Administration Upgrades And Refocuses Its Spin On Syria

In yet another new low, Team Obama resorts to a "They made me do it" defense of its latest failed Syrian scheme:

Finger-Pointing, but Few Answers, After a Syria Solution Fails

WASHINGTON — By any measure, President Obama’s effort to train a Syrian opposition army to fight the Islamic State on the ground has been an abysmal failure. The military acknowledged this week that just four or five American-trained fighters are actually fighting.

But the White House says it is not to blame. The finger, it says, should be pointed not at Mr. Obama but at those who pressed him to attempt training Syrian rebels in the first place — a group that, in addition to congressional Republicans, happened to include former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

At briefings this week after the disclosure of the paltry results, Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, repeatedly noted that Mr. Obama always had been a skeptic of training Syrian rebels. The military was correct in concluding that “this was a more difficult endeavor than we assumed and that we need to make some changes to that program,” Mr. Earnest said. “But I think it’s also time for our critics to ‘fess up in this regard as well. They were wrong.”

Not even the Times is pretending that this appears even a little bit Presidential:

In effect, Mr. Obama is arguing that he reluctantly went along with those who said it was the way to combat the Islamic State, but that he never wanted to do it and has now has been vindicated in his original judgment. The I-told-you-so argument, of course, assumes that the idea of training rebels itself was flawed and not that it was started too late and executed ineffectively, as critics maintain.

They close with a brutal summation from Ryan Crocker, former Ambassador to Iraq under both Bush and Obama:

Ryan C. Crocker, a retired career diplomat who was an ambassador to Afghanistan under Mr. Obama, said the president was right to think a train-and-arm program would not work. But the president, Mr. Crocker added, should have either continued to resist it or at least taken ownership of it rather than blame others for its failure.

“How un-presidential that sounds — ‘We didn’t want to do it, we thought it was unsound but you made us do it,’ ” said Mr. Crocker, now dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. “It’s just indicative of their whole approach to Syria, which is not to have a policy. This is the worst thing they could say.”

Well, its the worst thing they could say this week, but Team Obama still has more than a year left in office to set a new low with their weaselly buckpassing.

By way of comparison, let's remember that when Obama first drew his erasable red line in Syria, back in August 2012, it was an Obama ad-lib that took his aides by surprise. Later, we all discovered his mouth was running ahead of his support, the red line became a punchline, and here we are. But the point is, admin insiders were at least willing to point the finger at the boss and pretend he was in charge. Today, we are being told that Obama is not in charge, his critics are.

I for one will use my great power responsibly.

Comments

[peter]

funny thing about nate rateliff and the night sweats. When the clock radio went off this morning, that was the first song I heard. Mrs. peter knew the song immediately.

[GMax]

"Am I morally obligated to defend the president every time somebody says something bad or controversial about him? I don't think so!" Trump said on Twitter.

"This is the first time in my life that I have caused controversy by NOT saying something...If someone made a nasty or controversial statement about me to the president, do you really think he would come to my rescue? No chance!"

[anonamom]

Clarice, yesterday I posted exactly the same thing--sounds as fake as the Benghazi video cover story.

[narciso]

The butterworths, since web seems to have seeded his writing gig to his son, have carved a slightly less referential portrait of herr doctor, as a portly fmr cic man named hessinger, in this mashlike precursor cia coutfit.

[narciso]

And he did collaborate in a series of novel's with richard hooker, so it's not incidental.

[Frau Uber über alles]

Clarice, that is sickening. According to Gen. Dahl, Bergdahl almost deserves a medal for surviving his terrible stint in the military.
The fix is in.

Father Bergdahl will thank the preezy in Pashto for the good news: مننه

[narciso]

Butterworth, in retrospect it occurred to me what he was doing.

[narciso]

As of we didn't know the fix was in. Carlos slims had general dahl's opinion buried in a snippet deep inside the paper.

Meanwhile made choukrai, who founded the Moroccan gicm gets a ticket back home

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

Winik taking on Saint FDR will bring all the non fact based attack dogs out of the pound.

Levin blasted that clucking RINO Kelly Ayotte, who stabbed her Tea Party supporters in the back almost immediately after their usefulness expired by electing her, for doing the bidding of the GOPe by attacking Ted Cruz with her "open letter".

