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Go Home Plan of Attack

POLITICS JUNE 17, 2009

Plan of Attack

BY GABRIEL SHERMAN

In early May, White House Counsel Greg Craig circulated a memo inside the West Wing. Part of a series of memos on protocol, it explained how to deal with writers researching books and articles on the White House. (Craig's unsurprising instructions: Clear interview requests with the press office.) While the memo didn't mention any journalists by name--and while there are currently no fewer than half a dozen major reporters under contract to write books about the nascent Obama presidency and the 2008 campaign, any of whom could conceivably end up embarrassing the administration--there is one person in particular the White House is undoubtedly nervous about: Bob Woodward.

Since the inauguration, the Washington Post legend has been quietly reporting a new book on the Obama White House. "I'm in the preliminary stages of working on it," Woodward confirmed to me by phone recently. "I'm working on it and making progress."

Officially, the White House says it is not adopting a press strategy to respond to Woodward. Ben LaBolt, an Obama spokesman, wrote in an e-mail that the Craig memo "was not issued in relation to any inquiry related to a specific reporter or author." Still, there is reason to think that Woodward might make the administration particularly anxious. "Every White House is wary of Woodward, " says New York Times White House correspondent Peter Baker, who worked alongside him at the Post. What's more, Obama's White House is known to hate process stories, exactly the sort of exhaustive, in-the-room descriptions of high-level debates at which Woodward excels. And, even worse, Woodward has some extra motivation to fill his next book with big scoops. His fourth and final Bush book, The War Within, sold just 159,000 copies, according to Nielsen BookScan, far below his third Bush installment, State of Denial, which sold more than half a million. "The last time I talked to him about books, earlier this year, he had been lamenting the fact his last Bush book didn't sell as well," one of Woodward's friends told me.

And an especially hungry Bob Woodward is especially bad news if you're one of the people being written about. "Good luck," another Woodward friend told me when I asked if the White House will succeed in keeping Woodward out. "If you want to hide things from Bob, it always comes out. It always does."

 

As former White House officials have made clear, Woodward can easily become a vexing problem at the highest reaches of an administration. In his 1999 memoir All Too Human, George Stephanopoulos detailed the fallout from Woodward's 1994 best-seller, The Agenda, which helped to define the Clinton presidency as freewheeling and dysfunctional. "His books invariably created embarrassing headlines for their subjects, but his sources were assumed to be the most important, connected, and knowledgeable people in Washington. I was wary of Woodward, but flattered and curious too," the former Clinton spokesman wrote about his decision to meet Woodward and grant an interview.

Stephanopoulos explains Woodward's reporting style: "He flashes a glimpse of what he knows, shaded in a largely negative light, with the hint of more to come, setting up a series of prisoner's dilemmas in which each prospective source faces a choice: Do you cooperate and elaborate in return (you hope) for learning more and earning a better portrayal--for your boss and yourself? Or do you call his bluff by walking away in the hope that your reticence will make the final product less authoritative and therefore less damaging? If no one talks, there is no book. But someone--then everyone--always talks."

Not only did Stephanopoulos end up talking, he also passed along a letter from Woodward to President Clinton, who himself sat for an interview. It was a decision the president came to regret. Stephanopoulos writes that the "repercussions were immediate" when Woodward's book was released. (Clinton fired his chief of staff, Mack McLarty, and brought on Leon Panetta.) The president was said to be furious at Woodward's portrayal of his administration.

From the outset, the Bush White House decided to cooperate with Woodward. "It was a different era when the first Woodward book came out," recalls former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer. "President Bush was riding high, and events were going well." Fleischer says that Bush himself urged staffers to cooperate with Woodward, especially then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who was reluctant to grant an interview (he did). "The message got down to everybody: 'Talk to him,'" Fleischer says. Bush sat for interviews for Woodward's first two installments, and, even though the president didn't personally cooperate with Woodward's third book, State of Denial, Fleischer says that "the White House tried to be helpful."

This time around, Woodward told me that, while he had heard about the Obama White House's effort to manage access for writers, he was not worried. "People make their individual choices about what they're going to do, even in the White House and in the government," he said. "Over my four decades of working on books, you find that some people will help, some people won't help, some will help at certain stages and not at others, some people won't help at the beginning but will help later on. That's reporting."

"What he does," one Woodward friend told me, "is he just turns on the vacuum cleaner and goes around Washington scooping up information until he gets a focus." That focus, of course, is subject to change. For his first book on Bush, Woodward told me he initially reported on the Bush tax cut, which dominated headlines in the languid summer of 2001, before September 11 jolted the White House onto its war footing. "In the case of Bush, after he was elected, I decided the center of gravity was his tax cut," Woodward said. "So I worked for nine months on his tax cut. I was doing the last interviews on the Hill on 9/11, and, of course, the center of gravity shifted to national security, so I shifted. I still have those boxes sitting in my office. It's a book about the Bush tax cut that was never written and probably never will be written."

One possibility, and a potentially worrisome one for this administration, is that Woodward will choose to focus on national security--the area where Obama has always seemed hypersensitive about being portrayed as weak and directionless. If he does, a likely source could be Obama's national security adviser, Jim Jones. A couple of years ago, Jones was a guest of Woodward at his wife Elsa Walsh's fiftieth birthday party held at Sally Quinn and Ben Bradlee's house. "He and Elsa were glued to Jones at the cocktail party before the dinner started," one attendee told me. Another source could be David Petraeus. A favorite Washington parlor game consists of trying to figure out whether various officials talk to Woodward based on how generously he depicts them. If that method is accurate, then it suggests that Petraeus, who was portrayed glowingly in The War Within, was a Woodward source--and perhaps will be again.

 

Of course, Woodward is not the only well-known author the White House has to worry about. Journalists writing books on Obama's presidency include Newsweek columnist Jonathan Alter, New Yorker Washington correspondent (and former TNR staffer) Ryan Lizza, and TNR's Noam Scheiber; two campaign books--one by Haynes Johnson and Washington Post reporter Dan Balz, the other by New York magazine's John Heilemann and Time's Mark Halperin--are also in the works.

But Woodward isn't fazed. "As they say in the book business, you can't judge a book by the proposal," he told me. "There are a lot of people doing books with angles that may or may not pan out." Woodward, it seems, not only plays head games with his sources, but also with the competition.

Gabriel Sherman is a special correspondent for The New Republic. This article originally ran in the magazine in June 2009.

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234 comments

Woodward is an a$$.. he practically invented "gotcha" journalism.. 'bout time someone tried to kick him to the curb

- Matty

May 29, 2009 at 9:36pm

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"one possibility...[particularly worrisome for the Administration] is that the book may focus on foreign affairs." How do you know that this focus would be particularly worrisome?? Evidence that the Obama administration is "insecure" about its ability to handle foreign policy?? What is the most recent evidence of this insecurity?? It seems to me that the Administration is incredibly confident/assured in its handling, for example, of Israel and the question of settlements (just as an example). The Administration seems pretty confident also as it has been charting out new alliances in the Middle East, Europe and Latin America. Or is the assertion of "anxiety merely stated to begin a conversation across the web about "Obama's insecurities?" (which, of course, do exist because TNR says they exist). HuffPost HEADLINE: "OBAMA INSECURE ABOUT WOODWARD BOOK ABOUT FOREIGN POLICY!!" Geez...

- mphillip

May 30, 2009 at 12:19pm

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After 2 terms of playing snuggles with the Bush White House and nothing but whiffle balls and gossipy pillow fights to show for it, Big Bob W will now show the world the old man of 70s journalism still has big balls by 'getting tough' with the Obama White House. Pathetic, lazy, and past it.

- Ernie

May 30, 2009 at 1:53pm

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Opportunism. One, many, multitudes could and would wish Mr Woodward to shut up. For all his publication, he has contributed little, very little to the truth on any subject. Much of what he has written might be questioned as to its veracity...so-called facts of opportunity known only to him and for which we must take his word. I am completely bored with his self-serving celebrity. Perhaps some real writers may yet emerge and tell us something new.

- William Fredric Posey

May 30, 2009 at 2:45pm

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Let's hope the book is about Obama's lack of natural born citizenship status, having not been born to two US parents and maybe not even being born in the US.

- Ed

May 30, 2009 at 5:12pm

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Bob Woodward is none other than the CIA's resident literary hitman. If anything the NSA should initiate an investigation into his nefarious activities that have gone on since the Vietnam War. Americans should read "Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klien and familiarize yourselve with the nefarious activities of our so called government. President Obama should be nervous, because these people will bribe and lie to the public to distort anyones activities. If anything as the public we should write Woodward's publisher and express our anger with the efforts to derail the healing of our country by private interest

- Allincompassing

May 30, 2009 at 5:42pm

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Bob Woodward lost credibility in the last Administration during the Plame affair when he withheld information while down playing the story as having no legs when he knew facts that showed otherwise. His glory days of good investigative journalism were sacrificed for access. I would shell out for a Bernstein book, but not for Woodward. His last sales suggest others feel the same. Sadly, he has diminished himself as have others in the press.

- xargaw

May 30, 2009 at 7:54pm

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Bob, Please do not write this book with out my help. O was there-DC- when this happened and I have lots of input for your book. Of course I'm 1000 per cent nuts but I love the deep throat thing and I lived in DC during that time. el Indio Mho + + + God Bless yOu i yOur new endeavor

- Mho

May 30, 2009 at 11:16pm

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If it is true that every White House is especially worried about Woodward, they need to take a few deep breaths and remember that Woodward betrayed his readers when he withheld information about Bush until after it was no longer relevant or useful. Woodward has lost much of his mojo, and the White House Nervous Nellies need to chill out.

