This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on September 24, 2003). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
- Slate: Bush to World: Drop Dead! The president lays an egg at the U.N.
Has an American president ever delivered such a bafflingly impertinent speech before the General Assembly as the one George W. Bush gave this morning?
- Star Tribune: Strib’s view of the speech Editorial: Bush at the U.N. / For good reason, he lacks credibility
During the 2000 campaign, Bush famously spoke of the need for the United States to be a strong but humble nation. In action, his foreign policy has been predicated on being strong and arrogant. The president gives good speeches. Too bad that they can’t be believed.
- Washington Post: A Vague Pitch Leaves Mostly Puzzlement
In his speech today to the U.N. General Assembly, President Bush tried to walk a fine line between defending a war deeply unpopular in much of the world and looking for help from reluctant countries to rebuild Iraq. The result left diplomats and lawmakers puzzled about his ultimate intentions.
(via Atrios and Joe Rospars)
I liked Keith Knight’s take on it over at Salon (don’t forget your day pass)
Was the United States “impertinent” when we declared independane in 1776?
There is no such thing as the “world.” There are individual countries with individual leaders some of whom are despots such as Fidel Castro. When it comes to deciding for the United States I’ll take Geroge W. Bush or John Kerry (if he is elected President) not Castro, or Annan, or Chirac. Bush gave a geat speech!