Is Christie’s weight a problem? Unfortunately, it probably is
It’s an uncomfortable question, which means that it’s right in Barbara Walters’ wheelhouse. As she put it to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie:
For those who can’t watch video, here’s how the exchange goes:
WALTERS: “There are people who say that you couldn’t be president because you are so heavy. What do you say to that?”
CHRISTIE: “It’s ridiculous. I mean, that’s ridiculous. I think people have watched me for a number of weeks in Hurricane Sandy doing 18-hour days, so I don’t really think that would be a problem.”
I’m not so sure that’s true. As Christie acknowledged to Walters, he isn’t merely overweight, he’s seriously overweight. That struck home during last night’s broadcast of the Hurricane Sandy charity concert in New York, which Christie attended. When the camera panned to Christie, standing in a crowd surrounded by other people, the size differential between the governor and those around him was startling.
Some have raised the question of whether Christie’s weight reflects a character flaw or lack of personal discipline, but I’m with the governor on that one: “It’s ridiculous.” That alleged “lack of discipline” doesn’t show up in other aspects of his life, and as Christie aptly noted, it doesn’t affect his work ethic.
It does, however, raise significant health issues. If you look at how George W. Bush visibly aged over his eight-year presidency, and how Barack Obama has aged, the toll taken by the job and the campaigning becomes pretty clear. And unlike Christie, both Bush and Obama are pretty serious about staying in good physical shape. It’s perfectly legitimate, even necessary, to consider health when electing a president, and although Christie has never revealed his actual weight, it’s pretty clear that he would fall in the far right category in the chart below:
There’s also the image issue. Rationally speaking, you cannot judge a person’s character or intelligence by his or her weight or physical attractiveness, but the truth is that we do it all the time, without even thinking about it.
As researchers Lucy Watson and Lucy Johnston write in summarizing scientific studies into the question:
“Attractive people are perceived to be happier, more sociable and more successful than unattractive individuals. Attractive, as compared to unattractive, individuals are judged more highly on academic tasks, are treated more generously when grades are assigned and receive more support. Furthermore, physical attractiveness has been found to affect juror decisions, helping behavior, parents’ attitudes toward their own infants, psychological well-being of adults, status cues, social and professional competence evaluations, level of prestige of a given occupation and employment and job evaluations.”
Given that psychological reality, it’s no surprise that voters tend to gravitate to candidates who look presidential. And in his present physical condition, that is not a test that Christie passes.
– Jay Bookman
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612 comments Add your comment
Escaped from Email Purgatory
December 13th, 2012
4:36 pm
I don’t see a problem with Christie’s weight just on the face of it. If his health is seriously compromised, then that’s another matter.
Are we really that shallow as a nation that a capable guy America knows has a proven track record can be dismissed as a viable candidate for POTUS simply because he’s heavy? OK, extremely heavy?
Of course we are. Look at who our current POTUS is. Clearly qualifications and substance have nothing to do with his appeal. He can dance pretty good though – see his gig on Ellen. He channels Al Green better than most. He could be kick-ass at karoake.
He can also acquit himself with some dignity on a basketball court. Of course, that’s because nobody will play legitimate defense against him. And how come he’s always wearing sweat pants? Is he ashamed of his legs?
Chritie as POTUS is cool with me – even at his current girth. Just keep him away from the antique chairs in the White House.
Joe Hussein Mama
December 13th, 2012
4:37 pm
o gop — ““jerk” your own leg Hussein. I am sure you are quite familiar with doing that.”
If you’re too clueless and ignorant to read what Jay said before spouting the kind of patently stupid bullplop you just posted in here, then you’re too slow and thick to be worth any kind of serious discussion.
All you’ve got are snotty, rude comments and insults, and you don’t add a damn thing to the discussion.
AmericaShrugged
December 13th, 2012
4:38 pm
DDR – Don’t worry about your mutt family. For more than 20% of Americans the guy listed on the birth certificate isn’t the biolgical father anyway!
