About That Shoe-Throwing Incident

By now everyone's copped on that the shoe-throwing incident in Iraq yesterday proves we've won (well, that and the fact Bush could land in broad daylight). The Anchoress takes the observation a bit further, however, jumping off from a comment at another blog.

this commenter at Ann Althouse made a spot-on analysis that actually can be broadened.

Harsh Pencil wrote:

The reporter knows deep down that he can throw his shoe at Bush only because of Bush and it shames him. He can’t forgive Bush for that.

Yes. Spot-on. And when I read that, I realized Harsh Pencil had articulated the sense I have had, since 2001, that Bush Derangement Syndrome was rooted in shame and fear.

I don't know about the Iraqi reporter: self-awareness is in short supply in the 21st century. But I agree, it sounds right. And when only one guy (as head of state) shows any real interest in the liberation of destitute and oppressed peoples, while the rest of us are watching reality tv for seven years, it certainly ought to cause a little shame. I hope the Left in this country is indeed that healthy (that it can feel shame) !

Meanwhile, an observation of zero importance about cultural differences. In the Arab world, a rain of shoes is the most barbaric of insults; here, it's a dream come true.

The Anchoress also points out how unflappable Bush is. Not really that surprising: he trained as a fighter pilot, recall. But still:

President Bush is processing this with his usual collectedness and unflappability.

THE PRESIDENT: I don’t think you can take one guy throwing shoes and say this represents a broad movement in Iraq. You can try to do that if you want to. I don’t think it would be accurate.

QUESTION: Well, then, separately from him —

THE PRESIDENT: That’s exactly what he wanted you to do. Like I answered on your question, what he wanted you to do was to pay attention to him. And sure enough, you did…

[There was a noise on board the plane.]

THE PRESIDENT: The other shoe just dropped. Look, I’m going to be thinking of shoe jokes for a long time. I haven’t heard any good ones yet.

Say what you want about Bush, he’s a cool cat. Faces down two shoes, warns off the Secret Service and makes a joke. It reminds me of when he saved his SS agent in Chile, then shot his cuffs, and smiled as he greeted his host.

She has video of that, and a great vid of The Prez in Iraq this time around. Check it out. That is some loud applause when the troops hear him! Made me cry.