Bush doesn't drink alcohol: Indian PM Vajpayee

The Times of India ^ | June 02 2003 | IANS

[knighthawk]

LAUSANNE: US President George W Bush has not sipped liquor for the past 16 years. This interesting nugget was disclosed by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at a press conference here Monday.

"How many of us know that Bush does not drink liquor?" he asked in a lighter vein, relating anecdotes about his three-nation European tour during which he interacted with several world leaders.

Vajpayee said when the toast was raised at a dinner table Saturday night in the Russian city of St Petersburg, he was surprised to see that the US president's glass was filled with water.

"Don't you drink?" an inquisitive Vajpayee asked Bush, who was seated next to him.

"In response, Bush told me that he gave up liquor 16 years ago."

Vajpayee went on to ask the US president what he was drinking. "Water," came the reply.

Vajpayee was, however, cagey when he was asked what he himself consumed during the dinner toast.

He paused for a moment, flashed a smile and asked: "Is it important to reveal this?"

As journalists burst out laughing, he added: "The common man drinks only water."

[knighthawk]

Ping

[DannyTN]

"As journalists burst out laughing, he added: "The common man drinks only water."

Somehow, I doubt Bush would be bothered by being referred to as "the common man".

[Paul Atreides]

It's interesting that the left consider alcoholism to be a disability. Yet, they cast aside their usual "sensitivity" and pain-feeling to make fun of President Bush's admirable defeat over an addiction. Besides, isn't that all in his private life? I mean, they tried to claim that Bubba's sex problems were all in his private life.

[Paul Atreides]

"The common man drinks only water."

They should go to Arrakis.

[annyokie]

Not this guy:

[ThreeYearLurker]

"How many of us know that Bush does not drink liquor?"

Everyone

[Kerberos]

"US President George W Bush has not sipped liquor for the past 16 years. "

I thought we all knew that already.

[Sonny M]

Yet, they cast aside their usual "sensitivity" and pain-feeling to make fun of President Bush's admirable defeat over an addiction.

I don't think he had an addiction. He simply partied alot, drank alot, and was immature for his age. When he wanted to quit, he simply stopped. No rehab, no AA, no dry tank. He decided on a self fulling spiritual rout where he started going to the bible more and seeking guidance from it (according to him).

Reminds me of a time in my class, where this kid was yelling how Bush used to be a drunk and bla bla bla, so I asked him who he would like to be president.

He named Ted Kennedy.

[RonF]

Supposedly Ted has stayed on the wagon for quite some time himself now. In his case, I suspect that his doctors told him that his next binge could be his last one.

[M. Peach]

"I mean, they tried to claim that Bubba's sex problems were all in his private life."

That Clinton was entitled to his own private life is the biggest crock. I don't know why Clinton's detractors didn't make more of the fact that anything unethical or immoral the most important person in the world does subjects himself to being blackmailed, and therefore the entire world being affected by his decisions. I never really heard this defense being made by anyone on TV or radio when it came to this issue. I can't even think of a logical defense against it.

I have used this line of defense amongst even the most strident Clintonistas and all I could get in return was a blank stare and a half hearted agreement.

Wait a minute - I now remember a few replying that he could never be blackmailed. That was the most they could muster.

[Paul Atreides]

One thing I get tired of is the sneering comments that some people make because a person, professing to be a Christian, abstains from alcohol. Just let a member of any other faith say that they abstain from something, on religious grounds, and they are treated with respect. However, let a Christian make such a statement, and they like some ignorant goober with the I.Q. of a gnat.

[Paul Atreides]

I now remember a few replying that he could never be blackmailed.

That's because they knew about the Arkancides.

[RedQuill]

Naval folklore is that the subject of a toast made with water will die by drowning. The White House might mention this in a press release ending with a toast to Chirac.

[Zipporah]

Did you read about the substance abuse counselor that says.. that Bush is a 'dry drunk'..that is why we went to Iraq.. good heavens.

[happygrl]

Touche' !

[Monty22]

I was kind of an alcoholic for about 6 years I guess..

4 months ago I got tired of it, stopped, and it didn't even phase me.

However, my anxiety level and depression and bad luck in general is worse than when I was drinking.. Maybe quitting isn't so great.

[CFC__VRWC]

It's interesting that the left consider alcoholism to be a disability. Yet, they cast aside their usual "sensitivity" and pain-feeling to make fun of President Bush's admirable defeat over an addiction.

They're just pissed because instead of sitting at home unemployed, claiming SSI money and blaming his problems on the government's "lack of compassion" (the liberal "solution"), he's overcome his addiction and is president (the liberal's nightmare).

[Ranger]

Bush ought to make a speech to AA about his trials and tribulations. The media would cover it in spades. He could knock a stone from his detractors' hands. He might provide some inspiration to others troubled by this affliction.