[Beasts of England]

I admit to be severely hungover, so my reading comprehension may be impaired, but did Jeff get me a date with Miss North Carolina?

If that's correct - thank you very much. Please tell her that I can't do it tonight, Alabama's playing...

[Miss Marple]

More on the Clock Kid and his adorable family:

http://www.weaselzippers.us/234709-ahmeds-family-and-activists-create-fund-seeking-100000/

[narciso]

Well his site has acolades from hw brand and Andrew roberts, along with Meacham and Thomas.

Yes ayotte was fanning the Arab scirocco, like maverick and Lindsey so no crocodile years about benghazi, please.

[Beasts of England]

We cruised up to a dive last night and after we docked, the very first person I saw was a good ol' boy with a 'FUCK ISLAM' t-shirt. My kinda Bubba. He let me take a picture if it.

Any guess who he supports for president? Ya damn right: Trump.

[peter]

OT, has anyone here ever done a Sonos bridge factory reset? Is it hard to find your music library after that?

[Threadkiller]

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Friday directed Volkswagento recall nearly a half-million cars, saying the automaker illegally installed software in its diesel-power cars to evade standards for reducing smog.

The Environmental Protection Agency accused the German automaker of using software to detect when the car is undergoing its periodic state emissions testing. Only during such tests are the cars’ full emissions control systems turned on. During normal driving situations, the controls are turned off, allowing the cars to spew as much as 40 times as much pollution as allowed under the Clean Air Act, the E.P.A. said.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/09/19/business/volkswagen-is-ordered-to-recall-nearly-500000-vehicles-over-emissions-software.html?_r=0&referrer=

VW should have gone Union.

[Beasts of England]

Awesome song, anonamom! And ur-apropos. :)

[Frau Uber über alles]

TK - such Dummköpfe!

("Ur-Dummköpfe" for Beasts)

[DebinNC]

Sounds like Gen. Dahl doesn't even want Bergdahl to be dishonorably discharged and lose the $300,000+ back pay accrued during his captivity. If there's not even a court marshal, what prevents Bergdahl from walking away with an honorable discharge, his back pay, plus a psych eval whose payments will support him for life. I want to know who missed that Bergdahl had been kicked out of the Coast Guard earlier, and if that red flag doesn't even matter in BOzo's new US military.

[Frau Uber über alles]

DebinNC - mistakes might have been made.

That doesn't mean Bergdahl should pay for *his*, however.

[Beasts of England]

Help me Tito Wan Kenobi! You're my only hope.

[Miss Marple]

https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/645263609757478914

Here we are with a zillion problems, and the president is posing with a fake pirate.

The comments are not favorable.

[lyle]

Just made myself an ur-Bloody Mary. Ur- yummy!

[Beasts of England]

Ur one behind, lyle. Please try to keep pace. ;)

[DebinNC]

Another day, another BOzo WH prop. WH photographer Pete Souza claims there's a law against any pics being deleted, and any and all must be sent to the archives. Unfortunately, BOzo doesn't feel any necessity to abide by laws.

We're 5 hrs. away from our annual agony of Steve Spurrier's SC Gamecocks ruining UGA's season. My dh reports a CNN sports babe's claim yesterday that only 3 SC starters aren't Georgians. Ugh.

[lyle]

Ur in no position to know if it was my first or not, Beasts! You might be in err.

[narciso]

So why does trump or cruz, deign to give camembert or Roquefort if one prefers any audience.

[Buckeye]

Roll Tide Beasts!

Our game isn't exactly a pushover, but should win pretty easily. Hope I don't jinx em.

Tonight your night for revenge!

[anonamom]

Just listened to it again Beasts. Bloody Mary sounds perfect lyle.
Wonder if I've got anything resembling tomato juice around here?
I know there's Titos and the rest.

That general's testimony is beyond credible, and I believe to be a reflection of current military "leadership"--sychophants, who are doing the Administration's bidding. Note that it is based on his 90 whole minutes with Bergdahl.

Let's hope the jury sticks to the facts. The guy left on his own.

Man, do I sound paranoid. Thanks Obama.

[clarice]

https://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2015/09/18/Boehner-May-Have-Found-Escape-Hatch-Budget-Standoff

[Buckeye]

TK

My bet is EPA hammers VW. They will show them no mercy, and given the blatent nature of the offense, will extract Yuuuge monetary penalties.

