Pushback

Tony Snow actually criticized the story, saying it's much ado about nothing. So, no, the Bush people didn't do anything.

But it is ironic to see a Dem believe that refueling at an Air Force Base is, somehow, a risk to her security.
-=Mike

Love the blog but must disagree here. Being closest to the people should be the reason Madam Speaker takes commercial. A member of congress holds great responsibility, however private aircraft is a luxury not a need. If it is represented as need for security, one must ask is Prince Charles not a target who recently flew commercial to accept a reward on global warming? Which by coincidence Madam Speaker testified today.

This issue is definitely not a dollar and cents issue but merely principle. We elect our official to represent the populace, but when was the last time the 3rd shift line manager at the local factory flew charter? I would guess the better question would be when was the last time he flew.

Good post Terry.

I would be curious to see you also address how the traditional media worked to enable yet another ridiculous right-wing smear.

It's a good start, Terry. But how long til your brother shows up and makes trouble?

You'll lose your job over posts about the Edwards blogger. It's just a matter of time.

Pelosi says:

"I'm happy to go commercial. But they want me to go on this plane, so the issue was distance, not size. And again, it's not about having a plane. It's about having transportation... But there are probably those in the Department of Defense who are not happy with my criticism of Secretary Rumsfeld, the war in Iraq, other waste, fraud and abuse in the Defense Department and I guess this is their way of making their voices heard. But it has nothing to do, as I say, with the president of the United States. He has encouraged my having the security I need."

Is it a good thing for the DoD to make a pseudo-scandal out of secure transportation for the third-in-line? I would say not.

Is it a good thing for ABC "journalists" to do breathless stories on pseudo-scandals ginned up by their brother's right-wing blog, and not bother to contact the smearee for a response, nor print one? I would say not.

Have you noticed, Terry, that you are only reporting on Democratic "scandals" lately? What's that all about?

Terry,once again this is an issue of integrity and ethics. Mrs. Pelosi is the speaker and deserves protection and security. She is an important and high level official in our government. However, she talked about fraud, waste, and abuse. She also talked about change. She should have refused such an extravegant aircraft and taken the smaller cheaper aircraft, that by the way, will be refueled on a military installation. She made a mistake because people will be looking at her through a microscope. Mrs. Pelosi needs to be accountable, take the smaller jet, and keep things right and in good order.
Secondly Terry, sometimes you make me so sick. Just because the war is expensive, and money is missing, and the capitol visitor's center is over budget, does not mean that this is a free for all. Mrs. Pelosi is accountable for her actions as are all other members of Congress, the Senate, the Military, or the Government. They must all be good stewrads of the tax payer dollar. Mrs. Pelosi must use prudent judgement and act with the highest integrity. In other words, get a smaller plane, pay for your friends rides, and let your co-workers get their own ride.

"Being closest to the people should be the reason Madam Speaker takes commercial."

Good point. Maybe if Republicans would fly commercial instead of taking private jets around all the time, they'd be more in tune with the American people.

And wouldn't get their hinies handed to them on election day.

Come to think of it, flying coach would probably do a world of good to President Bush. Maybe he could get a earful about how people really feel about his lame duck policies.

Shorter Adrian Reyes: "It's OK if you are a Republican"

Yes, Speaker Pelosi is guilty of wanting to fly non-stop to and from her district, just like Speaker Hastert did... so toss her in the water and see if she floats. Sheesh.

Hello the Other Steve, yes I am a Republican and consider myself a Reagan Conservative. I say all of them should fly commercial and pay for anyone that want's to come along. Notice, I said everyone. This is not an issue of Republican or Democract but of doing the right thing. I'm glad the Republicans got their tails handed to them. They were not doing their jobs. So, don't confuse the point, I believe that Mrs. Pelosi should not have taken that jet.

P.S. the President flies on Air Force One for his security. He is no lame duck. Again, stay on track and realize that this whole airplane flap is over Mrs. Pelosi making the right descision and being accountable like she talked about.

