May 20, 2008
Posted: 11:48 AM ET
The White House is upset with NBC
The White House is upset with NBC

(CNN) — The White House has stepped up its criticism of NBC News for its handling of an interview with President Bush, releasing a letter Monday claiming the network had used "deceitful editing to further a media-manufactured story line is utterly misleading and irresponsible."

In his speech before the Knesset earlier this week, Bush had mentioned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinajad, telling Israeli lawmakers that "Some seem to believe that we should negotiate with the terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along."

Obama and many other Democrats have interpreted that statement as a swipe at the Democratic frontrunner. The White House has publicly denied that charge.

During an NBC interview this week, correspondent Richard Engel asked Bush if he had been directing an attack at the Illinois senator.

Bush's response as aired on NBC was: "You know, my policies haven't changed, but evidently the political calendar has. . . . And when, you know, a leader of Iran says that they want to destroy Israel, you've got to take those words seriously."

The network did not include the following comment, which fell between the two statements: "People need to read the speech. You didn't get it exactly right, either. What I said was that we need to take the words of people seriously."

During Monday’s broadcast of NBC Nightly News, anchor Brian Williams reported that the White House had raised objections to the interview as aired.

NBC has said that the broadcast fairly reflected Bush’s comments, and noted that the unedited interview is available in full on the network’s Web site. But in his Monday letter, White House Counsel Ed Gillespie said it was "simply absurd” that the only way to get “accurate information from NBC News” was to check the Internet for a video stream.

Filed under: President Bush


Ed   May 20th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

If MSNBC backs off O'Reilly, then the president will back off of NBC.

Jo Ann   May 20th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

NBC did not make the President look any less like a president Bush has don this all on his on. The cowboy or rambo do what I tell you no
negotations. Shut up

tigerakabj   May 20th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

I don't care if NBC made up his comment. This man deserves what's coming to him. He bad-mouthed Americans on foreign soil.

I see from his family history that (i.e. Prescott Bush giving money to the Nazis) that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Bush, get your ho-downs done now. The next party I'll be wanting to hear about is the Nuremberg trials round 2.

taylor richmond virginia   May 20th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

after watching the entire interview, I must say that Bush only came off looking worse…………..maybe NBC is part of the right wing media?

Come on people, the interview is what it is. Redudancy was the only thing edited. The White House should have just left things alone.

Sue, Bloomington, IN   May 20th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

The White House is starting to sound like Putin dictating what the media can and can't report.

Kevin   May 20th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

NBC had better pay attention. Bush and his whole administration know a thing or two about being misleading and irresponsible.

Kevin   May 20th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

NBC should listen to Bush. The White House knows a thing or two about being misleading and deceitful.

sue   May 20th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

My immediate response is "don't get your news from the tv." All stations, including cable, esp. MSNBC which is owned by one of Clinton's buddies, are biased one way or another. Reading and radio interviews expose much more of a candidate and his/her view/s.

Samantha   May 20th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

I thought only MSNBC was sickening in its bias. But now NBC News is trying to compete. I don't agree with Bush on a lot of things but the President should be heard for what he said in an interview.

Dems Unite!!!   May 20th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

It's called Freedom of the Press. Mr. Bush you and your entire administrations IQ has got to be lower than my pet rocks!!!

Griff   May 20th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

You poor Soul George.. You set out with the best intention…
Now you never get a Mention…. Of respect…. All because you're Dad wanted you to be another Reagan…. You took all the fall's, because your Dad didn't have the ……. in 1991-2………..

Moderates unite   May 20th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

MSNBC and NBC are liberal hack jobs

I want to vomit every time I watch Keith Olberman and his leftist spin machine.

bridgette   May 20th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

I think that this administration had a free past for about 5 1/2 years. People did not begin to start questioning anything they did until after hurricane Katrina. Before that whatever they did the media found a way to justify it and that is why we are in the mess we are in now.

taylor richmond virginia   May 20th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Look inward Mr. Bush……………Look inward.

mark   May 20th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

This is another example of the Bush hipocracy machine since 2000. Bush really wants to control the press in his favor. We have been very close to a fascist state.

Danielle for Obama   May 20th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

really, let's blame the news,
let's blame it on the man in the moon,
let's blame in on my leaky shoes,
let's blame it on the rain when it falls in April instead of June

The news netweroks are doing thier jobs,
No one cares about you anyway!
so keep dancing over in Africa, and staying out of the news,
you gave us four years of heart ache and pain!
Karma is not fun is it!

Blame it on yourself bush!

Obama '08

David   May 20th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

NBC's ratings are almost as low as Bush's!!!!!!!!

Bill in Illinois   May 20th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Ya know – it seems like the politicos think that it is ok to put a spin on whatever they want if it serves their purpose but if they think that they are on the recieving end they go off the deep end and complain that they aren't being treated fairly.

Sorry folks – no sympathy here!

Ratgurl   May 20th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Did anybody hear that? Did somebody say something? Hmm. I must be hearing things. It sounded like a wounded cat.

raf   May 20th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

While I strongly believe the media in general shuold be careful editing quotes, I think it's ridiculous that the White House is arguing this.

The bottom line is that they clearly were talking about Obama and the Democrats. Two White House aides have privately confirmed this, as reported by CNN.

They're grasping onto a technicality to divert attention from the comments and keep this stupid lie going.

Kim, Charlotte, NC   May 20th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Oh…. shutup!

JC   May 20th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

This clown should have never had a second term in office period!!!

larry   May 20th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

this is nothing more than Bush trying to change the subject form the economy. lets not get tricked. its the dems year if they focus on the economy. we simply don't believe in the boogie man any more.

Ratgurl   May 20th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

… and that particular sentence changes the context HOW? The whole response doesn't make sense. It could be edited any which way, & it still doesn't answer the question!

Bob Stephens   May 20th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Bush accuses someone of making up a story. That is like OJ accusing someone of domestic violence. Anyway, I thought he only watched "Fox Spews"….

Crush Rush   May 20th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

The dittoheads should be in prison with him.

Annette   May 20th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

…And they are complaining. That's funny.

Over the Hill(ary)   May 20th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

More lame comments from the lamest lame duck in history.

Chris   May 20th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Debby 12:58

NBC Evening news is and has been in 1st place for a LONG time now. MSNBC is 3rd. Get your facts straight!

btw…Has Bush ever told the truth?

GOPHater   May 20th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Thank you Keith Olbermann for being a real journalist. You're a patriot and a hero.

mike   May 20th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Did I hear the president call NBC's handling of this information misleading and irresponsible. Well, he ought to know since he is an experienced liar himself. Does anyone not think that Bush's comments were aimed at Obama? Get real. It's OK though. Every time this imbecile opens his mouth these days, I can't help but think it further exposes him for what he is. The public is onto him now. No one is fooled any more.

Dave   May 20th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

what we really need to realize here is that Bush is a huge neo-con that will do whatever Israel asks. I am GOP but this guy and Cheney and all his neo-con henchmen have hijacked the party to where its policies are so vastly different that I would have to say that the Constitution party or the Liberitarian party is closer to GOP principles than the current party.

Eli   May 20th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

I am lifelong Democrat that thinks just as the White House Counsel said, that it is ashame that you would have to go on the internet to get the true statement. NBC has shown this polictical season to be bias , they are not telling the news, they are twisting it to their beliefs.

GOPHater   May 20th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Screw the White House. By the way, Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld should be in prison awaiting execution for war crimes, treason, torture, violations of international law, and violations of the U. S. Constitution.

Ben   May 20th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

You cant help but feel sorry for all those with the name Bush!

tblno   May 20th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Bush= whole world hates us, 5,000 dead AMERICANS, war
McBush= war til 2013……how many MORE DEAD AMERICANS, (possible war with iran),
my friends, we were lied to, at least mcbush admitts he'd stay in iraq for 100 years if needed, that way we know what we are in for….

