to know one. Reid has been a pathetically weak Senate leader. This snide remark is definitely too little too late. Now he says it! Wow, when did he see the light? Yesterday? Just as he remarked that the Capitol Visitors Center was necessary so that Senators didn't have to "smell" citizens as they waited to visit the Chamber, he speaks before he thinks. And then he doesn't act when he should. If there were only one Republican left, that Member would still stall any agenda that makes sense for America because Reid can't or doesn't stand up to them. If the Democrats had any sense of discernment, they would remove him.
I watched that interview, Jack and David Gregory was just trying to draw some cheap shot out of Reid. He actually tried to avoid the question, which I believe you should do also, Jack. Focus on what's important. You usually do
Bill
Chapel Hill, NC
PS I was pushing for you to succeed Russert.
Reid and Pelosi are the worst in Congress that I've ever heard. Far ahead of the President that has kept us safe.
I call them as I see them as well and if something is unproductive we could have probably done without it. I don't see what bad mouthing the outgoing president can do to benifit us in the present, but people with logs in their eyes usually bark the loudest.
Reid was wrong to have claimed Bush was the worse, clarity would have been more appropriate. One of the worst, like Johnson and the Gulf of Tonkin, Bush fell into the War mongering mode that resulted in thousands of youg Americans. Any wrong death of an American is wrong, especially if done by the President.
Jay lang
Wallkill, NY
Sen. Reid is not a good example of Democratic Leadership. Neither is his counterpart in the House. Democrats have been screaming for impeachment, or censure at very least. These 'leaders' have been ignoring the will of the people.
While the Senator from Nevada might be correct in his review of the Bush2 Administration, he is absolutely no different when you boil the important stuff down: Politically afraid, no backbone, unable to think for himself, and a pawn in someone some other persons game. This is far beyond sad...it's sick!
30 years from now, historians will look back and say that George W. Bush was an able president, but an incompetent communicator. With regard to Senator Reid, they'll look back and say, "Harry who?" He has solidified his place in history as a non-entity by this typical remark.
cafferty baby...please...what else can you say about two politicians who hace so much in common...
Sen. Reid should really think before speaking..President Bush did all he could do while doing what he could for our nation. It disgusts me men like himself actually get to voice an opinion comming from a 20 year point of view. Reid should really refrain from anymore comments before he gets himself into anymore trouble.
NO, it's not a cheap shot. Bush IS the worst president EVER! If anyone disagrees, I would like to hear their argrument. The Democratic Congress talked about impeaching him but I remember someone saying that there were too many other things to deal with and they didn't want to waste 3 or moreyears on trying to impeach him, so they left it alone. I think they should've impeached him. THEN maybe this economic crisis wouldn't be so bad.
Have a nice evening!
Jack...are you actually asking that question? Look at the mess he's made of this country. Forget No Child Left Behind, "W" is a candidate for No President Left Behind. The guy needs some help.
Rich
Of course this is unnecissary. School children get punished for saying worse about classmates. Its a shame that a leader of our country wants to focus on name calling rather than fixing the economic hardships at hand. Instead of holding a conference where he could bash the leader of our country, a man whose mistakes everyone is well aware of, Senator Reid could be doing other things, such as solving controversey surrounding senator Burris.
Very rarely do we see politicians speaking the truth... he should be commended. At least when Bush failed in the private sector, all Americans didn't pay the price. Can't wait to see the nice position he gets with one of the big oil companies. We need to investigate how and why oil REALLY went from $150 / barrel to $35,
Hell No. He calls them like we see him.(Bush)
Reid Rocks! Are you kidding me Jack? You are the person at CNN who seems to know that Bush is the worst. What's with the turnaround? Isn't that what you have helped prove? I'm glad someone said it. This has been 8 years of total nonsense, total incompetance, total embarrassment . See ya Bush, you will be remembered.
BRAVO to Harry Reid. I am an Independent who has long thought that Bush is and was the worst president we ever had; even worse than Harding and Hoover.
This was no cheap shot. Bush IS the worst president we've ever had. I'm glad someone finally had the courage to say it. I am limited by space and time, so I will give just a few examples: Clinton left us with a budget surplus and we now have a trillion dollar deficit; we are in a quagmire in Iraq, with thousands of lives lost for nothing–this wronful war was started under false pretenses because Bush wanted to get Saddam Hussein because his father didn't; this administration was full of corruption, fraud and greed, and the rich got richer while the poor got poorer; hundreds of thousands suffered after Katrina, and the Bush administration did NOTHING for weeks. I could go on and on, but Reid was right on the money.
