The amazing self-checking power of the Bush presidency and/or an amateur dictator gets hissy

From today's presidential play-acting.

First head-banger

In a nation that once lived by the whims of a brutal dictator, the Iraqi people now enjoy constitutionally protected freedoms….

Yeah, I remember what those used to be like.

Short-term memory lapse

The second part of the question is? Sorry — I gave a long answer.

Cutting edge technology

I mentioned in my radio address — my live TV radio address….

Today's demeaning use of a nickname

Let's see, who else? Jackson -- Action Jackson. Got him a new job and everything.

The mystery question

Q (Inaudible.)
THE PRESIDENT: You see, I hope by now you've discovered something about me, that when I say we're not going to have artificial timetables of withdrawal, and/or try to get me out on a limb on what the troop levels will look like — the answer to your question on troop levels is, it's conditions-based…. Nice try. End of your try.

I am too checked

Q Thank you, Mr. President. I wonder if you can tell us today, sir, what, if any, limits you believe there are or should be on the powers of a President during a war, at wartime? And if the global war on terror is going to last for decades, as has been forecast, does that mean that we're going to see, therefore, a more or less permanent expansion of the unchecked power of the executive in American society?
THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I disagree with your assertion of "unchecked power."
Q Well —
THE PRESIDENT: Hold on a second, please. There is the check of people being sworn to uphold the law, for starters. There is oversight. We're talking to Congress all the time…. This is an awesome responsibility to make decisions on behalf of the American people…. To say "unchecked power" basically is ascribing some kind of dictatorial position to the President, which I strongly reject.
Q What limits do you —
THE PRESIDENT: I just described limits on this particular program, Peter. And that's what's important for the American people to understand. I am doing what you expect me to do, and at the same time, safeguarding the civil liberties of the country.

Bush is doing what I've come to expect Bush to do — it just ain't safeguarding civil liberties.