by emptywheel
See Update below--the open mike is not on the Hu side of Bush, it's on the Putin side. Thanks to EasyRider for checking my work and seeing the funkiness with the video.
Remember those slights Hu Jintao suffered when he visited the United States? The Taiwanese anthem, the Falun Gong protestor? I thought then that might be revenge for the way Bush was made to look like an idiot when he visited Beijing.
Well, you know that video and tape that captured Bush looking like a complete ass today? If you haven't already, go watch the video. Now, take a look at the WaPo's extended transcript.
You'll notice that the order is different, in the video than in the WaPo transcript. For the moment, let's use the video for placement and the transcript for chronology. The transcript (so, presumably, the accidental taping) starts with Bush being distracted by an aide.
Someone, probably an aide, asks Bush something, evidently whether he wants prepared closing remarks for the end of the summit:
Bush: No. Just gonna make it up. I'm not going to talk too damn long like the rest of them. Some of these guys talk too long.
Then someone who lives in "the neighborhood" yet 8 hours away--the WaPo speculates that it is Hu Jintao--gives Bush a little geography lesson.
The camera is focused elsewhere and it is not clear whom Bush is talking to, but possibly Chinese President Hu Jintao, a guest at the summit.
Bush : Gotta go home. Got something to do tonight. Go to the airport, get on the airplane and go home. How about you? Where are you going? Home?
Bush : This is your neighborhood. It doesn't take you long to get home. How long does it take you to get home?
Reply is inaudible.
Bush : "Eight hours? Me too. Russia's a big country and you're a big country."
Sure sounds like Hu is a good guess. After starting the conversation with (presumably), Hu, Bush leans over to Putin, who is sitting on Bush's left, and brings him into this conversation.
At this point, the president seems to bring someone else into the conversation.
Bush : It takes him eight hours to fly home.
He turns his attention to a server.
Bush : No, Diet Coke, Diet Coke.
He turns back to whomever he was talking with.
Bush : It takes him eight hours to fly home. Eight hours. Russia's big and so is China.
In this video, he appears to be pointing first to the chair to the right, then he looks to the right, sees it is empty, then he corrects his pointing finger to indicate the Asian man now standing to his right, looking as if he is walking away. That sure does look like Hu.
Then, according to the WaPo transcript, Blair comes up and Bush teaches little boys and girls everywhere how to talk with their mouth full. The taped part of their conversation ends with a discussion of the Middle East.
Bush : See, the irony is what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this shit, and it's over.
Blair : Who, Syria?
Bush : Right.
Blair : I think this is all part of the same thing. What does he think? He thinks if Lebanon turns out fine, if we get a solution in Israel and Palestine, Iraq goes in the right way, he's [inaudible ] . That's what this whole thing's about. It's the same with Iran.
Bush : I felt like telling Kofi to get on the phone with Assad and make something happen. We're not blaming Israel. We're not blaming the Lebanese government."
At this point, Blair notices the microphone and turns it off.
Blair notices that a microphone, just in front of the chair to Bush's right, is on, and he leans over and turns it off. This is the microphone that has taped the entire conversation.
Assuming the WaPo transcript has the order right, the taping starts while Bush is talking to an aide. At that point, the microphone is turned on and immediately after the aide leaves, Bush engages (presumably) Hu. Who was sitting or standing to Bush's right. Precisely where the microphone was.
Update: Fixed a syntax problem above and added these thoughts.
