The man behind the curtain

The Star Gazette:

As he has in similar events across the nation, Bush sat with five local residents and discussed with them his Social Security plan. The group was hand-picked and prepped in advance by the White House and, like most people in the room, they support Bush.

The event came off like a well-scripted, publicity campaign. "Strengthening Social Security for the 21st Century" signs hung from the ceiling.

The event ended promptly after 60 minutes, right according to the official plan. And not a dissenting voice was heard.

I think the average blogger already knows that the Bush Social Security events are heavily scripted to make it appear he has massive support. But I'm not so sure the average reader of the Star Gazette does. Well, until now. And while watching a puppet show can be entertaining, watching the guys work the puppets is not.

And even after 60+ days, the tour still isn't working:

Yet local Republican congressmen said afterward that they have yet to see an official proposal, so they will continue to take a wait-and-see approach.

"I'm still sorting it all out. From my perspective, it was good to hear from more of my constituents," said Rep. John R. Kuhl Jr., R-Hammondsport.