I will not help kill more Americans….

obama 08

Dean - Colton, CA   May 20th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

So, Mr. Bush finds out that the knife cuts both ways, eh? Are you paying attention Mr. Rove?

JLS   May 20th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

I guess the question (or motive) is why didn't NBC air the entire comment? Whether you like Bush or not, cutting out sentences you may not seem important, doesn't make you credible as a network. Why bother having an interview, if that's the case.

j. tonton   May 20th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

IS GORGE BUSH STILL TALKING ?
WE THOUGHT HIS TAKING AND BS-ING TIME WAS OVER.

The Truth   May 20th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Yeah NBC and CNN are full of it.

Hey if the polls suggest that Obamus has an insurmountable lead, did the pollsters go to Kentucky? Did they tell Kentucky and West Virginia about it? Why so much negative press about Hillary.

Every day I pick up the paper or turn on the TV there is negativism about Hillary. Surely the pundits and other idiotss could think of bad news for Obamus or McClain. Let's give Hillary a break.

I am sick of the negative press for Hillary

Clinton/McCain   May 20th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

With all of the anti-Hillary media bias from the main stream media, it doesn't surprise me at all that NBC would manipulate an interview to further its own agenda. Pretty sad

stewie   May 20th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Yes and to quote his own words , we need to take people's words seriously, and we are doing just that when we say that he took a swipe at Obama with his comments!

bob in L.A.   May 20th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

The news media never needs to distort our presidents comments- they are so laughable that no editor could make them any more inflamitory.
It took the Roman empire 400 years to fall apart, Bush has almost single-handedly ruined America in 7 years. At least he will have a legacy.

Inevitable   May 20th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

John May 20th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Debby May 20th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

"NBC and MSNBC are the lowest rated news networks. I am not surprised for their distortion of the truth"

Perhaps they are the lowest rated precisely BECAUSE they report the truth, rather than the sensationalizing, polarizing, junk that other news sources spew…
___________________________________________________________
co-sign, FAUX NEWS REPORTS THE MOST PROPAGANDA ……… DON'T KNOW WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND LISTENS TO THIS IGNORAMUSES ON THIS NETWORK ..

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   May 20th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

democrats are upset that Bush compared then to Nazi appeasers.You compared him to Nazis them selves .

MD Houston   May 20th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

NBC has no credibility anymore. Who watches them anyway?

NORA, FLORIDA   May 20th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

American people get your hand out your tails. Bush is the worst President ever and it is amazing how they expect for people to just sit back and not makes comments about him well Screw that he Sucks!!! it is always a Word game with folks. Oooohhhh that is not political correct to say that. Whatever!!!! Impeach the sorry excuse that is in Washington claiming to be President.

sophia nyc   May 20th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

The worst pres in the history of the U.S. has no right to criticize anyone. Counting down the seconds until this sorry excuse is out of office.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   May 20th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

No matter how it was aired, Bush would have objected. It is just even the slight implication that he was taking domestic politics overseas that is harmful. How could he think that it wouldn't be construde as an attack on Obama?

There is a limited amount of time that the networks have to air what people have. This has made the race for any elected office to a battle of sound bites which is not good for the country. We need to become a more informed electorate. It is ashame that there is so much going on.

Amy Jacobson   May 20th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Not many intelligent people watch NBC. They lost credibility and ratings years ago.

Steve from California   May 20th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

It's all about ratings and profit. NBC and MSNBC both are in the ratings tank. FOX and CNN dominate cable news. General Electric Company, the parent of NBC, is also doing business with Iran through its overseas subsidiaries. There is a serious conflict of interest here. Now, the network is resorting to systematic editing to push a political agenda that not only is an attempt to increase ratings but also profits. As reported by CNN there was an edit of the president's comments. The Whie House claims this changed the whole context of his statement. This is very troubling. The first responsibility of journalism should be a fair presentation of information to the public. The White House was correct in calling out NBC on this. Regardless of one's political preference, the American people must be protected from any attempt by the media to manipulate it for politics or profit.

Colony14Author   May 20th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

"Thou doth protesteth too much," Obama. If I make a general statement that "I don't like elitist socialists advocating a bigger government and destruction of the capitalist system that makes the United States prosperous," one would think my statement could be ignored by those to whom the comment does not apply. If Obama felt the Bush criticism sting, I imagine he must realize he deserves the criticism. If you can't stand a little generic critique, you shouldn't be running for president. The people running Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, Hamas, and North Korea will be glad to negotiate with Obama, inasmuch as they have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Yes, Bush has done a lot of things I wish he had never done, but Obama will give away the store that he doesn't even own. And Obama was incorrect to say that Kennedy stood up to the Soviet Union over its missiles in Cuba. The Soviets made that move to get Kennedy to remove our missiles from Turkey, which Kennedy promptly did. To me, that sounds like the Soviets put one over on Kennedy. And that's what the afore-mentioned countries would do to a President Obama…

We'll be safer with McCain in the White House, and security for the American people should be the President's primary goal – not increases in federal handouts paid for by enormous tax increases which will hurt the overall economy.

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   May 20th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

You People posting hear have no respect.

Pearl Harbor 2000 killed. USA enters WW2.

9/11 3000 killed. What should he have done.

If Bush was so bad for the last 8 years why was he elected in 2004 by a landslide ?

Have some respect , if not for the man , for the office.

A really, really, really REAL American   May 20th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Bush, Cheney, Rove, Delay, Limbaugh, Colter, Novak, Scarborough and all the other scum-bag liars love to have it both ways. They want to be able to cherry-pick video clips, interviews, intelligence, etc. and use it to suit their own vile needs but when the tables are turned they howl like dogs in heat.

They all should be thrown in the deepest darkest prison in the middle of Iraq and there they should remain.

johnginatw   May 20th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Bush your the the dumbest sob to ever be president.The media got it right about you and your foreign policies or lack of them.Obama will make a great presient.There won't be anything for pillhead Limbaugh or Hannity to whine about.

J.W. of Mississippi   May 20th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

People, Bush is an IDIOT so stop denying it. He said what he said and anyway you look at it, the meaning is the same. The man and Republicans in general will do anything to start a WAR. Republicans and all of their buddies get richer while we are at war. I'm willing to wager that most Republicans are heavily invested in the companies considered to be "THE MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX". Check it out CNN. George Bush's Grandfather got rich conducting business with Nazi Germany while their "TANKS WERE ROLLING ACROSS THE BORDER OF POLAND". I wonder why the media seems to have overlooked this fact while doing a 15 minute segment about a flag pin.

Chuck   May 20th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

"SHUT THE HELL UP, BUSH!

The Old Guard   May 20th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

"Pot? Kettle on line one."

Bush is all to willing to say whatever he is told to say in order to keep him and his cronies pulling the strings. I can't even stand to hear his voice. He is a liar and a buffoon.

Uncle Sam   May 20th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

The hatred for Pres. Bush and the adualtion for Sen. Obama have something in common. Both are irrational.

Viva Obama 08   May 20th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

George Bush and John McCain is out of touch.

Neil, VT   May 20th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Unfortunately Hillary is the only one who would make this guy pay for what he did. Barack will let it go, and McCain would thank him for his endorsement.

I'm still a Barack supporter, but Bush needs to pay for his crimes.

Ron L   May 20th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

THIS WHITE HOUSE and the PRESIDENT has NO CREDIBILITY!!
Americans DO NOT trust most of the things said by this administration. They have LIED so much, they probably can't even tell when they are telling the truth.

MASTER MANIPULATORS and have been caught more than a few time distorting the facts..

CAN'T WAIT FOR JANUARY!!!!

Susan   May 20th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Actually, the network, NBC, did air that particular comment; or at least one network did because I heard Bush say it during the interview. I don't think it matters that much. I feel Mr. Bush should not make that sort of comment while in another country and especially as a guest of their government.