Does Christie’s weight matter? NJ gov calls concerns ‘ridiculous’ — MSNBC
December 13th, 2012
4:39 pm
[...] president is hard, and it takes a toll on your body, writes Atlanta-Journal Constitution columnist Jay [...]
Joe Hussein Mama
December 13th, 2012
4:39 pm
E. E. Purgatory — Left you a note downstairs. Enjoy!
Common Sense isn't very Common
December 13th, 2012
4:39 pm
josef
Was that Grover ‘Cleveland’ Norquist?
Nero
December 13th, 2012
4:39 pm
Susan Rice made her own bed. She made too many enemies, both Republican and Democrat. Just another example, in a long line of examples, of letting your mouth write a check your a** can’t cash. It’s character building. She’ll be fine.
Regnad Kcin
December 13th, 2012
4:41 pm
“For more than 20% of Americans the guy listed on the birth certificate isn’t the biolgical father anyway”
Interesting Factoid. Is there a source?
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
4:42 pm
D.I.A.: Rice takes another one for the O-team: Rice Withdraws Potential Secretary of State Nomination
She’s a better person than that other Rice, (Condeleeza), was. She decided her nomination would’ve been too much of a distraction — Ms. C. Rice; didn’t too much care one way or the other.
josef — For the Shakespeare parody — you get 5 Stars; but not the boa. If you could’ve married something risque or put in a good “far, far better thing that i do joke”; you would’ve gotten the boa. Sorry.
Brain: Debbie, I’m sure glad that the libs on here don’t do that, snicker, snicker.
Liberals would NEVAH eat donkey meat — the fighting, kicking, jack azz is our symbol.
moonbat betty
December 13th, 2012
4:43 pm
I believe Obama’s first choice for SOS back in ‘08 was Oprah.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 13th, 2012
4:43 pm
Is there a source?
pulledoutofhisbutt.com
Does Christie’s weight matter? NJ gov calls concerns ‘ridiculous’ | Now
December 13th, 2012
4:44 pm
[...] tells the Washington Post. Being president is hard, and it takes a toll on your body, writes Atlanta-Journal Constitution columnist Jay Bookman. “If you look at how George W. Bush visibly aged over his eight-year [...]
josef
December 13th, 2012
4:45 pm
DDR
You’re a mutt…well… is this you….
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumblarge_395/12416584758Tg8TK.jpg
Regnad Kcin
December 13th, 2012
4:45 pm
“Is there a source?
pulledoutofhisbutt.com”
josef
December 13th, 2012
4:46 pm
COMMON SENSE
Boy, I would like to see what Grover Cleveland would do to Grover Norquist…
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
4:47 pm
Is he ashamed of his legs?
Maybe — but probably on the two that have feet connected to them.
=============
Shrugged: Don’t worry about your mutt family.
No worries — my family is what makes me “interesting”.
For more than 20% of Americans the guy listed on the birth certificate isn’t the biolgical father anyway!
Hmmm I have NO IDEA how to take that comment……………..
DownInAlbany
December 13th, 2012
4:47 pm
DebbieDoRight – A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
4:42 pm
D.I.A.: Rice takes another one for the O-team: Rice Withdraws Potential Secretary of State Nomination
She’s a better person than that other Rice, (Condeleeza), was. She decided her nomination would’ve been too much of a distraction — Ms. C. Rice; didn’t too much care one way or the other.
The current Rice is a party hack. Plain and simple.
Nero
December 13th, 2012
4:49 pm
takes one for the O-team….BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! If being asked to step aside is taking one, then yeah.
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
4:49 pm
josef @ 4:45 – Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful!
Doggone/GA
December 13th, 2012
4:50 pm
“Plain and simple”
There’s no need to put yourself down like that. We love you anyway.
Erwin's cat
December 13th, 2012
4:50 pm
Regnad
http://mexicotoday.co.uk/article/world%E2%80%99s-leaders-descend-upon-mexico-g-20-summit
who do you think would do well at speed dating? I rest my case >^..^<
josef
December 13th, 2012
4:50 pm
DDR
You already got the boa,,,,
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
4:51 pm
The
currentOTHER Rice is a party hack. Plain and simple.There! Fixed that typo for ya!
