Interested parties were full aware of Ross Perot's impending endorsement of George W. Bush on Larry King Thursday night, which is why they were undoubtedly doubly gleefull in killing two birds with one stone.

The Bush-DUI revelation was so predetermined that even Rush Limbaugh opined on his radio show earlier this week that he was looking for the "kitchen sink" to be thrown at Bush, most likley on Thursday. Why Thursday? Because that day would give the story the greatest chance to "gets some legs," while given Bush little time recoup from the unwanted news.

There is little question this story was scheduled for release at precisely this moment. The notion a Maine television reporter just "overheard" the story in a Portland courthouse is so silly that even CNN's liberal Bill Press recognized the significance of the timing.

In light of past Clinton transgressions, this story doesn't have much legs. Unfortunately, the legs it does have are just long enough to sway the "middle" towards Gore. Hence, the timing played very well in knocking the Perot endorsement off the front pages. Through marginalized since his last run, even Perot's endorsement prior to the DUI story could have been enough to turn things towards Bush.

Unfortunately, that is all over now. Gore will win by 6 points nationally. Unfortunately, six months after he's in office, few will remember he had no mandate, while he claims he does have one.

-- Buster Collins (Hiway441@aol.com), November 02, 2000

Answers

Good. Thank God it has been proven he is a criminal before he got in office. Once an alcoholic, always an acoholic.

-- (good@riddens.shrub), November 02, 2000.

Won't happen Buster. Reposted from an earlier thread: I'd heard that some bad "mud" was a coming, but I thought that it would be better than this. 1976? Gore was doing pot at about the same time, by his own admissions. What matters is what these guys are doing now. Whats the Gore camp doing? Lying:

The Gore campaign has denied any involvement in leaking the news.

The campaign of Democratic nominee Al Gore vehemently denied it had anything to do with leaking the news and refused any further comment.

``The Gore campaign had nothing to do with this and this is just something that we're not commenting on,'' said Gore spokesman Chris Lehane. ``It would be inappropriate to comment on this.''

Source: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20001102/ts/bush_arrest_dc_3.html

Oh, I'm sure no one in the Gore campaign was involved in this or even knew about it, lol. FoxNews, which broke the story, just reported that the source of the story and the dui document came from a lawyer in Maine - who had the document months ago - at the Democratic National Convention. He was a delegate. This "mud" was kept until today, where it could "help" the cause at the most opportune time.

Folks, this is desperation. The outcome of this election is not in doubt, Bush has at least a four point lead and dirt digging and timed releases such as this will only work to get out the supporters of George Bush. I expect one dirt bomb a day from the Gore camp now, but fortunately, there are only 4 days left until this nonsense is over.

Peyewww....politics shaw do stink...

-- David (David@bzn.com), November 02, 2000.

-- David (David@bzn.com), November 03, 2000.

I don't want to stray from the issue for long, but what's your point?

There were two types of alcoholics in my family. There was my uncle, who did not have a watershed event in his life and ultimately drowned himself in the family pond while in a drunken stuper.

Then there was my brother, who did realize what he was doing to both himself and his family and is now a recovering alcoholic, delivering medicines to needy homebound patients.

You should know the distinctions before offering sophomoric commentary.

-- Buster Collins (Hiway441@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

I wish and hope you are right, David. I've noticed on the wires that many national newspapers have already religated this story as a side- bar. But the full measure of the legs has yet to be taken.

It's important to note this event was no Chappaquictic (sp?). Thankfully. Unfortunately, though, when you mix cars and bars, it could have become one.

-- Buster (Hiway441@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

You talkin to me? The point is that Shrub will always be an alcoholic, and alcoholics cannot be trusted. Ask anyone who is recovering and they'll tell you, even harder than quitting drinking is quitting the lying, cheating, and stealing.

-- (can't@trust.shrub), November 03, 2000.

And what ya can't trust most of all are trolls who can't post with a valid email address. Is that you, Doc, dressed up as A Gore weenie snipe? Smells like you, roflmao ;)

-- David (David@bzn.com), November 03, 2000.

If it makes you feel better I will use a real e-mail address, but I don't think it will change the truth. Idiot.

-- real person (real@bzn.com), November 03, 2000.

Real-

I'm a recovering alcoholic-haven't had a drink since 1987.You quit drinking and the rest of the behavior takes care of itself.I found your post quite offensive.