John   May 20th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Debby May 20th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

"NBC and MSNBC are the lowest rated news networks. I am not surprised for their distortion of the truth"

Perhaps they are the lowest rated precisely BECAUSE they report the truth, rather than the sensationalizing, polarizing, junk that other news sources spew…

GL   May 20th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

I wonder if he'll try to issue an open ended pardon for him & Cheney before his term is up.

JA Cook   May 20th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

How can the White House blame NBC. It was Bush who did the "jaw boning" (as he likes to call it) and let what was left of his brain ooze out.

The man is the most inept President we've had and his whole premise in how to deal with the rest of the world has been wrong – and continues to be.

Peejay   May 20th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Re: Ed Gillespie's comment that it's "absurd" that the only way to get "accurate information from NBC News" is from the internet . . .

We the People have been trying to get accurate information from the Bush Administration for over seven years. As with Richard Engle's interview of Bush, we can't even get a straight answer.

Venus   May 20th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

War criminals! Bush and Mc War!

Ha,ha,ha,haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Way to go Bush – I guess he didn't think the USA would pick up on this!

Thanks NBC for reporting the news!

Jimmy, KY   May 20th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

What did you expect. He stole the first election, and then he swiftboated the second election. Wake up America, the GOP has swiftboated all of us. Don't let them do it again. Stand up for change, stand up for America, and stand up for Barack.

Obama 08

Hilda   May 20th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Bush did not think the democrats would react so strongly so he is trying to back out of what he said. Too little too late Mr. President. I would think that atleast for the time you have left in office you would play nice. You know exactly what you meant and who you were taking aim at.

Indiana Voter   May 20th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Enough of your whining. Go back to your ranch and play with your chainsaws.

CWatson   May 20th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

More than one on MSNBC reported that the White House had contacted them the day before Bush's speech to ask them to keep an eye on Bush's speech because Bush was going to try to whack Obama.

Now they try to back peddle out of that?

I think Dubya needs to go to Iraq to search for those WMD he lied about.

Every Wilson   May 20th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

I am certainly at awe over the Presidents attack on NBC editing of his interview. It is obvious, he found the tailoring of his word offensive. Why, is it only offensive when applied to him, Bill Clinton, his wife and John McCain. Not too long ago, the nation saw snippets of sermons edited and played 24 hrs a day to inflict mortal damage to Barack Obama's campaign. George Bush, John McCain, and Hillary Clinton took their turn using the spectale to their advantage. What hypocrisy! Now its offensive! The snippets of Brack Obama's bitter comments were also used by these same folks to polarize White Americans! I do not feel sorry for the President! His and their cry's are falling on deaf ears!

Ellie   May 20th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

What a bunch of idiots. Who the hell cares what this White House administration thinks at this point? How funny that they blame NBC for their stupid blunders. Bush makes himself look stupid all on his own. He surely didn't need NBCs help to make this point clear.

The man can't even talk and make sense on any level. My grandson has more intelligence than Bush and Chenney put together. What a bunch of morons!!

After Bush's last comments about "appeasement" he needs to shut the hell up!!! This White House has done more damage to this country then any other country put together!!

President Bush's whole administration has been ran like a bunch of goonies out to line their own greedy pockets and to run this country into the ground in debts and reputation.

Bush needs to just go somewhere and sit down until the movers come to pick his sorry behind up!! NO one cares what this administration thinks, feels or says at this point. I myself have seen and heard enough from this administration to last me two life times!!!

Joshua, OR   May 20th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

This man is just jealous of Barack Obama. He will never get 75 thousand people to come out to hear him speak. He can't even get 7,500 people to come out to hear him speak. Have you ever noticed that he only speaks in front of the military–they have to cheer for him, because they don't have a choice.

Bush is a loser.

Anna   May 20th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

The leader of Iran did not say that he wanted to destroy Israel
If Bush could speak Farsi, their language, like they are able to speak ours he would know that.
The President of Iran said that Israel would disappear from the pages of time. It was not a threat to destroy Israel.
I am sure Bush does know that the translation was incorrect and that several news outlets including CNN retracted the original translation so it makes Bush look like even more of a fool.

Ohiovoter   May 20th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

"frerepress" – Maybe you could use your rebate check to learn the English language. LOL

And "Dan" – President Bush SHOULD attack Obama for wanting to negotiate with anyone is developing nuclear weapons. OSBAMABAMA IS CLUELESS as usual! ALL THE GUY DOES IS TALK, TALK, TALK, PROMISE, PROMISE, PROMISE. TYPICAL DUMBOCRAT – A VISION AND NO PLAN! WHERE HAVE WE HEARD THAT BEFORE?

MCCAIN '08!

GL   May 20th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

And to think I was looking forward to summer starting… so much for that. January seems a million years away. Let's hope we can survive until then.

Obama '08

John Starnes Tampa Florida   May 20th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!! The Bush/Cheney regime has systematically manipulated the media to deceive America into a failed war of conquest, and even snuck its own Pentagon spokemen into the news media as "consultants" being paid to twist the news! How dare they get flustered at this last date about a sentence or two they'd want covered! The ONLY way America can recover its self respect and that of the world is to impeach both men for high crimes against the Constitution, then hand them over for trial for their insidious war crimes.

Jana Delray Bch, Fl   May 20th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

If it wasen't for all the media Clinton would be the next President.

David, Santa Rosa, CA   May 20th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Can't we get the Supreme Court to order GWB to not speak for the next six months? Couldn't it be considered a national interest issue? It it very clear that it is in our Nationd best interest to have the Bush team just shut up.

I hope the Dems, come January, will investigate this administration starting with Bush, Cheny, and Rove and throw these men in jail.

Geez, a guy (most often black) get's thrown in jail for selling weed, but these men can destroy a country, kill hundreds of thousands of people globaly and 4,000+ americans and they get to go back to the ranch?

I don't understand why the dems have not tried to impeach but we better do something once these criminals are out of office.

Dave   May 20th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

What a brainless twit… Someone please stick that silver spoon back in his mouth so he can shut up…

Super D   May 20th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Bush is right. NBC is in the tank for the Dems, especially Obama.

Let's not forget Dan Rather from CBS. Got caught in his own web of deception. Trying to get that George Bush.

NBC, CBS and somewhat ABC, you morons, produce nothing but the liberal point of view. and if you use these outlets for information, then you're being duped. Jokes on you morons.

You're going to miss G W Bush when you can't go to the mall without worrying about getting blown to bits btw……..you watch…..

Obama Sucks

john williams san diego, ca.   May 20th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

NBC news is a subsidiary of Al-Jazeera television. Believing anything Brian Williams says is like believing everything Dan Blather said.

McBride, SLC, UT   May 20th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

I find it utterly ironic that the Bush Administration is frantic about someone taking his words out of context. These are the same people that praise the news worthiness of FOX news and Shaun Hannity and Bill O'Reilly. The same networks that are constantly only playing snipits and sound bites for their bias political agenda. Go ask Michelle Obama about being taken out of context by these same people. We however have the message loud and clear from the Bush administration after 8 long years! Nothing is off limits when it comes to their political ambitions.

Matthew   May 20th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

I'm a moderate to liberal Democrat, but even I can admit that there has been a blurring of the line between commentary on MSNBC and the reporting of hard news on NBC. I changed the channel a while ago.

Chuck, Democrats United We Stand   May 20th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

Maybe Pres Bush should stand trial for crimes against humanity, the people of Iraq and the free world. Maybe he should be charged with lying to congress and giving false misleading information. Seems to me those same standards he has so free handedly used against others could in reality be applied to him.

McCainisanutcase   May 20th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

except what he said abotu the speech was not accurate either. the entire comments were played on Countdown and Bush misquotes his own speech!

DH   May 20th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Though, I don't like Bush, but I think it's time for someone to say something about biased Media, including CNN. Look, how the media treated Hillary Clinton, it's obvious that the media, like NBC, CNN are biased. I lost all the confidence in these two media I had in the past twenty years. I'll always look for second source whenever I read a report from them.

