That's gratitude for you.

Well, he must feel as though he has freedom of expression, anyway.
In the ''old days'' under Saddam he'd have never even thought of trying that. (And living)

Mohammed al Rather?

There's one in every bunch...

Keith Al-berman ?

The fact of the matter is that he has been called worse here in America. Sad but true.

I'll bet they weren't actually 'his' shoes. Wonder what his specific complaint was?

Ah, but was it a loafer, a sandal, or a boot? Makes a difference when it lands.

/

Isn't the shoe thing considered a huge insult in that region?

The fact that this man can do this and he wasn't murdered on the spot is a testament to the hard work of President Bush and the hard work of all of our brave soldiers.

re: #7 jaunte

I'll bet they weren't actually 'his' shoes. Wonder what his specific complaint was?

one does wonder. When that sort of thing happens, it always makes me wonder... why?
what is this dudes history? whats his beef?

"Do not criticize a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes"

This way you are a mile away from him and you have his shoes

re: #9 DoubleU

Isn't the shoe thing considered a huge insult in that region?

Well I hate going shoe shopping with my wife if that means anything?

Shoeless Joe?

re: #7 jaunte

I'll bet they weren't actually 'his' shoes. Wonder what his specific complaint was?

They probably have a resourceful and clever guy setting up a "throwing shoe" kiosk everytime there is an suitable "shoe target". I bet that guys is rich!

re: #9 DoubleU

Isn't the shoe thing considered a huge insult in that region?

its a HUGE insult. As is calling him a dog. Thats bad as bad can be.
I am really curious as to what this guy's story is...

Anyone know where Obermann was?

re: #14 nanook

Shoeless Joe?

Shoeless Ackmed

re: #14 nanook

Shoeless Joe?

Great ballplayer! He would not have missed.

Yahoo pic

An Iraqi journalist threw two shoes towards George W Bush, without hitting him, as the US president was shaking hands with the Iraqi prime minister in his office in Baghdad on Sunday, an AFP journalist said.
How can I post from you-tube the clip from Austin Powers where someone throws a shoe at him?

re: #18 Desert Dog

Shoeless Ackmed

Shoeless Schmuckmed.

Maybe the guy was making more money when Saddam ran things? Perhaps he sold torture equipment? nerve gas machines?

re: #7 jaunte

I'll bet they weren't actually 'his' shoes. Wonder what his specific complaint was?

nascent jihadi?

I don't agree with your shoe-throwing, but I'll fight to the death for your right to throw them.

Hoping the secret service took him out back and "explained" things to him.

There's something very Monty Python-like about being threatened/insulted by a thrown shoe.
"Bring out... the comfy slippers!"

Probably a graduate of Columbia School of Journalism.

Never bring a shoe to a gunfight

OK the video:

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

re: #28 newsjunkie_ky

Probably a graduate of professor at Columbia School of Journalism.

Fixed.

Spot on with the "freedom of expression" comments.

re: #29 Shug

HA!

From the article on FOXNews:

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino, however, was hit in the eye with a microphone as security guards scrambled to restrain al-Zeidi.

re: #26 astronmr20

Hoping the secret service took him out back and "explained" things to him.

Are you kidding? He will probably be a guest of Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi at the inauguration. I would imagine MSNBC is trying to get him as a guest asap

re: #16 Karagush

its a HUGE insult. As is calling him a dog. Thats bad as bad can be.
I am really curious as to what this guy's story is...

Maybe it was the infamous Baghdad Bob. Remember that guy? He would hold press conferences claiming there were no US troops in Iraq as reporters could see US tanks rolling down the street beg=hind him.

Wow! Just saw the video for this via CBS news.

Great culture. The chance of it ever evolving into something that has the principles intact for a civilized society, let alone objective journalism, is next to nil.

Sorry.

Of course, other than for fear of a secret service ass-kicking, our president would probably get a lot of shoes thrown at him here as well.

re: #28 newsjunkie_ky

Probably a graduate of Columbia School of Journalism.

He'll be offered a visiting professor position for the spring semester, I'm sure.

Was it me or did Bush have a little sh** eating grin on his face when that dude let the second one go?

re: #34 SemperHunden

From the article on FOXNews:

Will she get a purple heart?

re: #36 Ozark Mountain Daredevil

Maybe it was the infamous Baghdad Bob. Remember that guy? He would hold press conferences claiming there were no US troops in Iraq as reporters could see US tanks rolling down the street beg=hind him.

that would do it. That dude must really hate us...

re: #37 Sharmuta

Wow! Just saw the video for this via CBS news.

Bush ducked that pretty good

re: #38 astronmr20

We're more of a 'rotten fruit and vegetable' culture.

re: #30 Nevergiveup

OK the video:

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

"All I can report is a size 10," Mr Bush said according to the Associated Press news agency.

Quick reflexes, both physical and verbal.

re: #40 Sizzlack

Was it me or did Bush have a little sh** eating grin on his face when that dude let the second one go?

YUP

re: #36 Ozark Mountain Daredevil

PIMF-

Maybe it was the infamous Baghdad Bob. Remember that guy? He would hold press conferences claiming there were no US troops in Iraq as reporters could see US tanks rolling down the street behind him.

What was Keith Olbermann doing in Baghdad?

re: #40 Sizzlack

Was it me or did Bush have a little sh** eating grin on his face when that dude let the second one go?

His face said Bring it on.

re: #45 solomonpanting

Quick reflexes, both physical and verbal.

He is a class act. We will sorely miss him. I will!

re: #46 Nevergiveup

He even rejects his secret service's protection afterwards but putting his hand up in front of the guy coming over to protect him. That was pretty funny.

re: #3 Killgore Trout

Mohammed al Rather?

Mohammed al Excitable Andy?

re: #48 Spiny Norman

What was Keith Olbermann doing in Baghdad?

Who cares, just do NOT let him leave! : )

re: #41 Nevergiveup

Will she get a purple heart?

No. The purple heart can only be awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.

You know the leftists are loving this.

idiots.

re: #30 Nevergiveup

Thanks for posting that. Dubbya has pretty good reflexes.

re: #54 Yankee Division Son

No. The purple heart can only be awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.

