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Watch Out

Posted: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 10:38 AM by Countdown
Filed Under:

We missed this yesterday, but thankfully the good people of the internets did not.  President Bush's hero's welcome by a massive crowd in Albania involved cheering, groping and maybe a little petty theft.

Note that in the beginning of the YouTube clip below, President Bush is clearly wearing a wristwatch, but by around the 1:20ish mark...the watch is gone. 

Was it stolen?  We can't say for sure.  If it was...we don't feel bad for missing this yesterday, as it looks like the secret service detail watching Bush-mania in Albania from three feet away missed it too. 

UPDATE:  Here's the latest from the AP...U.S. embassy in Albania and Dana Perino are downplaying the story.

The United States Embassy in Albania on Tuesday emphatically denied that Bush's watch was stolen during his visit to the country, where he was acclaimed as a hero. Dana Perino, a White House spokeswoman, said the president had his watch again but did not say what happened to it in Albania.

UPDATE UPDATE:  In the White House Press Briefing Tony Snow says the President, roughly quoting, "put it in his pocket and took it safely home".

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Comments

I enjoyed watching someone finally take something from him. Of course in this country his crowds are only of people who have to be there (ie. the military the white house press corps). The Secret Service would never allow him to walk amongst ordinary American citizens it would not be safe. Isn't Albania the country we went to war with in Wag the Dog? Why do they like him so much? It was Clinton that went into Kosovo with the UN and stopped a genocide. I don't get it can someone clarify?

jen,il (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 10:54 AM)

Yep - Clearly came off his wrist as he was wading through the crowd. Whether it was "picked" purposely or not, we'll never know - at least until it shows up on Ebay Most interesting thing about this is that we don't see this sort of public walking around in so-called "friendly" places like Germany, the UK, etc. When he's gone to those places, crowds have been kept away. Even here in the US - crowds are kept away. Gee - I wonder if it's because he might see a protester or two - or someone might tell him the truth about how his policies hurt average Americans.

Jocelyn, Rockville, MD (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 11:11 AM)

He doesn't need a watch. He's back in the good ol' US of A where the Government has decreed the time will ALWAYS be 8:46 am on 9/11/2001

Mitchell Mullens, Roanoke, VA (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 11:34 AM)

Keith, where are you? What has happened to your show? You used to do one fluff piece that your producers made you do. Now more than half your show is fluff. Where can I write to the producers of your show and tell them I want real news. TV programs are not news. They are fiction. I don't watch news programs to hear about the Sopranos, American Idol and Paris Hilton. That's what was reported on Countdown last nite. Where was the report about this Administration not upholding the Constitution? Where was the report on the Supreme Court hearing cases about Anna Nicole and her inheritance, but not hearing cases of American Citizens locked up for years by George Bush without being charged? Keith, you are my last hope for real news before I go to PBS. PLEASE start telling us the truth about what is going on here. The American people need to know that our country is in a Constitutional Crisis. They need to be terrified of George Bush and "his government." He started a war on terror. Terror is defined as an intese state of fear. How do you have a war on fear? He is the terrorist. He is creating fear. Pleae report the real news. Who is going to tell the truth in the media if not you?

Terri McCown, Cameron Park, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 11:36 AM)

Something in this sets off my "Bogus Alarm." I can't believe that Bush could walk into any crowd without wearing Imperial Storm Trooper armor. Thus, I strongly suspect that this was a staged event with pre-selected people. Something about as real as John McCain's trip to the market in Baghdad.

Terry Ballard, Merrick, New York (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 11:51 AM)

Anybody know where Bridgette is? Seems as though she could get some real discussion going.

Independent, Texas (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:25 PM)

When Bush came to my city, he was wisked from airport to private home with roads closed, crowds back, and photo ops arranged. No time (excuse my liscense) for Patriots for Peace, no time for widows of the lost, no time for non donors. The mayor, after seeing all the bills to bring him in, like overtime for police protection, etc, declared that if anything like that was ever planned again, then the Government would have to reimburse the city for their time and trouble. (he is a Repub by the way, so don't start). The only saving grace for the whole debacle was a banner some folks made of names of the lost was hung on the bridge he crossed enroute to his destination.