M.S. Indiana   May 20th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Debby, so Fox News is not a news network any more ?? gotta love Karl Rove… not

Can any one tell me what a terrorist is ?? maybe Bush falls into that bucket.

Poor Bush, we are going to change America, so it is a world leader again… People are going to get new jobs, education and we are going have health care for every one…

Chuck B Coastal NC   May 20th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

NBC has report more of the truth about BUSH and CHANEY. They can't stand it,they don't like being exposed.They don't want to deal with being respounciable for there actions. Both of these fools,idiot deserve to be in jail.The people that voted for them deserve to be there with them. Neither wants to be respounciable, they want to direct blame away from themself's.They need to go back to watching the "ren & stimpy show", at least on the cartoon version there antic's can't hurt anyone. In real life they(the ren & stimpy show/bush & chaney)have hurt real people and just like the cartoon version of the "ren &stimpy show",there foolish behavoir

David, New York, NY   May 20th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

This from the President who controlled how the media reported on his administration with greater efficiency than any past officer holder? Imagine if the networks had chosen to fall out of step with the Bush agenda years ago. . . if only.

Paris   May 20th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

It is about time for the biased media to get questioned.
We allow the media to getaway with this kind of reporting.

Good for the Whitehouse and the president.

Lana   May 20th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Go home already Bush!

Keith Olbermann for President!!!!

Ohiovoter   May 20th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

RIGHT ON, "American…..David"! WELL SAID!

Any idiot with half a brain knows that ABC/NBC/CBS are full of yellow journalism. They are the LIARS! That's where you poor slobs get your obama info from – brainwashed by the media. If the media wanted to make Hillary look fantastic, it could. President Bush doesn't entertain the media and could care lessa bout its polls and I'm PROUD OF MY PRESIDENT! GO BUSH!

For those of you disrespectful, vicious, losers, SHAME ON YOU for belittling our President. You just show your ignorance with your name calling. Take your rebate check from PRESIDENT BUSH and stick it.

GO MCCAIN '08!

DoneWithDems   May 20th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Typical media tampering of critical information for the sole purpose of boosting their pathetic ratings.

McCain 08

real change   May 20th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Let's see….I can believe NBC or I can believe the Bush White House….hummmm…..that a toughy.

HP Boston   May 20th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

My God the MSM is so BAD! They help Bush get his war and now they have thrown him under the bus for OBAMA!

I guess we may as well stay home in NOV. the media has sewn up the outcome, guess who!! LOL!!

Doug R.   May 20th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Bush has been lying to , misleading and deceiving the American people since the day he took office. He is incapable of being honest or truthful or accepting any responsibility. He can't even speak correct English. He will be the worst President the United States has ever had. There have been over 4,000 U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq and he hasn't attended 1 funeral. Coward.

Lana   May 20th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Go home already Bush!!

Impeach please!

Keith Olbermann For President!!!!

J. Sully, New York   May 20th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Hey if you wanna hear Bush in action without editing, go to You Tube and type in "Bushisms." I never laughed so hard in my life. What an idiot!! Now he's complaining he was misquoted – the guy who asked "Is our children learning?"

Debbie,NJ   May 20th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Keep reporting NBC. Expose Bush for what he is. A murderer and an appeaser.

Chris - Hemet, Ca.   May 20th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Does anyone still listen to this fool?

A Real Democrat   May 20th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Whoa! I read someone said NBC/MSNBC are the lowest rated news networks? BEHIND FOX NEWS?! Oh, I'm going to be sick.

SwilliamP   May 20th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Considering this President has lied about WMD in Iraq, torture, the true state of the federal deficit (the books are cooked), and has over eight years demonstrated that "E Pluribus Unum" is replaced by "Might Makes Right", and "The Golden Rule is, he who has the gold makes the rules", the total body of work of George W. Bush gives him and this administration no credible defense against almost any type of criticism. I just hope America can make it till January 2009. GWB can still do a lot of damage in the interval…

Karen   May 20th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

American presidency = American Idol. The media tells you who to vote for. Naive sheep.

Oracle99   May 20th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

It's good Bush isn't shying away from interviews since this is an election year. Why becuase it should show voters why we need a change in Washington. He and McSame are just alike. Anyone that voted for or votes for either must want High gas prices, bad ecomony, mortgage crisis, no health care, bail outs for Wall Street, high food prices and the never ending war in Iraq wasting trillions of US taxpayer dollars. Because thats what we can expect with Bush and his twin McSame.

Adam   May 20th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

I think the WH and POTUS ought to express more concern for real problems facing the nation and stop wasting our time complaining about the media. After all, aren't we trying to spread this freedom to Iran and Cuba?

Ugo   May 20th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Hey Debbie, maybe if u watched the interview or read the script u will understand that El Presidente Bush messed up and not MSNBC.

Jack Walden   May 20th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

NBC did nothing wrong!
"deceitful editing to further a media-manufactured story line is utterly misleading and irresponsible" should aptly read
"Bush Administrations deceitful trumpeting of a ne-con manufactured story line leadind to Iraq war was utterly misleading and irresponsible"

Joseph Adewole   May 20th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

When you don't have good educational background, you use some words you should not normally use if you are really educated; that is the difference between the GOP and the Democrats.
Setting anything up is like medicine after death.

Drew, Central FL   May 20th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

President Obama can't come soon enough. This warmonger and his goons need to be tried for war crimes.

Steve   May 20th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

I am a COMPLETE democrat but after I have seen the media dismantle Clinton I have to actually agree with Bush.

In some cases it might be subtle but the way the media has been manipulating the candidates has been horrendous. Leaving out the follow up statement completely changes the tone of what was said.

Jeff M.   May 20th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

I don't even see what the excluded statement adds to what he was saying, really…

chris   May 20th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

listen to all of you pathetic demecrats all your doing by calling bush a sig whiner and saying oh hes wrong is being a hypocrite you whined when you heard what he said in the first place like babies even though it was taken out of context and you whine when obama sounds like an idiot wich he does often but bush says something or anyone you dont agree with and they are below you you are hypocritical pompas and backwards and god help us if one of you ever has to lead our nation

Darren M.   May 20th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

it seems like the Bush Administration realized that his dimwitted comments are only rallying in the Liberal base. So the order went out to shove a sock in his mouth and deny Bush meant anything bad by what he said. Too late. Every day Bush is in office means another liability day for the US. All the world leaders know he has no power, and nobody is scared of him. If we get attacked again it will be because he is in office, not because he is "protecting" us. Somebody please stop the madness…

Obvious   May 20th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Has anyone else noticed that the White House won't say HOW NBC distorted Bush's comments with the editing of the interview? The WH is essentially blaming NBC for not editing the interview so that Bush would not look like the smug idiot he is.

Mary   May 20th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Olbermann and Mathews can wear that T-shirt liberals are selling: "Hillary you can cook my meal but you can't be my president." It suit them.
Another msg to be deleted. Fair and balance and democratic CNN.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   May 20th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Takes a spin doctor to know one.
Here we go with the pot calling the kettle black…again and again and again.

one nation under god!!!!   May 20th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

The truth hurts dont it dems.Either your blind to the truth or your part of the conspiracy.8 years of media and democrat lies has brainwashed liberals(which isnt hard because liberals are by nature alittle on the slow side).

Chris, Denver CO   May 20th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Pretty sad when even the White House is reduced to the tried-and-true Limbaugh trick of complaining about the media. Olbermann obliged the White House by showing Bush's responses unedited last night, and it didn't make Bush look any better.

Obama in '08!!!!!!!   May 20th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

To An American in Canada…you really think what Bush says is relevant?!?!?!?! I think you need to look at the direction he has taken our country, the lives he has spent in an illegal war fought for personal reasons and lastly his approval rating. An idiot is an idiot no matter what job or office they hold!

