Bush's love of "Democrat Party"

Even as he praised the bipartisanship of the Iraq Study Group report today, President Bush seemed to derisively refer to his opponents as the "Democrat Party" -- here's the CQ transcript:

The country, in my judgment, is tired of pure political bickering that happens in Washington. And they understand that on this important issue of war and peace it is best for our country to work together. And I understand how difficult that is, but this report will give us all an opportunity to find common ground for the good of the country -- not for the good of the Republican Party or the Democrat Party but for the good of the country.

The official White House transcript uses "Democratic," but that sounds wrong to me. (You can listen for yourself -- go to 1:54 of this video clip.)

As Ruth Marcus recently argued in the Washington Post, President Bush repeatedly uses "Democrat party," "Democrat leadership," etc. rather than "Democratic," which is of course the actual name of the party. As she wrote:

If he wanted to, President Bush could change the tone in Washington with a single syllable: He could just say "ic." That is, he could stop referring to the opposition as the "Democrat Party" and call the other side, as it prefers, the Democratic Party.

Instead, however, he prefers to keep sticking his thumb in their eye. It tells you all you need to know about his commitment to bipartisanship.

Comments

[David B.]

Are thought we discussed this before. I thought Bush is a stupid idiot. He doesn't know he's using "Democrat" even though his advisors try to correct him. We shouldn't be so presumptuous as to think he can correct his speech, much less his other bad habits.

[Matt]

There's a lot of stuff to be miffed about concerning the president and what he does. The whole 'he says Democrat instead of Democratic' thing just doesn't seem like something to really get worked up about, despite its mild irritation factor.

[karen]

It does seem slightly ridiculous to draw the conclusion that Bush is not bi-partisan because he does not add the glorious 'ic' at the end of democrat. There is a lot of evidence that shows his disdain for the 'democratic' party, but this proves nothing. I have never considered the difference between 'ic' and no 'ic' and I assume the rest of America is oblivious also.

[Seth]

Most of America is oblivious to a lot of things, Karen, but their awareness is not important. The point is it's silly and childish. It's like referring to one another as Rethuglicans and Dumbocrats. It's sad that a 60 year old man, let alone the President of the United States would be so childish, particularly when he's at least saying he wants common ground.

[exh]

It's only silly and childish if he's doing it on purpose, and I don't see anything in the articles or links to suggest that's the case. Just because there's a history of using it as a vague slur doesn't automatically mean that's Bush's intention -- if anything, it implies it could be easier for him to make the mistake, having potentially heard it used casually many times. I have a friend whose last name is "DeAngelis" but my whole life my parents have called him "DeAngeles," despite numerous corrections. There's no malice, it's just something that for whatever reason doesn't stick in their heads.

If you want examples of Bush "sticking his thumb in their eye" it seems to me a far better one is his repeated use of the phrase 'opposition party.' I'm not a Democrat but I was nauseated the first time I heard that one. He practically shouts his inability to represent the entire electorate every time he utters it.

[Seth]

Come on, one doesn't become the President of the United States without knowing the names of the two major parties in American politics.

[Karen]

I am just not a fan of 'splitting hairs' journalisim where every misplaced noun has some incredible meaning.