I'm not sure that the Asian mad on Bush's right is Hu (though it might make sense, given protocol at events like this, that the Heads of State would sit together, and it sure looks like it could be him). And we certainly don't know that Hu (if it is Hu) turned on the microphone. Here's what I think we can conclude:
- The microphone was in front of the seat where (presumably) Hu had been sitting, accessible to Bush, Hu, or whoever sat to Hu's right
- Blair clearly turns the microphone off, so it's clear the microphone was operable locally
- The microphone clearly gave some visual indication it was on (presumably a light?), since Blair realized it was taping
- Hu (presumably) got up and left just shortly after recording started, leaving Putin and Bush in a conversation with a microphone capturing their conversation
I raise the possibility that Hu turned on the microphone not just because it adds to the humor of the situation (though it does suggest Hu and Bush have now plotted embarrassing jokes on each other on three continents). Think about what it says about our relationship with the largest country in the world. Every time these guys get together, they undercut goodwill by embarrassing the other, badly and publicly. In this case, Hu didn't excuse himself. He just walked away while Bush was still babbling to Putin about Hu's eight hour flight home. And think of the damage that taping private conversations between heads of state might have. As it is, the microphone captured:
- Bush's reluctance about the plan presented by Kofi Annan and Blair
- Blair explaining to Bush that Condi had to succeed because he, Blair, could only talk, he had no authority to (presumably) get the Israelis to back off
- Bush claiming the Syrians could just fix all the problems
Hu (if he did turn the microphone on) managed to expose Bush's real approach to the Middle East crisis, undercutting the public presentation Blair had made earlier in the day, and complicating Blair and Condi's diplomatic considerably.
If Hu turned on the micropohne, it's really funny. But it's also deadly serious.
Update: EasyRider has a diary at DKos where he argues, compellingly, that the open mike is on the Putin side of Bush, not the Hu side of Bush. I'm convinced he's right, though the video has been altered in some way to make it appear like the open mike is on the Hu side of Bush.
Here's how to tell. In the scene where Bush is speaking to Putin, pointing at (presumably) Hu, his lapel pins are on the Putin side of his suit. Now, note that the Russian video, Blair appears first on Bush's left, then on his right. But it's clear--when he leans over to turn off the mike, he's leaning in the same direction of Bush's lapel pins, toward the front of where Putin was sitting. I've blown up the pictures above, showing where his lapel pins are in both. Either Bush switched his lapel pins mid-conversation with Tony. Or the mike is where Putin had just been sitting.
Wow! These people really are so much smarter and more engaged than we are, and with long memories. Who was it who once said "The rest of the world is playing chess but the US is bowling"?
Posted by: Mimikatz | July 17, 2006 at 20:47
I don't know. The thing I love about this possibility is that Bush fancies himself such a jokester. But he's an amateur. He doesn't know how to play for keeps. If this really was Hu, this could have (and is, to a degree) very very embarrassing. Show the whole world what Bush is like? Let them in on his strategies, or lack thereof?
Geez, I'm glad I toasted to him all those months ago in Beijing, cause I don't want to get on Hu's bad side.
Posted by: emptywheel | July 17, 2006 at 20:51
After seeing and hearing the video, the first thing was being reminded just how uncouth Bush really is - as is Cheney. But turn the volume down, and what you see is a slob slouching in his chair and stuffing his face while talking with his mouth full. The greatest legacy of the Rehnquist court.
And the Diet Coke. All that metabolized formaldehyde killing off the brain cells the alcohol didn't.
Posted by: Superskepticalman | July 17, 2006 at 21:23
One question that comes to mind is, how would Hu know that the microphone turned on just then would catch Bush saying something embarrassing?
And then the answer comes back: it doesn't matter when you turn it on -- he's going to say something embarrassing.
Posted by: emptypockets | July 17, 2006 at 21:27
This video is a gift from the Gods.
Posted by: margaret | July 17, 2006 at 21:35
Madsen has a rather rique interpretation of this encounter, FWIW.
Posted by: kim | July 17, 2006 at 22:08
Who is "Madsen"?
Posted by: eric | July 17, 2006 at 22:21
To the best of my noise filtering ability, this is what I make of that last exchange:
Blair: "Look . . . What does he think? He thinks if Lebanon turns out fine, if we get a solution in Israel and Palestine, Iraq goes in the right way . . ."
