Bush at today's press conference. AP photo by Ron Edmonds.
by Mark Silva
President Bush – sagging in the opinion polls, but facing a Congress with even lower standing among the public – called on congressional leaders today to pass a long list of stalled legislation on the eve of his expected victory in a bid to override his veto of healthcare spending for children.
The president took a forceful stance at the podium of the press briefing room in the West Wing today, fending off questions about his own inability to find a “common ground’’ with legislative leaders on an array of questions – and also facing a question about his own possible irrelevancy.
"Quite the contrary,'' Bush said. "I've never felt more engaged and more capable of helping people recognize...that there's a lot of unfinished business. And I'm really looking forward to the next 15 months. I'm looking forward to getting some things done for the American people. And if it doesn't get done, I'm looking forward to reminding people as to why it's not getting done.''
A slew of spending bills remain unfinished, weeks into the new federal budget year, trade bills have languished and congressional leaders on Thursday will attempt to override Bush’s veto of a major expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. The White House is confident that the House will fall narrowly short of the votes needed for override.
The president also faces increasing tensions on an array of foreign fronts, calling on Congress to refrain from voting on an Armenian resolution that will antagonize Turkey, which is threatening an assault inside northern Iraq: refusing again today to comment on Israel’s reported attack against a nuclear plant inside Syria; and downplaying any concern about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s cozy relations with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, an avowed enemy of Israel – or in Putin’s interest in retaining power as prime minister after he steps down as president.
“I believe (Iran wants) to have capacity, the knowledge, to have a nuclear weapon,’’ Bush said. “And I believe it’s in the world’s interest to keep them from doing so… We’ve got a leader in Iran who has announced that he wants to destroy Israel. It seems like, if you’re interested in avoiding World War III, you ought to be interested in preventing them from having a nuclear weapon.’’
As for Putin’s plans to remain as prime minister:
"I've been planning that myself,'' Bush joked.
“I have no idea what he’s going to do,’’ Bush said in a more serious vein. “I asked him when I saw him in Australia… I tried to get it out of him. He was wily. He wouldn’t tip his hand… I’ll tip mine. I’m going to work hard to the finish. I’m going to sprint to the finish line, and then you’ll find me in Crawford.’’
A little more than a year from the finish line of his presidency, the president has reached new lows in public opinion of his performance.
A new Reuters/Zogby Poll today reports that just 24 percent of Americans surveyed approve of the job that Bush is performing. The most recent Gallup Poll pegged his approval at 32 percent – which is near the all-time low of 31 percent that Gallup has found twice last year and this year.
Yet, in the eyes of the public, Congress is faring even more poorly – with Reuters reporting 11 percent approval for Congress today, equaling the all-time low that Congress reached last year in pollster John Zogby’s survey.
“There is a real question among Americans now about how relevant this government is to them," Zogby said. "They tell us they want action on health care, education, the war and immigration, but they don't believe they are going to get it."
And that lack of inaction is precisely what the president is attempting to underscore, opening his 50-minute press conference today with a lengthy list of unfinished business on Capitol Hill. For a president whose party will fight to maintain control of the White House next year and also stave off a growing Democratic margin in the House and Senate, the attempt to portray Democratic leadership as ineffective has its own clear political aims.
“We’re finding common ground on Iraq… It sounds to me like the debate has shifted,'' Bush said. "We found agreement, a common ground on FISA (the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act -- though Bush now complains that the House is attempting to weaken the government's hand in surveillance of suspecte terrorists.) "That’s what the American people want to know, by the way, are we passing laws that are important to the American people.
“There’s a lot to be done,’’ Bush said, deflecting a question about whether he, himself, had failed to find the common ground’’ with Congress that he is seeking on many fronts. “I’m not a member of the legislative branch – wouldn’t be a very good legislator,’’ Bush said. He complained that Democratic leaders had not “dialed in’’ the White House in its drafting of a children’s health insurance bill which he vetoed, as promised.
“You bet I’m going to put veto threats out,’’ Bush said. “We weren’t dialed in from the beginning (on the S-SCHIP bill)… The leaders said, let’s get something moving.
