Presidential Crib Notes
 

Phonetic Guide for Bush's UN Speech Leaked

The phonetic guide used by US President George W. Bush in his speech to the United Nations on Tuesday was posted on the UN Web sited, leaving the White House red-faced and scrambling to explain. The guide was for the names of countries and leaders.

The phonetic guide includes the names of French President Nicolas Sarkozy (sar-KO-zee), Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe (moo-GAH-bee). The capital of Zimbabwe, Harare (hah-RAR-ray) was also included.

The copy of the speech that appeared online was also filled with typos and cell phone numbers. Dana Perino, the White House spokesperson, said that it had been given to the UN in advance and it was unclear why it was posted on the Internet.

Hooked on Phonics

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusive...2607_fresh.jpg

Nu - kew - ler?:D

Bush: "Childrens Do Learn"

From other reports, the phone numbers on the UN transcript were the cell numbers of the speech writers.

He received no aid with the pronunciation of the Burmese opposition leader, and duly stumbled when he tried to pronounce “Aung San Suu Kyi”.

Did I read that right? It was posted on the UN's website? Why???

damn al Qaeda!

The speech, with the phonetic hints, were given to the UN staff in advance, as it had to be transferred onto their teleprompter system. The White House does not know how the draft speech was posted, but it has since been replaced with the "official" version.

I am not at all surprised.

Although I don't consider the W to be the sharpest tool in the presidential cabinet, I imagine about anybody would need such a phonetic guide for a speech at the UN.

Tom W