Ja'Darius
December 13th, 2012
4:51 pm
As I read your blog Jay I wondered whether you’d be critiquing Christie’s weight if he was a Democrat. I’m gonna guess the answer is no.
Common Sense isn't very Common
December 13th, 2012
4:51 pm
DDR
You going to ‘treat’ the family as gods this Christmas?
Feed them BURNT offerings?
josef
December 13th, 2012
4:51 pm
DOGGONE
@ 4:50
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 13th, 2012
4:52 pm
The current Rice is a party hack. Plain and simple.
“We don’t want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud.”
Condoleezza Rice
Doggone/GA
December 13th, 2012
4:53 pm
Thanks Josef!
DownInAlbany
December 13th, 2012
4:54 pm
Debbie: Obama created his own no-win situation. He doubled down on Rice and lost. After the way he defended her against so-called “racist” and “sexist” attacks, if he did not nominate her, he appears weak, if confirmation hearings proceeded, she was going to be fully interogated regarding Benghazi. I’m willing to bet that she withdrew with his blessings (or at his request). Just my opinion, I’m sure you’ll berate me and that’s ok, too!
Welcome to the Occupation
December 13th, 2012
4:55 pm
No tears here for Susan Rice. A horrendous nominee.
But it is funny to see the Republican and Democratic factions of empire throwing food at each other this way with that old taxidermy man McCain blundering around with food on his leather face.
DownInAlbany
December 13th, 2012
4:55 pm
DebbieDoRight – A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
4:51 pm
The current OTHER Rice is a party hack. Plain and simple.
There! Fixed that typo for ya!
No typo there! But, you’ll get no argument from me. Some hack for the right, some hack for the left, but, they ALL hack!
AmericaShrugged
December 13th, 2012
4:55 pm
Lots of non-paternity event data out there, do your own research. Here’s one from wik In contrast, men in studies of disputed paternity, considered to have low paternity confidence, the rates of non-paternity were higher – 29% in the U.S. and Canada, 29% in Europe, and 30% elsewhere.[6]
With 40% out of wedlock birth rates, who’s your daddy?, takes on a different meaning.
moonbat betty
December 13th, 2012
4:56 pm
“We don’t want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud. ~Condoleezza Rice”
Wasn’t Thomas Jefferson responsible for that quote?
Thulsa Doom
December 13th, 2012
4:56 pm
“Rationally speaking, you cannot judge a person’s character or intelligence by his or her weight or physical attractiveness, but the truth is that we do it all the time, without even thinking about it.’
I didn’t think liberals made judgements on people.
Thulsa Doom
December 13th, 2012
4:58 pm
“Wasn’t Thomas Jefferson responsible for that quote?”
That would be unfortunate if he did. I would hate to imagine Jefferson to be such an idiot.
moonbat betty
December 13th, 2012
5:00 pm
Welcome @4:55:
Reminds me of this all time favorite food fight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4-spBDcJyk
Nero
December 13th, 2012
5:01 pm
leather face….HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! The Cong hit harder.
Common Sense isn't very Common
December 13th, 2012
5:03 pm
Kam
any truth to the rumor that you were coming to Atlanta because there was a shotgun toting father in NC saying something about his daughter swallowing a soccer ball
josef
December 13th, 2012
5:03 pm
Mr Christie…
Just remember…
“it may be rough going, to do your own thing is the hardest thing to do…”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RhriAN7jME
Skip
December 13th, 2012
5:04 pm
Who will Mitt nominate for his Sec. of Def…..opps, my bad
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 13th, 2012
5:05 pm
Common Sense isn’t very Common
No, and will you be my best man at next week’s unexpected nuptials?
Joe Hussein Mama
December 13th, 2012
5:06 pm
DIA — “Debbie: Obama created his own no-win situation. He doubled down on Rice and lost.”