Bush: "Yeah, he's through."
Blair: "He's had it. That's what this whole thing's about. It's the same with Iran."
Assuming that's an accurate transcript, I take it "he" is Assad?
Posted by: catastrophile | July 17, 2006 at 22:33
Um, yah. It only takes *one* person to make gw look like an idiot: gw.
Posted by: cdj | July 17, 2006 at 22:59
Madsen is Wayne Madsen, you'll find him on Google. Pretty obscure reporting on the NSA, CIA, and related subjects. I like him because he does report on these topics when there is great pressure not to, and little hope of corroboration. Definitely something different. He's not a Bush supporter, and today's post is a good example.
Posted by: kim | July 17, 2006 at 23:31
Oh, my goodness! This is the sign of someone who has not learned to care what the rest of the world thinks of him.
Posted by: 4jkb4ia | July 18, 2006 at 00:12
You may be right on there 4jkb4ia, hahaha, not sure if it's a good thing either.
Posted by: kim | July 18, 2006 at 00:45
If China did then pay back is a b-tch because Bush tried to make a fool of the Chinese President when he visited the US. The plan played out for the Chinese lady to make insults at the Rose Garden. So I really hope it was done by China and I hope they keep it up. Bush just showed the Red States what born again christian really means and they should do the same. The church has to add that language to the prayer classes. I guess not having values or morals is now the way Bush wants Americans to be. Just remember when your child curses at you he can now say it's OK the President does it and he's a born again christian.
Posted by: Jackie | July 18, 2006 at 00:58
Entitlement Boy Syndrome. Endemic among priviliged male populations. Eventually controlled in some cases via workplace and/or marital "reality testing" feedback mechanisms. But can remain a lifelong problem for males whose privilege outranks being tested by realities.
Posted by: baked potato | July 18, 2006 at 01:26
Can anyone clarify what Blair means here:
Bush : See, the irony is what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this shit, and it's over.
Blair : Who, Syria?
Bush : Right.
Blair : I think this is all part of the same thing. What does he think? He thinks if Lebanon turns out fine, if we get a solution in Israel and Palestine, Iraq goes in the right way, he's [inaudible ] . That's what this whole thing's about. It's the same with Iran.
Posted by: DeanOR | July 18, 2006 at 01:30
Who left the mike on? Hu? Hu?
Posted by: Ducktape | July 18, 2006 at 01:35
just read a washingtonpost.com transcript with commentary that suggests they are both talking about Kofi Annan.
Posted by: DeanOR | July 18, 2006 at 01:57
I'm sure that many around the world were sympathetic to Bush's comments about the grueling nature of air travel today. Sure, maybe GWB gets to go to the front of the ticket line (or someone gives him "cuts"). He probably has a certain amount of help with his luggage, and I'll bet that the U.S. government even springs for 1st Class on special trips (or at least Business Class). And, I'll bet that afterwards a secretary types up his Expense Report, with carbon copies, etc.
You say: why typed-up on hard-copy duplicates in this modern age? Well, I hear that W is not overly impressed with the latest Travel Expense software sh**t (....and he has no time to study the manual anyway ;^)
Posted by: LTJ | July 18, 2006 at 07:10
Jesus F. Christ. That nonsense passes for "conversation" for Bush? It sounds like Junior High or High School crap banter. What an incredible embarrassment this assclown is. I am soooo ashamed.
Bush reminds me of the Simpsons character, that Texas rich guy that always yells, "Yahoo!", while firing his six-shooters into the air while doing a little dance. Bush is the uneducated, and proud of it, trailer trash that wins the lottery: a buffoon at the country club otherwise filled with liberally educated intellectuals.
There's literally nothing going on inside that mans head. It is a vacuum energy source in there.
