W has his man & humor

New York Daily News ^ | 12/16/03 | THOMAS M. DeFRANK and KENNETH R. BAZINET

[kattracks]

WASHINGTON - A cheerful President Bush derisively bade "good riddance" yesterday to Saddam Hussein, laughing off the ex-Iraqi dictator's demand that he be allowed to negotiate with U.S. captors. "Good riddance. The world is better off without you, Mr. Saddam Hussein," Bush said at his last news conference of the year.

"I find it very interesting that, when the heat got on, you dug yourself a hole and you crawled in it," the President added when asked what he would say to Saddam.

Bush tried hard to avoid gloating, reminding Americans that guerrilla attacks and U.S. casualties surely will continue.

But he was unusually jovial during the 47-minute meeting with the press, reflecting not only his relief at finally nabbing his elusive quarry but also the reality that Saddam's capture provides a major boost to his political fortunes.

For instance, he good-naturedly chided one reporter for "a trick question - it's not very generous of you during the holiday season," he said. A correspondent who violated one of Bush's pet peeves was let off with a mild reprimand: "Very deft at weaving in two questions," he said.

Bush teased national security adviser Condoleezza Rice for waking him at 5:15 Sunday morning with the news about Saddam, "which was okay this time, just don't do it again."

And with the White House press party later this week, the President admonished a television reporter: "Don't take any silverware."

Bush turned serious when asked about his father, whom Saddam tried to assassinate in 1993. He said the former President called him Sunday to say "Congratulations, it's a great day for the country."

"'It's a greater day for the Iraqi people,'" the younger President Bush said he replied.

A resolute Bush also linked his personal feelings about the Sept. 11 attacks to collaring Saddam - a core message of his 2004 reelection campaign.

He also reiterated that America's well-being is at the heart of his job, requiring him to deal with all "emerging and real" threats. He has used that theme repeatedly to defend the unsuccessful hunt for unconventional weapons in Iraq - the rationale for going to war - or not finding any links to the terrorists who hijacked four planes and attacked New York and the Pentagon.

"I've got a solemn duty to do everything I can to protect the American people. I will never forget the lessons of September the 11th, 2001," Bush said.

Originally published on December 16, 2003

[Fledermaus]

I've never seem GW so in his realm. He was totally in charge and you could even tell the reporters there were sure they said "yes sir" and "thank you"!

Their manners were amazing. They got the message.

At the end he said, "I'll see you all in coat and tie next weekend (press dinner?) and (reporter I don't know), don't steal the silverware this time!".

I've been hard on Bush lately. I've been disappointed at many policies and cave-ins. But after watching him today I totally got pumped up again.

He's my man again and I'm ashamed I doubted him. I was in awe of him at this press conference. I love when he opened it up to questions with, "Okay, AP Man..."! lol

[jaykay]

Breaking news: The President has written a book about Saddam.

[Caipirabob]

That's one heck of a "Stocking Stuffer" you got your dear ol' dad there. Mr. President! (Better wash it up reeeeal good first, though!)

[Humal]

"and (reporter I don't know), don't steal the silverware this time!".

I believe this was directed to David Gregory from CNN. What I don't know is what prompted the President to say this. Did Gregory take some of the silverware previously?

[Guenevere]

#5...Gregory is rather vile at any given time, and looks for ways to trip up our President..(it always backfires on him, however)

I think it was a little dig.....period!

[Rebelbase]

How is it the media isn't repeating the reporters question that about Howard Dean alleging Bush had prior knowledge of 9/11, and Bush's muttered response of "that's an absurd insinuation"

Maybe because that would make Dean look bad?

[Space Wrangler]

"Don't take any silverware."

LOL!! A little snip at the previous occupants who were of the white trash genus?

[ozzysmom]

As I was channel surfing last night, I caught David Gregory on MSNBC (Countdown), Keith O. first showed President Bush making the statement about the silverware and then said it was only fair to give David Gregory a chance to respond--it was funny--no words were spoken by Gregory, he just opened his coat on one side and dramatically showed nothing there and did the same with the other side...never saying a word--the only time I was impressed with Gregory--his mouth was SHUT! lol

[PJ-Comix]

the only time I was impressed with Gregory--his mouth was SHUT! lol

Actually David Gregory does an ABSOLUTELY PERFECT vocal impression of Tom Brokaw. I mean it is dead on. Anybody else see it?

[keats5]

"no words were spoken by Gregory, he just opened his coat on one side and dramatically showed nothing there and did the same with the other side..."

-proof that he's emptied his jacket in preparation for the the big heist at the dinner later this week.

[Jonah Hex]