And there’s a lesson in that for Republicans in re taxes and spending cuts.
josef
December 13th, 2012
5:07 pm
THULSA
@ 4:56
Obviously, not… jus’ sayin’….
Common Sense isn't very Common
December 13th, 2012
5:07 pm
Kam
Sure and I will even supply the beer and a get a way car
The night before LOL
Thulsa Doom
December 13th, 2012
5:08 pm
“After the way he defended her against so-called “racist” and “sexist” attacks”
Racism and sexism are like ketchup for the libs. They can put it on everything.
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
5:09 pm
D.IA. – Who knows if that’s why she withdrew her name. But what I think we both know is that this whole “Its RICE’s FAULT” theme was just some Bushsh##t used to obfuscate, confuse and distort the REAL republican agenda of trying to do anything and everything to make Obama look bad.
Rice recognized that — and since she’s an old friend of Obama’s decided to do the “patriotic thing”. Patreus stepped down, not because of Benghazi, but if ANYONE was more at fault it would’ve been HIM and not HER; yet not. one. word. from the elephants on the far fringed right about HIS failings in Benghazi.
If I was her, I wouldn’t have bothered to withdraw my name — I would’ve let the WORLD see how damn low a republican senate would go just to divide and TRY to conquer.
I would’ve done a Clarence Thomas on their azzes and called it a “High Class Lynching”. I would’ve given them a fight, that would’ve made WATERLOO look like child’s play. I would’ve hollered about how the republican party wanted to make me their scapegoat MAMMY, while turning a blind eye to the person [read that as white anglo MALE] who was in charge. I would’ve came into those hearings wearing Red, White and Goddam BLUE with stars in my ears, (diamonds); and Jimmy Choos on my feet; and the biggest diamoned flag pin i could find.
I would’ve taken the veil off of the republican party for the WORLD to see. I would’ve shown them up for the testosteroned hoodlums that they are.
When I got through, nominated or NOT nominated, I would’ve given them one for the history books.
If you’re gonna go — go out fighting.
Common Sense isn't very Common
December 13th, 2012
5:11 pm
DDR
How is that hormone therapy and anger management classes going anyway?
Nero
December 13th, 2012
5:13 pm
Deborah is butt hurt. Hoodlums…..BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
5:15 pm
DDR — You going to ‘treat’ the family as gods this Christmas? Feed them BURNT offerings?
Are you making cracks about my cooking Common?
Hey, I’m taking cooking classes and I’m getting LOTS better! I haven’t burnt anything in a whole week (for your information)!!
Common Sense isn't very Common
December 13th, 2012
5:17 pm
DDR
I haven’t burnt anything in a whole week (for your information)
So you haven’t tried red beans and rice again eh?
Welcome to the Occupation
December 13th, 2012
5:17 pm
Moonbat betty: Reminds me of this all time favorite food fight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4-spBDcJyk
What an amazing scene. Haven’t seen that one since I was a kid. Best part of it is when the guy ducks the first time.
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
5:19 pm
DDR — How is that hormone therapy and anger management classes going anyway?
Darling– these past 4+ years the republicans have been looking high and low for an Angry Black Woman to parade in front of the world. They lost with Michelle, they lost with Susan, but Debbie would’ve given them the Scorched Earth Syndrome woman.
If they think they’re gonna drag me down, I’m taking everyone with me.
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
December 13th, 2012
5:19 pm
Well, I sure hope Bookman gives us another topic for tonight. This one hits kinda close to home, if you know what I mean.
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
5:20 pm
So you haven’t tried red beans and rice again eh?
No comment…………
Common Sense isn't very Common
December 13th, 2012
5:22 pm
DDR
If you cooked for Christie one of three things can happen.
1) he loves it and gets bigger
2) he hates it and loses weight
3) he dies
Which is most likely?
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
5:23 pm
There’s this line in an old Denise LaSalle song, (blues singer) – the title of the song is “Hey Lady Your Husband Is Cheating On Us”
In it, she says, “Before I bow out gracefully, I’m going to tell EVERYTHING that I know”.