Gotta get the slush fund padded as much as possible before a new administration shows up.

While I think the EPA regs are overly stringent, if what is being reported is true, VW f&@ked up big time. Big bet and they just crapped out.

[Beasts of England]

That was a bad assumption on my part, lyle - and I have to adjust for the difference in time zones, too. lol

Saban does revenge pretty well, Buckeye. Younger Beastette reports that the scene in Tuscaloosa is 'insane' and we're eight hours away from kickoff! I reminded her to pace herself at the pre-game party, the pre-pre-game party, and the pre-pre-pre-game party. Thankfully her house is less than 100' from the stadium, so she can wobble home safely. :)

[Buckeye]

Damn, maybe I better turn autocorrect on.

[anonamom]

Gotta give VW major points for effort if what they are alleged to have done, they did.

Having software that only complied with emissions requirements when connected to the testing equipment? I'm impressed with that
kind of just-in-time compliance.

[clarice]

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2015/09/general_dahl_in_wonderland_no_jail_for_bergdahl_appropriate.html

[clarice]

http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/214791/

[Beasts of England]

Bergdahl showed remorse? Oh. Case closed, then.

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

I'm not the biggest VW fan in the world, to put it mildly, but I'm not about to accept the accusations of a bunch of convicted liars and lowlifes over the emission equipment.

[lyle]

Bingo, CH.

[Old Lurker]

I think the agencies are racing to see who can sell the most forgiveness in indulgences before the election. A Billion here and Billion there makes for a lot of slush and walking around money.

[narciso]

Gangster govt, Wed.

[Jane]

Any chance of a pay off Clarice?

[clarice]

Pay off on Bergdahl? I think Obama's gelded most of the top brass.

[Beasts of England]

Not only has he gelded the top brass, but he's performed ritual sacrifice on the junior officers.

[daddy (Vote for Summer)]

Everybody calm down and consider chillin' tonight with a nice bottle of red wine.

[hrtshpdbox]

"obama is a Christian & Im a gay vegetarian pirate"

It's news to me that Ted Nugent gave up meat.

"I'll denounce what a stranger says to me *after* Pres. Obama denounces the lies of the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" movement."

Trump hasn't started criticizing blacks yet, he's still on Mexicans and GOP presidential candidates.

[hrtshpdbox]

Dammit. Hope that turned the italics off ("dammit" is strong language, after all).

[Jack is Back!]

Clarice,

WSJ reporting the same. The fix is in. You don't really think the Army is going to embarrass the CINC and jail Bergdahl, do you?

You have a Light colonel who has to make the decision whether to court martial Bergdahl . This was an article 32 hearing - sort of like a preliminary hearing in civil criminal law. No way a 2 stars testimony will be over-ruled and if he recommends a court martial you have a 4 star (Abrams of Army Forces Command) who now has to determine how to proceed. All casting bad light on their CinC.

[clarice]

Let's hope Abrams' dad instilled some courage in his son.

[DebinNC]

NYT: "For example, despite claims that a half-dozen soldiers died in the search for Sergeant Bergdahl, General Dahl testified that he had found no evidence that any soldiers had been killed while specifically engaged in the effort."

So even Dahl admits Bergdahl's disappearance resulted in a search in which other soldiers' lives were put in jeopardy. Does Dahl think that because, by the grace of God, none of the Bergdahl searchers were killed that mitigates the needless harm they faced seeking him? What a disgraceful precedent Gen. Dahl is trying to set.

[Beasts of England]

So I go out on the back deck to see what all the commotion is about and my lake neighbors are having a birthday party and they've set up an effin Moon Bounce. A dozen ankle-biters are coming unglued.

Grrrr.

Would it be bad karma to run over there and say 'Have y'all seen my pet boa constrictor? It got out of its cage and it hasn't eaten in a month.'

[Beasts of England]

'...while specifically engaged in the effort.'

That's a Clintonian level of dissembling. Disgraceful.

[gentlejim]

It's National Thank a Police Officer Day and Talk Like a Pirate Day. What does the Asshat in Chief choose to do? Talk to a pirate. Sheesh. I forgot, he doesn't do optics.

[Ann]

Beasts,
Where do I find a 'FUCK ISLAM' t-shirt. I want to wear it with my Trump camo hat.