-- Sam (wtrmkr52@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

This is a non-story,America will yawn through it while the media yammers on and on in a frenzy to help Al not lose the election.

-- capnfun (capnfun1@excite.com), November 03, 2000.

I have to concur with Sam. You also have my support. This "real" person obviously isn't involved with fiding hope and solutions in life. Stereotypes are convienent pegs for the ignorant to hang thier hats.

-- Buster Collins (Hiway441@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

"You quit drinking and the rest of the behavior takes care of itself."

Very rarely. Abusing alcohol does not cause the behavior of the addict, the addict's behavior is predispositioned to abuse. Take Bush for example... he quit drinking in 1986, yet he is still lying and cheating his way through life.

-- (can't@deny.truth), November 03, 2000.

Tonight is one of those special nights when American's get to see the core hypocrisy of the Republican Party in full bloom. Pvt. Gomer Bush, we now know, was arrested and plead guilty to DUI in Maine in 1976. Some stalwart soul in Portland made public a crime that the Governor who will "change the tone" has been hiding for years.

This should come as no surprise to anyone who has watched the GOP in the Age of Newt.

Today's Republicans are Postmodern Conservatives -- people for whom honesty, morality and integrity are mere tools for achieving political power. They are people who fundamentally believe that rules apply to the liberal Unbelievers and little people -- but never to them.

Watching the GOP spin doctors go to work is a sight to behold. Not one of them will discuss why Bush refused to disclose this crime during all of his years in politics until it was dragged out of him 4 days before a Presidential election. None of them will dare speculate on whether it means we can trust him to always tell the truth. None will challenge his cowardly alibi that he was just protectng his daughters.

Most important, none will touch the question of how the man can go around America accusing John McCain of "saying one thing but doing another" and Al Gore of being untrustworthy when he failed to disclose what any person must disclose on an entry-level government job application: "Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?"

Of course, these same right-wing spinners howled about Gore's earth- toned suits, his role in "Love Story," and whether the FEMA director accompanied him to visit wildfires. It is one more example of The Elephant's Law: the more a Republican accuses someone else of immorality or dishonesty, the more likely it's true they're guilty of the same behavior or worse.

Once again we see that George W. Bush will say -- or not say -- anything to get elected.

-- What the problem, Ociffer? (bush@lied.again), November 03, 2000.

If you want to talk about stink, you're talking Al Gore.

Everybody's making a stink over a misdemeanor crime George Bush committed 24 years ago; a misdemeanor which involves alcohol, something he gave up years ago.

Al Gore's crimes have taken place in the past three, or four, or five years. The Buddhist temple fundraiser he lied about. The illegal fundraising calls made on White House phones which he lied about.

His statement on Impeachment Day that Bill Clinton would be remembered as "one of the greatest Presidents in history" -- HEH he's all but censored him as a sponsor of his campaign.

Al Gore's honesty is as dependable as that of a 19th-century snake oil salesman.

He learned at the feet of his master, the Leader of "The Most Ethical Administration in History" -- translated, 'Greatest Liar in History'.

The product he'll deliver, if elected, will have about as much potency.

Snake Oil and Lies. Vote for Gore, that's what you'll get.

You've been warned.

-- Chicken Little (y2k@whatajoke.net), November 03, 2000.

Ain't me FactFinder, aka David.

The DUI stuff is predictable. Any doubters to the Alcoholic claims can now be seated I think. Make of it what you will.

This American, this Patriot could never support a man who writes intros and appendixes for old friends who espouse Christian Reconstruction. Bush claims to have found his way in life by following this wacko philosophy. He be one George W Bush, candidate for President.

Same guy running on the platform the First Amendment NEVER said there should be a CLEAR seperation of Church and State. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin tended to think our very foundation of Freedom and Liberty depended on the seperation and demanded such. A bunch of us also share this tenet of our nation.

But go ahead David, support the freak, your right still.

-- Doc Paulie (fannybubbles@usa.net), November 03, 2000.

Vote for Dubya and here is the replay we will all get on why your taxes are so high...http://www.commondreams.org/views/072800-101.htm And you- alls thought it because some bleeding/heart wiccans wanted to help Smokey the Bear.

and Thanks Chicken, Politicians less than honest? WOW what a new one that is.

-- Doc Paulie (fannybubbles@usa.net), November 03, 2000.

