WAG THE DOG

In Barry Levinson's 1998 comedy, Wag The Dog, the President of the United States -- after being caught in a scandalous situation just weeks before an election he stands no chance of winning in the first place -- gets one of his advisors (Robert DeNiro) to contact a major Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman) who manufactures a faux war in Albania that the president can heroically end through the mass media, and miraculously garner enough public support to win re-election. (Phew, sorry for the run-on sentence.) Now, before you go off thinking that this post is about the California gubernatorial recall election, click here for perhaps the most ridiculous thing you've ever seen.

What a disgrace - it does a major injustice to the men and women who actually put on the uniforms and went to Vietnam.

Oh, my! I am surprised he would allow something like that, or do they have any say in the matter? Barbie is thrilled, I am sure, that there is a new man in town.

Have seen this and am disgusted. I would like to know how many of these have been sold, though. I'd appreciate the opportunity to set myself up early for the disappointment of re-election.

It was absolutely wrong for the Commander and Che(i)f(?) to wear a military service uniform during his tenure, especially given his 'military' background. It is a SERIOUS social faux pas for him to permit such a toy to be created. I'm sure that his office was contacted about the toy, and I'm sure that they could have strongly suggested that the White House would not be happy w/ the toy's creation. I have a feeling that could have dissuaded the toy maker from choosing the 'defiant hero' image. Ugh...

I don't understand what the problem is? I think some people are just jealous they didn't think of making it first.

Guess who ... The one you all love to hate.

Yeah, I heard of this. I've also heard KB Toys were going to come out with a Clinton figure too, however they couldn't figure out where the cigar should go.

But I've got it ... build a Ms. Lewinsky doll (of course sold separately).

My question is: who wants their kids to have one of these? That disturbs me. Kids will play with almost anything: put a suit, uniform, or outfit on it and you could sell anything - even Gray Davis figures! Selling's not the issue - it's who is buying these items that bothers me.

Welcome back Billy. Lewinsky jokes are so pase. Try again with some better material.

My dearest Christina,

That's why I use them. I love getting you dems all fired up at a drop of a cigar, er, hat.

Christina, I'm confused as to why you distinguish between those who are in the military (in general) and those who served in Vietnam. What in the world does Vietnam have to do with a toy?

On a separate note, anybody can produce a toy - it is disingenuous to make it appear as if George Bush has a company making these for him.

Taylor,

I am a military brat. I know and have worked with quite a few Vietnam Veterans (and other Vets, for that matter). I have heard their stories and know the military lifestyle.

Basically, a Bush "military" doll to me is the same as glorifying Pvt. Jessica Lynch. The two are not so deserving of the military glory received.

Ah, I see! Christina, you were comparing the service of those soldiers in Vietnam to what George Bush did during that particular war. I understand now - it was unclear in your original post what point you were trying to make. I understand now.

By the way, I wasn't challenging your "knowledge" so much as trying to figure out your logic. Now I see where you were going. While I may disagree with the premise, I now understand the point you were making. Thanks.