INTERVIEW OF THE PRESIDENT (regarding the funeral of Pope John Paul II)

THE WHITE HOUSE, Office of the Press Secretary | 04-08-2005 | THE WHITE HOUSE, Office of the Press Secretary

[patent]

Bumping to an antiquated bump list.

[Siobhan]

Thank you for remembering me, patent.

I liked this exchange especially:

Q Your predecessor suggested that the Pope would leave a mixed legacy, even though he was a great man. Since you differed with him on the war to such a great degree, do you also think it will be a mixed legacy?

THE PRESIDENT: I think Pope John Paul II will have a clear legacy of peace, compassion, and a strong legacy of setting a clear moral tone.

[annalex]

antiquated

Hey!

[Siobhan]

ping

[Spktyr]

Anyone who wonders why this man was elected only needs to read this interview to find out why.

[Modok]

I do not agree with all of President Bush's policy viewpoints, but he humbly and on a daily basis demonstrates that he is worthy of the deep respect of all honorable persons.

[GretchenM]

Something you might want to link to on tonight's Dose.

[fatima]

Siobhan,Good read bump.

[patent]

>>>>antiquated

>>Hey!

We aren't exactly newbies 'round here anymore. Its been a long time since I updated my bump list.

patent

[Yossarian]

This was a fascinating session. I wonder just who was asking the questions.

This could be optimistic thinking but it sounds like the press may have been affected by the ceremony as well. (Well, at least it sounds like they were momentarily stunned out of their usual asinine rudeness.)

[madprof98]

I would define Pope John Paul II as a clear thinker who was like a rock. And tides of moral relativism kind of washed around him, but he stood strong as a rock. And that's why millions -- one of the reasons why millions came to admire and love him.

BINGO!

[annalex]

I turned 50 last month.

[MJY1288]

THE PRESIDENT: " I think a walk in faith constantly confronts doubt, as faith becomes more mature. And you constantly confront, you know, questions. My faith is strong. The Bible talks about, you've got to constantly stay in touch with the Word of God in order to help you on the walk. But the Lord works in mysterious ways, and during all our life's journeys we're enabled to see the Lord at work if our eyes are open and our hearts are open. And today -- you can analyze and you can look at the coffin being held, with the sun shining on it, anyway you want. I happen to feel it was a special moment that was part of a special ceremony for a special person. And it helped strengthen my faith. And you can have your faith strengthened on -- you can have your faith strengthened when you stand up at a faith-based initiative and see someone standing up and testify to what their love has done to help a child, or how a child's life has been helped."

What an amazing off the cuff response by our President. Quote of the day material

[JustaCowgirl]

What a wonderful testimony from a devout, humble and good man.

[proud American in Canada]

Thank the Lord that this man is president.

and as for this quote:

"Q Are there any qualities that you're specifically looking for [in the next Pope]?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm not a part of the selection process."

It would be nice if the media remembered this.

[Fudd Fan]

I'm right with you, Modok... if he could just get on board on the border/immigration issue, he'd have people howling for him everywhere. Can you imagine the adoration. Oh well I can dream...

[Miss Marple]

Thank you for posting this, patent! If ever anyone doubted why this man was elected, they need read no further than this interview.

I have pinged some people that will be interested in this. Thank again!

[July20]

Fabulous interview.