Oh come ON, WTF with this RIDICULOUS WH press conference...as if Bush would have gone to France?

[branford]

43. Even if the French were terribly offended,

they still would not have openly criticized the White House, as it would have been impolitic. Given the domestic criticism, it is also unsurprising that the French would take the high road.

The criticism has also come from the the middle and left. Turn-on CNN or MSNBC or read any number of liberal newspapers or blogs. The White House has already conceded that a high-ranking notable should have attended the rally. Although hardly the end of the world, they acknowledged that they did not handle the situation in the best manner. The complaints about Rubio and Cruz were just meant to save face and throw some political red meat to the type of people still defending the president at all costs.

You complain that the rally was little more than a photo-op. On this point, we are in total agreement. However, some photo-ops, pr exercises and other symbolic acts are politically important, at least to a great many Americans and others. All politicians engage in crass politics most of the time. In fact, many believe that we have a vice-president precisely to attend events like the rally in France, and other assorted funerals and ribbon-cuttings.

I like and support the president. However, that certainly does not mean I will not criticize bad political choices, particularly ones of such minor importance.