No, he did not. He spoke the truth. Furthermore, Pres. Bush and VP Cheney should do jail time. Their stupidity and egos have severely damaged our country and negatively affected the rest of the world as well. Why in the world should we forget that?
There is very little doubt that Pres. Bush was one of the worst presidents ever, except maybe for Harding. But there is no "political" advantage at this time in saying so. The only reason for Reid to say this at this time is to make an honest point. With all the terrrible decisions made by the Bush Administration, the Congress was too busy trying to catch and stop; there simply wasn't time to impeach. I, for one would have like to see him impeached, but if Congress had pursued that, what other awful things may have been pushed through while Congress was concentrating on impeachment.
If Senator Reid took an "unnecessary cheap shot", then there would be no justification for why he made those comments. The fact is that President Bush has led our nation into a less safe and more divided America than he began with. To put it into comparison, Nixon only had an investigation in Watergate. President Bush has not only one, but many crisises and investigations to deal with, including the current Global Financial Crisis. I do not know what history will say of our current President, but whether you agree or disagree with Reid's comments, it's clear that Bush failed the test of the Presidency.
I have been saying this for years! I have a buddy who claims George W. Bush is the greatest President and I keep asking him if he really believes this or if it is just rhetoric? Finally I asked him what if anything GWB has accomplished in 8 long years. He said that he pondered that the next day (all day) and finally came up with the fact that Bush got rid of Saddam Hussein! One thing! Then I pondered if getting rid of Saddam was really in the interest of the US or the world? Doesn't this destabilize the Middle East? Doesn't this put us in a predicament for having to stay their almost indefinitely? In all truthfullness, this can hardly be seen as an accomplishment!
So then if Saddam was not an accomplishment, we have GWB with nothing accomplished in eight years! Oh I forgot, outside of making himself and all of his rich buddies richer!
At least GWB43 solidified the country behind the fact that 78% of us disagreed with him! GWB43's actions brought an end to Reaganomics and the Big Money Bubble that we have been running on for the past 28 years. Extremes on either end of the spectrum, liberal or conservative, have proven to not be good for the country as a whole!
Good luck to President elect Obama and may God bless the US of A.
Not only is Reid justifi, had he and his other collegues aimed "shots" earlier at this prez, we may not be in the midst of the present chaotic situations here and abroad.
Harry Reid is correct. Sen Reid should not have said it though. Why? The Republicans are already sitting around trying to figure out every which way from Sunday to keep President-elect Obama from being able to do his job. Sen. Reid's comments will be added to a long list of grievances, real and imagined, the "GOP" has. The President-elect already has his hands full trying to get as many on board as he can to et the Bush mess cleaned up without any help from Sen Reid. JMHO.
Unnecessary? Of course. It's almost always unnecessary to state the obvious. But, a cheap shot? Hardly. All of our school textbooks will be amended to indicate that Hoover is only the second worst president in US history.
Todd
Chicago, IL
President Bush is our Comander and Chief and Reid is supposed to be a leader and he is not showing any respect. I don't agree with evrything that Bush has done but he is still President and he should be shown respect regardless of what he has or hasn't done. I don't really like Obama's views but i won't show disrespect. i don't think there are too many people left in our government that do show respect!
While I personally feel that Bush will go down as one of our worst Presidents, for Harry Reid to condemn him in public is in very poor taste. It reveals serious shortcomings on the part of Reid and questions his ability to lead. A leader should not alienate large numbers of Republican senators which will affect votes on legislation. In this situation, it is best to let history decide Bush's place rather than another politician taking a cheap shot!
Jack,
The "size 10 shoe" said it all. Truth should never be compromised. Actually Reid should have used few more adjectives!
La Canada, CA
No, not at all. He is the most incompetent President of all time. The country is going down in flames and he is going to "scooter" on down to his fancy digs in Preston Woods. Maybe if enough people rail about him being the worst President of all of history, he will withdraw from the public view. The last thing on earth I want to see is him on some talk show giving his opinion on world events.
Lou
Baytown, TX
A Democrat and a straightshooter. Am I dreaming? C'mon Jack, let us enjoy this brief alignment of the stars. And hey, it's not increasing partisanship if everybody agrees.
Jack..... I had often wondered how one man could have cause WW II ..... until George W Bush led the world to an Economic Crisis ... so is Senator Reid right YES! should he keep his mouth shut YES! ... the American people have spoken with their final approval rating of near 20% and that Sir is there business and final answer.