- Anne Kass

May 31, 2009 at 2:00pm

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I lost respect for Woodward during the previous administration because for his first 2 books, and indeed, in the reporting he did at the Post, he refrained from any criticism of the Bush Administration to ensure access. He went along with the Iraq War because it was the thing to do back in those days. He wrote in glowing terms of the "tough choices" Bush had to make after 911. He then held back information that would have probably helped to defeat Bush in 2004 because he wanted it for his last book. I bought the first Bush book. I won't buy another book by Woodward. I don't watch him when he appears on television. I don't read his articles in the Post. He's predictable and in it for the notoriety and money. Period.

- Miz Brennan, Portland, Oregon

May 31, 2009 at 2:45pm

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The first two Woodward books on the Bush administration were fawning accounts of the Post 9/1/01 world, but the last two came late to the realization on how the junta destroyed America's standing in the world in both the economic and relations with other nations. He was also a fan of Bill Casey, Reagan's CIA director and whose legacy is very questionable. Read CIA history in the book, "Legacy of Ashes" for a full account. Woodward sometimes gets duped by his sources.

- Georgiaguy

May 31, 2009 at 3:21pm

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nervous my foot... it will be another gushing, slobbering left wing, empty headed critique. Woodward needs some cash

- Ernest T Bass

June 1, 2009 at 8:27am

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Woodward is an honest writer, you can't smooth talk him or buy him, thats why we respect him..With Obama controlling all the news media, all news papers and magazines and now getting ready to try to shut down talk radio..which will never happen, I'd say Woodward will have the material he needs and far more material that will scare the heck out of him and his readers.

- Terry Moore

June 1, 2009 at 8:42am

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I wonder if Bob Woodward is going to be brave enought to tackle the true identity of Obama and the entire birth certificate issue. Why is Obama hiding the truth of his birth? If he is who he says he is... why is he affraid of revealing the documents that would set him free?

- Susan

June 1, 2009 at 8:45am

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well, when the main stream media sells out to a particular party and political office holder, it requires a strongly incentivised free press writer to get the truth out. Obama should be very very afraid. He lives in a glass house, yet he tries to cover up all the windows. He will ultimately be totally exposed for the fraud that he and his administration truly are.

- rufus

June 1, 2009 at 8:51am

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Mr. Woodward, please tell us the truth. Other than Jack Tapper, no one else even attempts to do so.

- Steve

June 1, 2009 at 9:12am

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The Obama should rest easy. Don't expect a hit job from Woodward. He will heap praise upon praise on the Obama as the most intelligent human being ever walking the face of the planet.

- J. Alejandro

June 1, 2009 at 9:14am

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Woodward and Bernstein, what a bunch of losers. Yeah it was one big deal they did with Nixon but what have they done since? Reporters are jokes, especaily now. Reporters need to be non biased and tell the truth, its simple!!! It is a sad day when I have to get my American news from England just to hear what is really going on.

- PW Dyson

June 1, 2009 at 9:22am

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Castro in a tux will certainly do everything in his power to silence or at least mitigate the words of Bob Woodward in his upcoming book on the Obama Presidency and the 2008 Campaign. Yes, Obama is Castro in a tux and this will become more evident as time passes and he becomes more aggressive and bold. Whereas Bush was flooded with dissent and criticism Obama squelches and stops it wherever he can. Conservative talk shows are particularly bothersome to Castro in a tux. He will get the "fairness doctrine" but it will take a different shape and form so that it won't be recognized as such. He's clever in a diabolical way.

- greyfox

June 1, 2009 at 9:28am

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white house fears... because it won't be the bootlickin MSM stuff that passes for information?

- jacko

June 1, 2009 at 9:37am

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Obama isn't obeying Israel. Next up - American Jews begin dismantling his administration from the inside out. [no fingerprints of course] I pray O has a good firewall against Jews in his trusted circle - or he will be crucified in a public square. Woodward is a Jew first... and an American somewhere further down the list. So what's new?

- georgann marks

June 1, 2009 at 9:41am

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Puleeze. This Trotsky administration has nothing to fear from sycophants in the MSM. Whatever failures and foibles they are shamed into having to report, they will attribute to Republican witch hunts. This White House nervous about Bob Woodward? Sure, like Brezhnev was nervous about a front-page splash by Izvestia.

- Doubtless

June 1, 2009 at 9:47am

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BRING IT ON WOODWARD. The sooner the better. The world NEEDS to know about this man and his goons behind the scenes who are destroying this country by the day. Don't let anyone intimidate you or stop you. I'll be first in line for the book.

- KJW

June 1, 2009 at 10:12am

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Well, I hope Woodward will be examining that pesky citizenship issue. Will we finally get to see Obama's authentic Hawaiian birth certificate?

- Loulou

June 1, 2009 at 10:13am

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Hey Bob, ask him about the birth certificate.

- aa

June 1, 2009 at 10:34am

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At some time, the wrapping must come undone. This community organizer/showman will be exposed. Hopefully before he gives enemies nerve to try something stupid or damages the economy beyond repair. Woodward is not biased...is he?

- Phocus

June 1, 2009 at 10:34am

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I appreciate the works of Bob Woodward particularly as related to his Watergate exposure/coverage. But what makes him think he knows everything about everybody...including President Barack Obama is beyond me.

- Greg Jones

June 1, 2009 at 10:39am

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watch your back!!!!!!!!!!! you know dead fish RAMBO is watching, and alot of deaths occured around those clinton democrats. j mack

- j mack

June 1, 2009 at 10:41am

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nervous about what? that woodward will appear to have fallen head over heels for the prez? that woodward will allege the two are lovers? give me a break. this will be another media love fest gone wild.

- steve s

June 1, 2009 at 10:42am

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I'm sure the book will be a love fest. Woodward hated Bush and adores BHObama. If you see something coming out of Woodward's mouth, it belongs to BHObama.

- Dave

June 1, 2009 at 10:42am

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Woodward would win if he unveiled the Obama that almost half the country already knows him as. No one in the media has the guts to tell it like it really is. Woodward did a good job with the Watergate story. Shining the spotlight on this president is equally as sensational for him.

- Karl Marks

June 1, 2009 at 10:47am

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C'mon. I'm sure Woodward has been brainwashed like every other liberal with a word processor. The book will be a fluffy chearleading piece with a few "tough" observations thrown in for credibility. There's no way a publishing house would dare release something that might make the Demachrist look bad.

- Hurocket

June 1, 2009 at 10:55am

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One would hope that Woodward will investigate President Narcissist and his felonious connections with ACORN and his newest appointment with the Bilderberg New World Order conspiracy group. While he is busy bankrupting the U.S., President Narcissist is out spending exhorbitant sums of tax payer money on shoes for Michelle and $24,000 for a date with her. These are all illustrations of the man's ego and narcissism and ultimately will be his downfall. I hope Woodward removes the floor boards and let's out all the cockroach connections this corrupt and incompetant politician represents.

- WeMadeAmistake

June 1, 2009 at 10:55am

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Woodward will probably white wash the BHO administration instead of reporting how inept his apptments have been (tax doggers) and Marxist executive actions. He won't report how sad it is American is going Socialist and down the tube with the BHO administration.

- mudlark

June 1, 2009 at 10:55am

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Why worry?,Obama Administration you've done no! wrong in your first 100+ days in office. Let's see your mid east peace plan is hands-on right??, and it's already showing results...,look how well you got them Israeli settlers getting along so peacefully with their 'West Bank' neighbors. On the Economic front,I guess it all them men like myself whom defended this nation's hard won proprietary system through-out the cold war! must have been in error???..., and your self rightous gang of Ivy League,Ivy Tower dwellers who surreendered our country's future to Wall Street know better! Finally! in the spirit of your Homeland Security Chief their's one more group of americans to be damned!,those pesky 911 families,always wanting the damn truth! I for one never finished high school,so when your 'AG' recently decided to deny!, those unlucky americans their right to take certain Saudi Princes to 'court!' for funding the attacks on the World Trade Towers, & Pentagon as well here in Pennsylvania,while at the same going all out to insure terrorist are given their day in court! I geuss that must be the correct spelling of justice! blind,deaf,mute. Hmmm...,just like the merdia.

- james r.

June 1, 2009 at 11:01am

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I hear Bob Woodwards next book is about Bababooey's first pitch.

- Scoresman

June 1, 2009 at 11:02am

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Come on. Are you kidding? We know how this game works. When its a Republican in office - the books are written to undermine, savage, spin, cast dispersions, lies, half truths, false innuendos,always with the goal of attempting to destroy a presidency. When its a Democrat in office, ESPECIALLY the first half-Caucasian American and half-African American president, then the books will drip with nothing but unadulterated worship. Obama could line up a thousand American Citizen political dissidents on national television and personally execute each on and the media with a pistol shot to the head, and the press and pundits would wildly sing his praises and spin it as a positive step for America. Doesn't matter what he does. This is the point America has come to. The vast majority of journalists and writers are simply Democrat partisans. While eventually history proves this type of thing always brings down a party at minimum and often an entire nation, it doesn't matter to them. Any book written about Obama will be an utter waste of money as a purchase and an utter waste of time as reading material. You already know what they are going to say and how they will say it. After awhile echo chambers become all too boring.

- Oh Puleeze

June 1, 2009 at 11:03am

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Will the elusive birth certificate come up? Will be learn the Dr.'s name who delivered President Obama, will we learn the name of the hospital ? Naw...