“It’s unlikely that that override vote will succeed, which Congress knew when they sent me that bill… It’s now time to put politics aside,’’ Bush said. “I’m confident we can work out our differences and reauthorize S-CHIP.’’
On Putin and his relationship with the Iranian leader, Bush said: “My leadership style has been to try to be in a position where I actually can influence people… to be able to sit down and tell people what’s on my mind without fear of rupturing relations.’’ That’s what he has done with Putin, he said. “Good diplomacy requires good relationships at the leadership level.’’
“With all these pressing responsibilities, one thing Congress should not be doing is sorting out the historical record of the Ottoman Empire,’’ the president said of a resolution condemning the slaughter of Armenians nearly a century ago as genocide – a resolution in the House which has strained relations with Turkey. “Congress has more important work to do than antagonizing an important ally in the Muslim world.’’
On the confrontation between Turkey and Iraq: “We are making it very clear to Turkey that we don’t think it is in their interests to send troops into Iraq…. To send more troops in… There’s a better way to deal with the issue than to have the Turks send additional troops in… massive additional troops… We’ll continue to dialog with the Turks.’’
On his attendance of the congressional ceremony today awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama, which has angered China:
“One, I admire the Dalai Lama a lot. Two, I support religious freedom… Thirdly, I like going to the Gold Medal ceremonies.
“I told the Chinese President, President Hu, that I am going to go to the ceremony. I brought it up… I also told him I think it’s in their interests to meet with the Dalai Lama… They would find him to be a man of peace and reconciliation… My visit today is not new to the Chinese leadership.’’
On Putin and Ahmadinejad pictured in a warm meeting:
“What you want them, kind of fighting each other on the front page of the paper? No man, come on,’’ Bush said. “I’m not surprised that there was a nice picture of them walking along. I try to make sure when I meet with foreign leaders that there’s a nice picture of the two of us walking along the Colonnades to try to send’’ a positive message.
Putin “recognizes that it’s not in the world’s interests for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,’’ Bush said. “I don’t worry about the pictures.’’
On the summit for Middle East nations which he hopes to hold this fall in Annapolis, in a bid to seek a two-state solution of the decades-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians:
“One, we are interested in comprehensive peace… Two, the international meeting will be substantive and serious… This wont be just a photo opportunity… Now is the time to push ahead with a meeting at which the Israelis and Palestinians will lay out a vision of what a state could look like…. The Untied States can’t impose peace. We can encourage the development of a state.
“I’m encouraged… the attitude is to work together,’’ he said. “It’s possible. I believe that we will see a democratic state… I’m optimistic this can be achieved, and we are working to that end.’’
On the controversy surrounding Blackwater, the private security firm employed to guard diplomats in Iraq and accused of killing civilians:
“Yes, I am responsible, in that the state Department has hired those military contractors… I will be anxious to see the analysis of their performance,’’ Bush said. “I will tell you, though, that a firm like Blackwater provides valuable service… They protect people’s lives.’’
On his definition of torture:
"That's defined in U.S. law, and we don't torture,''’ he said curtly to a question stemming from U.S. interrogation of suspected terrorists and the standards that the government has set. “Whatever the law says.’’
Complaining that the House is weakening the secretive Terrorist Surveillance Program that he installed after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, the president said, “I’m not going to accept a lousy bill.’’
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Comments
"I will tell you, though, that a firm like Blackwater provides valuable service… They protect people’s lives."
Not Iraqi Lives. What is the exchange rate on Iraqi lives Vs. American lives Mr. President?
How many fleeing Iraqi civilians can Blackwater shoot without provocation before you think the exchange isn't worth it?
Posted by: AJF | October 17, 2007 12:38 PM
President Bush looked good today waking up Congress on a do nothing 9 months.They raised the minimum wage whoopee--and that's it.
The crazy idea Nancy Pelosi has about revisiting a 90 year old Armenian issue with Turkey is just dangerous when we have had a solid ally with Turkey for almost 100 years. Pelosi ethnic symbolism could cost us Turkey's air space and military base there.
