Bush puts reporter in place at press conference [ATTA BOY GEORGE!]

White House | April 16, 2004 | White House

[ejdrapes]

Let's see, April.

Q Mr. President, some of your critics are saying that it's a political ploy by you to stand firm to this June 30th deadline, especially that you don't have an Iraqi organization to transfer power over to. What do you say to that? And for -- what organization would you like to see transferred power over to, both of you, if you could answer that?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, I appreciate that. I guess, it's a political year, everything I'm going to say is being -- they're going to say is political. What's important is that we honor our word and honor our commitments to the Iraqi people. I suspect that if you look deep into the soul of the Iraqi people, they'd be saying, we don't know if we can trust America and Great Britain to be tough and hang in, hang in with us. And one of the things we've said is, we'll transfer sovereignty on June the 30th, and we're going to.

If they believe that we'll cut and run -- in other words, if times get tough, and we'll just say, see you later -- nobody is going to take a stand for freedom and liberty; they're afraid of getting killed or tortured or maimed. These are -- I said the other night that a year seems like a long time for Americans and people in Great Britain. But a year is not much when you're trying to shed yourself from the habits of tyranny and torture. Remember where these people came from. They came from a society where if they dared speak their mind, it's likely they'd end up in a mass grave or in a torture room. If they criticized Saddam Hussein in any way, they would be maimed or killed. And that's a hard thing to forget.

See, it's easy for us to not recognize that fear because, fortunately, our societies are such that we don't have to live with it. They did. And if they think that we will be leaving because of politics, then they won't take a risk toward freedom. We're not leaving because of politics, April. We're standing firm on our word because it's right, and it's in the long-term interests of our countries that we stand firm, because a free Iraq is an historic opportunity to change the world for the better.

There's a lot of talk about the war on terror, and can we win the war on terror. Of course we can win the war on terror in the long run. We can do a lot of things in the short-term to protect ourselves, starting with staying on the offensive. But in the long-term, it's the spread of freedom that will win the war on terror.

See, the great thing about our two countries is we believe in the power of free societies. And we don't say freedom is only -- is consigned to one group of people or one religion. We believe freedom is universal. And free societies are peaceful societies. And freedom will be the cure for those who harbor deep resentment and hatred in their heart. And I appreciate the Prime Minister understanding that vision, as well. It's a wonderful feeling to have a strong ally in believing in the power of free societies and liberty. And that's why we're going to stay the course in Iraq. And that's why when we say something in Iraq, we're going to do it, because we want there to be a free society. It's in our long-term interests. It's in the interests of our children and our grandchildren that Iraq be free.

Q Mr. Prime Minister --

Q Who is going to --

PRESIDENT BUSH: Hold on for a second. That's going to be decided by Mr. Brahimi. That's the recommendation of Brahimi. He's in the process -- you're watching a process unfold. And you won't have to ask that question on July the 1st.

[ejdrapes]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/04/20040416-4.html

[Gabz]

Good job!

[MJY1288]

President Bush actually likes April, and she usually asks very thoughtful and respectful questions. In most cases she sets up Bush to give a great answer. April is one of the good ones

[rs79bm]

It's about time W gets forceful with the leftist media.

[texasflower]

Was the second question, the one to the Prime Minister, asked by April also?

[MJY1288]

NO, it was by a Brit

[texasflower]

Ah! Thanks.

[MJY1288]

I just went and listened to it again and it was directed at April as a last point, not an answer to another question

[ejdrapes]

Who is April and what news outlet does she work for?

[MJY1288]

April is a 30+ year old black female reporter who President Bush seems to like, I'm not sure who she works for, but she is not like the others, she's respectful in her tone and questions

[Jeff Gannon]

April reports for Urban America Radio. W does indeed like her, as do I. However, many of her questions at the White House press breifings begin with "Jesse Jackson says..."

She's one of THEM, make no mistake about it.

[texasflower]

Okay, that makes sense. I haven't been able to get to the c-span replay yet.

[LuvyaDubya]

Her name is April Ryan, and she works for the American Urban Radio Networks.

[MJY1288]

Here is a pic of her and a link to her Bio

April Ryan James of American Urban Radio Network

[MJY1288]

I didn't know that, She usually seems very respectful, I've never heard her say that. But, considering you are a White House reporter, I will take your word for it.

[Pikachu_Dad]

WE SHOULD DELAY THE HAND OVER... BY 4 DAYS.

LET THEM HAVE THE SAME INDEPENDENCE DAY AS US.

[MJY1288]

That sounds good, but I think they should have their own date. My guess is they will use the day Bagdhad fell and the statue of Saddam was pulled down

[EllaMinnow]

I read at kausfiles.com today that Kerry twice mispronounced "Brahimi" as "Brandini" yesterday.

I guess Brahimi isn't one of JFinK's foreign leaders!

[MJY1288]

Here is the foriegn leaders who support Kerry