Comic Relief for the Sole

The NYTs published some of the best comments it received from the infamous shoe-throwing incident. Here they are: Comments for the distressed sole.

Best of Reader's Comments | New York Times | December 16, 2008

By Eric Owles AND Stephen Farrell

BAGHDAD — The shoe-hurling Iraqi journalist has brought out the puns in readers. More than 1,000 people have sent in their comments so far and most are guaranteed to make you groan out loud. Web sites have been launched allowing readers to throw a virtual shoe. While many American commentators appeared to take delight in the incident, a number of readers expressed disgust that people were laughing about it. If President Bush hadn’t moved so quickly to avoid the flying footwear the scene in the news conference could have been much more serious.

Below are selection of the jokes from our comment section. We’ve left out a few popular ones. For example, it seems everyone from Boston to Arizona wants Muntader al-Zaidi to join their local baseball team. Of course the best quip may still be the one made by President Bush who nimbly ducked two shoes and responded: “All I can report is it is a size 10.”

Best (or Worst?) of Reader’s Comments:
Shoe-icide bomber! Let’s not forget if this journalist had thrown his shoes at Saddam, he would lucky to be merely tortured to death.
– Clay Gilchrist

Gotta say the man can duck. The other guy, a real heel.
– Jim in STL

These shoes are made for walking,
And that´s just what they´ll do,
One of these days these shoes are gonna walk all over you……..
– mojoe

WHITE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE — NEWS FLASH –TOP PRIORITY — EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY: ALL WHITE PRESS CORP CORRESPONDENTS WEARING A SIZE 3 OR LARGER SHOE WILL BE RESTRICTED ACCESS TO THE WHITE HOUSE UNTIL JANUARY 21ST, 2009.
– Chas Madden

“Wag The Dog!” Goooood Old Shoe(s)! Who knew?
– Chas Madden

I take off my hat to the man who took off his shoes. A lame duck president practises duck and cover manoeuvres. i bet half the people forced to remove their shoes at airports would have gladly joined into shooing Bush away.

He missed! What a heal!
– Don Heinz

Walk a mile in those shoes, George Walker!!!
– Brian

Old American proverb–”If the shoe fits, wear it!!”
– Stephenasomerstein

The Reporter was “shoeing” Bush and the American military-industrial complex the door!
– George

Obama is going to have some pretty big shoes to fill!
– amsterdammer

Freedom of Speech meets Voting with Your Feet.
– Alfonso

Great chin music. This guy is a “shoe-in” for Pitcher of the Year.
– jadern

I hear Sarah Palin only wants Jimmy Choo’s thrown at her.
– Steve G

If the shoe fits……….
– merc

Will the much-flaunted American system of equal justice now throw the book at George W. Bush and his assorted henchmen and thugs?
– Nat Solomon

A journalist’s only weapon is to throw shoes? What a heel, in any culture.
– Dave

We have finally found the WMD’s and they are 11 EEE’s.
– Dolly Llama

Gives new meaning to Texas two-step. Way to go Iraqi journalist!
– Michael Crane

“Bush finally found those Weejuns of mass destruction.”
– William LeGro

It was only a matter of time until the other shoe dropped! It only took 8 years for someone to stand up to Bush.
– jhm

Possible headlines for the NY Post:
Pres Gets the Boot!
Presidential Shoe In.
Presidential Insult Afoot.
President Bears Arab Sole.
A Well-Heeled President.
Shoe to Displease.
President, Footing the Bill.
US Head Over Heels.
These Boots are Made for Revolting.
Sock it to ‘em, George.
Iraqi Reporter Steps Up,
Reporter “Puts” Foot in Presidents Mouth.
Lame Duck- Ducks Two Shoes.
President Ducking Da Feet.
The real headline—
Ducking US Car Makers, President Ducks Iraqi Shoes.

He shoe got what he deserved!
– T.Tai