Pelosi has a bunch of Armenians in California and typical for a Democrat she divides them into ethnic communities to have an electoral advantage.Never mind the iissue is 90 years old why pass it during a war when it has already passed Congress ten years ago. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | October 17, 2007 12:38 PM
Dubya is so totally out-of-touch with his constituents. It is very frightening.
Posted by: Janstress | October 17, 2007 12:44 PM
I listened to the press conference today.
I am appalled at what a bunch of rude dogs the White House press corps is. Further, their disingenuous questioning using loaded questions and questions with embedded conclusions (ie, when did you stop beating your wife) was as transparent as it was obnoxious.
Finally, when the President declines to answer a question on the basis of the fact that it (attempts to) lock the US into a position or give away a strategy, the press corps should respect that. Of course the is is the same bunch that publishes every known way the US has of tracking terrorists, so I shouldn't be surprised. Asking the same question 20 different ways is also obnoxious, as if the President can't understand that pathetically obvious tactic.
Two questions. 1.) Does a "Free Press" contemplate and irresponsible press? 2.) Where does this bunch of bozos get off talking about George Bush's intellect??
Posted by: Joseph Hines | October 17, 2007 1:03 PM
I thought Jenna was the Bush that was engaged.
Posted by: Tom J | October 17, 2007 1:19 PM
"BUSH SPEAKS"
The only reason George Bush awoke this morning to address the WEST COAST at 7am while driving on freeways is because PBS BROADCASTED LAST NIGHT FOR ALL TO SEE "CHENEY'S LAW."
IMPEACHMENT IS ON THE MINDS OF NANCY PELOSI TODAY. THANK YOU MR. COMEY, THANK YOU FOR PRESERVING AMERICA AND EXPOSING SATANS STRONGEST ARM!
IMPEACHMENT IS THE ONLY THING THAT WILL KEEP US OUT OF IRAN BECAUSE WITHOUT ANOTHER CONFLICT, THEY WILL BECOME CONVICS!
SO WATCH ONLINE AMERICA (PBS - FRONTLINE - CHENEY'S LAW. WHY EVEN HAVE A TRIAL, JUST RESIGN AND GO BARBECUE AT THE CRAWFORD RANCH AND GET YOUR PERSONAL QUAGMIRE TOGETHER. MAYBE CONDI CAN LEND A HAND TO THE AUGMENTATION OF HIS FACE WHEN IMPEACHMENT ORDERS ARE EXTENDED IN THE NEXT 60 DAYS.
SANTA WILL LAND ON THE ROOF EVEN WITHOUT CHINESE CRAP!
Posted by: Roger Morris | October 17, 2007 1:25 PM
The Decider Guy is bound and determined to take the Republic Party down the drain with him.
More power to him, I want the Republics gone for good.
Posted by: John E | October 17, 2007 1:25 PM
President Bush's approval rating has reached a new low in the newest Reuters/Zogby Poll -- with just 24 percent of those surveyed approving of Bush's job performance. That is down from 29 percent last month.
“Quite the contrary,’’ the president said. “I’ve never felt more engaged… I’ve never felt more capable of helping... the American people recognize that
I think the American people recognize that this administration has been a disaster for the United States. The bushman is truly the worst president in our history.
Posted by: Bill H. | October 17, 2007 1:29 PM
I once saw a bumper sticker which said, "Don't believe everything you think." G.W. Bush believes everything he thinks.
Posted by: San Miguel | October 17, 2007 1:31 PM
President Bush knows exactly what to say to tick off the liberals. He knows that what ever they say about him rolls off his back and remember The democratic controlled congress approval ratings are so low they don"t even register. HA HA
Posted by: arlington texas | October 17, 2007 1:49 PM
I doubt that the left wing blogger willprint m6y first comments considering it goes against their views and tells the truth about them, prove me wrong ewhy dont you
Posted by: arlington texas | October 17, 2007 1:52 PM
"I've never been more engaged."
An alternate headline could read:
"American public...We've never been more enraged."
Posted by: weinerdog43 | October 17, 2007 1:53 PM
Bush just needs to actually stop and consider things for a minute before reacting.