Joke. It was a joke.
/

re: #30 Nevergiveup

OK the video:

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

Wow. If I were Bush, I would say, "Oh, my -- have I struck a nerve?"

Fortunately for him, Islamofascists are not only terribly dense, but they also throw like girls.

We're spending our blood and treasure over there so this ungrateful bastard can act like a libtard asswipe. I am tired of the world treating my president and my country as if we are the cause of all that is wrong in it. F this "journalist" and all that are like minded!

Shoe throwing. This guy just gave the code pinkos a new idea.

re: #56 Killgore Trout

Thanks for posting that. Dubbya has pretty good reflexes.

I was impressed. And he didn't hit the ground or anything either. Look a little like Ali in his prime!

Saddam and his statues got thousands of shoes thrown at him when he went down. Bush got one pair? And from a journalist? We're still ahead, by my count. ;-)

hitting people with your shoe is like the ultimate sign of disrespect over there right? (I'm thinking of April 03 when they tore the Saddam statue down and dragged it around and everyone was chasing it hitting his head with their sandals)

Where the hell was the Secret Service. I just saw the clip. The guy stands up and throws one shoe...tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock...then the guy throws another shoe...tick tock...finally someone goes up to Bush - didn't look like a secret service dude. I hope they do a better job protecting Obama.

re: #50 Nevergiveup

He is a class act. We will sorely miss him. I will!

So did the dude that chucked the shoes

Maliki looked strained.

I can only imagine.

re: #64 monkeytime

Where the hell was the Secret Service. I just saw the clip. The guy stands up and throws one shoe...tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock...then the guy throws another shoe...tick tock...finally someone goes up to Bush - didn't look like a secret service dude. I hope they do a better job protecting Obama.

I was thinking the same thing.

I have a feeling that 0bama would have had that chin-tilt thing going, and ended up taking that shoe square in the nose.

re: #30 Nevergiveup

OK the video:

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

Bush's reflexes are damned good.

... and after 5 years and 4,000 American soldiers who lost their lives defending freedom in Iraq, where Iraqis have the freedom to dissent, and where it's safe enough to go out for ice cream,

This is what will be the prescient story from his historic trip to Iraq.

Fuck the msm.

re: #21 n in wi

An Iraqi journalist threw two shoes towards George W Bush, without hitting him, as the US president was shaking hands with the Iraqi prime minister in his office in Baghdad on Sunday, an AFP journalist said.
How can I post from you-tube the clip from Austin Powers where someone throws a shoe at him?

The only thing better would have been if he caught it and chucked it back at the guy.

re: #30 Nevergiveup

OK the video:

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

Man, Bush has great reflexes.

re: #21 n in wi

An Iraqi journalist threw two shoes towards George W Bush, without hitting him, as the US president was shaking hands with the Iraqi prime minister in his office in Baghdad on Sunday, an AFP journalist said.
How can I post from you-tube the clip from Austin Powers where someone throws a shoe at him?

The top rated diary at Dkos...
An Iraqi guy just threw his shoe at Bush

during a press conference.

LOL

A size 10 shoe sailed past Dear Leader's head at a presser with Maliki.
...
Thoughts for life and limb of thrower, and gotta say I'm thankful he missed his target. Just saw the clip on CNN - Shrub has good reflexes - good eye, W!

I'm looking forward to going to Iraq on holiday. Tigris, Euphrates, ancient Mesopotamia, Babylon, Nebuchadnezzars and such. I'm ignorant about history but it will be very interesting.

re: #9 DoubleU

Isn't the shoe thing considered a huge insult in that region?

Yes - and in SEAsia even where you point your feet can be an insult. Good to know local customs.

The U.S.-led invasion in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein triggered years of sectarian bloodshed and insurgency in Iraq, killing tens of thousands.

Oh. So that's what it did. Okay.

re: #57 Nevergiveup

Joke. It was a joke.
/

lol.. I know.. just thought I'd point that out.. she might get one of these tho..

They just showed it during the halftime of Chiefs-Chargers game.

I didn't know John McCain was a reporter...

re: #75 Killgore Trout

Idjits.

re: #75 Killgore Trout

The top rated diary at Dkos...
An Iraqi guy just threw his shoe at Bush

If you read the comments, they are fretting that Bush may not fully understand the symbolism in Iraq of showing another the bottom of one's shoes.

Allah forbid that Bush miss that symbolic connection.

re: #75 Killgore Trout
That's a shockingly decent reaction by Kos standards. Are they just in good spirits due to their guy winning? It's that or they're dipping into the eggnog.

Man, if someone does that to Obama, the NAACP will be on it like white on rice.

Considering Iraq is now a democracy, and it's the antithesis of anything most Iraqis have ever experienced, I can understand this man is frightened. He's scared and sees his country in flux. The unknown frightens him, and Bush is the embodiment of all Iraq has been through in the last few years.

NOT an excuse for attacking our President, who has given Iraq a chance at a better future, but I would guess this is where this man's mind is at. Gripped by fear and attack what he sees as the source.

Rumor has it the Yankees just offered the shoe thrower a $5 mil-2 yr contract

re: #64 monkeytime

Where the hell was the Secret Service. I just saw the clip. The guy stands up and throws one shoe...tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock...then the guy throws another shoe...tick tock...finally someone goes up to Bush - didn't look like a secret service dude. I hope they do a better job protecting Obama.

No shit.

This fuckwad should have been DEAD before he pulled off his second shoe.

What if this asshole was wired up for jihad?

Not so funny then.

re: #73 newsjunkie_ky

Man, Bush has great reflexes.

How old is Bush...that was quick as heck.

Wow watching that video again made me see how close Bush came to getting hit right smack in the face. I'm really glad that dude missed.

I would like that too, but it's still not safe there...I would love to go to Iran as well...all of that Persian history...they have some of the best archeological sites on earth.

re: #87 n in wi

Rumor has it the Yankees just offered the shoe thrower a $5 mil-2 yr contract

Funny - so did MSNBC.

re: #84 doppelganglander

That's a shockingly decent reaction by Kos standards. Are they just in good spirits due to their guy winning? It's that or they're dipping into the eggnog.