Yup, it was a cheap shot. Totally pointless and probably not not accurate. I'm not convinced Bush was worse than Nixon and not doubt any student of American history will find numerous presidents from both parties who are very well qualified contenders to the title of "worst President." At a time when it is imperative to restore some unity, when we have a new president who simply asks us to respect each other even when we disagree, such judgements are better left to the historians. Politicians need to busy themselves building more bridges and fewer walls.
Senator Reid is very truthful about his statement of president G. W. Bush. I also think he is the worst president that I have know. Under his leadership the country is in its worst condition ever. He is not better than an AIR headPresident Bushes biggest mistake was the Iraqi war. His father was a much better individual than the current president. At least his father listented to his advisers. The president elect has promised to end the war and bring the troups home; I hope he carries out the promise within the 16 months that he has promised.
Cheapshot ? After 8 years of being president what good has Bush accomplished ? Seriously, any good at all ?
Jack,
Are you as clueless as G.W.? OF COURSE Bush was the WORST president we've EVER had! After all this and you don't know? I worry about you Jack.
Also, It's ABOUT TIME somebody said it like it is.....and this isn't what is causing partisanship.....the hard-headed, close-minded Republicans cause THAT problem!
Lastly, the reason the Dems took impeachment off the table is so the would have a better chance of winning back the White House considering how people have voted in the past (ie G.W.Bush!)
Get it together Jack! Yes, I LIKE the way Harry Reid says it "like it is"! It's about time!
Yes, I agree with Harry Reid but for such an ineffective leader to make such a comment is hipocritical.
No it's not a cheap shot. Bush and the Republicans ran our country into the ground. Everyone knows it. I find Senator Reid's honesty refreshing. Now let's talk about Cheney.
Jack, Jack, Jack–Chill out already. Whether it is a senator or a homeless person begging me for change, most sane people agree with the statement, "Bush is the worst president the U.S. has ever had." It wasn't Reid that took "impeachment off the table," it was Nancy Pelosi–incurring my contributions to her independent competition even though I do not live in her state. Impeachment is the No. One issue at bravenewfilms.org (members voted for the most pressing issues they want Obama to tend to once in office) and many of us are hopeful that the members of the Bush Administration will get the trials they all deserve–we don't care at this late date whether it is through Impeachment or criminal trial. I agree it takes gall to call someone else names when one has been so hopelessly incompetent and has forgotten that his first duty was to protect the consitution (which mandated impeachment)...but give the guy a break on the statement: Truth is truth no matter who speaks it.
A low blow, yes; but still above the belt. Holiday goodwill notwithstanding, the Bush administration had it coming. What with an illegal war, their arrogant disregard for for basic human rights and individual privacy, and an economy left in shambles. I say good riddance. Then again, Reid and his cronies are complicit in much of this mess.
It is sad watching the uneccessary bad-mouthing by these politicians. Reid should rather concentrate on correcting the bad ratings he and congress have created. Start worrying about the things that count in this country Mr. Reid and try a little respect – it works wonders
Reid was actually being too kind. That being said, however, he needs to include the worst Congress we have ever had in his assessment as well.
This would be the same Comgress that backed down from Bush in every confrontation they had, the same Congress who gave Bush Carte Blanche in Iraq, the same Congress who spent the taxpayers money like thye were Washington hillbillies who just won the lottery, and on and on and on!
This has been a terrible combination for the country: A moron for president and a bunch of spineless cowards in Congress.
Our nation's finest, those 4,220 and counting, who have forever lost their voice, deserve a whole lot more than Harry Reid's comments. George Bush is responsible for their needless deaths and he should be held accountable.
Just because you're in a position of power doesn't mean you HAVE to spout your personal beliefs at the drop of a hat. So much for representing the people and working to better the country – HA!
Yes, this is a useless cheap shot that actually hurts Reid more than Bush. I think such personally oriented derrogatory comments made by anybody are "cheap shots". Harry Reid has never impressed me and I always saw him as fully partisan and lacking in professional leadership skills needed to have the credibility he would like to have. This is just reaffirms my low opinion of Senator Reid.
I believe that President Bush has been the worst president in my lifetime and I am well into my 5th decade. This is a personal opinion as is Senator Reid's. With Bush's approval rating as low as it is, I'm sure that there are hundreds of thousand if not millions who feel the same. It will take decades to repair the damage he and his administration have done to this country.
