What's Rove doing with Will Farrell in that photo?

Gosh, yeah, it's a shame how John McCain adamantly refuses to remind the American public that he is a war veteran who was a POW.

Snarking aside, I totally believe that McCain is a decent human being with strong moral fiber.  But when we talk about "character" in a President, those qualities aren't what we mean -- or they aren't *only* what we mean, at least.  I want to know how they make decisions, how comfortable they are with unfamiliar situations, how well they can integrate new data into their worldview, how familiar they are with complex issues and how quickly they can learn.

John McCain's virtues are necessary for a President, but by no means sufficient.  I know a hundred people are who are good hearted, compassionate, honest, and can stand up to adversity.  That's great for when I need someone to watch my dog for a weekend, but they aren't ready to be President.

If Rove is such a genius, why is his toy President the most unpopular ever? And why is his party getting creamed?  The facts show Rove is the worst strategist ever.

McCain will be the "don't rock the boat" Presidency, that Bush erred in trying to be too much the reformer, and so will the Democrat.

I think he was being way too underestimated.

Man. Bush really does look like Alfred E. Newman.

Ugh. Jon, that article you linked to made me sick.

"Mr. Bush then delivered remarks that promised not only a stronger military but also better treatment of the men and women who served in it. "

If that doesn't help show the stomach-punching horror of the last 7 years, I don't know what does.

Don't worry. I'm sure Fox News will be pounding him day in and day out about the inconsistencies.

Is it me, or do those two have "stoner-buddy comedy" written all over 'em?  How much stronger would the Republic be right now - culturally, as well as politically - if they had only opted for making "Dude Where's My Military Deferment" or some such.

One other thing about that Rove op-ed Jon mentions below . Rove laments that, because McCain "is

Just goes to show you that worms really can turn.

It's now torture and surviving it makes you presidential.

Perhaps the Republican should find some Guantanamo detainees for their next slate of candidates.

I'm much more interested in learning why, Rove, who apparently felt so passionately for Richard Nixon at the age of nine that he fought  (and probably lost) a classmate over the matter, didn't serve in the military.

Sure, his draft number was in the middle range, bu why, oh why, were so many GOP/conservatives unwilling to. . .volunteer to protect America from the communist menace?

It wasn't as if mister dirty tricks remained in college long enough to obtain a degree. As a matter of fact, "[Rove] maintained this deferment until December 14, 1971, despite being only a part-time student in the autumn and spring quarters of 1971 (registered for between six and 12 credit hours) and dropping out of the university in June 1971."    Rove attended the University of Maryland, College Park (Unfortunately, UMCP accepted any jackass  in the early 70s. My Terp brother and sister-in-law consider Rove's enrollment a permanent stain on the institution) in the fall of 1971. "[A]s such, he would have been eligible for 2-S status, but registrar's records show that he withdrew from classes during the first half of the semester."

MC Rove went on to work for Nixon's 1972 reelection campaign (remember the condignly named CREEP) where he was instrumental in Rove depicting WWII bomber pilot, George McGovern (he flew 35 missions) "as a 'left-wing peacenik'", The manginas on these non-serving Republicans. . .

asnevitt :

Funny. . .

adaglas - best post of the day.

You deserve a squid pinch, guv'ner.

Tep -

Just as long as you're not the one providing it.  No offense, mate.

Rendition and torture have been official US policy since September 11, 2001. How can we find out all the abuses of the Bush administration and end these crimes?