Oh, jeez, I think I misread that. I saw the part about being glad he missed, and I think I misread the rest. Okay, par for the course.

re: #87 n in wi

Rumor has it the Yankees just offered the shoe thrower a $145 mil-8 yr contract

fixed

re: #81 Master Shake

That's a stupid thing to say.

I hope they were cheap shoes he bought at Walid-Mart, because I doubt he gets them back.

Within 90 minutes the guy had job offers from New York Times and Newsweek, an interview request from Chris Mathews, an invite to the inauguration from Michelle Obama, and Kieth Olbermann contracted a hit on him to prevent MSNBC from hiring him as a replacement.

The lack of a U.S.-led invasion in 2003 to topple enabled Saddam Hussein triggered to conduct years of sectarian bloodshed and insurgency in Iraq, killing tens of thousands by gassings, abductions and public executions.

/sorta fixed that

re: #86 Sharmuta

Considering Iraq is now a democracy, and it's the antithesis of anything most Iraqis have ever experienced, I can understand this man is frightened. He's scared and sees his country in flux. The unknown frightens him, and Bush is the embodiment of all Iraq has been through in the last few years.

NOT an excuse for attacking our President, who has given Iraq a chance at a better future, but I would guess this is where this man's mind is at. Gripped by fear and attack what he sees as the source.

I would have liked to see him throw a shoe at Sadam. I bet Sadam had better body guards though.

re: #81 Master Shake

I didn't know John McCain was a reporter...

Tee hee! You made a funny!

/

re: #87 n in wi

Rumor has it the Yankees just offered the shoe thrower a $5 mil-2 yr contract

He missed He missed!

At least they weren't Persian shoes.

Um... it took quite a while for them to grab him.

re: #78 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

The U.S.-led invasion in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein triggered years of sectarian bloodshed and insurgency in Iraq, killing tens of thousands.

Oh. So that's what it did. Okay.

At least they're moving away from the "US troops murdered a million Iraqis" meme.

Silver linings and all...

re: #98 Max Darkside

Thank you. Still kind of pissed about that wording.

re: #99 monkeytime

I would have liked to see him throw a shoe at Sadam. I bet Sadam had better body guards though.

That would have been a death sentence. Bush was a safe target.

re: #87 n in wi

Rumor has it the Yankees just offered the shoe thrower a $5 mil-2 yr contract

Say it ain't so, Mo...

re: #83 gclaghorn

If you read the comments, they are fretting that Bush may not fully understand the symbolism in Iraq of showing another the bottom of one's shoes.

Allah forbid that Bush miss that symbolic connection.

Yes, he may be confused by the American notion that getting hit with a shoe is a big compliment.
///

19 Nevergiveup

re: #14 nanook

Shoeless Joe?

Great ballplayer! He would not have missed.

This guy did and will end up in the Bush League.

Personal insults and temper tantrums aimed at W, this reporter is ready to teach in a major American University or take over Olbermann's show.

Good thing they weren't Richard Reid shoes.

re: #97 reggie

Within 90 minutes the guy had job offers from New York Times and Newsweek, an interview request from Chris Mathews, an invite to the inauguration from Michelle Obama, and Kieth Olbermann contracted a hit on him to prevent MSNBC from hiring him as a replacement.

And Obama offered Bush a job with the Secret Service,what with reactions like that.

re: #109 solomonpanting

re: #109 solomonpanting

This guy did and will end up in the Bush League.

I correct my previous post.

Shoeless MOE!

"I wish he could have done more"

- Bill Ayers

re: #81 Master Shake

Piss up a rope.

I wonder if we'll find out later that MSNBC gave this guy a press pass like they did with the Code Pinkos at the RNC.

Look guys, Bush derangement syndrome is not confined to the left wing or American media. It seems to me that anti American "journalists" all over the world have a few things in common:
1. They cannot be objective and are prone to loud and emotional out bursts.
2. They pretend to be fair, but will generally attack Israel, any Israeli citizen or a person who voices support for the continued existence of Israel.
3. They attempt to rationalize and apologize for any murderer who is involved in an attempt to kill Jews, Americans or Western nationals.
4. They are frustrated by President Bush's success in safeguarding America from terrorist attacks since 9/11 and demonstrate their frustration with these infantile outbursts.

re: #97 reggie

Within 90 minutes the guy had job offers from New York Times and Newsweek, an interview request from Chris Mathews, an invite to the inauguration from Michelle Obama, and Kieth Olbermann contracted a hit on him to prevent MSNBC from hiring him as a replacement.

And don't forget the hags at The View telling with their political analysis of how handsome he is.

re: #89 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

How old is Bush...that was quick as heck.

62. I'm impressed.

Shia Sadrists or Sunni Baathist. Only the Kurds love Bush.

re: #111 Thanos

Good thing they weren't Richard Reid shoes.

Where the hell was his security detail? I have no doubt W is pissed right now and there is a new team on their way to Iraq as we speak.

Bush handled that with customary grace and style. Well done Mr. President.

re: #83 gclaghorn

If you read the comments, they are fretting that Bush may not fully understand the symbolism in Iraq of showing another the bottom of one's shoes.

Allah forbid that Bush miss that symbolic connection.

He knows ... It's Arabs who have a thing about shoes being a sign of disrespect, not Americans. When Iraqis toppled the statue of Saddam Hussein, the crowd immediately pelted it with shoes. Saddam installed a mosaic of the first president Bush's face on the ground floor of his palace so that visitors would be forced to disrespect Bush by walking on his visage in their shoes.

[Link: www.jewishworldreview.com...]

W was well aware of this.

re: #110 rexatosis

Personal insults and temper tantrums aimed at W, this reporter is ready to teach in a major American University or take over Olbermann's show.

As we speak, the Columbia School of Journalism is desperately seeking this idiot's brave man's name to offer him a fellowship.

I'm sitting here thinking that if this guy had a gun, there would have been no way the Secret Service could have stopped it.

Here's the difference. If this was a Saddam "press conference" and that guy did that. He would have been killed and tortured and probably his family too. Now, he will be detained and charged with something. You are welcome, Iraq

Bush is 62, but that showed excellent ducking ability.

re: #78 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Oh. So that's what it did. Okay.