OL, Love your stories

and

daddy, That 1775 bottle of wine was a good year for revolution. Maybe their telling us something.

[Beasts of England]

Not sure, Ann. I was laughing too hard to think to ask him...

[jimmyk]

What does the Asshat in Chief choose to do? Talk to a pirate.

For some reason I was hoping against hope that that pic was a photoshop. Is there any way this President fails to disappoint?

[Old Lurker]

These guys can set you up, Ann:

http://www.cafepress.com/+fuck-muslim+t-shirts

[daddy (Vote for Summer)]

Why doesn't Obama come out and say he's not a Muslim?

Nearly half the country thinks he is, according to CNN. Why would that be?

Miss M,

Apparently Obama's Americanhalf sister is now a Buddhist.

Then there's this: Why are Americans confused about Obama's religion?

In August, 2010, a Pew poll made news when it found that 18 percent of those surveyed believed Obama is a Muslim. But just as notably, 43 percent of respondents in that survey told Pew they didn't know Obama's religion...

In June, 2012, Gallup asked, "Do you happen to know the religious faith of Barack Obama?" Forty-four percent said they did not know, while 36 percent said he is a Christian, 11 percent said he is a Muslim, and eight percent said he has no religion. The "don't know" group included 36 percent of Democrats.

So, in
--- 2010: 61% of Americans did not know or think that Obama was a Christian, and in
---2012: 63% of Americas did not know or think that Obama was a Christian.

So what the hell has happened since 2012 to convince everybody in the News Media that Obama is a Christian?

[Beasts of England]

The Kitty Kats from the Plains are about to get their bell rung in Red Stick. I just want to see Les eat some 'muda grass.

Geaux Tigers! :)

[Ann]

Thanks, OL
Wow, they have a shirt for everyone. :)

[Threadkiller]

To bad you didn't use a tag that would have disappeared your whole comment, hrt.

[daddy (Vote for Summer)]

US Secretary of State Kerry expresses concern to Victoria Beckham over presence of Russian fighter jets in Syria

Since she's a fashion designer, I think Kerry was asking her to come up with ideas for the new market being created in snazzy Bhurka fashions for large breasted Frauline converts .

That would explain this pic:

[Beasts of England]

102,000 drunk Cajuns in the enlarged Death Valley. Yikes!! (plural)

[daddy (Vote for Summer)]

I seriously doubt there is a single person who is a true leftist who actually believes in God.

Iggy,

Only one that comes to my mind is Kirsten Powers, and that's because she talks about it a lot.---but she is off the Dem reservation a lot, so your point is probably still true.

[Beasts of England]

Allie LaForce wants me. Just sayin'...

[lyle]

Now I'm ur-sleepy.

[jimmyk]

Hey, TM got a nod from Taranto:

https://twitter.com/jamestaranto/status/645306395760439297

Congrats!

[daddy (Vote for Summer)]

I got double dog walking duty this weekend since ZoBob and momma are Calteching.

So if you'll excuse us...

[daddy (Vote for Summer)]

I r sleepy too, but the dogs still say I got to take 'em out.

[Marlene]

daddy,what was your g-g-g-g granny's name? I'm reading the Judge Sewall book and several accused witches are named.She should have confessed! No confessors were hanged,any accused who pleaded innocent went to trial.What a fascinating story of Puritan New England.

[Jack is Back!]

Being back in Southampton I forgot no SEC here. LOL. I have Navy, I have OSU losing (early, of course), I have Oklahoma St. and UTSA and Virginia Tech but no LSU v. Auburn (probably the best game on overall).

I do have Air Force but they are out manned today.

So, I'll just watch Navy.

[Jack is Back!]

Well, hell's bells, I do have LSU/Auburn and also the Golden Domers who just scored on the injuneers.

Now where is that remote.

[Jack is Back!]

I wonder if there is a non-Asian family in America who has two daughters: One in CalTech and the other in Dartmouth? I am impressed and would like to tap daddy and Momma on their method of study motivation, organizationa and self-discipline as I have a 12 year old boy and believe me he is smart but boys will be boys.

[Jane]

No one is going to be willing to serve in the military if this shit is allowed to happen.

[Beasts of England]

Slattering alert in Louisiana. Mahlzan's Marauders look hapless.

