Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Per the Statesman; only 3 of 104 Idaho legislators attend the Sali fundraiser. Even with a headliner like the VP they won’t support Sali.

Cheney split 45 minutes early. Maybe to avoid weather, maybe because the Sali turnout was low and he didn’t feel it was worthwhile to stay, but almost certainly because he really doesn’t care much about Idaho. Takes it for granted, I’d say. Check out Chris's Aug 16 comments at Liberal Idaho.

Cheney arrived at Gowen Field, deplaned and left. When President Bush arrived at Gowen Field last year, he also deplaned and left. When President Clinton landed at Gowen Field, he took some time to meet with soldiers and airmen, shook hands, allowed pictures to be taken. To me, a stark contrast. It looks like Bush and Cheney really don’t care about soldiers. (* see note on Rumsfeld on the flip)

The Idaho Guard just returned a few months ago from an Iraq deployment. Would it have been too much to ask to take a few minutes and meet some Guardsmen and women, maybe thank them? I know, Bush came here last year to do that. Too bad that at the time we were all in Iraq and not here to hear his thanks.

I’m looking forward to see the campaign reports to see how much $$ the VP raised for Sali. Things aren’t looking so swell for Sali right now, when the VP can’t even generate excitement.
I think that Rumsfeld emjoys spending time with soldiers, notwithstanding what I might think about his leadership.

He flew into Kuwait when I was there, and I attended the event where the Tennessee soldier famously asked Rumsfeld about poorly armored vehicles, and Rumsfeld replied about going to war with the army you have. After Rumsfeld was done speaking, he waded into the crowd, smiling hugely, shaking hands, soldiers crowding all around him (armed soldiers). I could tell he was really enjoying that.