- Joe the plumber

June 1, 2009 at 11:11am

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Agreed

- Pete

June 1, 2009 at 11:15am

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This is just Obama administration disinformation. They're no more worried about this than a Katie Couric report. This book will likely be a typical fawning love note from the media to Obama, after which they'll say "See? Even a tough guy like Woodward likes us!"

- p3orion

June 1, 2009 at 11:18am

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Oh ho Chicago politics goes national !, should be a cozy love story read. We're a nation of idiots and apparently we're getting our wish.

- what's this "we" thing Kemosabe

June 1, 2009 at 11:18am

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There is plenty of fodder for Woodward. Lets start with his time in Kenya, his College years and who paid for it. And a chapter on that pesky Birth Certificate. His time in Hawaii and his drug induced Communist indoctrination. That is enough for one book. Woodward's next could be about Barry Soetoro in South Chicago and his Radical Criminal Associations. So much to write about even before Barry the Radical finds his way into the White House.

- ACORN Barry is a Fraud

June 1, 2009 at 11:20am

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I, too, am skeptical of Woodward. Oh Puleeze (#37) is right, he will be positive (to the point of covering up scandals) of liberals and crucify conservatives. Just one more liberal agenda journalist. Stephanopolous was also the source for Joe Klein's book Primary Colors that detailed Bill Clinton's sexual promiscuity on the campain trail... a teenage African American girl?? and they covered it up???

- JoeS

June 1, 2009 at 11:20am

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A pig with lipstick is still a pig. EVERYONE KNOWS how, when and what the fairness doctrine will accomplish when implemented by Milhouse. How could Barry hide such a coup? EASY. Dopey citizens and the death of journalism.....

- Greg Barton

June 1, 2009 at 11:22am

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If he isn't talking about Obama intentionally crashing the dollar and creating a new fascist, according to economist Thomas Sowell, who of course is called an Uncle Tom, form of government with 14 czars that are not subject to congressional approval then he isn't talking. My bet - he will fawn and talk about his great communication skills even though without a teleprompter O is lost.

- Dora Doggins

June 1, 2009 at 11:24am

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Looks like the White House has put some of Obama's writing team on line here to make sure Woodward is not seen in a favorable light. Tell us the truth Bob about this empty suit that some call president and you will be in the American people's debt forever. Watch your back though; we already know that one suicide has been swept under the (prayer) rug.

- Capn Jack

June 1, 2009 at 11:27am

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Watch your back Woodward, these people are more dangerous than you might think!!

- pattieb

June 1, 2009 at 11:27am

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Obama is such a major pu$$y... so easy to profile as a coward... you liberals are terrified that Woodward will point that out. Foreign policy? Other than genuflecting in front of dictators, the community activist is clueless.

- Mitchell

June 1, 2009 at 11:28am

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I truly fear for my country… because The People have become a bunch of slobbering blithering idiots incapable of critical thought or of rational sound choice. How anyone that lays claim to even the slightest morsel of intelligence can sit by while 95% of the American Media machine feeds you unmitigated propaganda about “their man”, O, is proof that you are morons undeserving of the very freedom you think you have a right to. These very same people that sat around hurling insults a Bush now cry like angry little girls that were excluded from the big sleep over about a book you haven’t even read yet… how appropriate for you, given your character flaws.

- Karlinaz

June 1, 2009 at 11:29am

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There is need for a fair appraisal of this man. As i have said in past ' we knew nothing about him when he announced and as we learned things, they were reasons to not vote for him. Now, $20 billion to GM with another $10 billion going there.AND union getting a large percentage or payoff of ownership.. The workers were overpaid add their lives there. I am open but dirty politics,special interest groups turns me off no matter the party.

- Jack Kinch(1uncle)

June 1, 2009 at 11:35am

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Woodward's book will succeed, but he has a choice. He can write a pro-Obama book and the Kool Aid drinkers will breathe a sigh of relief as they are validated. Of course they'll rush to add it to their collections of All Things Obama. Or he can write the Truth and substantial numbers among the 47% who voted against Obama will have their worst fears confirmed. Of course, a giant "Access Denied" will light Woodward's way to the bank. He can skip the MSM book tour and enjoy a pleasant and lucrative exile from the Salons of Power. Which path will he take? No wonder the WH is nervous. Either way, he sells books.

- huh?

June 1, 2009 at 11:39am

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I'm sorry. Did you say heal, or heel. The left will always try to short leash it's dissidents. Make examples of party insubs...etc. But I HOPE you're rightly healed.

- rucous

June 1, 2009 at 11:40am

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Is anyone stupid enough to believe Woodward might write something unfavorable about ANY liberal? Especially a black extremists far far left liberal. You would have to be more than naive, you would have to be stupid.

- bleeda

June 1, 2009 at 11:41am

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it will be a joke..there is no criticism allowed of god, the saviour, who; in the first 100 days has dismantled democracy-write a book on that Bob, or, will it too be bush's fault?

- dkb

June 1, 2009 at 11:44am

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Oh the drip, drip of Obama B.S.

- CV

June 1, 2009 at 11:48am

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Woodward would rather cut his fingers off than say something unflatering about Barry Hussain Obama. I just want to know if Obama is actually an American. You blind mice! How sad.

- JFD

June 1, 2009 at 11:49am

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Kind of funny how some of the Obama sycophants try to play it both ways. They label Woodward as being "cuddly" with the Bush administration in spite of the poison pen treatment Bush got from Woodward in his last two books. It's just that the Messiah is in the crosshairs and the last thing the Messiah's toadies want is for the truth about a phony to come out.

- RHO1953

June 1, 2009 at 11:55am

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Do you realize how ignorant and pathetic that rant is? Give it up. The man's in and if your issues were valid he wouldn't be.

- yougottabekidding

June 1, 2009 at 11:56am

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Maybe Woodward can discover Barry's school records or his real Birth Certificate. That would be a best-seller!

- Mary

June 1, 2009 at 11:58am

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I see the Obomunist Bloggers are out in force here, spouting Obamaganda in an attempt to pre-empt an expected Bob Woodward expose...As if everyone doesn't already suspect that Obama is making it all up as he goes along...........God, but he has a lot of stooges out there......(Cool hand Barry, I mean)

- TransitDave

June 1, 2009 at 11:59am

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I am a Marxist muslim socialist and I will ruin this country, the country that I was not even born in.

- barak obama

June 1, 2009 at 12:01pm

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bob woodward is a democrat...he isnt going to writer a book tearing down their messiah

- jake

June 1, 2009 at 12:01pm

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It defies common sense to think that Woodward's book will be nothing more than a fawning puff piece. With the publishing industry awash in pro-Obama drivel, Woodward knows he has to stand out. I predict a delightfully refreshing hit job of a book that approaches the truth.

- Ross Odom

June 1, 2009 at 12:08pm

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This is a publicity stunt designed to increase the sales when the book is finished. Lap it up, dawgs. Nothing has changed. All hail our glorious leader.

- RKW

June 1, 2009 at 12:09pm

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Yes indeed, the man who got the comatose WIlliam Casey to tell all tells all on our own Dear Leader. I can see the headlines now, "Woodward Claims Obama Chews His Nails!"

- jim patterson

June 1, 2009 at 12:09pm

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hey obama where's your birth certificate? --the real one, not the phoney photoshop your thugs posted on the internet--

- da verg

June 1, 2009 at 12:11pm

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Getting slapped around, and screwed over, and mocked, and criticized, and disrespected for decades, I should be used to it by now. But, with every "promise" of a tell-all, I am hopeful. No, it never works out fairly and honestly; I should know better by now. If someone DOES do a credible piece, they are published by Regnery, yada, yada, and don't get on Charlie Rose, or Larry King, or Oprah, or PBS, or the Networks, or any venue that could BENEFIT from the openness of Right thinking and reason. But, I keep hoping that it could happen. Like the Cubbies; maybe next year!

- ombre

June 1, 2009 at 12:11pm

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Exactly!

- M Pike

June 1, 2009 at 12:15pm

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Send me a copy!!!!

- lvh

June 1, 2009 at 12:20pm

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If Woodward writes the truth, I'm all for it. Americans have the right to know all, both good and bad about the person leading our country.

- Kathy Hansen

June 1, 2009 at 12:26pm

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My does the left squeal like microwaved piglets when the shoe is on the other foot.

- Edword

June 1, 2009 at 12:30pm

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HA! Woodward must be running slack on income! I'm sure his book will also make a good stand in for toilet paper!

- Ghost Rider

June 1, 2009 at 12:31pm

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Minister Obama will not tolerate racist pandering filth from Woodward! How dare he attempt to slander our Leader, our Hope! In due course, the Official Book detailing our Great Leader's many Accomplishments will be issued to all school children in time for the start of the new school year. Only the official book will be tolerated. Any spurious slanderous publications will be addressed through official channels!

- Blake Erie

June 1, 2009 at 12:32pm

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"The White House is undoubtedly nervous about: Bob Woodward. ..." Are you kidding? Bob Woodward critical of a Democrat president in some meaningful way? Oh, hahaha. The Obama people can rest easy on this one.

- cnehrenz

June 1, 2009 at 12:33pm

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"The White House is undoubtedly nervous about: Bob Woodward. ..." Are you kidding? Bob Woodward critical of a Democrat president in some meaningful way? Oh, hahaha. The Obama people can rest easy on this one.

- cnehrenz

June 1, 2009 at 12:33pm

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Based on the first onslaught of posts here, BHO IS very worried. A bunch of seminar posts talking about how Woodward is already "discredited." A preliminary attack by the Blackbarry army.