Since he never used his veto before the Democrats got into power in Congress, I assume that he thinks he's some sort of legislation goalie and has to prevent the other team's legislation from getting through whenever it heads his way.
Posted by: Ben | October 17, 2007 1:59 PM
"Keeping America safe" has nothing to do with granting telcoms retroactive immunity- especially without knowing first what we are giving the immunity against. Narrow the FISA bill and keep the issues seperate. I'm not done with my rights yet- Don't want congress to give them away. Do telcoms donate to Dems too?
Why don't we bring home, or redirect, all US military from Iraq and leave Blackwater there to "protect people's lives"- since babysitting a civil war is the only thing- militarily- going on there now. Why not move the OVP and the VP to Iraq at the same time? See the story on Cheney.
Posted by: Vivian | October 17, 2007 2:12 PM
Congress hasn't been able to get anything done because of his veto. Why should they have to change and play nice? I'll remember this entire presidency as the Cry Baby years...
Posted by: lfrank | October 17, 2007 2:26 PM
In Bushworld, spending over $500 billion in Iraq over five years to chase down non-existent weapons of mass destruction is okay. But spending $35 billion in America over five years to close positively-existent gaps in health insurance coverage for children isn’t.
If you're a member of the United States military and you shoot Iraqi civilians in cold blood you face a court martial and years in prison. If you're a member of a BushCo private U.S. mercenary outfit and you shoot Iraqi civilians in cold blood, you lose your Christmas bonus.
Posted by: John E | October 17, 2007 2:30 PM
"I've never felt more engaged...when I'm working out or riding my bike. Like that time I rode up that big hill when it was all windy and stuff on account of that storm named Katrina. Man was I engaged on making it to the top."
Posted by: White House translator | October 17, 2007 2:52 PM
When will Congress get a backbone and go after Cheney and David Addington. These men are criminals and need to be brought to justice for treason. They have taken the Constitution that so many Americans have fought to defend and have used it to benefit their buddies, fellow warmongers and military/industrial kingpins. It is my prayer that Addington and Cheney are brought to justice before this administration ends. As for Bush, let God deal with him since he is so righteous and arrogant. The PBS Cheney's Law was an eye-opener, but it only confirmed what so many Americans continue to believe that this is the presidency of Satan and his minions.
Posted by: the truth | October 17, 2007 2:56 PM
Outstanding - I agree with just about everything he's said here - even Blackwater (whom we would not need had the previous administration not let our miltary shrink to ridiculously low troop and equipment levels. "Peace dividend my kiester.)
Posted by: Jim Carmignani | October 17, 2007 2:58 PM
President Bush knows exactly what to say to tick off the liberals. He knows that what ever they say about him rolls off his back and remember The democratic controlled congress approval ratings are so low they don"t even register. HA HA
Posted by: arlington texas | October 17, 2007 1:49 PM
Rented-Pickup-Driving-Morbidly-Obese Buffoon (surmise on my part, of course -- but I've spend time in Arlington): The President's job is to govern, not to antagonize the opposition.
Beyond that, you realize, do you not, that Congress' approval ratings are low because it has not done enough to stop Bush? These days, the populace more strongly identifies with Democratic positions than Republicant. Do you get it, Cope-dipper?
Posted by: a blinkin | October 17, 2007 3:00 PM
Congress has a low approval rating because Republicans think that Pelosi is a left-wing nut.
Ironically, Democrats dislike this Congress because they can't do anything to get us out of Iraq but sure love sniping and arguing among themselves.
At this time next year we will have seen another 3 billion dollars spent on political ads, and both sides will probably have the same opinion as today.
Sigh.
Posted by: DrMyEye | October 17, 2007 3:10 PM
If Bush is so "engaged," why is he always on vacation? During his two terms, he's spent over a year on vacation. That's where he was when Katrina hit, after all.
Posted by: wealhtheow | October 17, 2007 3:13 PM
Wait, did someone say that Duh-bya had "intellect?" This is breaking news! We need to schedule a press conference to announce that Bush found his brain! It was probably in his nightstand next to his National Guard service papers, drunk driving citation and Yale cirriculum (some good that did). Face it GeeOhPee-ers, you voted twice for the worst president EVER!