[Jack is Back!]

Beasts,

Been meaning to ask you, what is your definition of a "coon ass".

I had a piping superintendent when I was a young engineer on a power plant in Maryland who smoked Piciyune cigarettes and drank Community coffee. He told me he was a "coon ass" not a cajurn.

I believed him since his name was an anglo one. His favorite retort to me was "mighty fine". He also told me not to believe anyone who said they were from Louisiana but never cheered for LSU.

[Beasts of England]

I think it's an 'in' term, JiB. My brother and I can joke on our wop ancestors, but it's still and insult from outsiders. And I think lots of Cajuns embrace coon ass. And I think even the LaTech grads root for LSU. lol

[Threadkiller]

Does daddy identify as Asian?

[Jack is Back!]

Welcome to Will Muschamp, Auburn. You made the best decision Les Miles ever thought was perfect. I see he hasn't lost anything from his Florida experience.

[Jack is Back!]

TK,

Where did I say daddy was Asian?

[Beasts of England]

Fournette can deliver the hurt. Ouch.

[anonamom]

JiB, daddy and I have discussed this in the past-- it's having them take Latin, right daddy?
Or making them take it, in my older son's case. ;-)

[GMax]

Big upset in the making. Northern Illinois, who? tied with Buckeyes at half. You could hear a pin drop inside a 100,000 person crowd. Buckeyes on to their 2 QB, first one kept throwing to the guys with the wrong color jersey...

[Extraneus]

Quod ubi erravit?

[Beasts of England]

Salve Extraneus!

(I hope Elliott is reading this...)

[Extraneus]

Salve, Iumentis.

[Threadkiller]

JIB, sorry that joke was a dud.

You did not say daddy was Asian.

[pagar]

"No one is going to be willing to serve in the military if this shit is allowed to happen."

IMO, that has been the plan since the day Obama was sworn in. We keep saying the people in the military voted Republican was why they never got their ballots on time. IMO, the Democrats have thrown or will throw every Republican out of the military.

[Jane]

Scout, Frye, Kiwi, daddy and I just took a walk. I was wearing shorts, Daddy was wearing gloves. What a wus.

I also beat him home!

[Captain Hate on the iPad]

I can't believe Auburn is still ranked 18 after that turd performance last week.

[Beasts of England]

Have you seen Fournette's runs today, Captain? Good grief!

[Janet S.]

via Jack Cashill - South Park - Stunning & Brave

http://www.cc.com/full-episodes/h4o269/south-park-stunning-and-brave-season-19-ep-1901

It's about PC madness.

I've gotten to where if, in the grocery checkout line, I see a magazine with Bruce Jenner on the cover, I flip it over.
I am done celebrating people that have mental problems.

[GMax]

Now 2nd QB for buckeyes throws a pick

[Jack is Back!]

ananomom,

I also believe that when schools stopped teaching latin and greek but subbed Spanish it was a downhil delivery. Even in our Southampton Catholic school its Spanish and taught by an "anchcor baby" who is getting too political in class which I will have to take care of in the Bit Jack way. Me and a nun but I am bigger, louder and have more money for tuition:)

This a big problem for education: No classics starting with linguistics.

I have been searching for a boarding Catholic school for Frederick (in high school) that teaches latin and greek. So far, nada. If you know then let me know.

[Jack is Back!]

ananomom,

CorrectionL I do know one and it is Stonyhurst in England where my great-grandfather was the cricket and gymnastics don. Pretty expensive but at least a classic education.

[pagar]

""No one is going to be willing to serve in the military if this shit is allowed to happen.""

http://washingtonweeklynews.com/us-army-to-fire-30000-troops-obama-to-allow-undocumented-immigrants-into-military/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

[GMax]

Buckeyes get their own pick and its a pick six. OSU up 10

[Buckeye]

Really sloppy play on the offensive side of the ball.

[Ann]

Jane,

No one wants to be a police officer today!

[Jane]

I know Ann, we are so screwed. Pagar, it's disgusting.

So Ann, you are a Trumpette? tell me why. (BTW Trey got packed this week)

[Extraneus]

Kyle Smith, NY Post:

How Ahmed’s clock became a false, convenient tale of racism

He doesn't mention Ahmed's father's history of trying to gin up CAIR bait.