- Zaphod

June 1, 2009 at 12:39pm

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Are you kidding the White House worried NO WAY Bob Woodward will make Obama and his staff to be GODS-

- joeyusa

June 1, 2009 at 12:39pm

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Why do I get the feeling that many of you calling for Woodward to shut up love the fact that there are pro-Obama books all over the place? Woodward has always been controversial, but he always tears apart whoever he writes about. He's definitely not a Republican lover. You can't believe ANYTHING you read without taking a grain of salt, but Woodward is still reliable enough to know he's not making stuff up.

- Victor

June 1, 2009 at 12:41pm

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I only hope this book is based solely on truth. Verifiable truth. When that happens, it doesn't matter what one's political preferences are.

- Jeandobre

June 1, 2009 at 12:47pm

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More Left Wing Spin, bash him a little and praise him a lot. Thank God for the Internet and Fox News, those are the only places for any Truth anymore.

- Spare Me

June 1, 2009 at 12:51pm

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I'll wait until it is out but I can't imagine is will be anything but another liberal whitewash..

- Cyn Smi

June 1, 2009 at 1:11pm

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People who are honest truthful have nothing to hide and should have no worries about the truth coming out. If Obama is worried, what does that say about him?

- marvin

June 1, 2009 at 1:12pm

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You mean there might be someone in the media that is not going to kiss Osambo's ass?

- Holy Moley

June 1, 2009 at 1:12pm

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I wish anybody could name even one book, or story, that was critical of any liberal.

- bleeda

June 1, 2009 at 1:15pm

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Wow, by the comments posted here, it looks like the obama supporters know he's dirty, and I'm sure will got "acorn-approved," lengths to keep Woodward out. Although they weren't there for Bush, but now that the messiah's in the hood...Woodward's a nuisance. Screw that, and this administration. Dig Bob, dig, and discover the tainted birth certificate, the terrorists associations, the paybacks to inner city Acorners for voter fraud, the forging of citizenship documents....the squandering of trillions...run the worthless Obama up the flagpole. WE (meaning hardworking, taxypaying conservative Americans) want our country back from the facade.

- TCM

June 1, 2009 at 1:25pm

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All I needed to do was read the annual report of the Joyce Foundation and I knew what kind of person we are dealing with. Marxists always do things the same way. Call them Marxists or Collectivists, whatever. They will start eating their own very quickly. Read the history of the Communists in Spain in the 1930's to get a heads up on the gameplan.

- dih

June 1, 2009 at 1:30pm

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It must be a faux front. O'l lefty Woodward shant never print a discouraging word about the One. His power and drive is gone, used up. Does anyone think he would expose President Pinicchio for stupid economics, marxist leanings, former member of a communicst party. Thing again Woodward drinks the cool aid too.

- Medula

June 1, 2009 at 1:30pm

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Woodward should become a slow pitch softball pitcher, he'd earn way more than he does on his books. He should have advocated a war crimes trial after his first Bush book, much less the last one....

- tc

June 1, 2009 at 1:33pm

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Seems like many of the people here are afraid of Mr. Woodward writing a book about our current National Administrator...and really mad that someone would have dared to say ANYTHING nice about the recently departed administration. Wow, do I love me some hypocrisy!

- Heartland Patriot

June 1, 2009 at 1:33pm

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Fox News & Truth, that would be funny if it weren't so sad....

- MPLS, MN

June 1, 2009 at 1:37pm

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Obama doesn't need to worry - Woodward worships the Messiah just like every other MSM hack. It would be a refreshing change if someone actually reported the TRUTH about Obama & his hitmen, but that will never happen.

- jazzitup

June 1, 2009 at 1:41pm

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Someone made a comment about our National Administrator questioning his religious preference and actual nationality, and his wishing to tear the country apart...you know, Joe Stalin wasn't actually Russian...and he did a pretty good number on the Motherland, wouldn't you say?

- Heartland Patriot

June 1, 2009 at 1:43pm

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If a book on Obama were to focus on the truth about him and his administration, then he should be worried. Given the love affair that the media has with him, I suspect any book from someone in the afrorementioned media will tell no such truth!

- Brian

June 1, 2009 at 1:45pm

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Will this mean we get the truth about wright, the terrorist, and michelle's matronly narcissism? Will the truth come about barry's drug use? Will he really come out of the closet as the the first gay president? When will larry sinclair be appointed as drug czar or homosexual king? You know the guy that barry rode in the limo with, doing crack, and each other!

- Jonas Kniger

June 1, 2009 at 1:47pm

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I hope Woodward explores the rampant and uncontrolled spending of this administration. I had high hopes for Obama, but he seems like a smug Chicago pol to me know.

- Mark

June 1, 2009 at 1:52pm

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Woodward has been resting on his Nixon Watergate laurels for decades!!! It is about time he actually does some REAL investigative work and frankly Obama and what he has done and what he is currently up to are so corrupt and illegal he makes Nixon seem like a naughty kindergartner compared to a career criminal(obama).

- caseoftheblues

June 1, 2009 at 1:53pm

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Should Mr. Woodward actually write anything that is less than glowing about President Obama, he can count on the "politics of destruction" going into high gear. This president is a narcissist and cannot stand criticism of any kind. He and his administration will find ways to retaliate, both obvious and devious. Tread lightly or pay , Mr. Woodward!

- LuKuj

June 1, 2009 at 1:59pm

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Isn`t it pretty silly to write a book on a president that has been in office less than 5 months? Now if Woodward wants to do this in a year that`s another story? The guy is also a big phoney. He made nice with Bush until his last book when it was obvious that the wa was a disaster. If the wind is blowing in Obama`s favor he will write a favorable book. The guy is nothing but a mwdia whorw.

- joel1954

June 1, 2009 at 2:03pm

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b hussein is about as afraid of this msm limpwrist as I am of a ant...more bluster; then a glowing kissa$$ lovepiece by another enemy of the USA....

- freddy washington

June 1, 2009 at 2:07pm

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Woodward is an opportunist bent on his own self promotion...time for him to retire

- stonepony

June 1, 2009 at 2:10pm

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He'll gush just as all the rest of the press has done. They apparently don't realize they're writing the death knell of the press with their failure to be honest during the campaign and thus far in this administration about the present occupant of the White House. I sincerely hope, for the good of the country that they change their tune before it is too late. This administration thinks they can get away with anything - a la Chicago politics - because of the press' failure to be objective about this man.

- Dixie Lee

June 1, 2009 at 2:12pm

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He'll gush just as all the rest of the press has done. They apparently don't realize they're writing the death knell of the press with their failure to be honest during the campaign and thus far in this administration about the present occupant of the White House. I sincerely hope, for the good of the country that they change their tune before it is too late. This administration thinks they can get away with anything - a la Chicago politics - because of the press' failure to be objective about this man.

- Dixie Lee

June 1, 2009 at 2:14pm

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Hmmm.... all of the crazy birth certificate conspiracy nuts seem to have posted their ridiculous blather right after this article was picked up by the Sludge Report. I have to say, the TNR is doing an awesome job providing fodder for any debunked RW talking point.

- BC

June 1, 2009 at 2:27pm

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You Go Bob! Do your thing, let's learn a little more about ACORN and the other untold stories. Does President Obama have any childhood friends etc.??

- oregonguy

June 1, 2009 at 2:29pm

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Maybe if Woodward shows that this administration is run by thugs for thugs (the Democraps who still fawn over the Chief Clown in charge of things), dismantling our cherished capitalist society with his Marxist bullcrap, the book will be worth it. But do not expect it, because then he won't be invited on CNN or the Comedy Channel, also known as MSNBC.

- Nathan Fillon

June 1, 2009 at 2:29pm

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Mr. Sherman's warning that Bob Woodward may be tracking some of Obama's spoores is ludicrous. Should anyone quake because he's sniffing around? Nonsense. Events should dictate public response not an author who seems to have overwritten his welcome.

- rebut

June 1, 2009 at 2:31pm

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His "rant" is not ignorant. How can any level-headed person set back and see what is going on in this country and wonder how can this man fool so many people. There has never been another person, President Kennedy, or any famous movie star or anybody who has the power this man has over people. Some people, but not all, there are almost 50,000,000 of us in the country who can see through him, and believe me when I say we do

- sandra

June 1, 2009 at 2:35pm

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This is funny stuff. Not the article; the comments from people who are going way out of their way to demean a book that hasn't been written. What are you folks afraid of? If Obama does have anything to hide (as, I'm sure, Rush Limbaugh fervently believes) then Woodward will find it and write about it. If he doesn't, then it will sell as well as his second book about Bush. Between now and then, just take a deep breath and enjoy life. Good grief!

- Steve C.

June 1, 2009 at 2:35pm

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Amazing. The whining socialists here have nothing but scorn for their (in the past) beloved Mr. Woodward. Wonder what they're afraid of, he asks rhetorically. He was the best in the business until this particular book began.

- NuevoCon

June 1, 2009 at 2:43pm

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I swore off reading Bob Woodward books after that horrible hatchet job he did on John Belushi. It is a good illustration of how a hack writer can put together a collection of lurid anecdotes about a public figure but totally miss the humanity and talent that made that person beloved. Nixon deserved what he got, but Belushi was just a comic actor who did no harm to anybody but brought a lot of joy to millions of people. BW is a bloodsucking ghoul.

- Bob Oran

June 1, 2009 at 2:44pm

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I posted my last comment not as a political statement but as an indirect protest to the "Talking Heads" swarming over Morning This and Viewing That. Seems that everyone has written a book. Perhaps the paper used is recycled. By the way, doesn't anyone drink tea or a Martini anymore? Small wonder the price increase in coffee. Give Obama a chance. If you have to yellat someone, go to a ballgame and get on the umpire. At least wait until November.