That would be ME at those confirmation hearings. I would dig up dirt on every republican there and wait until all the cameras were on me so that I can REALLY make a scene.
Fox News would have to flip over to Greta doing laundry or something…….
saywhat?
December 13th, 2012
5:23 pm
An Occupy Wall Street protester had shown up at the White House front gate every day for a week, demanding to see President Romney. Day after day, the Marine guard on duty informed him that Romney was not the President and sent him away.
On the fifth day, the Marine guard finally asked “Why do you keep coming back and asking to see President Romney? I have already told you repeatedly that Romney is not the President!”
The OWS protester replied “I know Romney isn’t President, I just like hearing you say it.”
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
December 13th, 2012
5:25 pm
No shots at Debbie’s Cooking!!
Big NO! Common!
I’m outta here — you started talking about COOKING; (specifically MY cooking), and ruined everything!
Nite all.
Common Sense isn't very Common
December 13th, 2012
5:25 pm
DDR
Fox News would have to flip over to Greta doing laundry or something
———————————————————————————————
Fox News would have to flip over to Greta doing Bill O’Rielly or something
Fixed it forya
Ken
December 13th, 2012
5:25 pm
Jay, what Republican are you going to pick on tomorrow. It’s become a pattern.
Further leftist corruption...
December 13th, 2012
5:26 pm
“…Education experts and teachers who work with large Latino populations say that the lack of familiar images could be an obstacle as young readers work to build stamina and deepen their understanding of story elements like character motivation..”.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/05/education/young-latino-students-dont-see-themselves-in-books.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Gosh, as a Latino, I wonder how I was able to survive without leftist corruption and PC though elementary, middle, and high school, undergrad, graduate and professional school and a 2 year residency? Of course after reading “Education experts and teachers” one could predict the direction of the article….
Tundra Dude
December 13th, 2012
5:27 pm
To me he looks like a typical gluttonous pig.
Fat chance, he ever gets the nomination.
He’ll be a heavyweight contender in 2016, for a while,
but he’ll never pass muster with the new and improved Tea Party Terrorists or the RRR gang (Radical Religious Right)
The Reds will nominate a pretty boy of modest intellect.
getalife
December 13th, 2012
5:27 pm
The new Nirvana song rocks.
Nobody predicted that one.
Joe Hussein Mama
December 13th, 2012
5:28 pm
D. DoRight — “No comment………… ”
The key — as I think we’ve discussed before — is TIME. You cannot rush red beans and rice and expect a good result.
My suggestion is to start simply, without getting too creative with the beans and seasonings. If the beans come out too bland, one can always put hot sauce, chopped onions, garlic, chilies or whatever into one’s bowl. But just getting the basics down to where they’re second nature –despite how long they take — is the best approach, IMO.
Once you feel that you can reliably make good beans, then start tarting them up the way you like. Or go another route and try different sorts of beans; perhaps some other variety will appeal to you more than the red beans.
josef
December 13th, 2012
5:29 pm
DDR
Here ya go…
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cajun-blackened-redfish/
Common Sense isn't very Common
December 13th, 2012
5:30 pm
I think the GOP will have a Ryan/Rubio ticket the next time.
They didn’t do anything wrong this time remember just didn’t attract enough Hispanics or young people.
It wasn’t the message
saywhat?
December 13th, 2012
5:31 pm
It was hard for me not to be cynical about Christie making nice with Obama during the hurricane response. I kept wondering if he was just doing a little national marketing to make himself look like a reasonable moderate Republican, like used to exist, in preparation for a 2016 run.
Nero
December 13th, 2012
5:32 pm
They still don’t. The new Nirvana was horrible.
Soothsayer
December 13th, 2012
5:33 pm
Kam: I went to the website you quoted at 4:43 but I couldn’t find anything. In fact, there isn’t even a website. I’m amazed that one of our bloggers here on Bookman’s semi-sacred, marginally meaningful blog would resort to such.
