Bush at Republican convention: No lashing Barack Obama, Perino says

If you are waiting for President Bush to deliver a red-meat speech lashing into Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama at the Republican National Convention, keep waiting.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino says he won't do it.

Why not?

"Because he's got class," she said at today's White House news briefing.

To be sure, he could, given the criticism dished out at him for four days by Democrats in Denver.

To that, Perino said:

But this president knows better than almost any politician in America what it's like to face criticism. He watched his dad as vice presidential candidate for two terms go through that, and then when his dad ran for president, he saw it again, and then in his own campaigns, the two national elections. He knows what it's like in high political season, and he's not going to respond to every attack.

That said, she added, referring to the speeches at the Democratic National Convention, "Some of the attacks are just out and out false; for example, suggesting that the Bush administration hasn't invested in alternative or renewable energies."

Nevertheless, she said, "We're in high political season. We're not going to let it get to us."

So, what should we expect in his speech?

A review of the "major issues" facing the nation: terrorism, war, the economy "and the direction of our culture." In other words: He'll play to John McCain's presumed political strength (national security) and play to the tax-cut crowd.

"Direction of our culture?" That's usually code for antiabortion and other "social" issues. Presumably he's not talking about modern art or the coming Broadway season.

"Above all," Perino said, "the speech reflects on the role of the presidency and the qualities that are demanded by the job." And matches McCain with those job requirements.

And then the president will disappear. He's planning to spend the convention week secluded at Camp David, in Maryland's Catoctin mountains.

One possibly wrench in the works: Gustav.

Depending on the strength, path and timing of the storm, Bush could cancel his Monday prime-time speech date; indeed, the Republicans could delay the convention itself.

No need to be seen awash in politics while the Gulf Coast is awash in debris.

-- James Gerstenzang

Photo: Haraz N. Ghanbari / Associated Press

Comments

[Mitchell]

No, McCNN does not want any linkage between himself and the CIC until after the election. THis is just propaganda 101

[Gaias Child]

My intuition is that the Bush daughters are voting for Obama and their chainsaw Papa likes him too.

[wolf]

It really doesn't matter what he says, the fact that Bush may attend the Republican National Convention is all anyone needs to see. The Republicans just do not understand that the majority of Americans do not like Bush and are loathe to consider anyone who might continue his policies...

Myself ( an Independent ) included.

[Conventional Wisdom]

Bush’s criticism of Obama would have a similar impact on voters as Bin Laden’s criticism of Bush and his reference to Michael Moore’s film, in the 2004 election. It would get out the vote for Obama. Bush is not that stupid.
Look instead for Bin Laden to call out McCane in this election, because he’ll need to drum up some Iraq business and stir up some GOP voters. Obama would actually send the troops after him.