- rebut

June 1, 2009 at 2:46pm

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It appears that the White House has something to hide. I thought they were going to be "transparent".

- mshaf

June 1, 2009 at 2:56pm

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Politics is boring. The World will be fine. Let's just watch some escapist movies and listen to some Strauss. I've got that 1939 feeling again...

- Shangri-La

June 1, 2009 at 3:04pm

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I hope Mr Woodward does the vetting that the rest of the press didn't see fit to do. We know so little about our "transparent" president and though I was once "hope"-ful, I've come to question my choice and what is really the driving force behind his administration.

- Max

June 1, 2009 at 3:14pm

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If this guy has the scoop on Obama's Birth Certificate I'm all for it,but if it's going to be a bunch of stuff like Obama likes to pi** sitting down..I DON'T CARE!!

- Kelly

June 1, 2009 at 3:17pm

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no one is going to research honestly or report in depth on Obama. He has been in front of us for 2 years!

- yeerch

June 1, 2009 at 3:18pm

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Schlobing knob, eh T Bass?

- JesusHumper

June 1, 2009 at 3:25pm

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Hey Da Verg? Where is your birth certificate? Where are both of your grandparent's birth certificates? What about the four of their grandparent's birth certificates? And where are my cupcakes you promised. I want my cupcakes!!

- JesusHumper

June 1, 2009 at 3:27pm

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Mr. Woodward please talk to Mr. Sinclair, I understand from his new book coming out in June, that he knows Mr. Obama and his friends at the WH. It will be interesting to see if Mr. Woodward will do his job or just come to drink the Kool-aid.

- donna

June 1, 2009 at 3:31pm

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Perhaps a good name for the book would be, "The rise and fall of America" or the "Planet of the Apes".

- Whatashame

June 1, 2009 at 3:35pm

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Isn't it wonderful to see the liberals bashing and trashing Woodward, think they're nervous?

- Carl

June 1, 2009 at 3:37pm

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I will buy a copy if, and only if, it validates my opinion of Mr. Obama. If it is truthful and accurate, it will not be positive.

- Larry Croft

June 1, 2009 at 3:39pm

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Perhaps a good name for the book would be, "The rise and fall of America" or the "Planet of the Apes".

- Whatashame

June 1, 2009 at 3:40pm

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This is all smoke and mirrors. Woodward is not going to bring down the man he supported into the presidency. If he does publish, it will be fiction, just like all of those books on Bill and Hillary.

- Pedro64

June 1, 2009 at 3:41pm

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no one is going to research honestly or report in depth on Obama. He has been in front of us for 2 years!

- yeerch

June 1, 2009 at 3:47pm

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Go get em Bob, someone in the media other than Fox and WND has to do their job properly. This book if done honestly should be about 2000 pages and destroy the left....

- Larry the Libtard

June 1, 2009 at 3:51pm

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if you get your news from fox and the internet you've just lost your right to an opinion

- don't spare me

June 1, 2009 at 3:53pm

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I'm sure it's going to be a real hatchet job. An old timey liberal like Woodward? I'm sure it's going to be brutal on The Chosen One. Yeah right.

- StephenRex

June 1, 2009 at 3:58pm

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I hope Woodward will write a FACTUAL book that tells us exactly who Barack Hussein Obama really is. I don't trust this Marxist Moonbat as far as I can throw him. And I would advise Mr. Woodward to hire a food tester since he will be dipping into the corrupt cesspool of Chicago politics, the corrupt ACORN organization, the corrupt SEIU, the New Black Panther group, various and sundry gangsters, anarchists, tax cheats, felons, and disgraced Pay for Play government officials. What a book this could be. Good luck, Mr. Woodward.

- Sunnyr

June 1, 2009 at 4:02pm

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Both Barry and McCain were selected by the same cabal. That cabal is the MSM and the puppet masters like George Soros who pull the strings. McCain never expected to win and when he pulled ahead in the polls by selecting Palin the puppet masters tanked the economy and sent John head first into the maelstrom. While you worried about the Manchurian candidate we got the Muslim candidate. America is in deep, deep trouble. She will never be the same. And who cares what Woodward has to say!

- Professor Yaphank

June 1, 2009 at 4:12pm

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right. How dare Woodward be allowed to write anything about this administration during this "healing of our country".

- Niko Bellic

June 1, 2009 at 4:16pm

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Have ANY of you wackos ever read any of Woodward's books? All I hear is "Woodward hates Republicans and loves Democrats." Did you even read THIS article? Woodward's book "The Commanders" is about as positive a book as any President coudl wish for and it was about Bush I. "The Agenda", his book about Clinton, was about as negative as any that didn't accuse him of murder. "Bush at War" was a glowing account of Bush II's Afghan war. You just do't get any more positive a book than that. So for you morons who believe Woodward is in the bag for Obama, grow up and stop acting like fools.

- Unbelievable

June 1, 2009 at 4:33pm

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For all of you that have lost respect for Woodward with the last administration -- PLEASE!!!! Your all crying about how bad it was for Woodward to withhold information about Bush when every single liberal journalist out there doesn't do a thing to investigate THE ONE. Every single one bows down to BO and kisses his ring.... Oh... I forgot. That was Obama kissing the ring of the Saudi King.

- dianeremarx

June 1, 2009 at 4:37pm

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"Posted by yougottabekidding 58 of 80 | warn tnr | respond Do you realize how ignorant and pathetic that rant is? Give it up. The man's in and if your issues were valid he wouldn't be." Just like all the crying and lying you guys did about Bush. If your issues about Bush were valid he wouldn't have been in office for 8 years. Just a bunch of liberal junkies!

- finley53

June 1, 2009 at 4:43pm

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maybe he can write about all of king barrack's experience running businesses in the private sector and how that experience will help him when making decisions while running government motors. nevermind, i must be confusing king barrack with someone else.

- mike

June 1, 2009 at 4:45pm

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It will be interesting to see if anything extremely negative comes out in this book about the current administration. I doubt the people who ate up Bob's tidbits about the Bush failings will be so eager to do the same with Obama. If he does lay it on Obama pretty good this crowd will not spend one second to even consider the merit of Bob's arguments, but will immediately look to tear Bob down with personal attacks. Look out Bob. It's one thing to do honest reporting on the likes of Nixon and Bush, but be careful with this one. You might sell a million copies but don't expect any invites from Stewart or The View.

- Matt

June 1, 2009 at 4:45pm

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Yeah, I'll bet the White House is nervous. Bet they're shaking in their shoes. NOT!!! They know Woodward is one of them.

- bmcelrath

June 1, 2009 at 4:54pm

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Vic I agree that most of what Woodward writes is factual. My problem is that 95% of what he wrote during the Clinton and W years was just a rehash of what was already widely known. He'll come up with a few scoops that he'll hype first on 60 minutes then Larry King and the others he regularly uses. His books bore me to tears. Woodward is not always factual. During the last interviews he said that a secret new weapon is responsible for a great deal of the US late success in Iraq. In fact he compared it's impact to the atomic bomb! Why isn't this weapon working in Afghanistan? Also if Woodward had the smallest details regarding this weapon he'd have been kidnapped by now and eventually murdered for the information. This is a fable that Bush made him spread in turn for interview time. The author of this article way overstates Bob Woodward's current influence. The real Dr. of gotcha' journalism retired years ago. "Ole Iron Pants" has become a pathetic joke. It's sad but people like him never retire befor their skills are completely gone.

- KingofSC

June 1, 2009 at 5:00pm

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mphillp said: "Evidence that the Obama administration is "insecure" about its ability to handle foreign policy?? What is the most recent evidence of this insecurity??" Let's see...it could be: 1) After receiving wonderful gifts of great historic artifacts from our longest-standing ally England, Obama responds by basically going to Amazon and buying a bunch of DVD's. 2) Disrespected England by returning the bust of Winston Churchill, previously gifted to the George Bush White House 3) Looked foolish in front of Russia by having SecState Hillary Clinton present them a symbolic button to "reset" American-Russian relationships (I guess the Obama Administration is still bitter over America winning the Cold War). Unfortunately, the button didn't say "reset" but instead said "overcharge" (it wasn't that long ago that we had a Secretary of State who was not only qualified for the job, but also spoke fluent Russian). 3) Bowing before a Saudi sheik (a President is to NEVER bow to foreign royalty) 4) By refusing to stand up to Hugo Chavez, Obama has given him a platform to further criticize America (although Chavez and Obama do share the goal of large-scale nationalization of key industries) 5) Still haven't caught bin Laden, despite all the chest-thumping and Bush criticism 6) North Korea is acting up even more and more 7) Disrespected the Queen of England by not inviting her to the D-Day memorial service in France (in spite of the Queen being the only living statesman to actually serve in uniform during WWII) And that is just in the first few months alone...

- ynot4tony2

June 1, 2009 at 5:02pm

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The 'shoot the messenger' crowd is having jubilee today. Woodward sure seems like the boogieman to so many responders. To 'allimcompassing' (his/her misspelling, unless he/she is an explorer of some sort), I read "Shock Doctrine" during the start of Obama's presidency, and it's fascinating to see the strictly conservative (as presented in her book) doctrine of shoving normally unpalatable change down people's throats by creating calamity being enacted by Obama and his minions. And he continues with his threat that if health care 'reform' isn't done done NOW, it will NEVER be done. That's just one example of Obama's shock doctrine... stay tuned.