Tundra Dude
December 13th, 2012
5:36 pm
Jay, what Republican are you going to pick on tomorrow. It’s become a pattern.
The lions want some new meat, I nominate George P. Bush, son of Jeb.
Soothsayer
December 13th, 2012
5:37 pm
Barbara Walters: Oliver, don’t you think that you’re a little heavy to be a comedian?
Oliver Hardy: Why, no, its what makes the routines work so well. My heaviness juxtaposed with Stan’s skinniness. Why do you ask?
I think Hillary or whomever runs for the Dems in 2016 should be plenty worried about Christie — especially if the economy takes a real nose-dive in the next four years.
josef
December 13th, 2012
5:42 pm
Further leftist corruption…
I agree and disagree with what you’re saying…When I was in the classroom, a significant number of my students were Latinos. My goal in teaching them was to see themselves, not as some segregated element to whom you threw a bone, a piece of trivia, a “latino” face or what have you, but as participants in and contributors to the common whole.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
December 13th, 2012
5:52 pm
@JH Mama
I guess “note downstairs” refers to the zinger you aimed @ o gop’s way? Very efficient of you. Two kills with only one arrow spent.
What can I say?
Ouch! Consider me chastised.
I’m fortunate that you’re only a self-appointed arbiter of what’s acceptable blather for this blog.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to inflict nary an opinion, would I?
Real Scootter
December 13th, 2012
5:59 pm
I’m fortunate that you’re only a self-appointed arbiter of what’s acceptable blather for this blog.
You may have just poked a Hornet’s nest dude! Whew.
guy
December 13th, 2012
5:59 pm
Christy-Rubio will be ok. Won’t matter because by then there will be more on the “takers” bandwagon. Sad but true! The party will end though and then the fireworks really begin. Got to happen no matter who is in office.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
December 13th, 2012
6:05 pm
@Real Scooter
I’m just another knucklehead with a worthless opinion. What puts me ahead of JH Mama?
At least I know it. And I don’t litter my emails with annoying emoticons.
Merry Christmas JH Mama.
What’s that buzzing sound? Do you hear that? Kinda sounds like an airplane engine.
getalife
December 13th, 2012
6:07 pm
escaped,
It is a blog and you are making comments on this blog.
Not emails silly.
josef
December 13th, 2012
6:08 pm
PURGATORY
“At least I know it. And I don’t litter my emails with annoying emoticons.”
Prollly ’cause you a humorless b*stid…
Jack ®
December 13th, 2012
6:09 pm
Christie is likable, as said above. Nice fellow. But I’d rather vote for a skinny guy. Baba Wawa for Secy of State.
Georgia
December 13th, 2012
6:09 pm
One only has to look at the way lady liberty aged under eight years of national nightmare dream weaver W to know what the effects of a presidency can be. Why do we give our child king a pass? Why? History ranks W the #1 worst human being that ever lived. Of course assassins and terrorists and lunatics only kill the Lincolns, the jfks and the John lennons. They never kill the dung beetles.
Real Scootter
December 13th, 2012
6:09 pm
I’m just another knucklehead with a worthless opinion
Welcome to the club!
josef
December 13th, 2012
6:14 pm
GEORGIA
Don’t forget James Garfield and William McKinley!
Escaped from Email Purgatory
December 13th, 2012
6:15 pm
Best thing is we don’t have to pay dues. Do we?
YouLibs
December 13th, 2012
6:17 pm
The lab results came back today…turns out that the other half of my brain was a malignant tumor. I apologize for the remarks it made, but once it was separated from the benign part, I had no control.
josef
December 13th, 2012
6:20 pm
getalife
What’s your take on the recognition of the Syrian National Council…?
Escaped from Email Purgatory
December 13th, 2012
6:21 pm
@getalife
Duly noted
@josef
Guilty. I think it’s because I have a skin condition and it’s made me bitter.
josef
December 13th, 2012
6:22 pm
PURGATORY
And what skin condition would that be?
getalife
December 13th, 2012
6:31 pm
josef,
assad will be gone soon.
josef
December 13th, 2012
6:33 pm
getalife
I agree. But how, where?
getalife
December 13th, 2012
6:35 pm
josef,
Not sure but he could end up like daffy if he uses chemical weapons like his daddy.