Anycityanystateanywhere (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:30 PM)

As I posted on a previous thread, how come Albanians can get up close and personal with BushCo, but American's can't get within a mile of the Decider?

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:36 PM)

Sue,WI - Because as Terry of NY stated, he would have to be decked out in full Iraqi marketplace armor to walk among the REAL American public. Why do you think he only speaks at military bases where no one is allowed to tell it like it is (or tell him where to go) or at Republican fund-raising dinners where the elite and brainless gather? Maybe he can arrange to have his Presidential Library built in Albania.

LA, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:59 PM)

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin - Probably the BEST question I've heard in a long time!! We can't as much as "smell" the ass, let alone ask him ANY questions. The "Decider" decides who can get "up close and person"; who can ask questions, obviously when he knows they are coming from a friendly audience and he picks and chooses when and IF he will answer anything!! I despise this jerk and cannot wait until January 20, 2009!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 1:05 PM)

LOL Mitchell Mullens ! You're right! Cheney and Rove send him off to these countries to give him a psychological boost. Anywhere else he'll get the usually booing and heckling. They ran out of battleships.

ShimSham, Austin, TX (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 1:40 PM)

Thank you, Terri McCown. I wholeheartedly agree with you. I would also add a more literal, "Where are you?" When I turn on Countdown and see a replacement face, I don't bother watching...and turn to a local news station, disappointed. The surrogate newspeople seem to be showing up more and more and my disappointment grows with seeing Keith less and less. We need real Keith telling real news.

Joy, Virgin Islands (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 1:41 PM)

Reminds me of when Castro was welcomed to NYC.

Russell in Maryland (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 2:13 PM)

See, this is what doesn't make sense to me. How can this administration assume we can believe them on ANYthing if they lie about EVERYthing, even something as obvious as this? Of COURSE the watch was lifted, it's something that's bound to happen when you're gladhanding that many grabby people. Why can't his Secret Service detail just admit it?

Elayne Riggs, Bronkers, NY (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 2:17 PM)

We can't get within a mile of the Decider unless we are part of the hand-picked cheerleaders sure to approve of whatever he does or says. Which argues for Terry Ballard's explanation (11:51). And why would Bush be popular in Albania, anyway?

Linda, Pittsburgh (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 2:48 PM)

Was there any interesting news today, Countdown, besides speculation over whether George Bush's watch was stolen? Or are you too busy over on ESPN radio talking about your DVD collection, the talk shows you've appeared on, and Paris Hilton, instead of sports? (My husband forced me to listen to it last Friday, and I was completely underwhelmed, although he liked the baseball discussion.) This watch story isn't titillating in the least, it appears not to be true, and even if it is true, it wouldn't be funny. In short, it's not worth wasting our time on (pun intended, I assure you). I agree with Terri's comment.

Bonnie (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 2:57 PM)

Sue, West Allis In order for bush to maintain his delusion that he is respected, he cannot be exposed to Americans. Except those who've been vetted by cheney, rove, and/or gonzo. Being a fine, upstanding citizen that you are, Sue, would you really like to be close to the likes of bushCo? They could declare you an enemy combatant and put you far, far away. Where did America go?? Another, way off the topic thread------ Anybody ever heard of Ryan Crocker? I LIKE this guy. posted 3:30pm EDST

parishogfan (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 3:18 PM)

Wasn't Albania on Germany's side in WWII? And aren't the Russians miffed at us over this to begin with? Isn't this the whole reason the GOP said Clinton was wagging the dog during the Monica thing? Annnnd... wasn't the whole Serb/Croat/Albanian thing the entire spark that started WWI? Mr. Bush, please for the love of Pete... read a history book. Most have pictures.