..and tens of thousands? Where are they getting these numbers from? thereligionofpeace.com has it at just over 10,000--- for ALL Jihadi- inspired attacks in the world since 2001.

Unless they are counting the foreign fighters we've had to "neutralize."

Again I say,

Fuck the msm.

re: #97 reggie

Within 90 minutes the guy had job offers from New York Times and Newsweek, an interview request from Chris Mathews, an invite to the inauguration from Michelle Obama, and Kieth Olbermann contracted a hit on him to prevent MSNBC from hiring him as a replacement.

Chris "Tingly-Leg" Matthews would probably try to kiss the guy.

re: #120 Rancher

Only the Kurds love Bush.

The Whey's are totally apathetic.

Oh, and I like how this fuckwad was whimpering as they hauled him away, like he was being mistreated. Asshole should have been dropped with one right between the eyes before his second shoe was even off.

Don't fuck with us.

re: #117 shanec99

Look guys, Bush derangement syndrome is not confined to the left wing or American media. It seems to me that anti American "journalists" all over the world have a few things in common:
1. They cannot be objective and are prone to loud and emotional out bursts.
2. They pretend to be fair, but will generally attack Israel, any Israeli citizen or a person who voices support for the continued existence of Israel.
3. They attempt to rationalize and apologize for any murderer who is involved in an attempt to kill Jews, Americans or Western nationals.
4. They are frustrated by President Bush's success in safeguarding America from terrorist attacks since 9/11 and demonstrate their frustration with these infantile outbursts.

5. They throw shoes.

re: #105 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Thank you. Still kind of pissed about that wording.

I could only sorta fix it... it was pretty F'd up. heh.

Imagine Clinton getting a shoe thrown at him. He would of been aroused because someone started disrobing.

re: #131 Racer X

Oh, and I like how this fuckwad was whimpering as they hauled him away, like he was being mistreated. Asshole should have been dropped with one right between the eyes before his second shoe was even off.

Don't fuck with us.

How does one say, "Don't tase me, bro!" in Arabic?

re: #127 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Bush is 62, but that showed excellent ducking ability.

Which he will need with security that moves that fast.

Screaming and shoe-throwing. It's an unorthodox interview technique, but I like it.

It's not as persuasive as a quick punch in the neck, but for conferences or particularly agile interview subjects I can see the usefulness.

re: #135 gclaghorn

How does one say, "Don't tase me, bro!" in Arabic?

ROFL!

re: #125 committed

I'm sitting here thinking that if this guy had a gun, there would have been no way the Secret Service could have stopped it.

hopefully people are searched before they are allowed in.
but you never know.

re: #126 Desert Dog

Here's the difference. If this was a Saddam "press conference" and that guy did that. He would have been killed and tortured and probably his family too. Now, he will be detained and charged with something. You are welcome, Iraq

Something tells me that is totally lost on that 'journalist'.

My daughter would love to have shoes thrown at her. Especially Manolos and Jimmy Choos.

re: #137 Cognito

You really don't get it do you?

re: #87 n in wi

Rumor has it the Yankees just offered the shoe thrower a $5 mil-2 yr contract

The dude could not hit the side of a barn if he were standing in the barn... if the Yanks offered him a deal it would be to teach kids how not to throw.

The U.S.-led invasion in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein triggered years of sectarian bloodshed and insurgency in Iraq, killing tens of thousands. removed the corrupt despot, and brought freedom and democracy to the still troubled nation.

No charge for the correction, butt cheese.

what is this dudes history? whats his beef?

You didn't see MSNBC. Remarkably, they had the guy's full backstory within moments of the incident. Gee, how did they manage that, I wonder? He's probably on their payroll. Btw, they broke in live to their endless prison based programmning to exclaim that Bush's trip was a complete failure because of shoe man. Seriously.

re: #137 Cognito

Go piss up a rope.

re: #121 Racer X

Where the hell was his security detail? I have no doubt W is pissed right now and there is a new team on their way to Iraq as we speak.

The security really had to be done up front, by not letting a whacko in the door. If this was his first indication of whackoness -- a single act of verbal kamikaze -- it would have been tough to filter him out.

And once he's in the room, of course, it's shoe-throwin' time. Not much anyone can do to stop it.

Bush said: "Thanks for apologising on behalf of the Iraqi people. It doesn't bother me. If you want the facts, it was a size 10 shoe that he threw".

Playing down the incident, the president later added: "I don't know what the guy's cause is... I didn't feel the least bit threatened by it."

/priceless... kudos Mr. President.

re: #142 Racer X

Get what?

re: #131 Racer X

Oh, and I like how this fuckwad was whimpering as they hauled him away, like he was being mistreated. Asshole should have been dropped with one right between the eyes before his second shoe was even off.

Don't fuck with us.

I'm not up on my Arabic{or Farse], but wasn't he saying,"Don't taz me bro."?

re: #137 Cognito

Screaming and shoe-throwing. It's an unorthodox interview technique, but I like it.

It's not as persuasive as a quick punch in the neck, but for conferences or particularly agile interview subjects I can see the usefulness.

Sometimes Cog, you are very . . . odd.

re: #143 shanec99

The dude could not hit the side of a barn if he were standing in the barn... if the Yanks offered him a deal it would be to teach kids how not to throw.

"I hear you couldn't hit the water if you fell out of the boat" Bull Durham

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

quick at wiki!

In the Arab world: a gesture of contempt

In the Arab world, shoe flinging is a gesture of extreme disrespect. A notable occurrence of this gesture happened in Baghdad, Iraq in 2003. When U.S. forces pulled down a giant statue of Saddam Hussein during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, many Iraqi detractors of Hussein threw their shoes at the fallen statue.

This may be an ancient gesture from the Middle East; Psalms 60:10, speaking of some of the traditional enemies of Judah, says that "Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe..." (KJV)

The shoe represents the lowest part of the body (the foot) and displaying or throwing a shoe at someone or something in Arab cultures denotes that the person or thing is "beneath them." Showing the bottom of one's feet or shoes (for example, putting one's feet up on a table or desk) in Arab cultures is considered an extreme insult.

