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Friday, April 10, 2009 | 2 a.m.
Sun Blogs
Sun Archives
- Gibbons requests meeting with Obama in Las Vegas (4-7-09)
- Gibbons to Obama: State might reject some stimulus funds (3-11-2009)
- What Gibbons would say to Obama (12-3-2008)
When is an invitation not really an invitation?
On Tuesday, Gov. Jim Gibbons invited President Barack Obama to meet with him. In a polite letter, Gibbons said he understood Obama would be in town in May and that he hoped the president could find time to meet with the governor and various business leaders to talk about finding ways to help Nevada’s ailing tourism economy.
That was the invite.
Then came the caustically written news release that Gibbons’ office put out the same day that was about as inviting as a loaded bear trap.
After noting in opening that Gibbons had written Obama requesting a meeting, the release went on to say, in so many words:
You’ve insulted Nevada, Mr. President. You didn’t give us enough stimulus money, Mr. President. And since you’re coming here to help raise money for Harry Reid, certainly you can take some time to sit down with me.
Disrespect and an invitation? Call it a dis-vite.
“The governor acted exactly the way we would have recommended — in the letter,” said Cindy Post Senning of the Emily Post Institute, author of “The Guide to Good Manners for Kids” and “Teen Manners.” “The news release took a different tone,” she said.
But some things are beyond etiquette. Politics, for instance. Maybe the governor was being rude like a fox.
We asked Jennifer Duffy, a senior editor of The Cook Political Report, where she makes her living analyzing U.S. Senate and governors races. Duffy said Obama’s on a different plane, popularity and power-wise, than Gibbons. And maybe with some humor, a clever governor could play with that.
But then, she said, “like many things in the governor’s life, he seems like he’s just looking for someone else to blame.”
Republican campaign consultant — and no Gibbons fan — Steve Wark said Gibbons’ two-tone approach sent a mixed message.
You can be ironic and playful, and that’s fine. Or you could just be straight ahead and polite, and that’s fine. Or you could even just snarl and be nasty, and there’s a place for that, too. But you can’t try and be all things at once, because then no one knows what the heck you’re trying to do.
To find out what the governor was trying to do, we asked the man behind the news release, Daniel Burns, the governor’s communications director. It was absolutely a serious invitation, he said.
“We have a president who only cares about his popularity. So if I were to send an invitation to the president, I would try to get as much publicity as I could because this president seems really concerned with publicity,” Burns said.
We asked Wark whether that was a good strategy.
“I would hope for his sake that Dan Burns was told to say that,” Wark said.
At any rate, the ball is now in the president’s court. To find out how Obama should respond, we asked P.M. Forni, co-founder of the Johns Hopkins Civility Project and author of “The Civility Solution: What to Do When People Are Rude.”
Forni said that though the rules of polite private behavior are not exactly the same as those for relations between politicians, he doubted the governor had done himself or the state any good.
“The president will probably never ask the governor to apologize or explain himself,” Forni said.
“He will ignore it.”
We asked the White House whether the president would accept the invitation.
The president’s schedule has not been finalized, a White House official said.
Can anyone imagine the outcry from the wing-nut brigade if a Democratic governor had sent a similar letter to former President Bush? Or if any Democratic office holder had sent a similar letter to former VP Cheney during his fundraising trips out here? Gov. Gibbons has proven--yet again--that he lacks the intellect and judgment to be our governor. If only the Legislature would grow a pair and begin impeachment proceedings....
Not surprising--Gibbons and his Republican cronies have proved time and again that they either simply cannot get out of their own way or seemingly sabotage their own 'efforts' purposely.
The governor does this for one reason and one reason only--it gives him an escape mechanism from having to roll up his sleeves and making the tough decisions.
What, our crackpot Governor is slowly exposing himself as bipolar? Or is this a "United States of Jim" kinda thing?
I'm not surprised.
This is so funny.
They put this in the "news" section.
The LV Sun needs first to get a news section.
And then they need to properly file this under the editorial section.
What the hell is this " in so many words"????
Surely that violates some very basic standard of news reporting.
The LV Sun "news" section is the mouthpiece of the Nevada Democratic Party.
If the Gov was really interested in tourism he would do something about the drug violence escalating in Nevada instead of insulting our President.
Ye gods. That man is losing his marbles.
Seems to me the ideal goal is to convince the president to make a public appearance in Las Vegas, in which he publicly supports tourism to the city. That neutralizes the controversy and benefits everyone.
A back-handed slap from the governor doesn't help make that happen.
The question becomes why the collective GOP and its followers feel so free to disparage the POTUS. The entire party show such a public display of a lack of respect for the President, the Office, and the Nation. The GOP is out of line and appears to be the bully that is really quite the sissy. I'm holding out hope that Obama squashes them like a bug with one of his amazingly well crafted, on point, speaches that will turn the sheeple in this favor.