Walter J. Murdock, Cincinnati OH (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 3:57 PM)

No one on this blog has ever shaken as many hands as this guy, did it just fall off ? Who knows who cares, But Olberfrau the Paris Hilton puppet theator has been superb.

Paul Ibsen Newark Nj (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 4:45 PM)

Like I said on another thread if the Albanians love Bush so much let them take over the occupation of Ireaq under Bush's leadership (cough) and let our people come home. Then when the Albanian leader comes over here we'll mob him/her whatever the hell they are, for taking on the Iraq occupation for us. We'll even let Bush move to Albania, like yesterday....

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:05 PM)

Hey Pam , if Bush only goes to hand picked crowds, why does the entire list of lib candidates only debate on CNN and MSNBC. Maybe Fox might make them uncomfortable ? Might make them cry ? Might ask a question with substance that they can't answer ? What a bunch of lying wimps. I suggest not castigating Bush until you can answer for your own group of socialist pussies.

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:17 PM)

CA, you're starting to get a little looney, Pam must be rubbing off. I know it's hard to believe some countries still like us, but some who lived under real communism appreciate the effort put forth by this administration. The many libs who promised to leave after last election are still here and I hope realize that America is still the greatest nation ever and , despite the liberal agenda to destroy us, people admire the freedoms we have. Like was said many years ago.. America , love it or leave it

Larry charleston, SC (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:26 PM)

Don't worry. It was a only Chinese Timex knock-off.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:49 PM)

Larry – Sorry, but I refuse to answer questions I have repeatedly answered to you, i.e. fat ass Ailes and FoxNOTNews!! Also, I’m concerned about you bud, as your memory seems to be deteriorating by the day. I suggest you take some time and get a check up. I do care about you Larry and I hope the doc can figure out what’s up with your memory.

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 6:34 PM)

Oh Larry: Don't lecture me on America and how great it can be. You know better than that with me. There are two agendas Larry. A far left (what you call lib) and a far right (pursued by t he Bush administration). And both have the ability to destroy this great country. You should know better then to always be attacking the libs when you know that extremes on either side can do as much damaqe as the other. And Larry, you have already agreed that this conflict in Iraq was fraught with mistakes and errors. Why don't you critique both sides and not justone side. Both have their corrupt members and you know this. You need to start being somewhat reasonable. I think Bush is incompetent and I think most of the Dems are spineless. There you go. And as far of service to and love of this country (myself and family) I'll compare notes with anyone in here anytime.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 8:26 PM)

Wow, I sadly agree with "Terri McCown, Cameron Park, CA" This means the end of hope for a return to journalism. PS. larry, Pam is correct - they cherry pick the audiences. PSS. Pam, why do you insist on engaging fools like larry and scott? They are a waste of energy. They use their faith and their guts as they apparently lack critical thinking skills.

JW, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 8:33 PM)

Oh yea. He still has his watch on. It's just picking up a reflection on the dial and the band. At least that's how it looks to me...

JW, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 8:34 PM)

Larry, congratulations. You have successfully diverted the blog's entire attention soley to yourself. No one here seems to be discussing anything but you. Do you feel that you have accomplished your goal? Does this give you a feeling of self-worth? I hope so. It is obvious that you have nothing else to fall back on if all you can do is spend time here thinking of ridiculous inflammatory statements. We fall for it everytime. Guess we are as stupid as you keep telling us we are. When children in kindergarten are being taunted by a bully, they are advised to simply ignore him/her. Make the bully stand alone. Turn your backs on the bully, they are taught. All the bully wants is attention because he/she doesn't get the love he/she needs elsewhere and feels invisible. That is why the bully can't have rational conversations. That is why the bully can't play with the other kids but must always use hateful language with them instead. Well, Mr. Bully. You've proved those teachers to be right. We didn't ignore you and there you stayed. Making statements that were not only ugly in tone but indefensible in fact. Hope you feel really good.

