I really did not want and do not want to debate what Bush might have done but did not do. I pointed out that he avoided being heavy-handed and boorish. I doubt you disagree with that.
What Bush did say still seems a natural and polite response to one guest who has been heckled by another. If Bush did not intend to maintain a veneer of civility, why invite Hu to the White House anyway? Just convene some tough-as-nails, all-business negotiating session.
And that was my primary intention - to insist that there is a time for leaving partisanship and politics aside and treat each other with courtesy.
The Chinese put a great deal of emphasis on 'face', loss of...for instance. Bush was in a difficult position yesterday, as the host representing the US, and God knows relations with China aren't easy. So whatever Bush did, he'd have infuriated somebody. At least the woman spoke her mind, and thank God for that. Interesting how this is a bookend to Tieneman(sp.?)Square. Interesting, too, how Microsoft and Google, Yahoo, other big business grovel to China. Maddening, but no big surprise...look at our borders.