My family is fortunate enough to have good, safe jobs and live in an area, so far, not badly effected by the downturn. And, I can tell you where we will not be spending our tourism dollars, Governor Gibbons.
I dearly hope that President Obama just ignores Gibbons. The office of the Presidency is worthy of respect and if Gibbons doesn't know that then it's time he learned. It's too bad that the state of Nevada has chosen such a man to be our governor, but if he gets ignored, maybe he'll get the point and behave more appropriately in the future. Hopefully, it will be the near future because our state has needs that the President might possibly be able to help with. What kind of Governor, who is in need of help, insults the most powerful person in the country while at the same time asking for that help???
Everyone needs to gather their Obama banners and kneeling mats to praise the one. Next month Obama, Pelosi, Reid grant amnesty to 12 million illegals we can all sing kumbaya. Obama cares little of Nevada, but another term for Reid is important.
Aren't Republican governors either reluctantly taking the stimulus money because they can't deny that their states really need it or threatening not to take the money because it's against their principles? (or, like Schwarzenegger, embracing the stimulus and the president)
Gibbons has found a novel approach: Complain about not receiving enough stimulus money, which implies that the president's stimulus plan, in general, was a great idea. Then, simultaneously invite the president to talk about it and publicly show so much disrespect for him that it would make more sense for him to talk to Rush Limbaugh.
Good luck with that.
It appears that jfnance is still bitter after predicting McCain would win the presidential election.Now the Sun writes a story that demonstrates how inept Nevadas Republican Governor is and he questions the Suns journalism standards. It would have been a different story if the governor were a democrat. He needs to get over himself. Obama won.
Of course this intellectually gifted person calls everyone down who disagrees with him and invites them to drink kool aid or some other juvenile insult.
My guess is if someone met jfnance in person he would be very timid. A key board and a computer brings out the bully in this want to be tough guy.
This is the same person who claims to know everything there is to know about room rates in Las Vegas and around the world but did not know that Bellagio and Mirage had villas that rented for up to $4000. or more a night and penthouses that rented for up to $2000. or more a night.
jfnance is one of those gifted people one would like to buy for what he is worth and sell for what he thinks he is worth. A big mark up or discrepancy involved in that transaction.
Every minute that Gibbons remains in office, is another black eye on the great state of Nevada.
Look, the only reason Governor Assaulter wants to meet with Barack Obama is that he's hoping for a chance to walk Michelle to her car. Since the Secret Service will be there and would meet the law enforcement obligations that Metro's leader failed to meet two-plus years ago, it might be a good idea to have the meeting.
Pretending the President didn't say stay out of Las Vegas will not make the hotels fill up. The President helped our decline and needs to take action to correct his statement. He helped destroy this city to make a good sound bite for the news cycle that day.
Mr. President, your attempt to look populist and in command is causing people to lose jobs and homes. Fix it.
Homer: "It appears that jfnance is still bitter after predicting McCain would win the presidential election."
You are so lazy or a lair.
I have never predicted that.
Can you prove your accusation?
Nope......but your reporting is very similar to the LV Sun....nah....they are not lazy nor report out right lies....they just often put editorials and subjective opinions into their "news" articles.
I too find this type of political antics disturbing. This is supposed to be a educated man that chose public service when he ran for office.
What is gained? He looks stupid and ignorant, and does his state a great dis-service.
Next week I am supposed to make a decision on where my team will hold their annual business conference. I have quotations for several venues, one being Ceasars Palace in LV.
I think FL, may offer us a better opportunity to spend our money.
All the congressional elects should be in their home states for the Easter holiday. You know, talking to the constituents. Where is Reid, opening another Boys / Girls club?
Rumrum, you have had too much rum. When Pres. Bush was being hammered into the ground why didn't you defend him? It's because you are also the problem.
I don't think Gibbons should have sent two letters he should have clearly stated his position in one well written missive.
But then again he could have sexted the Pres.
I have been asking my husband to take a little vacation to Las Vegas but he has been reticent. He just got lucky ... I will not spend our money in a state represented by a hateful and rude government.
When you change your Head of State broadcast it loud and clear. Until then, we'll gamble in Colorado.
getalife... I voted for Bush twice. I did defend Bush. For gawds sake, man, I'm a native Texan! I never disparged or insulted or disrespected him or his Office.
Again, the GOP is far too vocal with their disrespect for the President. It is dangerously passing the message along to the public that it is a-ok to teach our children and grandchildren to disrespect authority.
Disagree with Obama; that's fine, just do it respectfully.