Doc Paulie,

The Republicans are going to give us tax CUTS, so that our taxes won't be so HIGH.

Do you think that paying HALF of my income in federal and state income taxes is acceptable?

That total, of course, does not include property taxes, state and local sales taxes, vehicle registration fees (another tax), federal gasoline tax, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, ad nauseum.

On top of ALL of that, the Democrats think that it is just fine and dandy to TAX my estate so that my kids will be deprived of that which I have worked my whole life accumulating, so that some "unfortunate" third generation welfare recipients' kids can refuse to work.

It would be a cold day in hell before I even CONTEMPLATED voting for a Democrat.

-- J (Y2J@home.comm), November 03, 2000.

The reporter from the FOX affilate was on the Today Show this morning, speaking with Matt Lauer. It was a fairly convincing portrayal that most seasoned journalists think this reporter was set up. It didn't help that one of her initial sources was a DNC delegate.

At one point during the Today interview, Lauer said, "this is something right out of a Hollywood script." Yes. It was srcipted alright.

Does the fact that questions concerning how and when this story surfaced seem to take up almost as much airtime as the DUI help GW Bush enough to neurtralize the story only time will tell.

One thing for certain, the national and even local polls are now dead. With just four days of effective polling left before the election, the polls will be ineffective in gaging public reaction to this story. That convienently falls to the favor of Gore, who had been trailing on all major polls but what was beginning to appear as a significant percentage.

-- Buster Collins (Hiway441@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

Sam:

I am curious where you got the idea that you just give up drinking and the behavior changes. Do you go to a twelve step program. Have you heard the expression "the program does not work by osmosis"? Do you believe a recovering alcoholic does not have to work the steps?

I brought up this point several weeks ago, that Bush is STILL an alcoholic, and still subject to acting out on the disease. Maybe he does go to AA, and he is respecting the AA traditions by not saying so-I can only hope. But there is an inherent danger of RELAPSE with any alcoholic-no alcoholic is ever CURED. Bush has never faced the kind of pressure he would face as president-this could lead to relapse. I am not willing to take the chance.

-- FutureShock (gray@matter.think), November 03, 2000.

How does getting a DUI make one an alcoholic?

-- cin (cin@cin.cin), November 03, 2000.

Good question Cin.

Has Mr. Bush 'admitted' he is powerless? If not, well, then.

-- consumer (shh@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

"How does getting a DUI make one an alcoholic?"

It doesn't, but in Bush's case it has already been established.

-- (wakeup@read.thenews), November 03, 2000.

What the Research Says About Chronic Drinking Drivers

-- Doc Paulie (fannybubbles@usa.net), November 03, 2000.

Um Doc, I didnt see Bush's name anywhere in that link, did I miss something?

Has Mr. Bush 'admitted' he is/was powerless over alkiehol?

-- in all Fairness (shh@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

No, Bush never admitted he is powerless over alcohol. That's the problem, he is in denial. He just claimed that he was "born again" and pretends that Jesus has fixed everything.

-- (shrub@still.an.addict), November 03, 2000.

By Laurie Kellman Associated Press Writer Friday, Nov. 3, 2000; 9:53 a.m. EST

An excerpt...

"The arresting officer, Calvin Bridges, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that he recalled driving home from work after midnight and spotting a car slipping briefly onto the shoulder before getting back on the road.

Bush, the driver, failed a road sobriety test and a second test in the police station, registering a 0.10 blood-alcohol level B the legal limit at the time, Bridges said.

Asked about Bush's demeanor, the retired officer said, "The man was, and I say this without being facetious, a picture of integrity. He gave no resistance. He was very cooperative."

Bridges, 51, said Bush was accompanied by two women and a man. Bush spokeswoman Karen Hughes said they were Bush's sister Dorothy, the Australian tennis player John Newcombe and his wife.

The station also quoted Bridges as saying that while working a detail in 1993, former President Bush and his wife Barbara "thanked me for the way I handled it." They said it was "part of the learning process" for their son, he said.

Bush, 54, has refused to answer questions about "youthful indiscretions," including whether he used illegal drugs in the 1960s and early 1970s. He continued to avoid specifics Thursday night.

Bush has said he quit drinking the day after his 40th birthday on July 6, 1986.

A year before the incident, Bush earned his Masters of Business Administration and returned to Texas to get into the oil business. "

I am surprised that so many here are above it all.

Mar.