Posted by: Praedor Atrebates | July 18, 2006 at 08:35
In the first part of the video, with Bush eating the roll while Blair speaks, you can clearly see a red light on Putin's microphone. Later, it's off. I'd guess they had recently finished the speaking part and Blair's job was to go around turning off the mikes. Later, Blair was asked to clean the dishes too.
Posted by: carsick | July 18, 2006 at 09:33
Why, Bush is both a yale graduate, and a haavad mba, if ah'm not mistaken. I thunk ivy leaguers had a better command of our noble English language. Remember him and Cheney: w."that times reporter sure is an asshole." c."yeh, bigtime asshole." Now this "shit" business. And of course, Cheney's lamentable remark to Sen. Leahy, to go fuck himself.
Makes a pitiful statement of anyone's mentality. These remarks hold a nation's mentality in question. What sort of values can anyone have for family, when all respect for one's fellow man is laid so low?
Posted by: hibb | July 18, 2006 at 09:35
"Stupid is as stupid does."
Posted by: jim | July 18, 2006 at 09:51
It is Putin that setup Bush!
Here is the analysis:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/7/18/9141/21452
Posted by: EasyRider | July 18, 2006 at 10:37
I agree, ER, nice work. I've updated this accordingly.
Posted by: emptywheel | July 18, 2006 at 11:40
Dumb like a fox? Sorry, just dumb. Case closed.
Posted by: J.Donne | July 18, 2006 at 11:56
I can still remember when one of Bush's representatives came to Focus on the Family and gave a speech during their morning Chapel for re-election. He talked about how Bush was such a great christian man with unwavering principles and morals. The best part is that they all bought it and prayed together for the man. The American people need to wake up and smell the coffee. How long are we going to be ignorant and let these so-called "leaders" play their games at our expense.
Posted by: eyesopened | July 18, 2006 at 12:16
Hmmm... this is the second accidental open mike incident in Russia this summer that has embarrassed the U.S.
Posted by: William Ockham | July 18, 2006 at 12:55
Sorry about the unclosed italics tag...
Posted by: William Ockham | July 18, 2006 at 13:03
The video has been flopped. The lapel pin is the giveaway here, but one way we always had, in the graphics biz, to tell whether a picture was oriented correctly or if it had been flopped was to check the part in the person's hair. Bush parts his hair on the left (his left). So someone flopped the portion in which Blair switches off the microphone. Presumably to obscure whose chair it was closest to (Putin's)?
Posted by: demit | July 18, 2006 at 14:23
And I fell for it, demit.
Posted by: emptywheel | July 18, 2006 at 15:28
Mr Putin has always been placed at Mr Bush's left hand side
at both table seating and podiums where they are standing.
That's what I've noticed from all unflipped videos.
The Reuters video first shown on their website of
the open mike episode showed Mr. Blair standing where
Mr. Putin had been seated. That is, to Mr. Bush's left.
So upon noticing this I left a snarky comment (on I thought
Crooks & Liars but I can't find it today) yesterday implying
Vlad sneakily was getting back at Dubya for the 'Just wait'
comment -- having had enough of Mr know it all etc.
That was based IMO on the look Putin shot Dubya after
Dubya said 'Just wait' in reply to Putin's remark
that they certainly didn't want a democracy like Iraq's.
That look said 'Yeah just wait, asshole, just wait.'
I think Putin did it!
Posted by: bugsy | July 18, 2006 at 16:13
This convinces me more than ever Bush is a great man.
He just plays stupid and crude to get secret information
from other world leaders.
I know cause FoxNews told me so.
Posted by: phil | July 18, 2006 at 16:15
I watch Reuter's video news all the time
because they always sneak 'natural sound'
unedited clips in between their edited
clips with the news commentary.
The drawback is that these clips disappear
after a few hours once they are edited
and the commentary added.
And it is a longish clip with Putin still
sitting there, his arm on the table right
in front of the culprit mike. QED. Vlad,
the impaler.