Hello Biff, Speaker Hastert was given permission by the government to take a much smaller, and much cheaper plane. He did so because of security concerns. This is not a whitch hunt but a leadership challenge. It is Mrs. Pelosi's platform to stop fraud, waste, and abuse. She talked about this before she was speaker of the house. Her behavior in this matter is incongruent with her words. As a leader in our government, and second in line to the Presidency, she must have the highest ethical standards and must have the upmost integrity. These are values that she spoke of before she became the Speaker of the house. Once again, if she would have gone with a smaller aircraft, this would be a non-issue. However, she chose the larger, more expensive aircraft. As a leader, she must be true to her word and she will gain and earn much more respect from all sides.

Let's not forget, Nancy Pelosi did not make the airplane request herself, the House Sergeant at Arms did so for her (he has been in that position for 11 years, serving both Democrats and Republicans).

And Biff – do you understand the meaning of the political term "Lame Duck"?

This is a story about a non-event that's hyped up everywhere. Don't congressmen have more important issues to work on than this? Are news people so easily manipulated?

Pelosi had choices of smaller, less expensive, less polluting aircraft.

She didn't want them.

Again, don't campaign on a promise to return discipline to Washington and fail to deliver. Don't promise to clean up corruption and utterly fail to deliver (nice of Murtha to subtly threaten Pentagon funding over this).

The Dems are expects to honor their promises. I'd like to believe their supporters would be first in line to demand it.

I'd be wrong, apparently.

Apparently, everything the GOP did was wrong and needed to change --- but that the Dems do the same thing is just peachy.
-=Mike

Yo Mike and Adrian. Wrong.

Pelosi originally requested to fly commercial, the sergeant-at-arms wanted her to fly military, but the military wanted to continue to use the short-hop plane that Hastert had used to go from DC-Ill. Pelosi said she'd choose commercial non-stop over making extra stops on a military plane, the sergeant-at-arms then requested a plane capable of the DC-SF flight.

Exactly where did Pelosi do something wrong? Should she fly commercial? Absolutely, drop the whole damn thing. But if we're going to bring security into this, get her an airplane that won't inconvenience her more than commercial flights would. Hell, get her a gulfstream IV, if we can subcontract those out to take suspected terrorists to Syria, we can get one for the damn speaker of the house to get to her home district.

You know, I just realized. If Pelosi was a Republican, there'd be a solution for this.

Duke Cunningham would just have her flown on his buddies personal jet. If he was really creative with the earmarks, we'd probably buying a 747 for the guy with our tax dollars.

Hello Crusty Dem, Mike and Adrian Right.

Once again, the issue is not that she is authorized a jet or authorized to fly commercial. The issue is that she is on a platform of truth, and justice. It was unethical of her to choose the 46 seat, 16 crew, 100,000 dollar an hour aircraft over the smaller aircraft. It doesn't bother me so much that she chose that particular aircraft, what bothers me is that she comes off saying one thing and does another. In other words...hypocracy.

Isn't the issue really the war? You can stop the war without the congress America.

Just stop shopping.

"Isn't the issue really the war?"

Throw a jumbo perk in front of her, and Pelosi all-of-a-sudden discovers the threat of radical Islam.

Not that Al Queda would ever target Pelosi directly. They need her around to sign off on the surrender.

That being said, I think its a good idea to give #3 an "Air Force Three". Its just too bad the first passenger is a hypocritical appeasement weasel. And that she'll treat it as Pac Air.

Adrian Reyes,

First, Pelosi didn't 'choose' anything here--I'd encourage you to learn the facts before you spew your talking points. As I said originally, all she wanted was a plane that was capable of making a non-stop flight to and from her district, just as Hastert had--however, she's in California, hence the need for a different plane.

Second, there are legitimate security concerns here, the same ones that were raised for Speaker Hastert post-9/11. Now you may not know about the Presidential line of seccession, but suffice it to say that Pelosi is in it--in fact, she's #2 on the list, right after Dick Cheney--hence the need for the military aircraft.

There's simply no story here, past the fake spin that you've been parroting--so own up to it, or keep digging.

Doesn't all this bickering just make us look weak? I can only imagine what our enemies think of all of this.

I just discovered your blog today and only wanted to comment on the overall quality: excellent. Great writing and good information. What a pleasing discovery!