-- Not now, not like this (AgentSmith0110@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

May mean zero, but I find it rather odd that John Newcombe resides in Texas. Old drinkin buddies? perhaps.

-- Doc Paulie (fannybubbles@usa.net), November 03, 2000.

I am surprised that so many here are above it all.

Mar.

Hi mar, can you explain the above statement? Thanks.

-- consumer (shh@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

Hi Cin,

I just seems to me, as I read the boards today that (some) people are acting as they never did anything wrong in their entire lives. I know I sure did. I don't blame Gore for smoking pot all those years ago, and I don't blame Bush for drinking all those years ago.

It seems to me that there is a lot of hypocrisy on both parts; in both camps. But voting day is at hand, things are heating up...

I hope I've explained myself, my email is real if I haven't.

Mar.

-- Not now, not like this (AgentSmith0110@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

Mar, I know it is an election, so I just guess I am apathetic to what is imho all this BS about Nothing.

So, Bush drove while drunk back in ???? Who shives a git?

It happened so damn long ago in fact I read he only got a 150.00 fine and 30 day suspension. That is ALONG time ago.

So, Gore hooter huffs, or he used to? So what again. I bet IF tptb really looked into how many americans smoke pot, they would be totally surprised.

Marinol (marijuana tablets LEGAL) is being used for Aids patients as well as those with cancer and other illnesses. Only diff is they get their's prescribed.

I will say something a little shocking, but again, who cares? Here goes: I'd MUCH rather drive under the influence of marijuana than alcohol ANYDAY. I'd much rather SMOKE POT anyday. Reasons are clear:

1. NO hangover

2. I dont have a memory problem when I awaken the following day

3. It doesnt feel like 10,000 GI Joes ran thru my mouth in the am

4. It is cheaper and lasts ALOT longer

-- consumer (shh@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

5. It smells wonderful!

6. It tastes great and is less filling.

7. The plant itself is quite beautiful.

8. You find out who your real friends are when you smoke with them. Hint: "DonBt Bogart That Joint, My Friend"

-- Got to have Kaya now (howe9@shentel.net), November 03, 2000.

9. Kissing is a glorious adventure free from the threat of projectile vomiting.

10. "Excuse me while I light my spliff!"

11. Fisticuffs? I'll sit this one out, thanks.

12. PMS relief B for all parties concerned.

-- Buddha Thai (howe9@shentel.net), November 03, 2000.

Getting one DUI is not comparable to chronic DUI's. Wow you are really stretching it. Desperation is really not becoming of you.

-- cin (cin@cin.cin), November 03, 2000.

The majority of people who get even one DUI are alcoholics, and the majority of alcoholics end up getting more than one. It isn't because they like drinking and driving, it's because they are addicts, and alcohol impairs their judgement. They have to give up alcohol entirely or the same thing will just happen again.

-- MADD mother (just@say.no), November 03, 2000.

Dear MADD Mother,

It is my regretful duty to inform you that your statements regarding DUIBs and alcoholics have confirmed the following:

BYou quite simply are a fucking idiotB.

But please do not despair. As you can see from the many posts on this thread, you are rich in companionship. Chicken, we have had our little BriftsB in the past but your little essay on the pathetic scum Al Gore will forever warm my heart.

-- I (h@ve.spoken), November 03, 2000.

Yes, alcoholics always get defensive when you tell them that drinking alcohol is a serious problem. They don't want anyone to ruin their "fun". Pouring poison into their bodies is just fine as long as it's "fun", and until they kill someone, then they're "sorry".

-- MADD mother (just@say.no), November 03, 2000.

Now there is some truth in what you say MADD Mother but your error is to label anyone who might enjoy drinking in moderation an Alcoholic. In the strict times we live in, most folks that get a DUI are not necessarily Alcoholics. When I was younger and in a full party mode I drank almost everyday, to some extent. As I got older, my lifestyle changed and I found myself drinking less and less. Today, I rarely involve myself with alcohol but there are exceptions. Folks like myself are the majority and the addicts are the minority, whatever their choice of poison may be. You should observe the words of the obvious addicts that have posted on this thread. They are working hard to contain the evil spirits that have possessed them but they must label anyone that might take a sip as *one of them*.

Some folks do not have the strength to master their own minds but most of us do. Governor Bush is a strong person and should not be confused with the 12 steppers of the world.

-- I (h@ve.spoken), November 04, 2000.