The Political Chase

The Rove Spin Is On

The Karl Rove spin machine is in full force.  Be consistent, repeat the same words ad nauseam, don’t acknowledge a problem(s), fault anybody or everybody but the administration for everything (valid or not).  Rinse and repeat.

The Bush administration’s modus operandi for at least the past two days has been to virtually ignore any question about the overwhelming problems of timely relief for the victims of Katrina. 

Since the president acknowledged the situation was less than perfect at the end of last week, the first in his two terms, the continuing rhetoric firmly stands on "we are focusing on…." which usually encompasses "solving problems."

Moreover, the matters at hand are no longer the administration’s fault (were they ever?).  The media, Democrats, and any other critics are now accused of "playing the blame game."

In the coming days, notice how many times the administration, especially Scott McLellan, White House Press Secretary, uses the words "blame game", ‘finger pointing" and "focus on."

Just a few metrics for your cultural enrichment.  In yesterday’s press briefing, McLellan spoke 108 times (introduction and answering questions); he used the words blame game 5 times and focus (on) 26 times.

In today’s press briefing McLellan:

• Was asked 28 questions, eliminating interruptions, clarifications, and heated prods for McLellan to answer the questions. 
• Spoke 69 times.
• Used the words blame game 8 times. 
• The word(s) focus (on) was spoken 25 times.  
• Of 28 questions asked, 43 percent (12 questions) were answered with "we’re going to focus on solving problems" or a reasonable facsimile thereof. 

McLellan continued his robotic answers even when asked the question,

"Does the President agree with his mother that the homeless taken from New Orleans to Houston are much better off now because they were underprivileged in New Orleans?

McLellan answered,

"What we’re focused on — what we’re focused on is helping these people who are in need."

Terry Moran of ABC News wins the best question award, hands down.  Yesterday Moran posed the question,

"Is ‘Brownie’ still doing a ‘heck of a job,’ according to the President?"

Question for tomorrow’s press briefing, "Is the administration focused on playing dodge ball or leading the country?"

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