Independent, Texas (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 8:40 PM)

Larry: I apologize. This damn blog takes so long to be updated that I'm not even certain that I'm posting to the same thread as my rant to you. I violated my own rules of behavior with my last post and that was my fault not yours. It is not my place to act as if I am the only adult on the blog and I did that when I responded to you. It won't happen again. If bloggers enjoy that kind of give and take, more power to you and them. I'll let you guys get on with the Pam and Larry show. Again. My apologies Larry and to the rest of the blog.

Independent, Texas (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 9:23 PM)

Gees Independent - Lighten up - I responded to Larry once on this thread and you call it the "Pam and Larry show". Yeah, ok whatever you say....I think you just violated your conduct again. Did you read some of the other bloggers posts to Larry, or others posts directed at other bloggers on the other threads prior? I am not just shocked, as this is out of character for you, but I'm hurt, as I have respect for you. I think you went a bit far with the attack on me Independent.

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 1:21 AM)

Just back from a night out so I have a lot of catching up to do. Nice comments all. I had a good laugh at the thought of BushCo in the midst of an American crowd. Frankly I'd need my holy water and cross if I'd be near Nosferatu/Bush. Frankly I ignore Larry - he's so nuts from that Right Wing Kool Aid that I'm surprised he can still shovel out the Republican Talking Points.

Sue; West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 2:19 AM)

Larry from Charleston, pull your head out. Declining to show up on the Fascist entertainment network is not quite the same as agreeing to show up on a legitimate news show. But then...you probably only post here when you realize that your gods (Bill Orally/racist)(Rush, two-faced druggy) don't live up their own standards.

A Response, Greenville SC (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 10:10 AM)

The heck with the watch, I want to know who stole the lil' guy's brain!

buzz (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 10:27 AM)

Buzz: I have always heard that there has to be something there to steal in the first place before someone could be accused of stealing anything.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 11:39 AM)

The problem is the watch contains the missile launch control chip.

Iosif (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 1:26 PM)

This message is for the "Gay bomb" segment. There must be a disconnect with global military history. I don't remember whether the Spartans or the Trojans practiced homosexuality to give the military an edge against other armies.  Think about it: How would you fight harder for, your friend or your lover? I am heterosexual; however, I did learn this fact in an 8th grade public school. I do believe that some people will be uncomfortable; however so were some white people, before the military was integrated. Some men were uncomfortable with women soldiers before the laws were changed. In my opinion, anyone can fire a gun and take a bullet. Anyone who wants to protect our country is honarable and should be given that opportunity. Remember the Tuskegee Airmen.  They never lost a bomber.  I think every airplane bomber, that was protected by the Airmen, appreciated the change in policy.

Quirites Porter, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 2:21 PM)

NBC news showed what really happened. They had a reverse angle camera that showed bush taking it off and pocketing it. no story here. The real story is,
"Bush is lame duck", "Lookout for cheney!!"  BLAM!!
Where's Osama???

watchman (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 4:29 PM)

jen,il, Albanians love us.  While serving as part of KFOR in Kosovo I knew many Albanians that said they consider Americans to be their brothers.  I myself have had to re-evaluate my ideas about "wag the dog".  The U.S. and Europe have a strong interests in maintaining peace in southern Europe to prevent a possible outbreak of another world war.  I personally have made friends that are both Serbian and Albanian, and would not like to have to imagine them killing eachother.  The Albanians loved Clinton for entering America into their conflict. Their love for bush comes from a combination of the Bush adminastration's strong support for an independent Kosovo and for the positive reputation of the U.S. Army maintaining peace in the area. We did a lot of good in the area, and I think it's great to know there's an entire culture of people in Europe that appreciate it.  Hopefully Serbia as a nation will get on board with us and support a peacefull and prosperous southern Europe.

Jonny, Salem Virginia (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:49 AM)



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