"As I said originally, all she wanted was a plane that was capable of making a non-stop flight to and from her district, just as Hastert had--however, she's in California, hence the need for a different plane."

Cute. minimize and distort. She "needs" a plane large enough to ferry her to CA without stopping to refuel - thats why the aircraft Hastert has wasn't good enough for her. She also "needs" a plane with all the bells & whistles, creature comforts to entertain lobbyists with.

I agree that the Speaker should have an "Air Force 3" for security reasons. But Pelosi is demanding a Lexus, when a Ford will do.

what security concerns was she talking about? she is more than welcome to fly commercial, and there are plenty of direct flights between DC and SF. Re-fuling poses a security threat???? come on, speaker... you just want to reach home a little faster, by spending more tax money...

Terry, where do you get your information that the White House "leaked" this story. Either a) give us a name b) tell us your source was on Deep Background, which will make us wonder if he really exits or c) admit your liberal media bias got the best of you.

When someone mentioned in the blog that some Congressmen should try flying coach class on commercial airlines, I remembered sharing a flight with Senator John McCain who strolled through first class carrying his carry-on luggage until he took his seat in coach! I couldn't believe it and went to shake his hand.

via NRO:

"Did Pelosi know that the smaller C-37A was just as capable of flying non-stop to California as the lavish C-32, yet request the more expensive C-32 anyway?"

===

"Terry, where do you get your information that the White House "leaked" this story"

My understanding is that it was leaked from Pentagon, not WH... perhaps Terry meant it was leaked by Pentagon under direction of WH?

"what security concerns was she talking about?"

I thought she meant a decapitating strike on DC that kills Bush & Cheney.

Not sure I understand her logic though - if she's in CA when it happens, isn't the secondary [shadow] government set up in Denver or Kansas City? Why the need to fly non-stop back to DC? And wouldn't she be slowed anyway by metropolitan air caps and fighter escorts?

"I remembered sharing a flight with Senator John McCain who strolled through first class carrying his carry-on luggage until he took his seat in coach! I couldn't believe it and went to shake his hand."

Wow! He really is a hero. And a straight-talking one at that.

Can you believe there are those on the left who dare to criticize him?

What? Leaks from the White House? I can't believe it. Surely they would never leak information about an issue where a female government employee's safety and security were involved! These aren't those kind of guys. Well, maybe that Scooter Libby guy but that was a TOTALLY isolated incident, right?

Anyway, fantastic post. I just forwarded it to a bunch of people. Keep it up.

We live in perilous times. Even if Madam Pelosi's predecessor had not had access to a non-stop government furnished flight to Washington, just the nature of the times we live in warrants granting Madam Pelosi the right of protection a non-stop governmental flight affords. The line of succession must be protected whether we agree or disagree with Madam Pelosi's views.

Personally, I think it should be known that I do not share many of Madam Pelosi's views at all. I agree that she must be protected and all effort should be made to accommodate her carrying out the responsibilities of her office. As far as cost is concerned, with the size of the United State budget it is like spitting in the ocean.

By the way, I've heard reporters are looking at the VP. You should try it.

01/31/07 Never Forget

"Pelosi originally requested to fly commercial, the sergeant-at-arms wanted her to fly military, but the military wanted to continue to use the short-hop plane that Hastert had used to go from DC-Ill."

The Sergeant-at-Arms told her they have a plane for her to fly in.

She then demanded a MUCH larger plane.

That much is factual reality.

And then Murtha threatened the Pentagon's funding over the story.

"Duke Cunningham would just have her flown on his buddies personal jet. If he was really creative with the earmarks, we'd probably buying a 747 for the guy with our tax dollars."

If she was a Republican, she'd no longer be Speaker right now.

"What? Leaks from the White House? I can't believe it. Surely they would never leak information about an issue where a female government employee's safety and security were involved! These aren't those kind of guys. Well, maybe that Scooter Libby guy but that was a TOTALLY isolated incident, right?"

you should actually follow the Libby trial. Fitz' case --- well, it's not going too well.

As expected before it started, Fitz has virtually no case (BTW, any word yet on if David Schuster has corrected his story of Libby destroying memos because, well, the prosecution is over and it never seemed to be mentioned?).