The question becomes why the collective Democratic Pary and its followers feel so free to disparaged the POTUS. The entire party showed such a public display of a lack of respect for the President, the Office, and the Nation. The Democratic Party was out of line and appeared to be the bully that is really quite the sissy. I'm holding out hope that people will realized that Democratic Party are now sadly become class A whiners despite being so childish in their opposition for years and the people will squash them like a bugs in the next election.
keep dreaming, jfnance32. Think I see a sea of blue... :o)
Since I'm from California, a state with a huge appetite for sin city, I will not spend my money to visit that state/city. I will encourage my friends to do the same til' we get an apology from this Governor. How childish can you be. He should have stuck with the original invitation. I'am sure President Obama would have met with him. But because of his childish antics and the California power, remember we helped switch that red state blue this past election, I will not patronize the state for some time.
On the same note, does this Governor not realize that financially, people are not doing so well. Has he not picked up a news paper and read the economic news???? President Obama's comment had nothing to do with his tourism problems; It's the economy stupid!
I will wait patiently for the Geek Squad to acknowledge Jim Gibbons' detrimental impact on tourism, since they leapt at the opportunity to blame Obama before.
I'm waiting jfnance32, neiman1, etc.
Yes you are correct Ksand99. There are millions upon millions upon millions of Amercians that are listening to every word that comes of the governor's mouth to decide whether to come to Las Vegas or not. My granny just canceled her trip. Today, the MGM, Sands and Wynn all announced 10,000 in layoffs because of the Gibbons impact. There has been a wave of cancelations. When you are right then you are sooooooo right.
As to oppose to Obama.....nobody really cares what he says. So when he made a remark about Las Vegas in a negative context....nobody could care less what that dope says. It had zero impact. Not one single company canceled its trip to Las Vegas shortly after Obama encouraged companies not go to Las Vegas remark.
The evidence is very very strong in your favor.
Brillant display of intelligence.....it is so bright I need shades.
Even in the face of fellow commenters who refuse to come to Nevada due to your hero, Jim Gibbons, you refuse to acknowledge the truth?
It's fine by me. Nothing to see here, obviously!
JfNance32 has his head in the clouds.
I bet that less than 5% of the population outside of Nevada even knows who the governor of Nevada is....much less cares what he saids.
There are only like 3 governors that I know of.
But if you think there is big herd of non-Nevadans out there that let a statement by a governor affect their vacation plans then go for it. Those people, like the 2 commenters (probably live in Nevada and are posting fake comments), have serious mental issues if they let stuff like that determine their vacation plans.
I did not think Obama's statement had a big impact on vacationers. There was a series of a few companies that canceled their plans after his stupid comment. It was not that big a deal. He made a bo-bo. It just shows that 7 years as a state senator does not prepare one to be president. Hopefully, he will not make the same dumb mistake again.
Hopefully, he has also learned not to bow to kings on TV also.
All that is chump change.
I am more worry about the $15 to $20 trillion or more in debt that he is go slam our children with.
I am more worry that he will so screw up our energy policy that in 20 years from now our power bills be the size of car payment on a new BMW.
I am more worry that he is very naive how the world works and Iran one day will black mail us with nuclear weapons.
I am more worry that he will screw up the war on terror....oops ....sorry that I used the forbidden words of "war on terror"....I meant to say...."Overseas Contingency Operation".
I am more worry that we will get stuck in Afghanistan with no end in sight and with a terror army...I mean Overseas Contingency Operation Group of Dudes...building up in Pakistan.
"Hopefully, he has also learned not to bow to kings on TV also."
God, I hope so. Everyone knows real presidents hold hands with Saudi kings and kiss them on the lips in greeting.
Yep.....Obama and Bush do have a lot in common.
And I'm sure you made a huge fuss when Bush did it, didn't you?
It was funny.....just like when Obama did his.
If read my above comment...you would see I am more worry about other things.
Please JfNance32, your buddy, George W. Bush, took his eyes off the ball in Afghanistan. We have Bush, his failed foreign policy and his cheerleaders, like you, to thank for taking our attention away from Afghanistan and miring us in Iraq.
NOW you say there's no end in sight? Because of your party, genius!
Its not what you say its how you say it ,
For once, I agree with Nance.
Governor Gibbons is irrelevant.
LOL.....who was the original originator of this mess.
Who let an army build in Afghanistan over a decade?
Who was too chicken to kill Bin Laden when he had several easy tries to do so?
Who was busy playing smoke my cigar with his girlfriend and let several murderers sneak into this country to take flight lessons?
Yes....you are right.....there is no end in sight because of the failure of your hero....Mr. Clinton. If he did his job then none of this would have happened.
