Live Thread: President Bush and Prime Minister Blair Press Conference, Noon EST, 4/6/02

self | Saturday, April 6, 2002 | Kristinn

[kristinn]

All kidding aside, this could be a make or break week in the Middle East. How much President Bush and Prime Minister Blair agree is of great importance to our efforts there.

[section9]

Bush is focused like a laser on Saddam. Blair, otoh, has a backbench rebellion he has to deal with. Look for Bush to continue his policy of blaming Yasir and asking the IDF to withdraw with "all deliberate speed".

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[Republic]

G'day, kristinn! Happy weekend! Thanks for this post....I would have missed this, I agree, this is a very stressful and important week. My hubby is thinking something really 'big' is going to happen, I do too. I hope they do it ' casual ranch style' but the heavy duty nature of this conferance may dictate otherwise. I hope not.

[Miss Marple]

Both parties looked relaxed and confident, judging from the pictures on rintense's thread last night.

Coming up now.

[section9]

I expect we'll see some disagreements about Iraq, here.

Bush talking about agreement on WMD.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[kristinn]

G'day to you, too !

Bush opened with remarks expressing condolences on the passing of the Queen Mother and a testimonial to Blair's, and Britain's, leadership and aid in the war on terrorism.

[section9]

Also calling for Pallie arrest of militants and Israeli withdraw without delay.

Looks like the Israelis will be done by Wednesday, anyway. They've got to finish up in Jenin.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[Molly Pitcher]

Did Blair sound nervous, or is that just his normal quivery voice??! Definitely not as firm as the President...

[Republic]

I think they are both a bit nervous. So much at stake.

[Republic]

Both leaders stressed their friendship to Israel and really stressed the fact that it is time to pull out. Should they pull out and suicide visits begin....and believe me, Saddam with his money in the wings is a truly sick encouragement for just that, I expect all hell will break out.

[Molly Pitcher]

I think they are both a bit nervous. So much at stake.

No doubt...Blair just sounded shakier in the opening statements.

[Wild Irish Rogue]

What nasty, disrespectful questions from the media-not asked to elicit answers, but to embarrass President Bush. The first questioner said that (paraphrase)-" aren't you a failure" because Israel has not withdrawn and the second questioner asked a question to PM Blair and used the term- " Bush", instead of President Bush, as if he was not even on the stage. Both of the questioners were members of the American media. Repulsive creatures. Bush is very strong and professional and there is no doubt, that Saddam is next. Not at all wishy washy on Arafat.

[Republic]

Molly-I agree-hesitant, nervous, something is askew. But cha know...this whole thing seems a little weird to me. I keep thinking something really devastating is going to happen-somewhere-just can't shake this feeling! :^( I hope I am wrong.

[The Vast Right Wing]

So much for bush 'backing away' from the war on terror. he just said that chairman arafat is a disappointment.

[kristinn]

Bush on Saddam Hussein: The world would be better off without him.

Bush says he supports "regime change" in Iraq.Cleans up his comments amount Clinton, says he appreciates Clinton's efforts--that he tried to bring peace to the Middle East.

Slags Arafat again in the same terms he's been using this week.

[Wild Irish Rogue]

President Bush, in his usual gracious way, just said that Clinton failed to bring peace to the Mid East- he damned him, with faint praise.

[kristinn]

Bush praises Blair: He doesn't need a poll or focus group to know right from wrong.

[The Vast Right Wing]

We love him too. He speaks in unambiguous terms with moral clarity. Perhaps the rest of the world should take notice.