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Petraeus and Crocker: PR pitchmen?
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ShareMay 16, 2007 11:31 AM
ABC News' Rick Klein Reports: As if they didn't have enough on their plates, it looks like the White House press shop has a new role for the US commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, and the American ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker: pitchmen.
The White House this morning sent out an unusual "fact sheet" to reporters on President Bush's new war czar, Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute. In it, Petraeus and Crocker are quoted praising Lute, sounding very much like IBM executives touting their new senior vice president for strategic planning.
The relevant "quotes:"
Gen. David Petraeus: "Doug Lute Knows Iraq." "Doug Lute knows Iraq, the region, and Washington, and he'll be a great addition to the team that is striving to achieve success in Iraq. He is also a doer." (General David Petraeus, 5/15/07)
Amb. Ryan Crocker: "His knowledge and experience will make him a valuable partner to our efforts in Iraq." "I look forward to working closely with LTG Doug Lute in the coming months. His knowledge and experience will make him a valuable partner to our efforts in Iraq." (Iraq Ambassador Ryan Crocker, 5/15/07)
For months now, the White House communications operation has compiled similar fact sheets by quoting media reports, in a format that looks very similar to the Republican National Committee's style. But these appear to be quotes gathered by the White House specifically for its p.r. efforts - presumably hoping that they'll get picked up in the media. Wonder if those quotes will appear anywhere in news reporting.
UPDATE: Asked about the releases by ABC's Martha Raddatz, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said the White House press office didn't solicit the quotes, and seemed annoyed that the question was even asked. "It's clearly a burning issue, so we'll look into it for you," Snow said at his daily briefing.
May 16, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (2)
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Words are cheap. Iraq is racked by a number of "civil wars". The time has long passed to expect success from diplomacy between the waring factions. Indeed, history paints a gloomy picture in that regard. The friction involves ancient tribes who instinctively distrust on another. Add religious imams, militias, and Al-Queda to the mix and you have a potent stew boiling over a fire fueled by discontent. It will take diplomacy between world leaders to bring any kind of stability to the region. It is unfortunate the Bush Administration lacks any ability in world-class diplomacy. In the meantime, more of our troops will be caught in the crossfire of this avoidable conflict.
Posted by: LuLu Manus | May 18, 2007 3:41:25 PM
Just remember, Saint Petraeus was in charge of training Iraqi troops, and you see how well that has worked out. After receiving Bush's medal of freedom of failure he has been promoted to being in charge of the entire Iraq shiteree.
Posted by: Via | May 22, 2007 11:19:04 AM
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