Posted by: bugsy | July 18, 2006 at 16:37
DeanOR: Your question about what Blair means by that somewhat opaque remark is an important one, which brings up a critical point that is being somewhat lost among the (entirely understable) focus on Bush's preposterously boorish behavior. What i take Blair to be saying is that Assad, like Ahmedinijad, is worried that the U.S./U.K. effort to remake the Middle East will put him out of business. Thus, Blair is saying that Assad believes he's finished once there is peace and stability in Lebanon (which actually there wa suntil after the Syrians pulled out), a free and democratic Iraq (to come at some point a Friedman or so down the road), and even more preposterously, a fully resolved solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict (which he apprently believes also is but a Friedman or so away, due to U.S. efforts). If I'm right about this, it means either one of two things: (1) Blair actually believes this shit, in which case he possesses an unfathomable level of self-delusion, or (2) he has outdone himself in terms of sycophancy by pretending that he has fully imbibed the transformation-of-the-Middle-East-through-the-reckless-use-of-military-force-combined-with-disdain-for-actual-diplomacy kool-aid. It is fully as deluded as Bush's ridiculous belief that Syria could just call off the whole showdown.
Posted by: Sebastian Dangerfield | July 18, 2006 at 16:50
I don't think they flipped the video, I think the middle part is filmed in a mirror. You can see the edge of a gold frame (the frame of the mirror) on the right had side of the picture during the part where the camera is showing the whole table (at the 11 second mark), with Bush and Blair in the center, far side next to the flags.
Posted by: Sadie | July 18, 2006 at 17:34
sadie
Correct, I think it's a mirror (as EasyRider explained). The whole thing has the feeling of an absurd film from the Czech New Wave.
Posted by: emptywheel | July 18, 2006 at 18:27
Pretty damned suspicious that the vid actually was flipped in my opinion, there can only be one reason for that I'd guess.
Posted by: kim | July 18, 2006 at 20:06
I could be that Putin accidentally left it in on and didn't want to take the blame - although it doesn't seem likely.
Posted by: fireback | July 18, 2006 at 20:39
Watching this sequence and the "German Chancellor Massage" scenario several times, my diagnosis is that President Bush is clearly drunk in both - not just a bit tipsy, the man is drunk. So the headline should read:
President George W. Bush Sloppy Drunk at the G8 Summit
Posted by: mickey | July 18, 2006 at 20:59
Found this quite fascinating. The last scene with Putin & Bush is from earlier in time, before Putin's wine & water glasses have been filled. The microphone is OFF at this point, with no red light on the square base and no light around the head of the mic itself. So the mic got turned on either by Putin or one of the serving staff after that initial scene. After that if I understand correctly, the "eight hours" comment at 0:30 happened, and the red lights are on and Putin is still sitting there but now with wine & water. Then he must've gotten up to have a good laugh, and the hilarity ensued.
Also Blair didn't notice the mic was on, someone in front of him alerted him to it and he sort of said "wha-?". At the same time the thug behind him was in hot pursuit to turn it off but reversed direction just as he confirmed Blair had gotten it.
Posted by: wise1 | July 18, 2006 at 23:37
...just reread that and it sounded a little confusing. This is what I mean... in chronological order we have:
0:34-0:42 Just sitting down, Bush puts his drool cloth on his lap, chatting up Hu or someone else to his right, no drinks, Putin sitting beside him with microphone off
0:30-0:33 Still sitting together, wine & water are now poured, mic is now on, Bush marvels at Earth's vastness, Putin mumbles something resembling "you're such an asshat" in Russian
Then 0:00 to 0:30 are what followed, captured by two cameras, one of which is looking away from them but into a mirror.
Posted by: wise1 | July 18, 2006 at 23:57
hmmmm.
slow news day.
Posted by: orionATL | July 19, 2006 at 16:24
Whatever the "Prez dint" had to hurry home for it certainly wasn't to plan the evacuation of Americans from Lebanon.
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How embarrasing this is?
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