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A Short History of ‘Cut and Run,’ Using the George W. Bush Definition

From 'Nam to Lebanon, the Gulf War and, um, Texas.

Calvin Trillin

October 18, 2006

When you pull out before the job is done, that’s "cut and run" as far as I’m concerned. –George W. Bush, on whether he’s fairly characterized the Democratic position

 

1. Vietnam

 

We’d been well mired in a quag. Our allies there were not too strong, But Nixon left them to themselves, And they were swamped by Vietcong.

That’s cut and run. Yes, cut and run: We left before the job was done, And let Saigon get overrun– A simple case of cut and run.

  2. Lebanon

 

Marines were there to keep the peace. Before their mission was complete, There came an awful barracks blast, And Reagan pulled them out tout de suite.

That’s cut and run. Yes, cut and run: We left before the job was done– No matter how the news was spun, A simple case of cut and run.

  3. Gulf War

 

We could have gone to Baghdad, but The role Bush One said we’d then fill Was hated occupying force. He was, of course, correct, but still…

That’s cut and run. Yes, cut and run: We left before the job was done. Saddam had fun because Bush One Did not remain but cut and run.

  4. Texas

 

If sent to Nam, you might get killed. Young Bush, to dodge his draft board’s "Greetings!" Used Daddy’s clout to join the Guard, And then finessed a year of meetings.

Talk about your cutting and running!

Calvin TrillinCalvin Trillin is The Nation’s “deadline poet.”


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