Posted on 07/17/2006 3:57:32 AM PDT by Dundee
Bush caught out by open microphone
US President George W. Bush has been caught out making candid comments on the Middle East crisis by an open microphone at a summit in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg.
Mr Bush was caught saying that a key to defusing the Middle East crisis was for "Hezbollah to stop doing this s**t". "What they need to do is get Syria to get Hizbollah to stop doing this s**t, and it's over," Bush told British Prime Minister Tony Blair at a leaders' lunch at the Group of Eight industrial countries gathering here.
The president was on camera but apparently unaware that his words were being captured by a microphone.
It was unclear who 'they' were.
President Bush was in no mood for diplomatic niceties at the G8 summit, judging by remarks made to Tony Blair as the leaders of the world's most powerful industrial democracies sat down to lunch today.
Unaware that a microphone at the summit was switched on, Mr Bush, chomping a piece of bread, used the opportunity to suggest a way out of the latest criss in the Middle East.
"See, the irony is what they really need to do is to get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this s***," he said.
Mr Bush also hinted that Condoleezza Rice, the US Secretary of State, would take a bigger role, and appeared to express frustration about UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
"I think Condi’s going to go pretty soon," Mr Bush said. Ms Rice is widely expected to travel to the region after a UN fact-finding team returns.
Mr Blair, whose remarks were not as clearly heard, appeared to be pressing Mr Bush about the importance of getting international peacekeepers into the region.
The comments were carried on the G8's official television channel, which normally transmits images with sound that does not allow reporters to pick out individual comments.
The recording also showed Mr Bush, apparently expected to make remarks, declaring: "I’m just going to make it up. I’m not going to talk too damn long like the rest of them. Some of these guys talk too long." Blair/Bush exchange: transcript Bush: Yo, Blair. How are you doing? Blair: I’m just... Bush: You’re leaving? Blair: No, no, no not yet. On this trade thingy...[INAUDIBLE] Bush: Yeah, I told that to the man. Blair: Are you planning to say that here or not? Bush: If you want me to. Blair: Well, it’s just that if the discussion arises... Bush: I just want some movement. Blair: Yeah. Bush: Yesterday we didn’t see much movement. Blair: No, no, it may be that it’s not, it may be that it’s impossible. Bush: I am prepared to say it. Blair: But it’s just I think what we need to be an opposition... Bush: Who is introducing the trade? Blair: Angela [Merkel, the German Chancellor]. Bush: Tell her to call ’em. Blair: Yes. Bush: Tell her to put him on, them on the spot. Thanks for [INAUDIBLE] it’s awfully thoughtful of you. Blair: It’s a pleasure. Bush: I know you picked it out yourself. Blair: Oh, absolutely, in fact [INAUDIBLE]. Bush: What about Kofi? [INAUDIBLE] His attitude to ceasefire and everything else ... happens. Blair: Yeah, no I think the [INAUDIBLE] is really difficult. We can’t stop this unless you get this international business agreed. Bush: Yeah. Blair: I don’t know what you guys have talked about, but as I say I am perfectly happy to try and see what the lie of the land is, but you need that done quickly because otherwise it will spiral. Bush: I think Condi is going to go pretty soon. Blair: But that’s, that’s, that’s all that matters. But if you... you see it will take some time to get that together. Bush: Yeah, yeah. Blair: But at least it gives people... Bush: It’s a process, I agree. I told her your offer to... Blair: Well...it’s only if I mean... you know. If she’s got a..., or if she needs the ground prepared as it were... Because obviously if she goes out, she’s got to succeed, if it were, whereas I can go out and just talk. Bush: You see, the ... thing is what they need to do is to get Syria, to get Hezbollah to stop doing this shit and it’s over. Blair: [INAUDIBLE] Bush: [INADUBILE] Blair: Syria. Bush: Why? Blair: Because I think this is all part of the same thing. Bush: Yeah. Blair: What does he think? He thinks if Lebanon turns out fine, if we get a solution in Israel and Palestine, Iraq goes in the right way... Bush: Yeah, yeah, he is sweet. Blair: He is honey. And that’s what the whole thing is about. It’s the same with Iraq. Bush: I felt like telling Kofi to call, to get on the phone to Assad and make something happen. Blair: Yeah. Bush: [INAUDIBLE] Blair:[INAUDIBLE] Bush: We are not blaming the Lebanese government. Blair: Is this...? (at this point Blair taps the microphone in front of him and the sound is cut.)
Transcript provided by Sky News
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First of all, "sh-t" isn't profanity. And second: lack of salt in language is the conversational symptom of a limp...wrist.
Well S&#t! it was the official type written reply at least.
"The bombing starts in five minutes."
Microphone was left open on purpose .... that's my guess
This is an outrage.
I love my president! He said it with a mouth full of food, too. G-d bless him.
It was a Russian tv crew. Wouldn't be surprised. Good thing for us is that what 43 says in private, he says in public. And vice versa. Note to the Russian tv crew: So there!
Spot on! LOL.
Well said.
The Russians seem to be making a habit of this open microphone stuff.
"Profanity is the crutch of the conversational cripple, Mr. President."
Profanity?? The only profanity in this subject is the bombing of Israel by the hezbullers.
Speaking of limp wrist and metrosexuals....
http://www.slate.com/id/2108216/slideshow/2108085/entry/2108087/speed/100
Good transcript, plain Texas talk all the way through. It may not be as high-falutin' as some people would prefer, but I can't disagree with his take on the situation.
Big time.
Excuse me!
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