RepublicansAreToastthisyear   May 20th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Repubicans are Toast this year. Very soon Karl Rove is going to be arrested for his misuse of his power to get A democratic Governer arrested next Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity or Neil Bortz, and Bill O'Relley will follow this year is the end of the Republican era.

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   May 20th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Isn't this the same White House that "accidentally" deleted thousands of e mails and refuses to let the public see the White House guest list?

Now they are crying because NBC edited some meaningless blah blah.

The more Bush opens his yap, the more idiotic he sounds. Of course, it has been that way since he took office.

(Wonder if McCain is going to back Bush on this one!)

Les-WA   May 20th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

The DEMOCRATIC LEAD CONGRESS has LOWER APPROVAL RATING than Bush! What does it say? Democrats can't do anything right with their PIPEDREAM rhetoric!

LuiDaBruin   May 20th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Joe Regis,
If I can count correctly the executive, legislative, and judicial powers add up to three. If anything the press will be the 4th power. Mr. Regis you cannot do math or you don’t know your civics but either way you are an idiot.

JohnLee   May 20th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

The Bush Doctrine – if you have nothing substantial or good to say, you blame those that shed the light on the truth! How much longer until this bozo (aka THe President) is out of office?

Susan   May 20th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Impeach and convict this coward! Bush, go home!

Kurt from Indy   May 20th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Oh golly gee, you mean they took something out of context, maybe Bush can get together w/ Rev. Wright and complain about how unfair it all is.
Impeach the torturer!

corin   May 20th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

obama haters please stop hating on the man. It is not obamas fault the bush and mccain agree on the same term appeasement without even realizing the historical content behind it. It is no obama fault that mccain made another gaffe about Ahmadinejad HE IS NOT THE LEADER OF IRAN,Ali Khamenei is the leader of foreign policy and their nuclear program . its not obama fault that our country is in a shameless war. Its not obama fault that bush went across seas to critize the democratic party in a subliminal manner. America please be smarter than this. I truley believe our government thinks the american people are stupid and ignorant!!! Really do we want 4 more years of bush in office!!!! THE RETHUGLICANS AKA RERACISMS THINK WE ARE FOOLS!!! WAKE UP AMERICA

Unshrub   May 20th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Go blow Bush. You have been documented as a liar, a cheat, and incompetent.

Robin   May 20th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Who do you believe? Bush or NBC? Not a hard question.

Mary   May 20th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

I am a democrat but I rather vote for McCain than Obama. I know McCain, I don't the other one. I don't care if republicans stay in power. The party have ignored women. We don't count. They deserve what they get. The way Hillary has been trashed by her party and liberal media is disgusting.
I won't vote for a party that don't respect women. I know, CNN is pro-Obama so they will delete this msg.

Paul In Seattle   May 20th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Bush is entitled to his opinion on this matter. I think a lot of people have considered having an open dialogue with our "enemies". I'd use the opportunity to gain intel into their thinking if anything. Sure it's a dangerous proposal, and I'm sure there would be major security issues, but I think a low level negotiator could be effective in limited dialogue. I do not think that a President should meet directly with terrorists though. I agree with McCain that this would legitimize them and give them a sense of power. I also continue to think that we should not give in to ransoms with terrorists, and it's too bad that other countries seem to think differently on the matter. I don't think Bush's comment was directed at Obama, but rather the many politicians, both in this country and elsewhere, that would consider meeting with terrorists.

Democrat 'o8

Les-WA   May 20th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

NBC have not only done this to Bush but also to Hillary and Bill Clinton!

NBC is quick to COVER Obama's missteps and blame it on HILLARY!

The media nowadays with exception of CSPAN and PBS are full of CRAPPOLA! They're plain TABLOID NEWS and must NOT be taken seriously and that includes CNN with exception to LOU DOBBS who still believes in ETHICS.

MD   May 20th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

These statements are hilarious, considering they are coming from the most deceitful and secretive administration in the history of our country. This just further proves the neoconservative "with us or against us" rationale. The lies that they create are okay; they are in the best interest for our country. However, when the truth is exposed, they call people unpatriotic. Give me a break. Bush, just stop talking and spend the rest of your days in solitude.

John, Fairfax, VA   May 20th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Mr. Bush should have been impeached a long time ago. As many lies as he's told, he should realize what karma is, if NBC indeed twisted anything he said. It's unlikely. I wish he'd go back to Texas and finish reading "My Pet Goat" since it is on the level of education this idiot displays.

Darrell - WI   May 20th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Go straight to hell GW Bush. I read this morning that you will most-likely go to war with Iran before your term is up. I hope the next POTUS puts your butt in jail for war crimes.

sprkl12000   May 20th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

With words like "appeasement" and other multi-syllable words, did Bush even KNOW what he was saying at the time?

Can we start a petition to have the BALL drop in Times Square when the last few minutes of his term is near????I think that's a CELEBRATION that the WORLD will participate in!!!

What a fool……….

Wayne, Greenville TX   May 20th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Guess NBC got too close to the truth to suit Pretzelboy.

Bush should be rotting in a prison cell somewhere. And someday, he just may – along with Cheney, Rove, and Rumsfeld, to name a few…..

Les-WA   May 20th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I don't watch NBC anymore, they're DECEITFUL. I don't support Bush but wrong is wrong!

NBC is WRONG on this! Deception using their network is UNETHICAL!

NBC you'd be losing MORE viewers!

Alexis   May 20th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

dear mr.president,

can you just for once please, please. please stop lying to me! i cant take it anymore. i am terrified of your lies, and the bad thing about it; that you have gotten quite crafty at liying and it has become second nature to you. Please say nothing for the rest of your term.

Thanks!
a very dedicated DEM.

Americans For Change   May 20th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

WHO WOULD YOU BELIEVE, BUSH THE LAIR, OR INDEPENDENT NEWS CASTING?

NBC DID NOT LIE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ABOUT W.M.D. IN IRAQ.

NBC DID NOT MURDER MILLIONS OF INNOCENT IRAQIS FOR OIL.

NBC DID NOT PUT OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM IN HARM'S WAY; RESULTING IN OVER 4000 DEAD.

NBC DID NOT BLEED OUR ECONOMY DRY, AND ABANDON HARD WORKING HOMEOWNERS WHILE BAILING MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR COMPANIES OUT.

NBC DID NOT ABANDOM THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS IN THEIR TIME OF NEED, AND LEAVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THEM DISPLACED IN VARIOUS STATES.

NBC DID NOT TRAMPLE ON THE US CONSTITUTION (THAT THE PRESIDENT IS SWORN TO DEFEND). GEORGE BUSH DID!

GEORGE W BUSH DID THIS!!!!

GEORGE BUSH AND DICK CHENEY ARE LAIRS AND WAR CRIMINALS!

Linned   May 20th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Like he has room for criticism. Don't get the American people started to criticizing him the list would be extra long. The devastation of the Iraq war is one that we will never forget and why the Democrats need to come together and keep John McCain out of the White House.

TJP   May 20th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Not a fan of Bush. But after the democratic primary, not a fan of NBC or MSNBC either. They're two of a kind.

Carl   May 20th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

NBC and MSNBC have been EXTREMELY biased lately in "leaving out" important… I dont' care how much you hate George W. Bush ( I'm not a fan either), but I believe in honesty and integrity, especially in the media when dealing with serious matters.

This, once again, proves to me that most, if not all, media outlets cannot be trusted.

Tired of the same old stuff   May 20th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Has anyone but me noticed how "STUPID" this guy looks???? Well if you haven't you should because he certainly lives up to the word every day!!!

Tex   May 20th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

George is a "misspeaker" (the new name for a liar). He lied about the WMD and McBush and Hillary supported his warmongering action. They all will pay the piper. George is simply the greatest disgrace for an American President. I have to admit he has even sunk lower than Bill's Monica scandal. A person who is taped on film making a statement and then saying the statement wasn't made has got be what? He has to be stupid!