Examples include Iraqi citizens smacking torn-down posters of Saddam Hussein with their shoes, and the depiction of President of the United States George H. W. Bush on a tile mosaic of the floor of the Al-Rashid Hotel's lobby, forcing all visitors entering the hotel to walk on Bush's face to enter the hotel.

During President George W. Bush's surprise visit to Iraq in December 2008, an Iraqi man threw shoes at him during a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Kamel al-Maliki.[1]

re: #146 arizona9

what is this dudes history? whats his beef?

You didn't see MSNBC. Remarkably, they had the guy's full backstory within moments of the incident. Gee, how did they manage that, I wonder? He's probably on their payroll. Btw, they broke in live to their endless prison based programmning to exclaim that Bush's trip was a complete failure because of shoe man. Seriously.

Still spinning. I thought the Zero was now in charge.

/jk

Where the hell was the Secret Service. I just saw the clip. The guy stands up and throws one shoe...tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock...then the guy throws another shoe...tick tock...finally someone goes up to Bush - didn't look like a secret service

Exactly what I was thinking. It was disgraceful. Really disgraceful how effing long it took. And scary. Where the hell were the SS?

Is it wrong to laugh when the guy gets pushed to the ground and makes little baby noises? Wahhh...waahh.

re: #99 monkeytime

I would have liked to see him throw a shoe at Saddam. I bet Saddam had better body guards though.

He would have been shot dead after the first one (and if any other reporters got hit in the crossfire, that would have been too bad... and no Baathist would have shed a tear).

re: #154 buzzsawmonkey

...May his grievances be heeled without injury to others.

re: #148 Cognito

The security really had to be done up front, by not letting a whacko in the door. If this was his first indication of whackoness -- a single act of verbal kamikaze -- it would have been tough to filter him out.

And once he's in the room, of course, it's shoe-throwin' time. Not much anyone can do to stop it.

Bull shit.

Did you see one weapon drawn? The President's security detail failed miserably. He came under physical attack and not one member of his security team responded in an acceptable time frame.

re: #154 buzzsawmonkey

Throwing shoes merely indicates he was giving tongue to his grievances.

So it was a Festivus related assault.

I get it now

re: #154 buzzsawmonkey

Throwing shoes merely indicates he was giving tongue to his grievances.

Or, that this heel had lost his soul.

(Speaking of shoes) I would happily watch the Cincinnati Bengals Footballs club beat the Washington Redskins Football club.

But I am not counting on it.

Blagojevich is hoping this bleeping tradition comes to Chicago so he too can get free shoes.

88 Racer X 12/14/08 11:42:19 am reply quote 3

re: #64 monkeytime

[ Where the hell was the Secret Service. I just saw the clip. The guy stands up and throws one shoe...tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock...then the guy throws another shoe...tick tock...finally someone goes up to Bush - didn't look like a secret service dude. I hope they do a better job protecting Obama.]

[No shit.
This fuckwad should have been DEAD before he pulled off his second shoe.
What if this asshole was wired up for jihad?
Not so funny then.]

You guys are right. In fact, who is in charge of protecting the POTUS, now and in future, in travels to the M.E.? Does responsibility change over to military police, or is it still Secret Security?

How could that have happened? In former times, the MSM would have made sure that someone was identified to blame, they would pursue. Now, it is a joke since it was directed at President Bush. If someone did that to Obama, we'd hear about every evildoer from John Wilkes Booth to Sirhan Sirhan.
We have no Fourth Estate. We have a propaganda machine.

The Iraqi Civil Liberties Union will demand that this reporter has a proper Islamic burial.

re: #150 Cognito

Get what?

Yes.

re: #154 buzzsawmonkey

Throwing shoes merely indicates he was giving tongue to his grievances.

He was merely speaking from his sole.

re: #162 buzzsawmonkey

On the other hand, perhaps he had cobbled together a number of complaints.

The man has no sole

re: #162 buzzsawmonkey

... At long last he had a chance to express himself...

re: #166 Opinionated

Blagojevich is hoping this bleeping tradition comes to Chicago so he too can get free shoes.

He'll get free shoes and new clothes too...once he's in jail

re: #132 astronmr20

5. They throw shoes.

the shoe throwing is a new one for me... but the first tim that Dan Rather throws a shoe at Rosie O'Donnell I will get a good laugh. Iam betting that Dan would get his butt whupped though.

re: #137 Cognito

Like baba wawa asking; "How did it fweel when youhr pawents got killed in the twain weck?"

re: #142 Racer X

You really don't get it do you?

i think thats what you call droll humour. Cog made me laff! Saying exactly what i was thinking-- Of course Bush's got fast reflexes with all the practice he gets at American and EU press conferences, this must have seemed like very low-level hostility...

Hmmm.. free expression of opinion in Iraq. How the heck did that happen?

/Oh yea, never mind...

I'm getting this cats picture and making doormats out of it so everyone can wipe the dog crap on the bottom of their shoes off on his face.

re: #117 shanec99

Look guys, Bush derangement syndrome is not confined to the left wing or American media.

Actually I think that no matter what the issue anywhere in the world, there is the one-third rule.

1/3 of the people support it.
1/3 of the people are against it.
and 1/3 could care less ether way.

re: #178 buzzsawmonkey

Probably, throwing shoes in this context will ensure that he will sustain a number of welts.

The reporter's accounts are laced with lies.

re: #153 Nevergiveup

"I hear you couldn't hit the water if you fell out of the boat" Bull Durham

Well he shouldnt if the boat is pulled out of the water.

re: #146 arizona9

what is this dudes history? whats his beef?

You didn't see MSNBC. Remarkably, they had the guy's full backstory within moments of the incident. Gee, how did they manage that, I wonder? He's probably on their payroll. Btw, they broke in live to their endless prison based programmning to exclaim that Bush's trip was a complete failure because of shoe man. Seriously.

I hate MSNBC, and have not turned on the telli since Nov 3rd. So whats the deal?

I do not find this humorous at all.

This was a horrible example of how the Secret Service failed miserably.

God help Obama.