"Personally, I think it should be known that I do not share many of Madam Pelosi's views at all. I agree that she must be protected and all effort should be made to accommodate her carrying out the responsibilities of her office. As far as cost is concerned, with the size of the United State budget it is like spitting in the ocean. "

And if you can't useless pork like this --- what CAN be cut?
-=Mike

In the past few weeks we have seen Obama smeared with the false Madrassa story with an extra helping of smear that Hillary was responsible.

Add to that the Edwards condones hate speech smear. Or the Wes Clark is perhaps an anti-semite smear. Or the smear of how Barbara Boxer was attacking Condi's lifestyle when she clearly wasn't. Or how kerry cried when he didn't cry.

The "liberal media" does a great job of constantly smearing liberals.

MikeSC,

"She then demanded a MUCH larger plane."

Cite?

The fact there are more than a few smaller, less costly aircraft that can easily make the flight. She requested basically Air Force Two.

"In the past few weeks we have seen Obama smeared with the false Madrassa story with an extra helping of smear that Hillary was responsible."

You think Hillary wasn't responsible?

Such adorable naivete.

If you REALLY think she does not have investigators digging into every nook and cranny of every one of her opponents lives, I have a bridge I'd like to sell ya.

"Add to that the Edwards condones hate speech smear."

He kept the bloggers employed --- so, yeah, he condones it.

"Or the Wes Clark is perhaps an anti-semite smear."

Yes, because "New York money people" can be taken is SO many different ways.

"Or the smear of how Barbara Boxer was attacking Condi's lifestyle when she clearly wasn't."

Because she didn't have kids, she didn't really have a vested interest ISN'T a slam?

Wow, there is nothing a Dem will do or say that you won't defend, is there?

"The "liberal media" does a great job of constantly smearing liberals."

Do you REALLY wish to switch coverage with the Republicans?

You'd see what bias is. You know, like falsely attributing comments from a rabid Bush hater in Congress to a DoD report.
-=Mike
...Or, like, David Schuster claiming that prosecutors knew that Libby destroyed documents, yet prosecutors didn't mention that during his trial at all...

I need to ask the question I haven't seen anywhere in the coverage of this issue about the security concerns of Presidential succession:

Is the President Pro Tempore of the Senate also afforded this level of security, and does he use it?

Sen. Robert Byrd is currently 3rd in the line of succession, right after Speaker Pelosi.

"You think Hillary wasn't responsible?

Such adorable naivete."

While I may be adorable, you still need to prove your baseless accusation for it to be true.

"He kept the bloggers employed --- so, yeah, he condones it."

Your premise is false since they didn't use hate speech.

"Yes, because "New York money people" can be taken is SO many different ways."

Are all rich people in New York jews? Are you saying "New York money people" = Jews = Anti-Semite?

"Because she didn't have kids, she didn't really have a vested interest ISN'T a slam?"

Pointing out the truth that she has no family sacrificing in Iraq isn't a slam.

The media is so liberal that they invite more Conservatives on than liberals. The media is so liberal that 90% of talk radio is Conservative talk. The media is so liberal that the majority of op-eds are Conservative.

I'm so naive...

"While I may be adorable, you still need to prove your baseless accusation for it to be true."

The people who reported the story said who their source was. Clinton insiders.

Since you dispute it, it's your job to prove that they didn't get it from her people.

"Your premise is false since they didn't use hate speech."

Because it's not hate speech if the left does it. We know. Got the message.

"Are all rich people in New York jews? Are you saying "New York money people" = Jews = Anti-Semite?"

Yup. It's blatantly obvious what Wes was referring to.

People who find racism in Bob Corker's ad about Harold Ford seem oblivious to this, even though it is ACTUALLY there. Baffling.

So, it's not racism if the left does it. Wow, nice double standard ya got going on there.

"Pointing out the truth that she has no family sacrificing in Iraq isn't a slam."

Yes, it very much is --- but you've simply proven, clearly, that you will not condemn a liberal for anything.

"The media is so liberal that they invite more Conservatives on than liberals."