Gene   May 20th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Impeach Bush and his Administration!

VirginiaVoter   May 20th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Oh..the NBC the most repugnant cable network…..I pray that they will get thrashed by the Fox. Dirty pigs!!

Trapp   May 20th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

If NBC makes an edit that ended up making Bush look better than he did when they aired the entire interview……..then shouldn't NBC be accused of trying to PROTECT the president to make him look better as opposed to editing the interview to make him look bad?

Stacy Clarks   May 20th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

THIS GUYS IS STILL AROUND?!?!

DEMOCRATS IN 08!!!!!!!!

Mike in Calgary   May 20th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

The tenor of Bush's remarks was fairly conveyed by NBC. The more Bush talks, the more clear it is that the PRESIDENT HAS NO CLOTHES. Too bad the American taxpayer, the American economy, the 27,000 Americans injured and the 4,075 (AND COUNTING) young Americans killed in Iraq have to pay the price.

Too bad Bush and McCain and Hillary didn't do their HOMEWORK and target Al queda in Afghanistan, instead of squandering funds that would have supported improvements to medicare, pharmacare, education, industrial expansion and job creation.

Maybe Obama is right – it's time for REAL CHANGE!

Mike

Enlightened Voter   May 20th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Be strong NBC. Could january come quick enought!!!

AJP Richardson, TX   May 20th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Now the Bush Administration knows what it feels like to have some do a smear campaign against you, They have certainly did it to others. '

'What a bunch of cry babies.

MC, Maryland   May 20th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I am by no way agreeing or defending President Bush or the White House but I do feel the Media and Journalist need to be held MORE accountable for what they report. Just report the news and let us interpet the information ourselves. This is why they are getting in trouble lately. The media picks and chooses what THEY think is important for us to know.

Jeanne   May 20th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

This is a joke. NBC didn't do anything wrong. If you want to see the entire interview, just go to their website. It's posted there.

Terrence (Winston Salem,NC)   May 20th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

When they play only the "juicy" clips of Obama or Rev Wright instead of the full speaking, there was a cry of foul on the media. Well, there was… but the media didn't respond. Now that it's Bush, we gotta show the full speaking. Negative.

Obama supporter   May 20th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

I can only believe that Bush was not talking about Obama but Carter is the one he was pointing out. Obama jumped on this to make him self look good, but it backed fired. lose some win some

Chanda-Cincinnati Ohio   May 20th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

OMG…You mean the media has the ability to take someone's words and put their own spin on them to manufacture story lines and controversy? Who would have thunk it!!!!! Hey…George did not have on a flag lapel pin in that interview…how could anyone have voted for someone so unpatriotic as not to wear a flag on their lapel.

GodBlessAmericaGreatNation   May 20th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

NBC, MSNBC ARE THE BEST NETWORKS REPUBLICANS DO NOT LIKE THEM BECASUE THE ARE TOUGH THE WOULD NOT LET REPUBLICANS GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING. LONG LIVE TO NBC,MSNBC AND PBS NEWS THE BEST NEWS IN THE WORLD.

Starr   May 20th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Credibilty is also lost when the comment comes from a person unable to find the caps lock key. Somehow fitting for a Bush apologiest.

DannyCali   May 20th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

I agree with Mr. Bush evidently the political calendar has prove it……Bush speed in Israel and Obama said that in debate with Hillary. So, now Democratic have to fire Obama and Bush have to fire his own Secretary of
State and his defense Secretary.

dizizi   May 20th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Truth be told, he's upset because the coverage of Jen's wedding was on Entertainment Tonight not given due media coverage. Oh, let me see who I can blame instead of standing upright for the comments made. "No Spine"

Phil From VA   May 20th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Bush and Chaney should be in Jail.

Kathy   May 20th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Oh my. I'm all for freedom of speech, but what happened to respect? When did it become okay to publicly call the President of the United States all of the names I've seen in this blog? You can criticize without such personal attacks on a person. Shame on those of you who have stooped so low.

frerepress   May 20th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

blaming media is not solition.
bush you don't have to talk,domestic poletics out,
of your grate country USA.
YOU DON'T NOW P.BUSH YOU ARE WAR CRIMINAL?

Emit   May 20th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

poor little baby

IMPEACH THE BUM!!!!!

USA being led by a war criminal!!!!

jr   May 20th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Bush isn't the swiftest boat in the water, but he's right. If the broadcast media expects to remain a viable source of information in the electronic age then they better get off of their political high horses and start acting responsibly. NBC has always been to opinionated on political issues for my taste, that's why I never watch their news programs.

Viet Nam Vet   May 20th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

So far 44 posts 3 (Maybe) for Bush =15% approval rating
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-What a MORON

Mike from Westchester   May 20th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Does Bush ever have a look on his face other than "bewildered" or "vacant". Now, how did we elect this guy and then, worse yet, reelect him?

I fear that McCain would be like Bush off his meds. Do you want a chance that you son, daughter, niece, nephew or grandchild will be drafted to bolster a depleted military overextended in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, and who knows where else?

paul, nyc ny   May 20th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

I am tired of the media and the candidates expecting me to find what they mean or stand for by doing ALL the work myself. If I want a pretty picture I will paint it and then take it out of the messy room I painted it in. But with the news and with what the candidates mean I want it in front of me. I want the mess along with the pretty picture.

NBC, step up to the plate and give the man his due. Yes, he is a horrible president but he deserves some respect.

Leonard   May 20th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

We should not be surprised by anything the White House, CBS, NBC, ABC etc reports. Each has their own agenda, and will spin the news to fulfill it.

Southern Girl   May 20th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

here he goes again, well educated, well experienced and has a history that the voters claim obama don't have…thank the lord…..didn't he compared Democrats to Nazi appeasers?

Barbara Dillinger   May 20th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

You Obamaniacs never want to hear the whole truth. You like to just pick and choose what goes into your ears. If you liked to hear the truth, Obama would not be where he is today in poll standings, as he has no credentials, only that he is the Messiah.

NO-BAMA   May 20th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Even though we all hate Bush…

…HE IS RIGHT

Geez, I never thought I'd praise George Bush…thanks a lot barack!

UNITE
4
HILLARY

Tony Z- MD   May 20th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

The spin master got spun. He should use daddy's line read my lips.

Dan   May 20th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

This wasn't directed at Obama and you were misquoted? Give me a break! Of course it was a shot at Obama.

The Bush people get all upset when people call BS on something they've said. Then they cry media bias or make absurd accusations.

And in the end, it's great we have media outlets that doesn't always cow to the current government (except when it came to the runup to the Iraq War).

R. Cooper   May 20th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Like NBC stated, the 1st Amendment protects our freedom of speech. Bring it on NBC! You're doing a great job!

JM, OH   May 20th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

shelly in IL wrote "It wasn't only on NBC, Mr. President! It was on every other network as well, Mr. President…lol

Olbermann for president!"

LOL! I'll second that!

Tea Party   May 20th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

The media is filled with crusading do-gooders who are convinced their purpose is to "right the wrongs, to expose corruption and to stand up for the little guy."

Wrong. The job of the media is to simply record and relay information for those who weren't there. Period.

Anything else is simply agenda-driven crusading. The media is SO agenda driven, they should be required to register as a 527 political committee.

The media's motto:
"Why let facts stand in the way of a good story."

Ed, Santa Fe NM   May 20th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Decitful editing??? Oh you mean like the White House did on the global warming reports? CIA intelligence reports? etc etc etc ad nauseum?

I hope Obama fervently pursues prosecution of Bush as a war criminal in 2009.

mike scourby   May 20th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

The reality is, if Bush had not invaded a soverine country because of a personal vendetta Iran would not be in a possition to have any say in the region and If bush was doing his job he would have stopped Iran from gaining a nucular capability and the reality is Bush is an idiot, who is activly talking to Iran, and N Korea as we speak. Oh and its Ok for the President of Iraq ( the puppet Bush planted) to invite The Iranian leader to Iraq and kiss him as if they are old friends, Or as Bush said of Putin I looked in his eyes and saw his soul, Bush is the one who is the appeaser, if he thinks Russia and Putin are ok we are ina hell of a lot of trouble. What an Idiot!