Soothsayer
December 13th, 2012
6:39 pm
The Syria Chemical Weapons Saga: The Staging of a US-NATO Sponsored Humanitarian Disaster?
Modeled on the Saddam Hussein WMD narrative, the propaganda ploy concerning the alleged threat of Syria’s chemical weapons has been building up over several months.
The Western media suggests –in chorus and without evidence– that a “frustrated” and “desperate” president Bashar al Assad is planning to use deadly chemical weapons against his own people. Last week, U.S. officials revealed to NBC News that “Syria’s military has loaded nerve-gas chemicals into bombs and are awaiting final orders from al-Assad”.
Western governments are now accusing Syria of planning a diabolical scheme on the orders of the Syrian head of State. Meanwhile, the media hype has gone into full gear. Fake reports on Syria’s WMD are funneled into the news chain, reminiscent of the months leading up to the March 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Seems like deja vu all over again, huh?
td
December 13th, 2012
6:42 pm
Soothsayer
December 13th, 2012
6:39 pm
The Syria Chemical Weapons Saga: The Staging of a US-NATO Sponsored Humanitarian Disaster?
I wonder when you libs will admit that we now have found where all those WMD from Iraq ended up?
Soothsayer
December 13th, 2012
6:45 pm
The Syria WMD saga is in marked contrast to that of Iraq. The objective is not to” justify” an all out humanitarian war on Syria, using chemical weapons as a pretext.
An examination of allied military planning as well as the nature of US-NATO support to the opposition forces suggests a different course of action to that adopted in relation to Iraq (2003) and Libya (2011).
The purpose is indeed to demonize Bashar Al Assad but the objective at this stage is not the conduct of an all out “shock and awe” war on Syria, involving a full fledged air campaign. Such an action would, under present conditions, be a highly risky undertaking. Syria has advanced air defense capabilities, equipped with Russian Iskander missiles (see image) as well as significant ground forces. A Western military operation could also lead to a response from Russia, which has a naval base at the port city of Tartus in Southern Syria.
Moreover, Iranian forces from its revolutionary guards corps (IRGC) are present on the ground in Syria; Russian military advisers are involved in the training of the Syrian military.
In recent developments, Syria took delivery of the more advanced Russian Iskander missile system, the Mach 6-7, in response to the deployment of US Made Patriot missiles in Turkey. Syria already possesses the less advanced E-Series Iskander. Syria is also equipped with the Russian ground to air defense missile system Pechora-2M.
For you “wishers and hopers,” Syria is going to be a tougher nut to crack than was Iraq and Libya.
Soothsayer
December 13th, 2012
6:46 pm
I believe everything I hear on the TEEVEE to be the absolute truth.
They BOTH suck
December 13th, 2012
6:47 pm
“I wonder when you libs will admit that we now have found where all those WMD from Iraq ended up?”
I wonder when td will provide more substantiated evidence than just right wing websites and is usual typical blather?
I wonder on this issue and most others………………….
Tap Out
December 13th, 2012
6:48 pm
The one potential 2016 GOP candidate who appears to have a small chance is the one who worked the best with Obama.
Soothsayer
December 13th, 2012
6:49 pm
Can you say World War III? I knew that you could!
And if we have World War III, what would you guess will be first casualty? Israel? Why, yes, you’re right! Give yourself 20 points!
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 13th, 2012
6:50 pm
BOTH
Next time choose a place that’s got ample free parking, PLEASE!
DannyX
December 13th, 2012
6:50 pm
“I wonder on this issue and most others………………….”
I have not given up hope that td will actually get something right one of these days. His fawning over Karl Rove and unskewed polls was classic.
We’re rooting for you td!
Soothsayer
December 13th, 2012
6:53 pm
If Nutandyahoo involves the world in another World War, how do you think that will affect the Jews of the entire world?