A fun LA Times story reports that Republican Congressmen are shocked, shocked when they are invited to the White House to meet with Bush (he used to only bother speaking with top leaders) and even more surprised when Bush actually invites their comments and concerns on Social Security.
Of course, the real fun begins when it details the many times in the past Bush has behaved like a jerk.
In a 2001 budget meeting still fresh in congressional memories, Bush antagonized a bipartisan group of senior members who were seeking additional funding for domestic security. Bush bluntly threatened a veto and, rather than respond to lawmakers' arguments, abruptly left the meeting.
"I was flabbergasted and amazed," said Rep. David R. Obey (D-Wis.). "We expected it was going to be a working meeting instead of a 'my way or the highway' meeting."
Republicans again saw an adamant, table-pounding Bush when he tried to persuade lawmakers in 2003 to support full funding for rebuilding Iraq. "I'm not here to debate you," Bush said at one meeting, interrupting one senator.
As for Social Security, some pleaded with Bush to, you know, actually lay out a plan of some sort, but he's STILL not ready for that. Might stifle debate, blah blah blah. And of course if he actually detailed his plan to gut Social Security, he'd have to admit he wants to cut benefits by 40% and old people have to pray they'd make up the shortfall. (Hey, maybe it's just an elaborate plot to increase prayer?)