Way to go NBC

Ellen   May 20th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Dave, your post loftily sneered at Obama supporters and stated
"I'll wait to read the typical hateful and childish responses to this story that the Obamites are sure to post, as they always do. Maybe when mommy and daddy are no longer paying the bills, they will move out into the real world and learn some respect."

Well, I'm 49. I am an Obama supporter with 4 grown or almost grown children and I certainly do not live at my Mother's house. Also, I pay my own bills. Most of my friends are Obama supporters as well.

Please have some respect for me and my choice! But I must admit, if you watch FOX for "balance" it's a bit hard for me to keep respect for your opinions. I'm trying really hard though.

FactCheck   May 20th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

> Maybe when mommy and daddy are no longer paying the bills, they
> will move out into the real world and learn some respect.

And maybe when you get your GED, you will understand how the world outside of your own little cubicle works.

Ian   May 20th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

But it was okay to present misleading, inaccurate information leading up to the Iraq war?

58 white old ladies for OBAMA   May 20th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

SPEAKING OF DECEITFUL.

CALLING THE TRUTH A LIE & A LIE THE TRUTH, NOT

EXACTLY NEW WITH THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION.

WE LOVE YOU NBC.

Pat in Cali   May 20th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

When the Dixie Chicks criticized Bush on foreign soil, they were vilified. I guess that was the point. Don't do USA laundry on foreign soil.

NBC cannot turn that interview into something flattering for Bush.

stephen in Oklahoma   May 20th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone needs to expose his lies in a larger than life way!

AMERICA 08

The Oracle   May 20th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Lol. Calm down Canadien American. NBC just reports news. A little to the left, but at least not all the way to the right like Fake(Fox) News.

David, Santa Rosa, CA   May 20th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Dear "a REAL American"

Ummm, ya need to take your meds. It's been a few days and it's starting to show.

shelly   May 20th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

"Old Man Yells At Cloud"

pee-d-feet cause somthing stinks   May 20th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

As you've (Bush) poked at the naive Senetor from Illinois about the things he's said you may want to clarify what you said, but the message sent had dual meaning at the least or you're lying at best.

It will be refreshing to have this guy out of office. IT HAS BEEN A LONG DARK 8 YEARS….

DJ, LA, CA   May 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

to a (FAKE) American – those were his words and his words alone. The only people that are dishonest are people like yourself that defend the most corrupt, unpopular President in history.

AJ, IL   May 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Watch out NBC! You've got the Bushes attacking you and now the Clintons are attacking you. You must be doing something right!

Obama in 08!

The Truth   May 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

This is not how a President should act overseas or anywhere else.
It shows just how scared the republicans are to have to go up against Obama in Nov.

Please get this idiot out of the White House. Thats why he has the lowest approval ratings of any President.

OBAMA '08!

Michael   May 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

NBC "News" does not report the news, they report their own liberal bias.

Chris from NY   May 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

The people in the white house don't know to go to the internet for news that's why they are crying foul. People that care for the news know where to find them. Sometimes it's not on the TV but on the websites. They should stop whinning. The president said what he said and we know what he said. It doesn't matter how he plans to spin it. May be NBC doesn't want to bow to them like CBS did with Dan Rather's report on the president's war record or the lack there of.

Joe Regis   May 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

The Press is the 3rd power in America.

Can't be censorred.

vic nashville,Tn   May 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

First time White house did good Job in past 7 ½ years
This year mainstream media went out of the way

Farren Ballanst   May 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Is he still president?

tai   May 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

O shut up and leave already !!!!!!

Al Ware   May 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Pres. Bush and his staff, to include Rove, are nothing but a complete disgrace to america!

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   May 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

JANUARY SEEMS A 100 YEARS AWAY.

Modern Monkey!!!!   May 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Ahhhh and now he is going after the media….man this guy is a criminal. I really regert my vote in 04…sorry folks I helped that criminal enter office. I will have to live with that. waaah……they did not say it right…..waah. Just go home and cry to your mommy little buddie and leave goverement to the people…..thanks but no thanks

An American in Canada for David   May 20th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

NBC IS THE BIGGEST LOSER IN TV LAND… THEIR RATING ARE LOW AND WILL GO LOWER.

THEIR OPEN BIAS AGAINST H.R. CLINTON WILL BE THEIR RUIN.

THEY WILL BE AND ARE BEING BOYCOTTED BECAUSE OF THEIR NON-BELIEVABLE JOURNALISTS INTERVIEWS AND SLANTED REPORTED ON ACTUAL NEWS.

MAY THEY REST IN TELEVISION HELL!!!

AND THEN EDITING A NEWS STORY FROM THE PRESDIENT OF AMERICA, IT DOES NOT MATTER IF WE ALL DO NOT LIKE HIM, PRESDIENT BUSH IS STILL THE PRESIDENT AND WHAT HE SAYS UNTIL JANUARY 2009 IS RELEVANT…

EDITING THE PRESIDENT, NBC, YOU ARE NOT SUPPOST TO REFLECT WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAYS, YOU ARE SUPPORT TO LET US HEAR IN HIS OWN WORDS WHAT HE HAS TO SAY….

SHAME ON YOU AND SHAME ON RICHARD ENGEL.
DO YOU THINK YOUR REPORTING WILL EVER BE CREDIBLE AGAIN?

Jack   May 20th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

What do you exspect, The president of GE. owner of NBC does business with Iran who helps kill our troops. NBC is the main supporter of obama. That is cause for concern don't you think?

James   May 20th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Bush…please stop nagging. You have mislead this country enough. NBC we support you. Expose him.

Joe Regis   May 20th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

The press is the 3rd power in America.

Can't be censored.

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   May 20th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Bush can blame every news channel in the world but that doesn't excuse the ignoranc3 that comes out of his own lips and the stupidity behind them!!!

Truth!   May 20th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

I can't wait until the world can expose the Bush crime family for what it is. Police State Terrorism!

Jim   May 20th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Bush and Cheney belong in jail…Please do not back down NBC.

a REAL American   May 20th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Another dishonest, liberal media outlet promoting a dishonest, liberal agenda…. how surprising. NBC, and almost every other network has been in love with Obama from Day 1.

I can't wait to see how many hundreds of mindless Obama groupies come in here to defend the losers at NBC and MSNBC in typical cookie-cutter fashion, saying the EXACT SAME THING. Funny how "unique" and "enlightened" you people claim to be.

David, Santa Rosa, CA   May 20th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

The Whit House is complaining that it's absurd to have to go to the internet for accurate information? The White House is complaining about getting accurate information to the public?

This is rich. GWB, Cheny & Rove always had a pair. No common sense to go with said pair, but a pair none the less.

The White House… complaining about getting accurate info to the public. WOW. Now THAT is funny… I don't care who ya're.

Can we put these monkeys on trial once they are out of office?

Joe Regis   May 20th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

No censorship.

Freedom of the press.

C.J. North Carolina   May 20th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

NBC=THE OBAMA NETWORK

THEY NEED TO BE CHASTISED FOR THEIR UNPROFESSIONAL BIASED COVERAGE. OH, WAIT… THEY HAVE BEEN CHASTISED ALREADY BY THE VIEWERS–NOBODY'S WATCHING NBC NEWS.

CNN ALL THE WAY BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike Birmingham, AL   May 20th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Awww…can't handle it now that MSNBC is outfoxing Fox?

the network had used "deceitful editing to further a media-manufactured story line is utterly misleading and irresponsible."

7 years of silence when Fox was doing it, now he gets all pouty when the shoe is on the other foot.