I think that Senator Reid is only understating the obvious with his comments. President Bush is not only the most incompetent leader our great nation has ever had to endure through, he also falls into the top ten worst leaders throughout the history of mankind. His incompetence is only overshadowed by his arrogance and disdain for what our founding fathers laid out in the constitution. Over the past 8 years we have seen this country go from one of the most respected nations to ever have been in existence, to being one of the most reviled. Will it even be possible for pres-elect Obama to recover our image as well as our reverence for the ideas and goals our country's founders had in mind when they put quill to paper? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we are counting down the minnutes until we no longer have to listen to Bush fiddle, while America's image burns.
Jack, Reid's comments are rude, crude, and unrefined. All Senators should stand up and pitch him out of Leadership on his ear. He demeans all Senators.
No Jack, not at all. President Bush could have prevented 9/11, should have protected Katrina victims, irresponsibly and unwisely started a war in Iraq, does not allow stem-cell research, and does nothing in terms of addressing the very clear and simple solution to eliminating Arab terrorism: Israel giving Palestinians their equally fair share of the land. This Gaza issue could be prevented. Hamas would not even be in existence if it were not for the illegal occupation. Pres. Bush has simply been "present the last 8 years.
Im a Democrat a Obamacrat and I feel George W. should take Reid right along with him and dissaper if he felt so strongly maybe he should've tried to impeach the worst president in history then act like a whinner 09 time for Change
Jack, There are no cheap shots at the Bush-Cheney team. They don't get off clean just because they have run out of time, and the Democrats ran out of the intestinal fortitude to hold them responsible for crimes against their own people, and the people of Iraq. There is no doubt that Bush-Cheney have done the most damage, and have cost the American people more than any other Executive tagteam.. Harry Reid's reputation has nothing to do with whether or not his comment is accurate. We should never forget the destruction of the 2 Bush Wars. And, don't forget there is another one waiting in the wings!
I can go one better. This is the worst government period that has existed in the history of this country. No government agency has done a thing for the benefit of the people of this country, but they have ALL done plenty of paying oral homage to the posterior of corporate america. We cleaned out the Oval office. If we could only do a bulk cleaning of the capital building, dept of homeland security, dept of agriculture, dept of interior, dept of education, etc. etc. To dream the impossible dream.
Hell yes!! Can't say much more for Reid or the Speaker of the House either.
Our comments don't degrade a position, their behavior & record while in office do the degrading.
I can't believe his father is actually suggesting his brother. Oy!
The answer is NO, it is not a cheap shot. I don't know Mr. Reid's history or politics, but any politician who talks in plain English and says what he or she feels is breath of fresh air. Let's face it , a large percentage of the population agree with Mr. Reid and go one step farther and call him a criminal. Incompetent is right, I've seen the clips of Mr. Bush obviously intoxicated. Jim C........ Gloucester, Mass
We need more outspokenness before the fact. We can only wish that the truth about Bush had been revealed by politicians and the press back in 2000. Maybe we wouldn’t be in such a mess. Just look at the condition of the economy, our status around the world, and at the approval ratings.
Jack, yes it is a cheap shot to make such demeaning statements on television about the still current President of US. Even if there are numerous opinions to that regard, one could use different rhetoric to express their dislike of the job that Pres. Bush has done or how you feel about his intelligence. By doing this, Sen. Reid has shown no professionalism nor respect. Sounds as though a personal conflict has taken place between the two.
YES CHEAP SHOT.
HE SHOULD FIRE HIMSELF AND DEMAND THE RESIGNATION OF PELOSIE.
THE CONGRESS RATINGS ARE THE PITS.
I'm no fan of Senator Reid, but on this issue we agree. What do you call a person who lied about a war, neglected the economy, diminished our standing in the world, spent money wildly but did not tax in order to pay for it and alienated our friends and allies? You call him President Bush.
But what do I know, I'm just a history teacher.
Michael in Washington
Bush is by far the worst President we have ever had. Bush has faild at every thing he has ever tried.
Jack;
A cheap shot? No way. I hope someone in national politics reminds America every day for the next ten years that he has been the worst president in our history. this kind of disastrous non-leadership must never be repeated. whatever it takes to keep the memory of this administrations failures in our minds is a good thing.
Tom
Fremont, California
Jack : simply put the monkeys off Herbert Hoover back.
Absolutly not. Reid is just saying what we all have said and will continue to say. Thank god someone up there has enough guts to call it like it is, even if its not a popular thing to do. Jack, Bush should be tried for war crimes.