- Burrrbank

June 1, 2009 at 5:10pm

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yougottabekidding said: "The man's in and if your issues were valid he wouldn't be." So, what issues are valid or not can just magically change every four years? Does this mean that all liberal ideas were invalid during Bush's Presidency...but suddenly became validated because of an election? (an election marred with voter registration fraud, fundraising fraud, and a weak Republican candidate)

- ynot4tony2

June 1, 2009 at 5:16pm

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Hmmmm, I bet yougottabekidding said the same thing after W was reelected, " Do you realize how ignorant and pathetic that rant is? Give it up. The man's in and if your issues were valid he wouldn't be." Somehow I doubt it. Typical, shut down the debate when the facts start to illuminate the shadows. Resort to name calling when all else fails...

- tar baby

June 1, 2009 at 5:18pm

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Let Woodward be Woodward. He's one of the best investigative journalists in DC, and he plays it as close to down the middle as anyone. The Obamaites might not like what he has to say, but they should pay attention to in...and learn from it. www.newsprism.com

- Professor Boo

June 1, 2009 at 5:35pm

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I have insider info that this book will focus on the big question of the day: "Is Obama great or super great?"

- Bo D.

June 1, 2009 at 5:37pm

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Why would anyone in the BHO Whitehouse be nervous? This is the main stream media we are talking about here. There won't be one offensive thing written about Obama from Woodward. Or it will be something akin to: Obama is only a 9.80 out of ten, not the 9.90 I previously thought.

- Frederick

June 1, 2009 at 5:38pm

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If anyone can get to the bottom of Obama's citizenship, Woodward can. Was he born in Kenya like his grandmother said or was he born in Honolulu which every hospital in Hawaii says he was not. Woodward should also be able to find out when did Barack Obama Jr. aka Barack H. Obama Jr. aka Barry Soetoro aka Barack Soetoro aka Barry Dunham aka Barry Obama legally change his name back to Barack Hussein Obama.

- Bender B. Rodríguez

June 1, 2009 at 6:00pm

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If he gets into how ACORN helped get obama elected, that section could be a book on its own. And someday will be if we still have a free press.

- Dick Simonet

June 1, 2009 at 6:52pm

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Well if Bo cannot stand the heat maybe he needs to carry his butt back to A

- Nightrider

June 1, 2009 at 6:55pm

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Oh please. Woodward destroyed what was left of his reputation with 'Bush at War.' He wrote down what they dictated about the gallant leader and it turned out to be complete fiction. He's a world class sucker.

- DavidKnows

June 1, 2009 at 6:56pm

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If Bo cannot stand the heat maybe he should carry his butt back to Africa his legal birth place.I am sure they will try and destroy Woodward like they do with everyone else thet does not agree with BO.BO is a joke and will destroy the country and is off to a very good start

- Nightrider

June 1, 2009 at 6:57pm

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Wow, with the quran and woodward's book, one would never want for toilet paper!

- Youssarian

June 1, 2009 at 7:27pm

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What is everyone afraid of. If he is the great guy he claims to be, Bob sould have nothing bad to report. I have a feeling he isnt the great guy he claims to be. Time will tell. So far things dont look so good for him.

- robojuc

June 1, 2009 at 7:30pm

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Yeah, I'm sure the Jonathan Alter book will be very hard-hitting... [rolls eyes]

- Reggie

June 1, 2009 at 7:35pm

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I read "The War Within" and I can tell you the reason it did not sell was because it painted a pictue of a thoughtful, deliberative and ultimately successful effort on the part of the Bush Administration to craft a winning change in Iraq war strategy. He dissappointed the whole Bush hating crowd and so he sold very few books. All he had to do was be more critical instead of trying to just report what he saw. I did see him once on one of the Sunday public affairs programs trying to defend his book by asserting that it was not a favorable acount of the Bush team. He seemed a little exasperated.

- Paying someone elses mortgage

June 1, 2009 at 7:45pm

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I love how the Left continues to dismiss Fox. How DARE the right have a news channel? Shut them down! Discredit them! We must have complete mind control of the populace! And they call the Right fascists?

- Founding Father

June 1, 2009 at 7:46pm

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pointless. In two years the USA will be in a state of absolute rebellion over the extreme loss of jobs and the extreme taxes from the biggest wan ker ever to be in the white house. Stock up on food, water, and ammo.

- Bill H

June 1, 2009 at 7:53pm

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This is just one more boogey man the administration is setting up. The great Woodward out to uncover a conspiracy! Woodward will not find anything of substance and he'll declare that after the great journalistic Woodward didn't or couldn't find anything - well the messiah must be clean. How drool.

- Jayel

June 1, 2009 at 7:58pm

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We've all been waiting for someone in the Drive-By/MSM media to step up to the plate and report honestly on the Barry Soetero/Kenyan-Usurper White House. I'll believe it when I see it, and if my quick perusal at Barnes & Noble reveals that this isn't just another MSM tome which delves into "Dopey-Hopey-Changey" Marxist wet dreams, and Michelle's "fabulously toned arms," then I'll plunk down $29.95 to read the rest. Until then, I won't be holding my breath!

- DJ

June 1, 2009 at 8:00pm

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So many liberals and so much idiocy. I'm looking forward to the coming American civil war.

- Wilhelm

June 1, 2009 at 8:02pm

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White House officials are nervous because they might lose their place in the butt-kissing line...

- Murgs

June 1, 2009 at 8:07pm

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You got that right.. he's gonna slobber all over obama.. I can't wait till a real writer and journalist (which there ain't many left that's for sure) comes out with a real book on Obama.. it's going to be crushing if anyone has the balls to do it.

- Hogtrashhd

June 1, 2009 at 8:08pm

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I worry more about the future of our Country, than this author writing another book...like we need more books about this socialist.

- bobc

June 1, 2009 at 8:27pm

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I wonder how useful a book about a presidential administration, any administration, can be if it is written early in the first term of the presidency. I have always considered the Woodward books to be something of a vanity project: Bob Woodward - the Famous Watergate Reporter! - Writes the First Book of the [fill in the blank] Presidency! I would prefer to wait until there is a bit of hindsight to better interpret events.

- Sheila Rich

June 1, 2009 at 8:33pm

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This is just one more boogey man the administration is setting up. The great Woodward out to uncover a conspiracy! Woodward will not find anything of substance and he'll declare that after the great journalistic Woodward didn't or couldn't find anything - well the messiah must be clean. How drool.

- Jayel

June 1, 2009 at 8:33pm

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This story reminds me of last month's stories about how the Vatican was supposedly frightened of the Tom Hanks bomb Angels and Demons. And like those stories, this one should appear in the advertising section.

- Steven Johnson

June 1, 2009 at 8:40pm

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So I know what color diaper Bristol Palins baby wears but I know almost knowing about our president. I have never seen a man with so many gaps and so many people seemingly concerned about his story. Why? What does he have to hide. Hell if Palin had become VP we would have known the name of the kid she said a curse word to in 3 rd grade. I am not even sure where Obama went to school.

- Russ in Va

June 1, 2009 at 9:25pm

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Administration worried? Unlikely. They know Woodward won't print anything with teeth. A criticism here and there, maybe, but nothing that costs Obama or the democrats any favorability points. Seriously, how critical can Woodward be about an administration that has recently completed its first 100 days? There's hardly been a chance for corruption at this point.

-

June 1, 2009 at 9:37pm

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I seriously doubt Woodward will write a book critical of Obama. He's a liberal, too. He might write a few pages of less than flattering comments about Obama, but it will be small stuff. Nothing big. Nothing about that pesky birth certificate. Nothing about how Obama has got Congress to spend um, some one and a half trillion dollars already with Obama care not even tackled ans suddenly Obama says, "We've got to get spending under control". No, Woodward won't touch the real stuff.

- Randolph Phillips

June 1, 2009 at 10:41pm

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I can't see this being anything less than a love fest, but stranger things have happened. I'm imagining a book about Obama where he gushes "and I found out NOTHING! He's the bomb!" LMAO Not holding my breath for an expose'.

- JR

June 1, 2009 at 10:43pm

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I had to get a copy of my ex-husband's Irish birth certificate to get dual citizenship for our daughter. If I had ordered the same type that Gibb so snottily said has been on the internet, I could have done some "ancestry investigation" - but it would NOT qualify as the real thing... the LONG birth certificate. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME - AND OBAMA & GANG KNOW IT!!! THEY JUST KEEP ON COUNTING ON THE IGNORANCE OF THEIR DUMBED-DOWN MASSES TO NOT KNOW ANY BETTER!!! AS OF TURNING 16, EVEN MY DAUGHTER KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE! AND SHE WILL BE OLD ENOUGH TO VOTE NEST TIME ! YAY!!!

- Terika

June 1, 2009 at 10:57pm

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I HATE anyone who even thinks about saying, or writing, something non-glowing about my Messiah, President Obama. I, too will spew hatred towards you. President Obama MUST have you jailed.

- Super Leftist

June 1, 2009 at 11:20pm

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Oh Please. Woodward will write a wonderful positive book worshipping Obama. A Few years after Obama leaves office Woodward will write another book claiming he was pressured to leave bad stuff out of his first Obama book.

- Dennis D

June 1, 2009 at 11:21pm

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I think Woodward and Bernstein, together or alone, have had a very pernicious influence. I do not like the unattributed and un-footnoted "evidentce," the death bed confessions told only to him (William Casey) etc. Now we even have doctoral dissertations without footnotes. Good science requires that the research can be duplicated in another lab... Good History writing and good jounalism (most rare today) is a lost skill and ideal. Woodward has been a bad influence on supporting your argument with verifiable, On-the-Record type evidence and footnoting. I am always open to the possibility that he makes some of it up. The Casey, death bed revelations still bother me. We have to trust him. I don't trust any journalist. Most are in the tank for some cause or ideology or candidate these days... The well is contaminated.

