Posted on 06/12/2007 4:42:08 PM PDT by BornInASmallTown
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush changed few minds on a bipartisan immigration overhaul on Tuesday at a rare luncheon meeting with Senate Republicans aimed at reviving the stalled legislation, lawmakers said.
Bush acknowledged the bill that would legalize millions of unlawful immigrants ignited passions but said it was the best way to protect U.S. borders, a major concern for conservatives in his party who oppose it. "Some members in there believe that we need to move a comprehensive bill, some don't, I understand that," Bush told reporters following the meeting.
"This is a highly emotional issue, but those of us standing here believe now is the time to move a comprehensive bill," Bush added. Senators said Bush did not twist arms, but also failed to win new support during the luncheon that covered other topics as well. Bush spent most of his time talking about the delicately balanced immigration compromise brokered by the White House and a bipartisan group of senators and fielded questions.
"I don't think he changed any minds, but I think he helped those who may be on the fence, who may be still trying to make a decision and I think that was very helpful," said Sen. Mel Martinez, a Florida Republican who helped negotiate the fragile compromise that fell apart last week in the Senate. "He didn't back down on his fundamental belief that we need to improve the immigration process," said Sen. Jeff Sessions, an Alabama Republican who opposes the bill. "I didn't get any impression of any dynamic change."
Most in the Senate do not have a mind of their own so changing their mind won’t be that tough.
He changed my mind. I used to think he was a pretty good President. He sure cured me of that....
Bush = our Jimmy Carter
What is everybody or anybody’s best guess why he is DOING this?
Yeah, I guess I get real emotional at the prospect of turning this land of liberty into another third world toilet with no middle class, just rulers and peons.
I’ll second that .
Good Job President Bush, you turned a Bushbot into a Bush-doubter.
Ditto...
Just say NO to Amnesty!! Keep calling!! It’s NOT OVER!!
U.S. Senate switchboard: (202) 224-3121
U.S. House switchboard: (202) 225-3121
White House comments: (202) 456-1111
Find your House Rep.: http://www.house.gov/writerep
Find your US Senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
“If you are going to show me Jacksons. It better be Janet!”
My best guess as to why he is doing this can be found in some of the recent news stories that claim passage of this legislation will stand as the domestic policy legacy of his administration.
I personally would not want something that so sharply divided the country as the shining star on my resume, especially if it alienated many of the people who elected me to office, but at this point President Bush is marching to the beat of his own drummer. It seems as if he feels he is right and anyone who disagrees with him is...well, read the recent news stories and I’ll let the President speak for himself.
Well, when Mel Martinez admits that he didn’t change any minds, that’s probably true.
Bush has gone back to being condescending - amnesty is an “emotional” issue he “understands”, as if opponents are all having their time of the month or something.
Look at THEIR arguments - “they deserve a chance”, “we can’t break up families” et al - they’re the emotionally manipulative ones.
Welcome home brother, glad you are here.
Stick to your guns, Senators! You will face the voters again. The President will not. He has nothing to lose. You, however, will be out of your cushy Senate jobs if you vote for this travesty.
It started with Mexico's previous President. All George had to do was gaze into Vincente Fox's eyes and saw what a kind soul he possessed. George's love runs deep and so he feels an obligation.
Check out www.spp.gov. Read about it then compare what is happening now to the SPP goals. You will then know the why. Don’t worry about what people think about you. I don’t worry about getting flamed over this you shouldn’t either. Check it out soon, I don’t think it will be available much longer.
NUC 1
With all due respect Mr President, or is it El Presendente, quit talking out your arse and do what Duncan Hunter said.
Build the goddam fence first and then come back with your pet amnesty program.
Quit pussy footing around por favor!!!!
Later polls have shown that we actually want to prosecute them and kick 'em out of the country.
"W" probably missed that news.
The result is it sounds like he is totally disconnected from reality.
Or, maybe that explanation is wrong and he is simply "disconnected".
He has staffers that read all these threads. One of them should go to the President and explain that every time he opens his mouth on this subject he sounds like he's disconnected.
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