Nice to know the Iraqi journalists can be just as moonbatty as their american cousins

re: #123 Bobibutu

When Iraqis toppled the statue of Saddam Hussein, the crowd immediately pelted it with shoes.

What's less understood is the V sign with the palm toward the gesture. I know in England it's the same as our throwing the finger. Iraqi kids were giving the V sign to camera men when the statue was toppled and everyone was celebrating in the streets, but with the palm away from the gesturer, the traditional sign for victory. But was that the message they were trying to convey?

re: #161 Racer X

Very possibly so. My point isn't that they were doing a dandy job, but rather that the dandiness of the job should have happened before the guy entered the room.

Once in the room, there are things you simply cannot control, like a crazy person throwing his shoe. Impossible.

(As for their speed of reaction post-shoes, I dunno. I've only seen the account Charles linked.)

re: #125 committed

I'm sitting here thinking that if this guy had a gun, there would have been no way the Secret Service could have stopped it.

I assume that everybody was searched before being allowed to enter the room.

no sole
he is a heel
forked tongue
lacey interviewing style

re: #187 buzzsawmonkey

...but when asked about his behavior, he said, "How could eyelet this opportunity go by?"

What a heel.

re: #188 Cognito

Very possibly so. My point isn't that they were doing a dandy job, but rather that the dandiness of the job should have happened before the guy entered the room.

Once in the room, there are things you simply cannot control, like a crazy person throwing his shoe. Impossible.

(As for their speed of reaction post-shoes, I dunno. I've only seen the account Charles linked.)

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

re: #178 buzzsawmonkey

Probably, throwing shoes in this context will ensure that he will sustain a number of welts.

They'll never, ahem, last.

re: #187 buzzsawmonkey

He was just keeping instep with the anti-Bush contingent.

re: #188 Cognito

Very possibly so. My point isn't that they were doing a dandy job, but rather that the dandiness of the job should have happened before the guy entered the room.

Once in the room, there are things you simply cannot control, like a crazy person throwing his shoe. Impossible.

(As for their speed of reaction post-shoes, I dunno. I've only seen the account Charles linked.)

Go watch the clip. The reaction time was pure crap. The SS must have been busy on their blackberrys.

re: #188 Cognito

There's a video link above. The speed of reaction "post-shoes" can best be described in one word. Moseying.

Just when you thought reporters and media had hit new lows, you get a "journalist" throwing shoes at the US President? Nice.
Nothing screams class like that.
At least the reporters here, screwy as they are, don't throw anything but temper tantrums, and those are usually at least somewhat entertaining.

re: #189 Paco from Sefarad

I assume that everybody was searched before being allowed to enter the room.

They don't have to search shoes anymore. They have to search FOR shoes.

Ha, I'm amazed at the reaction to 137. Absolutely amazed.

Shit I have to take off my shoes at security in Airports if not in Uniform, why not make all reporters take off their shoes before a press conference? And the pretty ones, maybe their tops also...

re: #184 Racer X

I do not find this humorous at all.

This was a horrible example of how the Secret Service failed miserably.

How do you figure that? You want the SS to confiscate shoes?

re: #183 Karagush

re: #184 Racer X

Get back! He has a shoe!
Break his laces, if you have to, but get it away from him.

OK then.

re: #199 Cognito

Ha, I'm amazed at the reaction to 137. Absolutely amazed.

We were too, Cog...amazed

re: #189 Paco from Sefarad

I assume that everybody was searched before being allowed to enter the room.

I guess I've been watching too much James Bond. LOL Many times there are ways to disguise weapons. A knive could have been just as deadly. Thank God it wasn't more than an Arab insult.

re: #184 Racer X

I do not find this humorous at all.

This was a horrible example of how the Secret Service failed miserably.

God help Obama.

I do agree with you there man. this was shocking to me in terms of why they let him get the other shoe off and that they didnt get him shut down immediately.

re: #201 Opinionated

How do you figure that? You want the SS to confiscate shoes?

No but he should have been shot before he threw the second shoe

re: #161 Racer X

Bull shit.

Did you see one weapon drawn? The President's security detail failed miserably. He came under physical attack and not one member of his security team responded in an acceptable time frame.

Come on everyone in that room was checked multiple times, they were sure he had nothing lethal on him... there was no need to start shooting. Shooting could possibly have increased the risk to Pres Bush and PM Maliki.

Seems to me the Secret Service was prudent. Any dummy can shoot, a good protctive detail knows when to shoot.

The didnt panic, or behave without thinking it through... seems they were quiet professionals. The kind of people we need protecting the President.

re: #200 Nevergiveup

You know, it's not Churchill's "V" that makes that picture in your avatar...it's that expression on his face. Just priceless.

They say that people who suffer from frontal lobe injuries lack the ability to inhibit impulses...(like children, they simply act out on whatever impulse strikes them at the moment...) The imbecile throwing the shoes, however, seemed to have had some degree of premeditation (given his screamed statements prior to throwing the shoes).

SS should have popped him. Period.

Any day you have enraged Muslims and no Infidel blood spilt is a good day.

I wish the worst any of them did is curse and throw shoes.

Hmm, it didn't post my entire comment. Anyway, they said that he had several jouranlist friends that had been killed.

re: #212 Opinionated

Any day you have enraged Muslims and no Infidel blood spilt is a good day.

I wish the worst any of them did is curse and throw shoes.

What if it was Al Bundy's shoe?

I may take some flak for this but oh well.

Shoe thrower should have been shot dead. This is an extremely volatile region with a history of brutal violence. This incident sent the wrong message, and in the Arab world the message is EVERYTHING.

Attack our leader and we shoot you dead. Period. That is the message that was needed. Instead we sent the message attack our leader and we cower and duck and give a nervous smile, while security arrives too late to matter.

Wrong message to send. Especially with a rookie coming up to bat.

Huff Po has 925+ comments about this already, this one is typical.."If the guy was sitting in the front row, he could have punched Bushit instead and gave him a black eye" And this pathetic crowd lectures us about 'giving Obama a chance'.

Is it possible there was a second shoe thrower? in frame 172,the angle of the second shoe appears to be coming from a grassy knoll.

re: #213 arizona9

Hmm, it didn't post my entire comment. Anyway, they said that he had several jouranlist friends that had been killed.

