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

self | Saturday, April 6, 2002 | Kristinn

[kristinn]

Live from Crawford, Texas, it's the George and Tony show.

Will George slap Bill and Yasser around again like he did last night? Will Tony come off as George's toy poodle? Will the press be their usual boorish selves ? Is Helen Thomas there ?

The answer to these and other questions will be answered at Noon eastern time.

[Stirner]

My take is that Bush's confidence that Israel will comply is based on prior discussion with them. He already knows what they are going to do, and defying his advice is not going to be what happens. Sharon may skate up to the edge (and its useful to Israeli's dignity to be seen and see themselves as not complete puppets of the US), but he will withdraw in short order. It's only a 10 mile pullback, and can be reversed in less than 24 hrs if necessary.

[JH147]

I missed the press conference - what exactly did Bush say after he was asked what will he do if Israel doesn't withdraw?

[Myrddin]

My son is in the Marine Corps Reserves. This weekend is his 4th drill weekend. He stayed at my hotel room last evening because I'm only 5 miles from his drill location vs 20 miles at his normal residence. He got a call from his squad leader asking him to come in a 6 AM instead of 7 AM because the company commander wanted to address the group. I wonder if there is some coincidence between the content of the news conference and the early call today.

[ridensm]

I notice that President Bush, ever the gracious host, wore a coat and tie so as not to make Blair look like a dweeb.

I rather expect my president to be wearing a coat and tie on all occassions unless he's on personal business or heading off to Camp David or his ranch for a time.

[Republic]

He is on his ranch. Kristinn explained that because Blair is under official mourning...he is dressed appropriately according to British custom. And also, I am sure, because of the import of his conferance, because direct messages are being sent publically to Arafat, Sharon and other, assorted folks over in the Mid East, a suit and tie are the order of the day.

[ridensm]

A press conference on this subject would require proper dress regardless of his location, especially if another world leader is involved.

[browardchad]

what exactly did Bush say after he was asked what will he do if Israel doesn't withdraw?

Don't have exact wording, but something to the effect "we are asking Israel to withdraw," followed by "Israel has no greater friends than the United States and Great Britain." Implied by voice, body language and facial expression: "you're not going to drive a wedge between the U.S. and Israel, idiot media person."

[ridensm]

I do have some difficulty determining why we can go balls to the wall when a terrorist organization attacks us, even to the point of taking on another country like Iraq which had no direct involvement. But for some reason Israel should show restraint.

[Republic]

Exactly.

But I would not have minded if they had been casually dressed, because I'd like to see our cowboy leveling it to Saddam while appearing to take it in stride. Degrading Saddam bothers me not one iota. But the suit and tie, as I said, are appropo considering the import of this conferance as opposed to Putin and Bush's conferance down at the ranch (in a local school actually) while dressed in casual gear.

[Miss Marple]

Well, then, aren't you glad he was dressed appropriately?

[kristinn]

By allowing global terrorism to spread like a cancer in the 90s, the civilized world faces an enemy, largely of its own creation, that can do it mortal harm.

That has to be dealt with. In most situations it will be like what we are doing in the Philippines and Georgia.

All-out wars against nations--with the exception of Iraq--don't look to be necessary at this time.

I don't want the U.S. to be in a perpetual state of war, but, as is our history, we have to face what we allowed to fester in times of peace with war.

[Wild Irish Rogue]

I think that President Bush and PM Blair have no choice but, to "advise" Israel to withdraw. Just asking Israel to withdraw may satisfy the weenie Euros and Arab "allies" and buy Israel some more time to clean the swamp. I think the two leaders are trying to accomplish 2 things-keep everyone calm worldwide and treading water, until Israel can finish. I expect the media and Euros will ratchet up the rhetoric demanding that the US punish Israel in the coming days. Wish there could be a definite connection made between the PLO and Al Queda, as I think that would change the dynamic.

[ridensm]

Doesn't affect me one way or the other, except for the opinion I develop.

[AIBC]

I can't believe it. How dare these two engage in politics contradictory to the official CNN party line?

[PoisedWoman]

Dick Morris said yesterday that there were so many Moslems in London, it would never be a target!!!;^)

Right. Those who consider it an honor to commit suicide for Allah would never dream of taking their friends with them? Dickie should move to London and wear a burnoose.

[ridensm]

Kristinn, if we go after Iraq it will be the first time our country has been the aggressor in a military action. Do you really think it will end there?

I despise terrorism too. Do I think bombing the hell out of Afghanistan has wiped out that threat? No. Do I think wiping out Iraq will prevent another 9/11? No.

So my question remains. Where do we go from here. All indications at the start of this thing were we'd go after the Taliban. An offensive in Iraq is a relatively new development. You've studied government, its inherent evils, and how it works. You ever wonder if there may be an ulterior motive at work?

[kristinn]

Yes, I do. The natural resources of Central Asia are open for development and huge profits are up for grabs, for one.

It's good to hear from you. I'm off to the Pentagon., so I'll respond further later tonight.

[Darlin']

"..I notice that President Bush, ever the gracious host..."

Always, he's always genuinely warm, gracious and respectful. In this instance I think they may have dressed to suit the situation. I feel certain that Blair and his staff knew that casual was the standard dress on the ranch. I remember seeing Blair in a sweater and jeans when he visited Camp David. I expect coats and ties were chosen to confirm the serious nature of their discussions.

[Darlin']

Yes, when you consider the subject but I remember the press conference when Putin was a guest at the ranch. Putin and the President were dressed casually dressed.

[NordP]

"Or maybe they've shared some disturbing intelligence.

I am glad that I do not know what they surely must know and live with daily. I do know that Saddam is a genuine monster."

I feel that way all the time. There is so much we, don't know and surely can't, know...I can only imagine what these two leaders have to way heavily on their minds as they go to bed each night. --Like LIVING "Mission Impossible" each day! God Bless them both and give them strength!