Provide one iota of evidence. ANYTHING resembling a study of this.

Then compare the number of "impartial" commentators who just so happen to be former Democratic campaign workers to "impartial" former Republican ones.

It'd be a hoot.

"The media is so liberal that 90% of talk radio is Conservative talk. "

Liberal talk radio is redundant since you have the MSM anyway. Again, if you wish to swap the NY Times, LA Times, Boston Globe, ABC, CBS, NBC, NPR, and universities for the WSJ editorial page, the Washington Times, and Fox News --- I'd be MORE than happy to take you up on that.

"The media is so liberal that the majority of op-eds are Conservative."

I'm going to bet you can't back that up at all, can you?
-=Mike

Theres no point in arguing with someone who believes Fox News is liberal.

I misread that about Fox

"Since you dispute it, it's your job to prove that they didn't get it from her people."

Since you dispute what I said prove me wrong. =]

"Since you dispute what I said prove me wrong."

I'm saying you have no evidence.

You just have to present some now.
-=Mike
...and Fox is appreciably closer to being neutral than anybody else...

lemmings and whiners?

Take a look at factcheck.org, cherry pick what fits your fancy.

A Boeing 757 instead of a Gulfstream 500???

C'mon. Where's the honesty here?

As a Democrat, I am ashamed that Nancy Pelosi is now screaming "It's because I'm a woman"...Oh come on.
Next she screams "The Pentagon hates me". Again, is she serious? Let her fly commercial like the rest of us and get over it. She's the one who boasted about cleaning up the sewer.

Oh Terry, tell me this is a setup post.

You have the moonbats bouncing around and "rabble rabble rabbling" over your last post like fleas on the nose a hound dog getting dipped.

Now if this is your Lucy moment, getting that football set just so, I just have to say you're the man.

As they come charging up the field to kick the soldiers in the butt pull that pigskin on them again. They'll be so shocked it will like a form of hypnotism. Your power will sweep them away like tidal surge.

You'll have them following you so close you'll be having nosebleeds if you stop too fast, they just won't be yours.

All in fun of course.

Pelosi can use a $41, million dollar Gulfstream IV or V instead of the 757. The Gulfstrems can go non stop coast to coast without refueling. The military owns several of these aircraft.

still want to know WHY Pelosi needs to fly non-stop from CA to DC. If AL Queda launches a decapitating strike that kills Bush & Cheney, won't her secret service peeps rush her to the nearest bunker on an Air Force base anyway?

"Not sure I understand her logic though - if she's in CA when it happens, isn't the secondary [shadow] government set up in Denver or Kansas City? Why the need to fly non-stop back to DC? And wouldn't she be slowed anyway by metropolitan air caps and fighter escorts"

And, to Pelosi's credit, she DID take a smaller plane than the one she originally wanted.

I don't care WHY she did it, but I applaud her for doing it.
-=Mike

This removes any lingering doubts: Terry Moran is a right-wing propagandist.

http://glenngreenwald.blogspot.com/2007/02/terry-moran-michael-gordon-and-mark.html

Care to reveal where the "proof" is? Was more like the usual Greenwald character assassination --- which is pretty much all he is good for.
-=Mike

Greenwald, Master of Sock Puppets

Why do people lend him any credibility? He's a sophist.

And now a noun [via Wiki]: "A murder of crows, a glenn of sockpuppets.

This blog is one of the most entertaining I have ever read. I thank you Mr. Moran.

I suggest providing her with a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, trim it up nicely on the inside, hire an interior decorator, and fully furnish it; possibly put in three stories. I am really just being silly now; doing a little sarcastic jab at the sexists.

Madam Pelosi is a professional, and deserves and needs air transportation appropriate for her protection and to conduct the functions of her office in the most efficient manner.

I have said before; these are perilous times and time certainly changes circumstances. I should hope her protection and purposes in this area are served well.

Much ado about nothing.

Your blog is fantastic! More entries, please!

September 13-15, 2006

RAGE, RAGE, RAGE!
I can not pull myself out of this rage.
I can not stop the stupidity.
Stuck in the status quo.
RAGE, RAGE, RAGE!