How did the MSM get so much information on this dude so quickly?

re: #186 Rancher

What's less understood is the V sign with the palm toward the gesture. I know in England it's the same as our throwing the finger. Iraqi kids were giving the V sign to camera men when the statue was toppled and everyone was celebrating in the streets, but with the palm away from the gesturer, the traditional sign for victory. But was that the message they were trying to convey?

Image: Image:Iraqi_boys_giving_peace_sign.jpg

Peace.

re: #214 Nevergiveup

What if it was Al Bundy's shoe?

Chemical warfare.

re: #217 n in wi

ur funny

Bill Ayers will dedicate his next book to the shoe thrower

re: #216 MrPaulRevere

Huff Po has 925+ comments about this already, this one is typical.."If the guy was sitting in the front row, he could have punched Bushit instead and gave him a black eye" And this pathetic crowd lectures us about 'giving Obama a chance'.

Bush would have decked the guy. At least that's were my money would have been

re: #207 Nevergiveup

No but he should have been shot before he threw the second shoe

This is a great opportunity for Maliki to say "can you imagine what would have happened to this idiot had he done that to Saddam?"
Learning moment folks.

re: #137 Cognito

Screaming and shoe-throwing. It's an unorthodox interview technique, but I like it.

It's not as persuasive as a quick punch in the neck, but for conferences or particularly agile interview subjects I can see the usefulness.

You're a moron.

re: #216 MrPaulRevere

Huff Po has 925+ comments about this already, this one is typical.."If the guy was sitting in the front row, he could have punched Bushit instead and gave him a black eye" And this pathetic crowd lectures us about 'giving Obama a chance'.

They all have a new hero over there then...let's see, they prefer the shoe tosser to their own President...I think that tells me all I need to know about them.

re: #196 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

There's a video link above. The speed of reaction "post-shoes" can best be described in one word. Moseying.

That's pretty incredible video, man. I'm not quite as down on the Secret Service as some here, though. The total time from Shoe No. 1 to the shoe flinger being tackled looks to be right about two seconds, maybe a tick more. A large portion of that is eaten up by sheer human reaction time, and then moving the dozen or so feet required. I'm not sure how much faster they could have been.

How 'bout that reporter in the orange shirt, though? That guy was up and blocking before the second shoe even got airborne.

errr - I am filing this away and will be interested to see how the MSM reports incidents like this with it happens to their Messiah.

I also would like to know if BHO responds the same way GWB did. W jumped back up and looked like he wanted to fight the guy. BHO would likely be under the table with wet spots.

re: #217 n in wi

Is it possible there was a second shoe thrower? in frame 172,the angle of the second shoe appears to be coming from a grassy knoll.

Shit I was just gonna post something like that. It's good we can laugh about it.

re: #218 committed

How did the MSM get so much information on this dude so quickly?

Yeah, my thoughts exactly. We're talking moments after the instance and the MSNBC tool is already privy to the guy's story? He has to be friendly with MSNBC journos, I'm thinking.

re: #211 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

SS should have popped him. Period.

No.

There was no risk to the President, no one gets close to President without a good security check, metal detector etc... The SS was sure he had nothing lethal... flying lead would only have endangered the President and PM.
SS is there to protect the Pres, not increase the risk to him.

re: #208 shanec99

Come on everyone in that room was checked multiple times, they were sure he had nothing lethal on him... there was no need to start shooting. Shooting could possibly have increased the risk to Pres Bush and PM Maliki.

Seems to me the Secret Service was prudent. Any dummy can shoot, a good protctive detail knows when to shoot.

The didnt panic, or behave without thinking it through... seems they were quiet professionals. The kind of people we need protecting the President.

Their weapons at least should have been drawn & if a clear shot was a vailable the guy should have been shot.
They also should have rushed & physically covered the President.

re: #199 Cognito

Ha, I'm amazed at the reaction to 137. Absolutely amazed.

Of course you are.

re: #228 iam7545

errr - I am filing this away and will be interested to see how the MSM reports incidents like this with it happens to their Messiah.

I also would like to know if BHO responds the same way GWB did. W jumped back up and looked like he wanted to fight the guy. BHO would likely be under the table with wet spots.

WAB would beat the shit out of the punk.

re: #231 shanec99

(sheepishly)...

They should have dragged him out of the room and popped him?

re: #216 MrPaulRevere

Huff Po has 925+ comments about this already, this one is typical.."If the guy was sitting in the front row, he could have punched Bushit instead and gave him a black eye" And this pathetic crowd lectures us about 'giving Obama a chance'.

Well I hope they enjoy it. The days of this kind of free speech, making movie after movie basically calling the POTUS an idiot, claiming he bombed the world trade center, calling him baby killer, applauding violence directed towards him without the SS showing up at your door are numbered.

Australian Muslims to build infidel free housing complex...
Muslims plan $10m enclave

Islamic Council of WA spokesman Rahim Ghauri said the group had an architect-designed concept plan for a six-storey housing development, an underground carpark and a hall for weddings, conferences and religious and recreational activities.

Mr Ghauri rejected claims the housing would further isolate sectors of the Muslim community from mainstream society, claiming the venue would be used to teach Islamic youth how to become good Australian citizens.

And the council’s religious adviser, Abdul Jalil Ahmad, said it was useful for different religious or ethnic groups to have separate residential enclaves so their customs and exotic cooking smells did not offend neighbours.
...
“In South Africa, because of apartheid, all different communities were set up and it worked well. It kept people separate. We can be together in terms of our contribution to the wider community.”

re: #195 monkeytime

Go watch the clip. The reaction time was pure crap. The SS must have been busy on their blackberrys.

All internal security must have been Iraqi.

Next on NPR and Prava;

"A reporter in Iraq presents Mr. Bush with a gift of matching footwear. We'll hear more after this amusing forty minute clarinette solo."

re: #237 Killgore Trout

Australian Muslims to build infidel free housing complex...
Muslims plan $10m enclave

To quote Rush, "It's your tropical resort from the stresses of the Jihad!"

re: #228 iam7545

errr - I am filing this away and will be interested to see how the MSM reports incidents like this with it happens to their Messiah.