Posted by: The Truth Hurts | October 17, 2007 3:33 PM
Ten Top Reasons Why President Bush Is Engaged:
10. Just secretly tapped the Veep's phone, and is listening in on the hilarious banter between Cheney and his Halliburton buddies
9. Looks forward to giving Ayatollah Khamenei a wedgie
8. "Mr. President, Mr. Putin on line three"
7. "He he he! I just love it when I veto one of them there bills!"
6. Recently picked up some pointers from Sen. Craig on how to spice up his love life
5. Another vacation in Crawford coming up--Yippie!
4. Thinking of expanding Guantanamo Bay to include a BD/SM-themed resort and spa
3. Just learned to correctly pronounce "Mahmoud Ahmadinejad" without tripping over the first syllable
2. Dana Perino. Need I say more?
1. Zero percent approval rating or bust!
Posted by: Dan M | October 17, 2007 4:15 PM
Outstanding - I agree with just about everything he's said here - even Blackwater (whom we would not need had the previous administration not let our miltary shrink to ridiculously low troop and equipment levels. "Peace dividend my kiester.)
Posted by: Jim Carmignani | October 17, 2007 2:58 PM
Jimbo,
If the Cheerleader in Chief needed more troops he could easily call for a draft but he wouldn't dare do this because his nation building dreams would crash and burn.
Posted by: John E | October 17, 2007 4:16 PM
How about we get rid of all career politicians! Vote in some one you haven't heard of before or some one that is running for the first time, it can't do any more harm then what has been done to date.
Posted by: WOW | October 17, 2007 4:21 PM
Love how the headline proclaims President Bush as "embattled".
Will we ever see Nancy Pelosi, head of the Democratic-run Congress that has much lower approval ratings than Pres. Bush, headlined as "embattled Pelosi"?
Not by the Bush-hating "reporters" who write articles for the Swamp.
Posted by: Bruce | October 17, 2007 4:22 PM
Jimbo, don't bogart that joint dude. Pass it around. We'd all love to have some of what you're smoking.
Posted by: weinerdog43 | October 17, 2007 4:30 PM
GWB to himself;
'He wouldn't be so cocky with a couple electrodes attached to his nut-sac.'
Posted by: C.Morris | October 17, 2007 4:35 PM
"I'm looking forward to getting some things done for the American people. And if it doesn't get done, I'm looking forward to reminding people as to why it's not getting done.'
Do us a favor and stop getting things done. They just make everything else worse.
What an idiot.
I want to know who are all the other idiots in that 24% approval rating. I think that more than 24% of the country is Republican, so you know what that means. When your own party doesn't agree with you, there is a problem.
Posted by: Joss Fan | October 17, 2007 5:23 PM
Bruce:
If a person's written word is a peek into the person's character, I picture you as a whining, bitter, tactless, humorless, glad-I-don't-live-next-to-you sort of person who'd rather howl at the moon than fly to it. Granted, this probably doesn't describe you at all, but that's what I see.
Try a new approach. Sprinkle your writing with some intelligence. Toss in some light-hearted jokes that make a point. Revel in the turn of a phrase. Understand that a diatribe stifles dialogue.
I want to listen to your message, I want to try and understand what you're saying, but too much of the messenger gets in the way. Back off from the sulking petulance, and concentrate on the audience. Craft you thoughts to try to convince them to your way of thinking. Respectfully.
Maybe the personal attacks would diminish, replaced by learning--on both sides.
Posted by: Dan M | October 17, 2007 5:26 PM
Posted by: Dan M | October 17, 2007 5:26 PM
Dan,
You can't re-program that robot, Mr. Roboto has been drunk on the RNC kool-aide for to long now.
Posted by: John E | October 17, 2007 5:40 PM
Dan M,
A little swamp history;
Here is Bruce's first posting in the first submission by Frank James on the first day of the Swamp's existence.
"In the interests of full disclosure, will the Tribune contributors to "the Swamp" (Frank James, Mark Silva et al.) reveal their political biases by disclosing who they voted for in 2000 and 2004 (and other years) for president? How can the readers fully or accurately assess their postings, the "take" they have on current events, or even what they consider "newsworthy", without this information?
