corrente

You know how to be sure something is a posed marketing event? It's when George E. Pataki, the Punxsutawney Phil of Republican Party photo-ops, pops up out of whatever burrow hes been snoozing in, blinks into the bright lights and cameras, has his picture snapped with the mayor, announces the opening of a ski lift or golf course, predicts six more weeks of fabulous NY weather and then scurries back into his hidey hole until the next snapshot "news" filler opportunity rolls around. Most recently he popped up long enough to sniff at the wind and share a friendly NY minute with CNN's Judy Woodruff.

On 08.04.2004 G.E. Pataki appeared before the hot CNN lights and reassured all of us that Howard Dean was certainly being "ridiculous" for suggesting that Tom Ridge's recent terror alert threat-o-mercial production might be something of a campaign ploy on behalf of you know who. GE-P also provided this little flippsy-floppsy-like escape from reality scold:

Pataki: And this president understands that you don't just pat yourself on the back and declare a victory. You look to see how you can continue to move forward. And that's what this president is doing.

And then he was off. On to the next ground breaking forecasting event! Obviously Patakitawney was asleep in a clover patch or nibbling an asparagus shoot when the heroic photo-op above was orchestrated. What a woodchuck. Expect 12 more weeks of stupid weather.

And speaking of 'W'oodchucks...

From AP:

Bush Insists His Administration Seeking 'new Ways to Harm Our Country' | The Associated Press | Aug 5, 2004

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we," Bush said. "They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."

Ah, steady leadership.

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