MP-Pennsylvania   May 20th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

We tell our children that they cannot go around and beat people just because of different views…

We ask isreal and palastenians to talk
We ask sunni and shiatts to talk
We ask musharaf and butto to talk
We ask rest of the world to talk…

But our GOP is not willing to talk

Beacuse Halibrataun is not going to gain without wars…

JJ   May 20th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Imagine…the mainstream media with a bias…

Dave   May 20th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Matthews and Olberman might as well wear Obama T-shirts during their respective shows. I no longer watch MSNBC and rarely watch NBC. For balance, I watch CNN and FOX.
I'll wait to read the typical hateful and childish responses to this story that the Obamites are sure to post, as they always do. Maybe when mommy and daddy are no longer paying the bills, they will move out into the real world and learn some respect.

USAF Sr. Airman   May 20th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Okay. This still doesn't change the fact he compared Democrats to Nazi appeasers.

Oh, by the way… Obama picked up two Supers today.

Cheryl, TX   May 20th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

BUSH IS AN IDIOT.

Thanks NBC for reporting the truth about this nutcase. I can't wait for him to pack his bags and move back to Crawford, where he can play lots of golf for the rest of his miserable life. It would be so great if he had to play golf at Arlington Cemetery, where hundreds of young men and women have been buried because of his private war.

ilma   May 20th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

is there anyone with healthy mind who cares what Bush is saying anyway?

Voice of Reason   May 20th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Last night Keith Olberman did air the entire interview and he was right- Bush looked like an even bigger idiot; something I didn't think was possible. maybe the White House should have left well enough alone.

Chris, Middletown, CT   May 20th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Not a huge fan of Bush…but Michael Moore reporting shouldn't be tolerated….picking and choosing your "truths" – isn't the job of the media – report the news….most of us are smart enough to come up with the "truth" – if we choose to believe "misspeaking" – we will support Hillary….fortunately…the majority of us have rejected this "misspeaking" – look out….sniper fire….

MP-Pennsylvania   May 20th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

TYPICAL BUSH…..

OBAMA HATERS IN DEMOCRATIC PARTY; DO YOU PREFER THIS FOR NEXT 4 YEARS??????

Liam   May 20th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

your irrevelant war monger!!!

proud army and navy mom   May 20th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

this is too funny. bush and his co-horts are complaining about deceitfulness. oh my goodness. they lied, cheated us into an illegal war. they hired military correspondants to promote the lies.

they ok torture and then supposedly punish the military people that followed their orders. they invented evidence of WMD's and then sent every talking head they could find to legitimaze the lies.

fox news promoted, broadcasted and cheered on bush even though they knew it was all lies and bush have the audacity to talk about nbc. go to h—- bush, that's exactly where you belong.

stephen in Oklahoma   May 20th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Wow!

Bush wants accurate reporting from the News. He has come a long way in his 8 years.

mmartin arkansaw   May 20th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

your white house spokesmen said your comment was directed towards obama and other democrats.it doesn't become you, to keep lying to the american people,but,at least we're used to it.i hope bush gets sent up on war crimes abuses.

Wh., blue-collar, unemployed, semi-educated WOMAN 4 Obama   May 20th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

This White House and it's "staff" are absolutely living in their own "parallel universe"! I watched to interview on MSNBC last night & Bush – as usual – "opened mouth, inserted foot" again! It's been 7 & 1/2 LONNGGGGG years of this: When are the Reps going to muzzle Bush/Cheney/Rove? It IS like Tom Davis said, "everytime the president opens his mouth, he swallows the microphone"!

This is simply the typical, unending antics of the Reps trying to "make a mountain out of a mole hill" by distracting the MSM from reporting on the REAL news & issues that they SHOULD be focusing & reporting on!

Casey   May 20th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Bush is a moron. Somewhere in Texas, a village is missing an idiot.

Thomas   May 20th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Bush basher above and below this post, Can i predict in 3 years that we are all going to be saying how low Obama's ratings are because of all the things he said he would and did not do…

Obama will say something different in every state to get votes, i got to see a speech in MI and OR and they are 100% different, in Oregon its create more green jobs in MI its get people back in mills and coal plants. Its ok though when Obama fails he will blame the US people because it will be our fault.

Alan Boyer   May 20th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Not surprising…the White House knows a little something about deceit. Remember the pre-Iraq war rationale?

Joe Regis   May 20th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

The Network reports the news.

We don't want any censorship, not any more.

Freedom of the press.

shelly in IL   May 20th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

It wasn't only on NBC, Mr. President! It was on every other network as well, Mr. President…lol

Olbermann for president!

IAMWMD   May 20th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Give it a rest Carl Rove, White House staffers and Tale from the McCrip supporters. Everyone knows exactly what you right-wingers meant. Did that stupid idea come from
Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity or Neil Bortz?

Tjaye   May 20th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

What's the difference in what they are accusing NBC of doing and what the GOP did with Michelle Obama's comments? They stop her comment before its complete, so you don't get the whole message. And with Bitter Gate, they played Obama's comments about the bitterness, but omitted the full response that began with someone asking if some whites weren't voting for him because they were racist and he said basically, no, they are not racist, they are voting for what if familiar…

What's the difference?

Scott, NY NY   May 20th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Hey Bush, get a clue. You're a lame duck and incredibly stupid. Noone cares what you think or say.

Rudy NYC   May 20th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Bush needs to realize that people around the world do take the spoken word seriously, and listen to his own. I would be very interested in what Bush would say if he invited our the leader of our leading ally to speak before Congress on July 4th, but only to hear that leader speak in part about domestic political squabbles.

All Israelis should have been offended by the breach of protocol. There is no defense for Bush's actions. The point he was trying to make is irrelevant. And then he went and insult the Saudi's, "…not enough…"

Debby   May 20th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

NBC and MSNBC are the lowest rated news networks. I am not surprised for their distortion of the truth.

New Day   May 20th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Meh… what does it matter? Is NBC's story going to make his approval rating drop any lower? *snickering*

Brian   May 20th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

I don't see the difference in how NBC edited it versus what was actually said. It still has the same meaning. What NBC omitted (presumably to simplify their sound byte) were just extra words as mumbled by a blathering idiot.

This is a disgusting attempt by the neocons who control the White House to further polarize our media into left and right.

America is sick of it. We want fair and balanced journalism and we're sick of the polarizing policies and deceitful tactics of the Bush administration!

Carol   May 20th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

"White House Counsel Ed Gillespie said it was "simply absurd” that the only way to get “accurate information from NBC News” was to check the Internet for a video stream."

—Yeah it is absurd, because you're not going to get accurate information from the White House. It's been seven years of absurdity.

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   May 20th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Crybaby.

Wanting to destroy Israel and having the power to do so are two different things — which is something Bush and McBush fail to grasp. Saddam Hussein would have liked to destroy the U.S., too, but was rather powerless to do so, as history has shown.

You can't attack a sovereign country based on what they would like to do, and diplomacy tends to have better results than war.

Cammi317   May 20th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Since John McCain jumped on this and gave an interview pointing towards Obama before Obama even bothered to react, their point is moot. Everyone, including the Republican nominee, knew what he meant. You're a liar, everyone knows you are, shut the hell up for the duration of your term.

Susan   May 20th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Stick to your guns NBC! The White House is now trying to quash freedom of speech. The report show exactly what Bush is. As a matter of fact, I cannot believe the Big Bully Bush is now whining about how he is misunderstood. We understand loud and clear, Mr. Bush. As far as McCain goes, he is with Bush on this, so if you all want more war, and more young ment and women to needlessly die, then have it. I just hope you will be able to sleep at night!

Proud American   May 20th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Boo hoo. Bush EVERYTHING you've ever said is a misquote.

Phyllis, TN   May 20th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Yeah, blame it on the media. You low-life, golf playing coward. If I had my way, you would never play golf again after sending 4,000 men and women to their deaths, for your personal reasons. Bush is an idiot and a coward and if he supports McCain, guess what, I don't.

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