Posted by: Bruce | January 5, 2006 9:55 AM"
As you can see, nothing has changed. (Nor will it.)
Posted by: TheReamer | October 17, 2007 5:51 PM
"2. Dana Perino. Need I say more?"
The Dana Wears Prada, hey Danny?
Habala habala vavoomsky! (Chet Chitchat)
Posted by: C.Morris | October 17, 2007 6:35 PM
It's beyond liberal & conservative it’s beyond party affiliation.
He's just a horrid president -- of whatever party. He stands for deficient & wasting tax-payer's money -- he's no conservative, I'll tell you that.
Check out this article on how he sent $12bn in cash to Iraq. And watched it vanish.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2008189,00.html
Posted by: TJ | October 17, 2007 7:23 PM
Yes, wealtheow, Katrina never would have hit the U.S. if Bush wasn't on vacation. And if Clintoon was still prez, all natural disasters would have kept their distance from the U.S. because Clintoon never took a vacation. Though, I thought all those paid trips he took to other people's houses on Martha's Vinyard or Jackson Hole, Wyoming were vacations?
Bush has not spent more than a year on vacation. A president is never really on vacation. Get a grip, dumba--.
Posted by: John D | October 17, 2007 10:47 PM
Not by the Bush-hating "reporters" who write articles for the Swamp.
Posted by: Bruce | October 17, 2007 4:22 PM
Bruce bagging on the "reporters as usual.
Look your boy Bush's 24% APPROVAL RATING IS GOING TO HIS HEAD.
24%!!! Keep defending the guy who's sullied Americas standing in the world, trampled the constitution, and brought shame to the presidency. Why do you stick up for this loser???
Posted by: An Inconvenient Truth | October 18, 2007 4:27 AM
Bush has not spent more than a year on vacation. A president is never really on vacation. Get a grip, dumba--.
Posted by: John D | October 17, 2007 10:47 PM
Nice comment a%shole!!! Clintoon, Clintoon, Clintoon.
Yep John I'd be as angry as you if my party had let me down and the President I voted for turned out to be incompetent. I guess that's Bill Clinton fault right?
Get a grip yourself Kool-Aid guzzler!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | October 18, 2007 8:11 AM
Outstanding - I agree with just about everything he's said here - even Blackwater (whom we would not need had the previous administration not let our miltary shrink to ridiculously low troop and equipment levels. "Peace dividend my kiester.)
Posted by: Jim Carmignani | October 17, 2007 2:58 PM
Are you really this daft?
Posted by: Tim | October 18, 2007 12:04 PM
Hey John,
Please don't call anyone "Dumba", your post on this article like most of your others, is asinine.
Posted by: Tim | October 18, 2007 12:11 PM
It is so fun watching Bush crush the Liberal Loser Majority. Democrats sure are changing the tone of Washington huh? Ha, ha! If you voted for a Democrat in the last election, say this to yourself: Fool me once, Shame on You, Fool me Twice, Shame on Me!
Don't Fall for the Democratic scam in the next Presidential election. It is a wasted vote! They promise you the world and deliver a turd!
Posted by: Siouxperman | October 18, 2007 1:46 PM
[quote]
Yes, wealtheow, Katrina never would have hit the U.S. if Bush wasn't on vacation.
Posted by: John D | October 17, 2007 10:47 PM
[/quote]
Dumb Dumb Little John "the Joseph Stalin of Streamwood" D:
Maybe Katrina wouldn't have hit New Orleans so hard if the island of Cuba were a couple of hundred mile to the west of its REAL LOCATION? You know, "in the Gulf of Mexico" like you think it is, instead of REALLY being in the Caribbean Sea, and taken some of the intensity out of the hurricane?
Posted by: BC | October 18, 2007 3:14 PM
Hey, Souperman. I think it's more likely that the voters will give the Democrats veto-proof numbers because they're tired of blatently obstructionist tactics used by the their Republican cohorts. The electorate isn't as stupid as the Right wants it to be.
Posted by: Dan M | October 18, 2007 4:14 PM