- Crash Cargo

June 1, 2009 at 11:23pm

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If bob woodward is making them nervous in the white house, it goes to show how weak they really must be to feel threatened by this ole geezer trying to sell a few books filled with gossip only washington insiders and the parasitical press can get excited about while the real story is how Obama and his Marxist cronies is RUINING THE US BY PUTTING US INTO DEBT FOR GENERATIONS!!!

- john smith

June 1, 2009 at 11:27pm

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The Obama administration won’t need Woodward to fail. This guy, the anti Christ, is just playing at being POTUS, just as Clinton did. Eventually he’ll shoot himself in the foot and the entire house of cards will topple. The only questions are: how long and can America survive? No matter the outcome, one hundred years from now free or chained we’ll little remember what this man did, said or thought. Well be immersed in our present set of problems. Marching on the left, running from the right, everything is temporary. -bg

- OneFlewOverObama'sNest

June 2, 2009 at 12:03am

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It is my impression that the secret weapon mentioned was simply the analysis and fusion of intelligence information and the special military groups created to act quickly on that information. The head of that effort is now running things in Afghanistan.

- Rob

June 2, 2009 at 12:08am

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Do you think he will bring up the BC, drug use and the gay loving DaBama got in the back seat of a limo with Larry Sinclair?

- Gabsfl

June 2, 2009 at 12:13am

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All I hear is liberal tears.

- Good awd

June 2, 2009 at 1:12am

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Woodward will slobber all over Obama like the rest of the "elite" media so what's to worry about?

- KatK

June 2, 2009 at 2:44am

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Sad.... but oh so true.

- Jazz

June 2, 2009 at 4:18am

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Um. Where do you start? I've never, ever seen anything like this in the comments on a TNR article. Generally it's civil and interesting. But I've only read through post # 83, and I felt like I should click the 'warn tnr' link about 40 times. There are a lot of full blown psychos here. No, really. A lot of you people are insane and you really need help. Not incidentally, along with all this blather about birth certificates and the ever ridiculous MSM crap, there is out and out bigotry here. A little policing might be in order. Particularly post #83 I think. Or there abouts. Some fool actually referring to the President as 'Osambo'. That is really completely and totally beyond the pale. Paraphrasing good old Bob Dole, a sensible man, these folks need to go back to their caves. And they ought to be shut out here if they can't talk sense and civility. Very, very sad stuff.

- Steve

June 2, 2009 at 5:07am

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Posts 120 and 123 are just flat out of line. Pull crap like this people. Let's keep TNR civil and real. There's enough places for the kooks, psychos, and jerks to go an foam. Lordy 1

- Steve

June 2, 2009 at 5:15am

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I disagree. Put yourself in Woodward's shoes for a moment. The beltway crowd thinks you've lost your game, right? Your last book barely sold 150k copies. Your reputation won't be worth squat if this one doesn't do well. This administration is full of neophytes who have no real world experience and are led by a thin skinned smirker who uses revenge as often as possible. There are SO many angles to report on here. His treatment of the Clintons for one. Mrs. Clinton doesn't seem too happy to me these days. Democrats in the back rooms who vehemently disagree with this Admin. His own constituency (disaffected blacks) who he has not done much (if anything for) in the celebrated 1st 100 days. I for one will be reading this one folks, and I haven't cracked the spine of a Woodward book in over 20 years. The Dhali Obama admin. needs to be worried over this one.

- Sid theconspirator

June 2, 2009 at 5:40am

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Of course, Woodward will find a peccadillo or two to show the "humaness" of his president and saviour administration. It will be useful to weed out an indolent staffer or two. He'll miss the pink elephant, and will never approach the truth of the matter. That's his guy and the zenith of his career will not be taking down his own.

- Frompo

June 2, 2009 at 6:45am

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If anyone can produce a copy of the phantom birth certificate, Woodward can. If anyone can disprove it's existence, he can.

- sally farrar

June 2, 2009 at 6:59am

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If anyone can produce a copy of the phantom birth certificate, Woodward can. If anyone can disprove it's existence, he can.

- sally farrar

June 2, 2009 at 7:03am

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Considering all the sleaze surrounding obama, this book is going to require more than one volume.

- Taijiguy

June 2, 2009 at 7:25am

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Woodward is no more honest than any other Bush supporter, most of whom still believe Obama is not an American Citizen. Stupid people should not be allowed to breed, they produce repukelicans.

- Joe

June 2, 2009 at 7:31am

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Yes .... and perhaps he can find out why obama refuses to release his college records to the public. Perhaps Woodward will do the job that the rest of the media refuses to do. Obama is no superstar, but he thinks he is one.

- Don

June 2, 2009 at 7:31am

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Woodward has an opportunity to put a crowning event on his career, with this book....If he is not intimidated into whitewashing facts....If he truly wants to expose the truth....then America will have to face the fact...We elected a complete and utter FRAUD. Let's hope he doesn't get executed....seems quite a few Chicago acquaintances have been. I hope the Feds give him access to Rezko and Blago.

- HolyRoller

June 2, 2009 at 7:47am

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I mean reading the right wing nut jobs, racists and rush limeballs crowd go on and on about nonsense but the truth, i am left with shaking my head. Good luck to woodward, if he is seeking the "truth" err i mean "distortions" about President Obama off course he will find plenty, just reading some of the posts here can give him a clue : Birth Certificate, Marxists, Hitler etc Memo to y'all: Fear tactics are a thing of the past, you did it in the primaries, Never Worked, you did it during the Presidential race; Never worked one bit. Did it right after the elections and after inaug. Never worked. keeping on living in your stupor, your ignorance is so bright, it's almost blinding, so you can't see squat. Where were you when Bush and Cheney Lied to have us go into war and destroy this economy? huh? Where were you when 4000+ lives of our yound men and women were sent to the slaughter? Huh ANSWER ME!!! yeah, all of you are COWARDS!!!, Including WOODWARD

- benjy

June 2, 2009 at 7:50am

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if woodward is such an objective journalist how come he never wrote a book or broke the Sandy Berger scandal. watergate was nothing - so you break in to a political campaign office of your competition. a third rate b &e . what is that compared to stealing sealed documents out of the national archives. and berger never had to serve his jail sentence. how come woodward never dug into that scandal. so you tell me what is worse - stealing documents out of the national archives to protect the president from culpability in 9-11 attacks or breaking into your competitors campaign offices to get an upper hand on them? watergate was jack compared to berger's crimes and the stolen fbi files by hillary

- Ernest T Bass

June 2, 2009 at 8:05am

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Yes, Ed, lol, let us hope the book is about that, because the one thng that is super important to the people of the United States at this crucial time is whether the son an American woman gave birth to is American... I can't imagine anything that could be more important. Once we get to the bottom of that issue, boy let me tell you, then we will be getting things done.... lol.

- Josh

June 2, 2009 at 9:31am

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Oh, and WOW, let me just say WOW, lol... its pathetic the how much the level of discourse drops when you come to a blog like this.. All namecalling and let me tell you, no points for clever, reminds me of little 5th graders making up dumb names for their hated teachers. Why dont we try this: Lets just pretend that all of us are Americans. Then, lets just try to act like we are Adults. Now, if we have gotten that far let's go one crazy step further, and actually use things like facts to decide what should be done about the important issues. Using "hussein" just because its his middle name is just retarded. Wow. It's the same and Saddam.... and you clever kids NOTICED it. All the crap names : "Rethug" "Sheeple" and god any others you see. They demean the person making the comment. But most hysterical people are immune to logic so.......

- Josh

June 2, 2009 at 9:40am

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I can't decide if this is a speculative piece, a political Penthouse Letter, or just good old fashioned whip-'em-up. Of course, given that the "post date" is still more than a week into the future... Issue date, I can understand, but how is June 17th the "post date" when June's scarcely started for the rest of us?

- Random

June 2, 2009 at 9:53am

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That is ridiculous: You do not need two American parents to autmatically obtain American citizenship. In fact, you don't even need one. All that is required is birth on American soil, which Obama and the state of Hawaii have fully demonstrated. Like most right-wing tools, it would serve you better to actually read the constitution rather than repeat mindless Rush talking points.

- SJ

June 2, 2009 at 10:00am

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Jesus, this is scary shit. I'm going back to the Plank

- cvillekid

June 2, 2009 at 10:01am

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Sigh...the wingnuts are everywhere.

- GL

June 2, 2009 at 10:05am

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Hmmm. I hope Woodward's book is better sourced than this article: a lot of self-puffery by Woodward, quotes from Mr. Steph's book, a gimme shot from Ari, and the rest are nameless. Where was the editor on this one?

- jmadyus

June 2, 2009 at 10:06am

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Someone help me out here...why are the wingnuts STILL harping on the birth certificate issue?

- GL

June 2, 2009 at 10:15am

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I would hope that after Obama is impeached as an imposter we will be able to undo some of the damage he has/is wreaking upon our country.

- John

June 2, 2009 at 10:32am

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Note to TNR: send more hot-tip links to Drudge and Freerepublic. Your hits will go way up AND you'll continue to provide workday entertainment for those like myself who draw endless amusement from the ensuing birther/mouthbreather pile-ons. I couldn't write a more ignorant set of talking points if I tried.