My tax dollars support Israel
My gas dollars support Muslims
My tax dollars kill Muslims (genocide by proxy)
My gas dollars kill Americans.

Stuck in the status quo, (stuck in the middle with you)
While shrub and his friends get richer (industrial military complex)
And poor Americans paint the sands red! (with their blood)

Fantasy rules the world and blood flows.
Peace (in the Middle East) will never succeed as long as,
Fantasy rules and humanity suffers.
People die while fantasy prospers.

Stuck in the status quo, (stuck in the middle with you)
While shrub and his friends get richer (industrial military complex)
And poor Americans paint the sands red! (with their blood)

We are killing each other because we live in different fantasies. (religious stupidity)
Radicals created Israel. (radical jews)
Radicals created radicals (Islamists).
U.S. tax payers (pay to) create radical Islamists (that attack us.)

Stuck in the status quo, (stuck in the middle with you)
While shrub and his friends get richer (industrial military complex)
And poor Americans paint the sands red! (with their blood)

When will humanity rid itself of this fantasy world of stupidity? ( religion)
Weakminded Religious idiots killing weakminded religious idiots.

RAGE, RAGE, RAGE!
I can not pull myself out of this rage.
I can not stop the stupidity.
Stuck in the status quo.
RAGE, RAGE, RAGE!

Another "bottom feeder" trying to push buttons.

Nice try.

Too bad this a token effort, a backpedalling from your Nuthouse blog on 2/7 and, let's be honest, it's barely a topic worth mentioning, let alone defending.

A nice safe place after showing your incredible short-sightedness and ignorance with the JEdwards piece.

Disgusting.

I hope to see you in some position with Human Events, or some other RightWing adjunct, very soon.

Can't wait to read some blog-coverage of your brother's little hate-filled site.

And go ahead- Try to convince me that he's the kind of wingnut that DOESN'T question my patriotism or accuse the 9/11 widows of being opportunists- sure. I'm sure you won't say WORD ONE about it here on your blog though. You won't say a single thing about the hate your brother and his ilk throw around---

Will you?

Hypocrite.

Nice job on this blog post. It really "outs" you for what you really are: a liberal media head trying to punish anyone that questions the dems.

How many times did you blast the "leakers" of classified information??

From what I see, if it makes the White House look bad - give Terry all the leaks and he will report/re-report/do an "in-dept" report/then repeat it all over again. If it makes the dems look bad, then it's a "White House smear tactic"!!

I hate it when reporters act like this. If leaks are bad...then they are bad for BOTH side!!

I thought this blog was about Madam Pelosi's plane.

Terry- way to go. If this had been speaker Hastert, asking for a bigger, more lavish plane, you and your colleagues would have nailed him to the ground. You are so blinded by your bias, that you will look the other way when a democrat slips up, while attacking a republican for a similar offense.

To be a peacemaker and settle this issue in the best possible manner, I'll bite the bullet and volunteer to drive that cute little sweetie, Madam Pelosi, cross country anytime she wants to go for a ride in my magnificent road machine. She can eat in the nicest restruants and stay in great hotels along the way. She would be far safer than she would be flying and have a wonderful time learning about real life among the common folk she wants to help govern. Then, of course, there are the millions of dollars in taxpayer funds she would be saving each year by giving up air travel in favor of moving trough the countryside by Cadillac. That would be an excellent item on her re-election resume to be sure. However, being seen in a high-falutin automobile with a devastatingly hansome 72 year old man might cause a huge flap on Capitol Hill. Well, so be it, Nancy, let's go adventuring.

Would you agree that ABC,Washington Post and N.Y.Times are "kind of house organ" for liberals and Democrats?

And you wonder why conservatives and many moderates have left the "Traditional" media. ABC may not be as "Bad" as NBC but you are giving them a run for the Roses. Pelosi was wrong and she handled it VERY badly.

Hey Terry? Have you EVER in your liberal life referred to the NYT or WP as a "a kind of house organ for conservatives in the capital"?

I didn't think so. Keep up he great work for the DNC.

Mr. Moran and his associates whether liberal of conservative have nothing to do with Madam Polosi having her plane.

I think Madam Pelosi should have her plane.