Doug Wead's Tapes

Doug Wead, armed with a phone, a tape recorder and the laws in certain states allowing him to legally secretly tape conversations he had with then Gov. W, created a set of tapes that everyone is just eating up. I finally got around to reading the original NY Times article by David D. Kirkpatrick which appeared on February 20, 2005. It is quite a good read.

W was incredibly candid. Candid on his stance on gay issues. Candid on his political tactics. Candid on his feelings for Republican opponent Sen. John McCain

Mr. Bush all but dismissed Senator John McCain, who turned out to be his strongest challenger.

"He's going to wear very thin when it is all said and done," he said.

When Mr. Wead suggested in June 2000 that Mr. McCain's popularity with Democrats and moderate voters might make him a strong vice presidential candidate, Mr. Bush almost laughed. "Oh, come on!" He added, "I don't know if he helps us win."

I found his words on his political opponents the most interesting.

Mr. Bush threatened that if his rival Steve Forbes attacked him too hard during the campaign and won, both Mr. Bush, then the Texas governor, and his brother, Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida, would withhold their support. "He can forget Texas. And he can forget Florida. And I will sit on my hands," Mr. Bush said.
...
"Steve Forbes is going to hear this message from me. I will do nothing for him if he does to me what he did to Dole. Period. There is going to be a consequence. He is not dealing with the average, you know, 'Oh gosh, let's all get together after it's over.' I will promise you, I will not help him. I don't care."

He wouldn't be so gracious in defeat, not a big surprise. But what would he do instead? Back the Democrat in the Presidential election? He seems to be talking off the cuff here, but is he so arrogant, fat-headed and obtuse to his party's needs to turn away Texas' and Florida's electoral votes? I believe Texas and Florida rank #2 and #4 in total electoral votes [California being #1 and New York #3 I think].

And getting back to McCain. I don't know if he helps us win, he said. And then he turns around and pimps McCain like his name was Mr. Whitefolks. I recall this image from the 2004 campaign trail:
And I puke when I see it.