Not only is it a cheap shot made by a person who has no scruples; it is untrue. Whatever issues we may have with President Bush, he has kept this country safe from more terror attacks–even Reid's sorry behind. I think in a few years this country will finally realize that Bush is one of the best president's this country has ever had.
No, Jack, the day George Bush and Dick Cheney leave Washington I won't be able to help myself from dancing a jig of glee. Harry Reid saying that he is the worst president we've ever had has got to be the ultimate understatement. I think much more should be said by all of us. Oh and the reason they did not do anything about it is because of the windbags in the Senate. The Democrats didn't have 60% in the senate to get done what needed to be done. As always the Republicans in the Senate keep everything at a standstill. I wish more of the of them had been tossed out, especially McConnell. The failed policies of the Republican party are what has caused our country's downturn on many many levels. Harry Reid was right, George Bush is the worst president we have ever had.
What is sad is that so many so called leaders don't have the maturity or discernment to know that comments like that only undermine the very heart of what this once great nation was all about. People like Reid and any others who are openly cutting and degrading about our President reveal to terrorists or anyone else who dislikes America, to realize we are killing ourselves from the inside out, it makes us appear weak and certainly not united, the old saying if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all is appropriate here.
God forbid an elected official spoke their mind... like you do Jack.
With regards to how the Dems look right now, you would probably look pretty bad if some idiot on your set kept filibustering you.
Reid was generous with Bush. George W. will ultimately go down as a war criminal, duping an entire nation to satisfy his need to amount to something. He allowed the destruction of an entire country taking 100,000 Iraqi lives to satisfy his impoverished ego. What a disaster this man has been to our nation.
Yes, Mr. Reid is wanting Bush to be blamed for every problem this country is facing.. It's called a scapegoat! This country is headed down a path I'm afraid will be the end of democracy as we know it thanks to the radical left.
Jack:
No, it is not a cheap shot. Bush should have been impeached. It was Pelosi. that took impeachment off the table as soon as the Dems took power.
Bush has all but destroyed this country-just because he appears to be a nice guy, trying to "go out on a high note" does not mean we should let him. He should be held accountable for his bull headed errors. We as Americans tend to forget too quickly after something has happened. We should not forget what he ha done, and is still trying to do in his midnight legislation. He has been pulling this garbage since he came in office and I for one am happy to wave goodbye.
If the shoe fits, wear it. As for the issue of impeachment, incompetence might not meet the benchmark needed for impeachment. Now as for torture and the 4th Amendment violations (illegal wire / phone / cell taps) there lies an issue. But no issue here because I would take a guess that too many Democrats were briefed on the programs. Sen. Reid might not want to say such things......................while looking in a mirror
I have been following politics for many years. Never have I seen such petty, partisan and rediculous leaders of any party. Senator Reid is a total disgrace. We need some measure of unity in the U.S., especially now. If he needs to see a disfunctional politician, he should look in the mirror.
Kudos to Harry Reid for his comments about Bush as the worst president America's ever had! It's not a cheap shot when its the truth! I wish more politicians could be as forthright as Senator Reid.
Of course as you said Jack, what did he and the rest of the Democratic-controlled Congress the last two years they've been in power do? Nothing! Bill Clinton gets almost gets removed from office for lying about an affair while, "Dubya" Bush ignores warnings about 9/11, starts a war under false pretenses, botches help during hurricane Katrina, appoints extreme right-wing Supreme Court justices, gives tax cuts to the rich, to oil companies, and messes up funding for "No Child Left Behind" , mismanages the economy and cuts back veterans benefits. So much for impeachment! Jan. 20th can't come fast enough!
Reid is EXACTLY right! Bush is very obviously, "the worst president ever'. He has been a party to the Halliburton theivery in Iraq, to the tune of millions, even billions of dollars. He has totally endangeered the US & it's citizenry. Before he was "selected" for the presidency, only half the world hated us. NOw, probably 90% or the world hates us & we can't realistically blame them; only Bush, Cheney, etc. By the way, have you noticed that EVERY time the US gets into serious financial trouble, the republicans are in the white house. Hmmmmm
Harry Reid is a complete joke and has absolutely no room to speak about Bushs` performance. It very well could be that President Bush may be the hero in the future for being the first to challenge terror and starting the change for a better world. It is appearent that Harry Reid has no clue or concern for others around the world. He doesn`t see the big picture.