Neither Bush nor your messiah has the answer for dealing with the enemy in the Pakistan area.
He will not win that war on terror ...opps I forgot...'overseas contingency operations'... in that region. The enemy will just cross back and forth from Pakistan into Afghanistan.
I hope Obama wins his 'overseas contingency operations' but it is extremely doubtful.
LOL, now Clinton CAUSED 9/11?
You've gone from loony to deranged.
Mr. "I blame both parties" heaps the blame on Democrats, but republicans always get off scot free with jfNance32.
I'm glad you admit Bush had no plan going into Afghanistan, and let the situation deteriorate. He effectively lost that war during his Presidency. Whose decision was it to go into Afghanistan? George W. Bush's decision.
Whose decision was it to go into Iraq? Congress gave Bush the power to decide, and he led us into a catastrophe. Poorly planned, poorly executed, etc.
Where's Osama Bin Laden? Don't ask the Bush administration. They had NO CLUE. Beyond getting reports detailing a threat to the United States, they were busy deregulating banks and planning photo ops where they used a chainsaw on financial regulation books.
Ashcroft? Too concerned with covering a statue's nipple than prosecuting lenders for bad loans.
And you're proud of Bush's accomplishments... you're proud of one of the worst Presidents in history.
"Mr. "I blame both parties" heaps the blame on Democrats, but republicans always get off scot free with jfNance32.
I'm glad you admit Bush had no plan going into Afghanistan"
You really should not promote one argument then in the very next sentence promote an argument that is 180 opposite to the first one.
Who wins when you argue with yourself?
Bob personality or the Fred personality?
No need crying over spilled milk. Regardless of Obama, Bush, Clinton, Reagan, let's all just move on with our lives. This too shall pass.
My earlier comment was about Governor Assaulter and his proposed meeting with the president, not about the president. That is because I have learned from reading comments and posting here and elsewhere that arguing with anyone who would liken Obama to Bush or defend the latter is a bit like arguing with a brick wall, except that the brick wall is more honest and intelligent.
Are you the same Green that is a college professor?
A national television station reports on the stupidity,arrogance,embarrassing behavior and failures of Nevadas govenor and a day later the Sun has an article on the failed Govenor and nance questions the Suns journalistic qualities.Why would the Sun care about this nut job extremest vance and his jaded opinion anyway? Who is nance to question anyone? What has he done to make himself cerdible or others to seek his neo con extremest advice? Quite frankly he is wearing his welcome out among other intelligent posters.Nance is so far removed from reality he is beginning to stink.
President Clinton was advised by national security and the military an attempt on Bin Laden should not be attempted at that time. Once again nance is inventing facts to bolster his and Bush's lying position. These failed arguments have been made before and found not to have any merit. One question remains if Bush and and his cabal really wanted to get the terrorists involved in 911 why did they not focus on Afghanistan instead of Iraq,a country that had nothing to do with 911? It had everything to do with cleaning up Bush's daddy's embarrassing failures and nothing to do with the truth.Bush the biggest failure in American persidency history, with the biggest failed lying foreign policy in Americas history.Anyone who defends Bush's policies is an idiot. This has been proven.
Nance needs professional help
This makes me laugh. Wasn't the Great Governor Gibbons going to turn down some stimulus money, even though Nevadans needed it? Let Gibbons keep acting the way he is and lets see how well he will do next election. He is making a lot of enemies.....I assume he is still sulking because Republicans are no longer in power and he would like to blame everyone else.
jfnance32:
I am more worry about your English grammar.
I am more worry that you copy and paste broken grammar with impunity.
I am more worry that you seem more comfortable with jeering insult than with proofreading.
I am most worry that I have irresistible urge to mock loser's lousy grammar than go out and enjoy beautiful day.
Talk about respecting the President of the USA.
Obama should be treated the same way democrats/liberals treated the last president, who thaeey treat as a fool by mocking everything he did. We should treat Obama half as nicely as they did.
Maybe we should treat hime with the same respect shown to Justice Thomas who is called names, and is picketed with hate speach and signs where ever he goes.
Maybe if the current who promised hope and change and gives us dismal forecasts for our economy, picks Joe Biden (the dumbest man in the Senate to be VP. Did't Joe give away the location of the secret bunker for the VP in times of disaster? Wasn't dumb Joe the guy who told us thet Pres Franklin Roosevelt went on TV years before the 1st TV was invented?) If this were a Republican administratyion they would be the laughing stock led by NBC, CNBC etc.
Yes the president who told the the stidents at Notre Dame that we jhave to learn how to live with the rest of the people on the earth, but we were before hime the leaders of the world. Thats why all these people including the illegals want to ccome here. Yes tell me about his great mistake, con-man president and how we should trat him.