- patrick

June 2, 2009 at 10:49am

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Jim Jones as a security adviser, you can't be serious. I hope he doesn't go the way as a namesake, cyanide laced drinks for every one!

- Rishi Singh

June 2, 2009 at 11:05am

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Wow, looks like you're a genius who could write the book for Woodward. Why don't you do that. It should shoot up to at least #2 on the Fantasy charts.

- James

June 2, 2009 at 11:15am

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When did TNR get such a nasty wingut infection? It might as well be RedState in here.

- Northern Observer

June 2, 2009 at 11:25am

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I did the big nasty with the big O in Chicago in 1997. It was in a stairwell of a crackhouse. Michelle watched, and then asked me to do her, but the big O gave me all I could handle and I was too tired. Later that evening Michelle hummed me all night long. This is all true. Ask them at the next press conference!

- Buz Murdock

June 2, 2009 at 12:51pm

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Many years ago, I was taking a reporting course in D.C. on "The Watch Dog Role of the Press" while doing an internship. This was post-Watergate. I thought, 'wouldn't it be great to interview Bob W.?' for one of my deliverables. His number was listed, I called him, and he agreed -- inviting me to his home. He was gracious and open. I will never forget that. As for a book on Obama's administration, why should anyone fear that, unless there is reason to fear?

- LabradorGirl

June 2, 2009 at 12:53pm

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Ed, Give it a rest! Bark up another tree... Pathetic!

- Donna Frtederick

June 2, 2009 at 1:10pm

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I love how all the Obamatons are out in force trying to throw Woodward under the bus before he can sink his teeth into Barry Sotelo. Will it be his relations with Ayers? No, that's more Fox. Howabout his citizenship in Indonesia? No, that's more Rush. Or howabout his absolute and total ineptness in foreign policy, whether it is hugging Chavez, flubbing Afganistan, bowing to his Saudi masters, pandering to corrupt Euros, or having the Naval officers go by the letter of the orders from the White House so they could bag Somali pirates, there's a lot for B.W. to tag and bag O on.

- Trodel Post

June 2, 2009 at 1:11pm

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Ernie, "After 2 terms of playing snuggles with the Bush White House and nothing but whiffle balls". That's because Bush was boring, even Laura suggested that "he's in bed by nine". He doesn't drink; no steamy affairs; no wiretaps; no wild parties.......

- Gerome

June 2, 2009 at 1:20pm

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wee-haw - we got ourselves a real wingnut party here - FOAM wingnuts FOAM!!! Go go go! Maybe some day you all might recover from losing, but that's doubtful. Its easier to hide behind mindless rants and silly conspiracy nonsense. Better get back to that hot birth certificate stuff, its sooooper important! Watch out for Osama and socialists under the bed! But just keeping FOAMING away while you hand over your testicles to the nearest fear mongering fellow wingnut, its hilarious. Pass the popcorn.

-

June 2, 2009 at 1:52pm

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"Bout time"? No mention of "bout time" when he was writing about Bush.

- Bill

June 2, 2009 at 1:55pm

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Where are all these douchebags when it's time to have a real discussion about policy, including facts and arguments? Where's that hole y'all are usually hiding in? Anyone who uses the terms 'Barry', 'Socialism', 'Marxism, 'The One', etc., needs a swift kick in the tuchus.

- porkido

June 2, 2009 at 2:08pm

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Wow, they sure are scared of Woodward.

- capacommie

June 2, 2009 at 2:10pm

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Wow, they sure are scared of Woodward.

- capacommie

June 2, 2009 at 2:10pm

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Woodward could try to do a smear job on Obama but I doubt it. It doesn't look like the White House has much to be afraid of at the moment -- most of the issues that have blown up already -- Gitmo, bailout, taking Michelle to NYC for dinner and a show, etc -- have been exploited up the wazoo by Fox News and the knuckledragger element. There's not much more to suck out there.

- ironyroad

June 2, 2009 at 2:11pm

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hey nut bag, that news is older than Woody

- billy

June 2, 2009 at 4:02pm

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I think Tpper's name is Jake

- billy

June 2, 2009 at 4:03pm

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Are you sure you don't spell that last name Marx?

- Billy

June 2, 2009 at 4:06pm

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All of you birth certificate crazies need to get a new gig!

- BILLY

June 2, 2009 at 4:08pm

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ahhhhh!!..... the crazies are taking over!!

- thetraytiger

June 2, 2009 at 5:01pm

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GL said "Someone help me out here...why are the wingnuts STILL harping on the birth certificate issue?" the BC issue was first raised by a Hillary supporter. There are many questions about BO eligibility: 1. He is not a Natural Born Citizen a requirement for POTUS according to the Constitution -Article II, section I. Senators may be naturalized citizens but the highest office in the land requires more. Your not sure what natural born citizen means? Let me quote Thomas Jefferson: "We can say with confidence that a natural born citizen of the U.S. means those persons born whose father the U.S. already has an established jurisdiction over, i.e. born to fathers who are themselves citizens of the U.S.

- Gerome

June 2, 2009 at 7:17pm

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Racist twats like Georgeann Marks are why I am no longer a Democrat.

- Morgo

June 2, 2009 at 7:56pm

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When I was in Hawaii in December, my native guide pointed to a hospital and said: "That's where Obama was SUPPOSEDLY born." Locals don't believe it.

- Jangle

June 2, 2009 at 8:01pm

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Sure are a lot of people here unhappy about having a black president...

- porkido

June 2, 2009 at 10:50pm

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It took 107 comments before someone said this. Thank you, Unbelievable. Did anyone else who posted read any of the Woodward books? Posted by Unbelievable 107 of 200 | warn tnr | respond Have ANY of you wackos ever read any of Woodward's books? All I hear is "Woodward hates Republicans and loves Democrats." Did you even read THIS article? Woodward's book "The Commanders" is about as positive a book as any President coudl wish for and it was about Bush I. "The Agenda", his book about Clinton, was about as negative as any that didn't accuse him of murder. "Bush at War" was a glowing account of Bush II's Afghan war. You just do't get any more positive a book than that. So for you morons who believe Woodward is in the bag for Obama, grow up and stop acting like fools.Posted by Unbelievable 107 of 200 | warn tnr | respond Have ANY of you wackos ever read any of Woodward's books? All I hear is "Woodward hates Republicans and loves Democrats." Did you even read THIS article? Woodward's book "The Commanders" is about as positive a book as any President coudl wish for and it was about Bush I. "The Agenda", his book about Clinton, was about as negative as any that didn't accuse him of murder. "Bush at War" was a glowing account of Bush II's Afghan war. You just do't get any more positive a book than that. So for you morons who believe Woodward is in the bag for Obama, grow up and stop acting like fools.

- Bill Masella

June 3, 2009 at 10:49am

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Gerome: What we can say with confidence is that BHO is the POTUS, and there ain't jack you or your fellow cross-burners can do about it. No sane person is still gnashing his teeth over the birth certificate; in fact, no sane person ever was. I believe the 'Joe the Plumber' forum has a number of message boards you might address your attention to...

- porkido

June 3, 2009 at 12:54pm

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If you want to read a good book, pick up "Family Secrets" by Russ Baker. This is an insightful understanding of how the Bush Family has hijacked the political process over the last 60 years. Woodward is named as a C-I-A operative responsible for helping to oust Richard Nixon because of his ego induced belief that he, not the C-I-A was the leading influence on government decisions. If I were Obama, I would also be concerned because the shadow govt. is hard at work trying to discredit him in any way possible.

- Allincompassing

June 3, 2009 at 10:22pm

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Just as pathetic as the thoughtless support Mr. Obama receives from the orgasmic multitudes of the left.

- vertisol

June 4, 2009 at 5:24pm

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And those who think little because their minds are occupied with bumper sticker slogans and cutsie juvenile words play.

- Vertisol

June 4, 2009 at 5:37pm

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Typical claptrap from the left. Agree with the man and you can do no wrong, disagree and you're a racist, crossburner. So much for intelligent and rational thinking.

- Vertisol

June 4, 2009 at 5:40pm

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Based on a sample of ONE. Golly, with your keen analytical mind, why are you wasting time here?

- Wade

June 4, 2009 at 9:03pm

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Wow... you people seriously need to chill. How can you call yourselves intellectual when you keep dropping the president's middle name (Oooooh, aren't I clever... I'm gonna mention 'Hussain' to stir up the masses) and keep up with the 'not born in the U.S.' crap. You should blame yourselves he's president. If the Republican party had had a better candidate (more than likely a better VP candidate) we might have a Republican president. Odds are the mid-term elections will see a shift to the Republicans. Obama has been president less than 5 months. I'm certainly not asking for a honeymoon, but we're in amazing times here, hopefully times we won't have again ever as far as the economy, war, nuclear armement, etc., but it's asking a lot to expect any President to have it all perfected in only this amount of time. As far as the Marxist, socialist hubbub, one of your favorite conservative thinkers, George Will, correctly pointed out in a November '08 article that Republicans have been supporting 'socialist' bills on a grand level for years in the form of prescription drug entitlement and farm bills. The hyper blaspheming of the likes of Scarborough, Hannity, et. al. are no better than the likes of Kennedy, Byrd, Air America, et. al.

- Mr. Rational

June 9, 2009 at 3:44am

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Easy to forecast what the book will "taste" like. If Obama is high in the polls at the time of publication it will be laudatory, if Obama is low in the polls it will cirtical. Particularly revealing to me was his reaction to his latest book's success. It's the sales that bother him, nothing else.

- MurrayAbraham

August 5, 2009 at 4:01am

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