I also would like to know if BHO responds the same way GWB did. W jumped back up and looked like he wanted to fight the guy. BHO would likely be under the table with wet spots.

And then he would have called the guy a racist and gone on vacation for a week.

re: #219 Bobibutu

[Link: commons.wikimedia.org...]

Peace.

Of course, Muslims, Religion of Peace. Or that could just be Christiaan Briggs' interpretation. Did they tap their chest and say Peace out, Dude?

re: #213 arizona9

Hmm, it didn't post my entire comment. Anyway, they said that he had several jouranlist friends that had been killed.

Too fricking bad; does he think journalists would have survived telling the truth about Saddam? Easier to live in chains, as a lying propaganda sycophant. There was a really brave Iraqi woman, a journalist, who was put in a dungeon and tortured by Saddam Hussein, barely escaped alive. This is the kind of person who deserves honor, who deserves to be called a journalist.

re: #237 Killgore Trout

And am I to presume that is LEGAL down under?

I'm a little embarrassed to have to explain this, but here goes:

Look, guys. Post 137 is sarcastic. And the sarcasm is aimed at the idiot shoe-flinger.

No, I don't advocate punching anyone in the neck. Or view shoe-flinging as an "unorthodox interview technique" for "particularly agile interview subject."

And if your complaint is that my comment wasn't of an appropriately grave and somber tone -- please. Take a gander around the thread.

And get a grip.

re: #238 itellu3times

All internal security must have been Iraqi.

Never

re: #245 Cognito

I'm a little embarrassed to have to explain this, but here goes:

Look, guys. Post 137 is sarcastic. And the sarcasm is aimed at the idiot shoe-flinger.

No, I don't advocate punching anyone in the neck. Or view shoe-flinging as an "unorthodox interview technique" for "particularly agile interview subject."

And if your complaint is that my comment wasn't of an appropriately grave and somber tone -- please. Take a gander around the thread.

And get a grip.

Then you should've used a sarc tag, Einstein.

Why were all those security guys in that back room? The commotion starts and they run in..one guy, tie askew, looks like he'd been napping.

re: #239 swamprat

Ha!

re: #248 SummerSong

Why were all those security guys in that back room? The commotion starts and they run in..one guy, tie askew, looks like he'd been napping.

Poker?

re: #244 Nevergiveup

They found some loopholes in the laws by having a certain number of units in the complex.

re: #237 Killgore Trout

Australian Muslims to build infidel free housing complex...
Muslims plan $10m enclave

They tried that in Kansas, turned out to be a scam, and the guy walked off with a lot of Muslim's money.

re: #247 gclaghorn

Then you should've used a sarc tag, Einstein.

Amazing. Truly.

Was that Iraqi reporter a graduate of the Princeton school of journalism?

Seriously if this was planned, that shoe could easily have been a bomb. I think President Bush handled it well.

ok Purely speculation on my part...

I been crunching this around in my head. I will admit i have been suject to some rants from someone on security detail before. They are briefed and trained on "appropriate levels of force" and how and when to use them. This person ranting was frankly pissed that they are subject to discipline for misapplication of force.

So there may be a significant level of inhibition dueto a desire not to be disciplined for heavy handedness.
I do think this is not the security details fault but the fault of the ROE that they have to live with. Nobody wants paper on them like that.

so i would consider this an administrative problem or a problems with the PC culture bleeding into the hard culture of Military/ law enforcement
just my .02$

what you all think?

re: #252 Thanos

The article says he's only raised 100,000 so far. I suspect he's going to take off when he collects enough money.

re: #232 opnion

Their weapons at least should have been drawn & if a clear shot was a vailable the guy should have been shot.
They also should have rushed & physically covered the President.

There was no need to. There was no risk to the President... no lethal weapons in room... both shoes thrown... what could he have done next?

Throw his socks... underwear?

The SS were in control of everything, and they did not panic and start throwing lead.
These are guys you want on your side when things get hairy.

re: #233 Racer X

Of course you are.

What is your beef, exactly? What is wrong with my post exactly, that led you to single it out?

re: #245 Cognito

I'm a little embarrassed to have to explain this, but here goes:

Look, guys. Post 137 is sarcastic. And the sarcasm is aimed at the idiot shoe-flinger.

No, I don't advocate punching anyone in the neck. Or view shoe-flinging as an "unorthodox interview technique" for "particularly agile interview subject."

And if your complaint is that my comment wasn't of an appropriately grave and somber tone -- please. Take a gander around the thread.

And get a grip.

I think everyone undestood your sarcasm, I did. I didn't down or up ding you. It really wasn't that funny of a remark. Can't all be zingers ya know. I think, to be totally honest with you, alot of people on this site don't care for you very much. Maybe if you keep that in mind it will save you a few explanations in the future.

re: #242 Rancher

Of course, Muslims, Religion of Peace. Or that could just be Christiaan Briggs' interpretation. Did they tap their chest and say Peace out, Dude?

Doubtful.

i like how pres. bush doesn't miss a beat when this stuff happens, he manages to smile and urges everyone to calm down.
i bet the O won't have such a calm presence when the shoes fly at him. he'll hit the deck, sucking his thumb, crying for a waffle.

re: #245 Cognito
Sorry to say but you've developed into a target for shoe throwers. Or down-dingers.

re: #235 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

(sheepishly)...

They should have dragged him out of the room and popped him?

Good grief... he will probably get poppoed in the mouth a few times (with a fist) over the next few hours.
But it wont be a lethal pop.

re: #199 Cognito

Ha, I'm amazed at the reaction to 137. Absolutely amazed.

I'll tell you what. Next time you get a chance to be at a press conference or to interview someone, please PLEASE try

Screaming and shoe-throwing. It's an unorthodox interview technique, but I like it.

It's not as persuasive as a quick punch in the neck,

Oh, and make sure there's a video of it. Especially if you opt for the punch in the neck technique of questioning

re: #258 Cognito

You think you're really something don't you?

The NY jets suck. That is all I have to say. They are lucky Buffalo just got a penalty